At the beginning of August I received a message from a friend that was completely out of the blue…it wasn’t out of the blue that she was texting me, but the subject wasn’t what I expected. She told me she had recently become involved with a non-profit organization called Pace Center for Girls and she thought I would be interested in learning about it. Although it was unexpected on the surface, I immediately knew it wasn’t an accident and I felt called to pursue her invitation.
She connected me with Davia Lerebours, the Executive Director of Hillsborough County’s Pace Center for Girls. Davia explained that Pace’s mission is to provide girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy. I listened to Davia describe everything this center provides for the girls and their families from academic support to private counseling to strength-based life management and every time I thought I couldn’t be more impressed with the work this team was doing…she moved on to another part of the program that was even more incredible than the last. I left that day feeling like a fire had been ignited in me and while I still didn’t know what this meeting would lead to, I knew I was there for a reason.
The girls that this center serves have lived a life that has been defined by trauma, abuse, academic failure, lack of resources and many of them would have every reason to want to give up hope. Pace provides a HOME for these girls. The team is committed with passion as they create a space full of love and support and give the girls the tools to help them realize they are worthy, deserving and capable of making their dreams a reality.
I joined the Board of Directors and I am dedicated to using my voice and my network in this community to bring a deserving spotlight on this remarkable organization.
Please join me in our “Girl Strong Community Strong” walk and help me raise money and awareness for Pace Center for Girls in Hillsborough County. My team is “Strength In Numbers” and you can join in person OR virtually! Walk tickets are $30 (in person or virtual). I know this has been a tough year for many people but please consider giving for the sake of another person today. Monetary donations are very important to an organization like this and EVERY donation counts.
Thank you in advance for being a part of something beautiful and making a difference in the life of these girls who are the future of our world.
