SR 974: Pace Day; recognize March 19, 2026

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.

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 March 19, 2026, 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.