A house RESOLUTION

 

to recognize February 20, 2025, as Pace day at the state capitol in honor of the Pace center for GIRLS' twenty-two years of service on behalf of women and girls in need.

 

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 twenty-three communities and more than three thousand 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 House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize February 20, 2025, as Pace Day at the State Capitol in honor of the Pace Center for Girls' twenty-two years of service on behalf of women and girls in need.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the Pace Center for Girls.

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