Senate Resolution 181
By: Senators Kennedy of the 18th, Williams of the 25th and Lucas of the 26th
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing February 26, 2025, as Pace Day at the Capitol; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, the Pace Center for Girls was founded in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1985 by Vicki
Burke, who believed girls were entering the juvenile justice system as a consequence of
delinquent behavior often caused by trauma; and
WHEREAS, the Pace Center for Girls provides free year-round middle and high school
academics, case management, counseling, and life skills development in a safe and
supportive environment that recognizes past trauma and builds upon each girl's individual
strengths; and
WHEREAS, this remarkable organization now serves 23 communities and more than 3,000
girls annually throughout Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, giving them the opportunity
to secure a better future through education, counseling, training, and advocacy; and
WHEREAS, the Pace Center for Girls values and promotes the female perspective by
respecting its distinct needs, creating safe and gender-responsive environments, and
celebrating the female experience; and
WHEREAS, the center's nationally recognized early intervention model has proven to be
successful in curbing unemployment and lowering the rate at which girls return to the
juvenile justice system; and
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this extraordinary organization be
appropriately honored during this special time.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
recognize February 26, 2025, as Pace Day at the Capitol in honor of the Pace Center for
Girls' years of service on behalf of women and girls in need.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the Pace Center
for Girls.