Palm Beach County’s only gender-responsive school was recognized for its outstanding commitment to helping girls thrive academically and emotionally through trauma-informed care
Palm Beach County, FL (May 21, 2025) – On Thursday, May 8, Pace Center for Girls, Palm Beach was acknowledged at the 2025 Palm Beach County Behavioral Health Coalition Awards Celebration at Village of Wellington Community Center for the academic and behavioral health support it provides to middle and high school girls ages 11-17 across Palm Beach County School Districts. Pace Palm Beach is Palm Beach County’s only gender-responsive school that provides a safe and supportive environment where students know they will be cared for and their needs will be met at no cost to them.
The first floor of the Village of Wellington Community Center was abuzz with energy as nominators, nominees, champions, Coalition members, and guests gathered to celebrate those making a difference in building a healthier Palm Beach County. Among the honorees was Pace Palm Beach, recognized for its exceptional efforts in empowering the girls it serves and fostering a culture of advocacy. As part of its programming, Pace recently led a field trip to the Capitol in Tallahassee, where students learned about the importance of civic engagement and shared how Pace is helping them build brighter futures. In recognition of these efforts, Pace Palm Beach was honored with the 2025 Palm Beach County Behavioral Health Coalition Awards for Advocacy.
PBCBHC Award-Won: Chrissy Rinehart, Pace Center for Girls Palm Beach, and Jayme Baumann, Pace Palm Beach Business Manager, Pace Center for Girls Palm Beach
“We are deeply honored to receive this award from the Palm Beach County Behavioral Health Coalition,” said Mindy Hanken, Executive Director of Pace Palm Beach. “My heartfelt thanks go out to those who recognize the impact of our work. At Pace, we believe that strong educational foundations and tools for mental and behavioral health are essential for every girl’s success. Our focus is to meet each girl where she is and empower her to grow academically, emotionally, and socially. Together we are building a healthier, stronger community.”
Pace Palm Beach has made a lasting impact on the local community by empowering girls to reach their full potential. Through its comprehensive services, Pace helps reduce juvenile justice involvement, increases high school graduation rates, and fosters long-term success for girls and their families. By creating a ripple effect of positive change, Pace strengthens the community by cultivating confident, educated, and engaged young women who are ready to contribute meaningfully to society.
Since its founding in 1996, Pace Palm Beach has successfully grown its program and impact on girls and the local community. To date, more than 3,048 girls in Palm Beach County have been served. Program highlights from fiscal year 2024 include:
- 9 out of 10 girls have experienced overall academic improvement.
- 8 out of 10 girls improved healthy social relationships with peers and family members
Pace Palm Beach remains committed to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where girls can heal, grow, and thrive. This recognition by the Palm Beach County Behavioral Health Coalition reinforces the importance of continued community collaboration in addressing the academic and behavioral health needs of girls and young women in the community. Pace extends its gratitude to its partners, supporters, and the community for championing the potential of every girl. To learn more about Pace Palm Beach and how to get involved, visit www.pacecenter.org.
###
About Pace Center for Girls
Pace provides free year-round middle and high school academics, case management, counseling, and life skills development in a safe and supportive environment that recognizes and deals with past trauma and builds upon girls’ individual strengths. Dedicated to meeting the social, emotional, and education needs of girls, Pace has a successful and proven program model that has changed the life trajectory of more than 40,000 girls and is recognized as one of the nation’s leading advocates for girls in need. For more information on Pace Center for Girls, visit www.pacecenter.org.
Replies