MONTHBelieving in Girls CELEBRATING

Each year, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declares March as Believing in Girls Month – a time to recognize the importance of young women as they become the female leaders of tomorrow.

For more than 15 years, Pace Center for Girls in Fort Myers has created a safe space for girls who have faced tremendous obstacles so they can feel empowered to transform their lives for the better. “Pace taught me that if I believe in myself, anything is possible,” says Destiny, a 2022 graduate of Pace Lee.

Girls referred to Pace are often struggling with school, histories of abuse, unhealthy relationships or mental and behavioral health factors. Facing the pressures of life, the program provides academic and counseling services to help them see their full potential and grow into strong, confident young women.

“I learned that it’s okay to cry and talk about your feelings – it only makes you stronger,” says another graduate, Alexis. Pace Lee opened in 2007, after Judge James Seals noticed an alarming rise in female crimes come through juvenile court. Hearing Pace’s impact in Jacksonville, he brought an initiative before a group of female community leaders to open a center in Fort Myers.

Bringing mentorship, guidance and hope, the program has since achieved remarkable results with more than 1,000 at-promise young women finding their path to success. Aligning with the public school district, the center’s curriculum includes education, counseling, relationship building and career planning to help students thrive.

This year, Pace Lee is expanding its Reach Therapy Program services, providing social, emotional and mental health counseling for girls and their families outside the center. With the community’s support, Pace Lee will be a beacon of hope for more girls in Southwest Florida.

Below: Since opening in 2007, Pace Lee has served more than 1,000 girls throughout Lee County through its academic Day Program and Pace Reach Programs.