25 LC 112 2840 House Resolution 253 By: Representatives Paris of the 142 nd , Herring of the 145 th , Jones of the 143 rd , Griffin of the 149 th , Washburn of the 144 th , and others A RESOLUTION Recognizing February 26, 2025, 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 system as a consequence of3 delinquent behavior often caused by trauma; and4 WHEREAS, the Pace Center for Girls provides free year-round middle and high school5 academics, case management, counseling, and life skills development in a safe and6 supportive environment that recognizes past trauma and builds upon 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 female perspective by12 respecting its distinct needs, creating safe and gender-responsive environments, and13 celebrating the female experience; and14 H. R. 253 - 1 - 25 LC 112 2840 WHEREAS, the center's nationally recognized early intervention model has proven to be 15 successful in curbing unemployment and lowering the rate at which girls return to the16 juvenile justice system; and17 WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this extraordinary organization be18 appropriately honored during this special time.19 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that20 the members of this body recognize February 26, 2025, as Pace Day at the Capitol in honor21 of the Pace Center for Girls' years of service on behalf of women and girls in need.22 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized23 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the24 Pace Center for Girls.25 H. R. 253 - 2 -