Forty years ago, Vicki Burke, a passionate young social worker, recognized challenges within the juvenile justice system: girls were being punished for minor offenses that reflected their difficult circumstances rather than criminal behavior.
Determined to bring about change, she envisioned a place where girls could feel safe, loved and empowered. That vision became a reality on Jan. 7, 1985, when Burke opened the first Pace Center for Girls in Jacksonville at Snyder Memorial Methodist Church, serving just 10 girls.
What started as a small initiative fueled by private donations from family, friends and the church quickly gained momentum. Within two years, Pace had outgrown its original location three times, more than doubling the number of girls served.
In 1987, Florida juvenile court judges honored Pace with the Outstanding Dependency Program award, solidifying its reputation as a groundbreaking model for supporting girls at risk.
Today, Pace Center for Girls has grown into a nationally recognized program that has transformed the lives of more than 40,000 girls in 25 communities throughout Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. Its holistic approach — blending education, counseling and social services — has empowered countless young women to overcome challenges and build brighter futures.
Founding board member David Marco reflects that Pace’s true impact is best measured by the stories of resilience and success from the girls it has served.
“I thank Vicki for believing in us,” said Anita, a member of the founding Pace class of 1985. “She saw a vision that nobody else saw, and she has helped so many young ladies.”
With only two weeks left before graduating, Pace helped Anita land her first job as a mail opener at Illinois State Scholarship Commission. She would eventually become a business analyst at the same company, working there for the next 16 years. Later, she worked at Blue Cross Blue Shield and James College where she had the opportunity to go back to school and obtain her bachelor's degree in business.
“In the back of my mind, I always wanted to go back to Pace, to give back what was given to me,” she said. In 2021, Anita joined the Pace Jacksonville team as a resource coordinator.
To commemorate its 40th anniversary, Pace Jacksonville recently hosted a special reunion event, bringing together more than 100 alumni, former teachers and board members. The celebration honored the organization’s legacy in Northeast Florida and recognized the inspiring journeys of the girls who have benefited from its programs.
From a single location in Jacksonville to a nationally recognized movement, Pace’s story is one of courage, dedication and community support.
