By: Kristy Pate, director of marketing, UWWF
Pensacola, Fla. -- Pace Center for Girls Escambia-Santa Rosa is one of 18 centers in a statewide network that has served more than 40,000 girls since 1985. Supported through funding from United Way of West Florida, the center strengthens local support systems and expands access to critical resources for girls in our community.
Pace Center for Girls provides a safe, supportive environment where girls and young women can build confidence, continue their education, and develop the life skills they need to succeed. Through counseling, academic support, and personalized guidance, Pace helps participants overcome challenges and create brighter, more stable futures for themselves and their families.
As a funded agency of UWWF, the center is able to expand its reach and deepen its impact across the community. This ensures critical resources remain available for girls who need them most, strengthening families and contributing to a healthier, more resilient community overall.
United Way of West Florida plays a critical role in supporting targeted programs that address both immediate needs and long-term stability for local families. At Pace Center for Girls, UWWF funding specifically supports the salary of the center’s General Educational Development teacher, helping girls continue their education and work toward long-term success. During the most recent grant cycle, UWWF awarded $16,300 to support this program. Through investments like these, UWWF remains committed to strengthening families and creating pathways to independence across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
One young woman’s journey shows just how powerful that support can be in turning challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality.
A few years ago, Zuyria started at Pace Center for Girls.
“I ended up here because of a physical altercation that was completely out of my control,” she said. “After that, I was in a really dark place, struggling with depression, and I wasn’t sure how to keep going. When I first started at Pace, I was nervous, exhausted, and honestly didn’t know if it was going to work out.”
For the staff at Pace Center for Girls, helping girls get back on their feet during tough times is not just a job, it’s a daily personal commitment to each girl here and the community as a whole. Building a relationship from the day they arrive is a big part of guiding program participants on the path to success.
“I build trust by showing up consistently, being genuine, and creating a safe space where girls feel heard without judgment,” said Jessica Brown-Spencer, Pace Center for Girls Transition/GED Counselor. “I also balance support with accountability, so they know I truly care about them and their growth."
Brown-Spencer said she typically sees girls come in unsure of themselves, often doubting their abilities. Over time in the program, they begin to find their voice and recognize their worth. They start setting goals, advocating for themselves, and taking pride in their progress both academically and personally.
Zuyria said she had several mentors who helped her overcome challenges after arriving at the center.
“They taught me how to love myself and showed me what respect looks like and how I should be treated,” she said. “The therapy, the guidance, and the structure gave me the tools to handle real-life situations with maturity and responsibility.”
The staff at Pace Center for Girls are more than just teachers, Zuyria said. They were her biggest role models and always reminded her of her potential.
“I identify each girl’s strengths and challenges by building genuine relationships and creating a space where they feel safe to be open and honest. Through daily interactions, goal setting, and collaboration with teachers and counselors, I’m able to see both their barriers and what they naturally excel in,” said Brown-Spencer. “This allows me to support them in a way that is individualized and strengths based.”
The program at the center helps girls develop academic and life skills by weaving them into their daily experience rather than treating them as separate, Brown-Spencer said.
“While they work toward education goals, they’re also learning critical skills like communication, emotional regulation, and decision-making through counseling and real-life application.”
This approach by the staff prepares the girls not just for school success, but for long-term independence and stability.
“Pace stands out because it provides a holistic approach that focuses on both academic growth and emotional well-being, meeting girls exactly where they are,” Brown-Spencer said. “Unlike traditional programs, Pace creates a safe, supportive environment where girls feel seen, heard, and empowered to overcome challenges.”
Pace Center for Girls’ combination of counseling, education, and life skills truly helps girls build confidence and create a path toward long-term success. Pace prepares girls for life beyond the program by not only focusing on academics but also helping girls figure out who they are and what they want for their future.
Brown-Spencer described Zuyria’s journey as one of growth, resilience, and self-discovery.
“She came facing challenges, but over time she began to build confidence, stay committed to her goals, and truly believe in her ability to succeed.”
Watching girls like Zuyria push through obstacles and take ownership of their future has been incredibly rewarding, she said.
“I supported Zuyria by really showing up for her and making sure she always knew she had someone in her corner—I love her like she’s my own,” Brown-Spencer said. “I created a space where she could be honest about what she was going through, while still holding her accountable and pushing her to stay focused on her goals. Watching her grow through those challenges and start believing in herself has meant everything to me.”
Zuyria said Pace gave her confidence and vision for her future. She is now pursuing her dream of becoming a certified nursing assistant.
“Pace helped me see that I am fearless, strong, and talented. I didn’t see that before, but now I know I can achieve whatever I put my mind to,” Zuyria said.
Zuyria’s mentors said they have seen her confidence grow in a beautiful way. She is more sure of herself, more resilient, and has learned to establish healthy boundaries to protect her peace and keep her focused on her own success.
“The most rewarding part of working at Pace Center for Girls is watching the girls grow into confident, capable young women who begin to see their own potential,” Brown-Spencer said. “Being a part of that journey, especially during some of their most challenging moments, and knowing you made a lasting impact in their lives is a truly unmatched feeling.”
Brown-Spencer said it’s important for all young girls to know that their current situation does not define their future and it’s ok to ask for help.
“No matter what someone is facing, they are capable of growth, healing, and success—and there are people and programs out there that truly care and want to see them win,” she said.
Community partnerships help make the mission of Pace Center for Girls possible.
“Our partnership with United Way of West Florida has made a meaningful impact on the work we’re able to do with our girls,” she said. “Their generous support allows us to expand programming, provide essential resources, and remove barriers that could otherwise stand in the way of the girl’s success. Because of their investment, we’re able to continue showing up for our girls in a bigger way, making sure they have not only what they need, but also opportunities to truly thrive and build a brighter future.”
Zuyria expressed sincere thanks to Pace Center for Girls and attributed her success to the solid foundation she built while in the program.
“Programs like this are so important because they give girls like me a chance when we feel lost. They show us that we’re more than our circumstances, and they build a bridge toward a better future for the whole community,” Zuyria said. “Someday I hope to give back by becoming a mentor to other girls who feel lost, just like I once did. I want to show them that they have strength inside them too, and that they can build a future, no matter what their past may look like.”
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