SR974: SR974 Pace Day; recognize March 19, 2026

26 LC 112 3861 Senate Resolution 974 By: Senators Lucas of the 26th, Jackson of the 41st, Wicks of the 34th, Jones II of the 22nd, Mallow of the 2nd and others A RESOLUTION Recognizing March 19, 2026, as Pace Day at the Capitol; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, the Pace Center for Girls was founded in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1985 by Vicki2 Burke, who believed girls were entering the juvenile justice sy stem as a consequence of3 delinquent behavior often caused by trauma; and4 WHEREAS, the Pace Center for Girls provides free year-round mid dle and high school5 academics, case management, counseling, and life skills develop ment in a safe and6 supportive environment that recognizes past trauma and builds u pon each girl's individual7 strengths; and8 WHEREAS, this remarkable organization now serves 23 communities and more than 3,0009 girls annually throughout Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, giving them the opportunity10 to secure a better future through education, counseling, training, and advocacy; and11 WHEREAS, the Pace Center for Girls values and promotes the fema le perspective by12 respecting its distinct needs, creating safe and gender-respons ive environments, and13 celebrating the female experience; and14 S. R. 974 - 1 - 26 LC 112 3861 WHEREAS, the center's nationally recognized early intervention model has proven to be15 successful in curbing unemployment and lowering the rate at whi ch girls return to the16 juvenile justice system; and17 WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this extraord inary organization be18 appropriately honored during this special time.19 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body20 recognize March 19, 2026, as Pace Day at the Capitol in honor of the Pace Center for Girls'21 years of service on behalf of women and girls in need.22 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed23 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the Pace Center24 for Girls.25 S. R. 974 - 2 -