Palm Springs, FL (May 8, 2026) – Pace Center for Girls Palm Beach welcomed community members on Wednesday, May 6, for its quarterly Open Doors, Open Hearts event, offering an inside look at Palm Beach County’s only gender-responsive, second-chance school for girls and young women. The year-round, tuition-free programs offered at Pace Palm Beach take a strength-based approach, recognizing each student’s unique challenges and abilities while providing the guidance and support needed to help them succeed. The event featured a presentation by Executive Director Mindy Hanken, along with guided tours of classrooms, creative spaces, and newly developed areas designed to help girls thrive. The program concluded with the announcement of a $1,000 grant from Walmart, Inc., and remarks of gratitude from Mindy on behalf of Pace Palm Beach.
Building on the momentum of the day, visitors heard directly from Pace girls, who shared stories about recent field trips, favorite subjects, and the ways Pace has helped them feel seen, supported, and confident. Pace Palm Beach serves middle and high school girls ages 11-17 across the Palm Beach County School District, providing year-round academic instruction in small class settings that allow for individualized attention. Students also work closely with counselors and trained therapists who specialize in girl-centered, trauma-informed care.
Walmart, Inc.’s recent grant plays a meaningful role in sustaining and expanding these efforts–helping Pace continue to see the great in every girl by investing in both academic success and whole-person development. In addition to their studies, girls at Pace participate in leadership and community service opportunities, build life skills, explore career pathways, and engage in individualized goal planning. From learning everyday essentials like personal wellness and grocery shopping to preparing for their first job, Pace equips each girl with the tools and confidence needed to thrive far beyond the classroom.
“I’m truly grateful to everyone who joined us for Open Doors, Open Hearts to learn more about our mission and the work we’re doing to support girls across Palm Beach County,” said Mindy Hanken, Executive Director of Pace Palm Beach. “We’re also deeply appreciative of Walmart, Inc.’s generous donation, which helps us continue investing in the success and potential of every girl we serve.”
Pace is a safe and supportive environment for girls served annually in Palm Beach County. Pace Palm Beach's Reach Therapy Program provides therapy and counseling services to girls throughout Palm Beach County, with therapists traveling to wherever each girl feels comfortable and safe. These resources are made available to girls at no cost.
To learn more about Pace Palm Beach or how to get involved, visit www.pacecenter.org.
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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 educational 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.
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