StayGainesville Supports PACE Center for Girls

In our Gainesville community, opportunities to uplift and empower individuals are all around us. At StayGainesville Vacation Rentals, we are committed to making a positive impact by supporting organizations dedicated to meaningful change. One such organization is the PACE Center for Girls, a transformative program in Alachua County that has been a beacon of hope and empowerment for at-risk girls since it opened its doors.

Let's delve into the inspiring work of PACE Alachua and share why StayGainesville proudly supports this cause, helping create a brighter future for young girls in our community.

The PACE Center for Girls is a nationally recognized organization established in 1985 with the mission to provide girls and young women with opportunities to succeed through education, counseling, training, and advocacy. Serving middle and high school-aged girls, PACE focuses on assisting those who have faced a range of social, personal, and academic challenges, including issues related to poverty, unstable housing, abuse, and exposure to the juvenile justice system.

In Alachua County, PACE provides a safe and supportive environment for girls to receive education while working through personal and emotional struggles. The center takes a holistic approach to youth development, aiming to build resilience, confidence, and a pathway to future success. With customized academic programs and therapy-based interventions, PACE Alachua helps students reach their full potential by addressing both their academic needs and personal challenges.

The work of PACE Alachua is critical because it addresses the needs of vulnerable youth in our area. For many girls, traditional school settings don’t provide the necessary support to overcome personal challenges, which can lead to them feeling lost, isolated, and unable to reach their potential. PACE’s unique approach combines individualized academics with a variety of life skills workshops, mental health counseling, and career readiness training, helping girls not only stay in school but also thrive in it.

The PACE model has been a game-changer in addressing issues that disproportionately affect young women. From providing a supportive peer group to giving girls access to skilled counselors, PACE ensures that each participant has the tools needed to overcome life’s difficulties and ultimately lead a fulfilling life. Studies have shown that PACE’s programs are effective in lowering rates of school dropout, criminal involvement, and teenage pregnancy among its participants, further showcasing the importance of this work.

At the core of PACE’s mission is a commitment to empowerment and respect. Every girl who enters PACE Alachua’s doors is given respect and shown that her story matters. The program celebrates achievements big and small, building self-esteem and teaching the importance of resilience. Girls at PACE are encouraged to look beyond their circumstances, giving them a safe place to reimagine what’s possible for their lives.

Academic Education: A personalized learning environment that focuses on each girl’s strengths and academic needs.

Life Skills Training: Teaching skills like financial literacy, emotional regulation, and goal-setting.

Counseling and Therapy: Individual and group counseling sessions to address trauma and emotional well-being.

Service Learning: Opportunities to give back to the community, fostering a sense of connection and responsibility.

PACE doesn’t just focus on immediate change; it creates a foundation for lasting impact. By setting girls on a positive trajectory, PACE reduces the likelihood of future hardships, helping them to become successful, independent adults.

At StayGainesville Vacation Rentals, we believe in the power of community partnerships to drive meaningful change. When we became aware of the work PACE Alachua does, we were inspired to help. As a company rooted in Gainesville, we recognize that giving back to our community strengthens everyone. By supporting PACE Alachua, we are helping provide resources and opportunities for young girls who are working toward a brighter future.

Our partnership with PACE is centered around both financial support and active involvement. We have committed to making regular donations that support the programs, resources, and day-to-day needs of the center, ensuring that the girls in the program have everything they need to succeed. Additionally, our team members participate in volunteer opportunities, assisting in events, mentorship sessions, and workshops, building connections that help make a difference in the girls’ lives.

At StayGainesville, we’ve always believed that businesses are stronger when they are deeply connected to their communities. Our company is more than just a vacation rental provider; we are members of Gainesville, a city with a rich heritage of collaboration and care. Partnering with PACE is our way of ensuring that our impact extends beyond hospitality to community support and empowerment.

By aligning ourselves with PACE, we also set an example for other businesses in the area to get involved. When our community thrives, we all do. Gainesville is not only where we work but where we live, and we are honored to support initiatives that nurture and uplift our neighbors.

PACE Alachua’s work is only possible through the support of the community. There are numerous ways that individuals, businesses, and organizations can get involved:

Donations: PACE is a non-profit organization, meaning it relies on the generosity of donors. Contributions of any size go toward keeping these essential programs available and free of charge for the girls who need them.

Volunteering: Volunteers are always needed at PACE Alachua. You can donate your time by assisting with life skills workshops, mentoring, or helping with events. PACE is always looking for role models who can inspire and guide their participants.

Corporate Sponsorships: Businesses have the opportunity to sponsor specific programs, events, or general operations at PACE. Corporate sponsorships like ours at StayGainesville allow PACE to continue offering high-quality services without compromising on the resources they provide to each participant.

Advocacy: Spread the word about PACE Alachua’s mission and work. Advocacy raises awareness, helping PACE reach more girls who could benefit from their services and encouraging others to support their cause.

StayGainesville’s commitment to supporting PACE Alachua is a commitment to building a stronger Gainesville, one where every young girl has the opportunity to rise above her circumstances and succeed. Our community can only reach its full potential when everyone in it has the tools to succeed. By working together, we’re creating a brighter future for these young girls and, ultimately, for Gainesville as a whole.

Together, with the support of the community, we can ensure that every girl in Gainesville has the opportunity to dream big, succeed, and make a positive impact. Supporting PACE Alachua isn’t just about making a difference today; it’s about building a legacy of empowerment and opportunity that will resonate for generations.