The PACE Center for Girls in Lee County graduated its second class June 4, when seven girls left behind troubling pasts to start on the path toward brighter futures. One girl was from Lehigh Acres.

Rep. Nick Thompson and local philanthropist Eleanore Kleist were commencement speakers at the ceremony at 4 p.m. at Hodges University, 4501 Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.

PACE offered tours of the center at 3760 Schoolhouse Road in Fort Myers following the ceremony.

“Our girls have come a long way during their time with us. Several have advanced several grade levels in less than one year and increased their self-esteem and ability to get along with others,” said Executive Director Debra Webb.

Members of the 2009 graduating class have experienced many obstacles including sexual abuse, domestic violence, and behavioral issues.

“Because of our individualized instruction and counseling, these girls are more prepared to meet life’s challenges,” Webb said.

More than 152 girls, ages 12 to 18 years old, have been helped by the Lee County PACE Center since the program opened its doors in February, 2007. The PACE Center for Girls is a non-residential delinquency prevention program targeting the unique needs of girls who are faced with challenges such as foster care, domestic violence and drug problems. Many girls also experience abuse and neglect, death of a parent, substance abuse, and/or a family history of incarceration. PACE’s mission is to provide girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy.

“I am so proud of what our girls have accomplished,” said Executive Director Debra Webb. “Because of the PACE curriculum and the ongoing support of the PACE staff and the community, these girls are staying in school, making good choices about their behavior, and learning skills that will last them throughout their lives.”

Webb gave several examples to demonstrate the effectiveness of the program.

Upon entering the Lee County PACE Center:

37 percent of the girls were sexually abused

66 percent of the girls used drugs

47 percent of the girls drank alcohol

26% had a criminal charge

Upon leaving the Lee County PACE Center:

89 percent had no involvement with the juvenile justice system within a year of leaving PACE

86 percent were placed in appropriate educational settings

93 percent improved their academic performance

89 percent increased their grade point average (GPA)

81 percent advanced one full grade level

PACE accepts referrals from the juvenile justice system, the Department of Children & Families, school personnel, community services agencies, parents, family members, friends and self-referrals. PACE Center goals are to intervene and prevent school withdrawal, juvenile delinquency, teen pregnancy, substance abuse and welfare dependency in a safe and nurturing environment.

The following is Latisha’s story. She is a resident of Lehigh Acres.

Latisha didn’t know what a bank account was, much less how to manage one when she arrived at PACE as a 15-year-old in 2007. She entered PACE to be supportive of her sister, who also was in the PACE program. Latisha admits that she had behavioral issues when she came to PACE and was often disruptive and disrespectful, getting into arguments with others.

But the counselors and teachers at PACE took an interest in her and helped get her on the right track. “If I didn’t have someone pushing me, I wouldn’t have done it,” she says now.

Latisha left the PACE program in April and plans to move to Orlando for work. One day she hopes to go to college and become an attorney.

“I want to be something,” she says. “PACE showed me how to be a better me.”