Over 125 guests joined PACE Center for Girls of Lee County in celebrating the organization’s fifth anniversary on February 8, 2012. At the event, sponsored by CenturyLink and with refreshments provided by The Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market, new and long-time friends of PACE united to commemorate the significant impact PACE has made in the lives of over 400 girls since opening in February 2007.

 

Gail Markham, PACE Lee board chair, and Judge James Seals, advisory board member, chronicled the community-wide effort taken to establish the local Center, while Alice Brunner, executive director, recognized the staff and volunteers who carry-out PACE’s gender responsive programing.

 

The highlight of the evening was hearing from Rachel C. who survived a disturbing history of emotional and physical abuse and is now succeeding as a college student studying veterinary medicine. “PACE saved my life,” said Rachel.

 

PACE Lee’s most recent Outcome Measures Report reveals that 94% of girls served improved their academic performance and have had no involvement with the criminal justice system a year after transitioning from the day program. As a result, PACE reduces the significant long term costs associated with teen pregnancy, substance abuse, unemployment and long term economic dependency.

 

PACE Lee is funded by the Department of Juvenile Justice, The School District of Lee County, Lee County Human Services, United Way of Lee County, Southwest Florida Community Foundation, Cape Coral Community Foundation, grants and corporate and private donations.

 

To learn more about PACE and how you can help, contact Melissa Simontis at 239-425-2366 ext. 25

Website: www.pacecenter.org/lee