LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (May 13, 2025) – Back in the early 2000s, Neal Communities Accounting Manager Jennifer Villarreal became involved with the PACE Center for Girls thanks to two young women in her world who were attending PACE.
“Those women completed high school, and one went on to join the US Army serving in Iraq, while the other had a long career in childcare and is now happily pursuing her other career interests,” Villarreal says.
Today, Villarreal has stayed involved because of the organization’s commitment to helping girls and young women navigate tough decisions in their lives. She also coordinates all of Neal Communities’ support of the PACE Center for Girls Lucky Duck Race, which took place last month.
“I was able to witness first-hand the care and attention PACE provided to girls at a crucial time in their lives, when a handful of choices makes the difference between graduating high school and having opportunities or the alternative,” she says. “When these young women achieve their goals and become empowered, productive members of our community, their success has the power to resonate across generations.”
Pace Center for Girls of Manatee County integrates social services and education in an individualized manner, and it is recognized nationally as one of the most effective programs in the country for keeping adolescent girls out of the juvenile justice system. The organization uses a strengths-based approach that harnesses the unique potential of each girl with a focus on future outcomes. Pace Manatee has worked with more than 1,500 girls over the years and is one of Pace Center’s almost two dozen Florida locations.
“We are so grateful for our partnership with Neal Communities, says PACE Center for Girls Executive Director Amy Wick Mavis. “Their investment in the future of our PACE girls demonstrates their true commitment to Manatee County. And when Neal Communities is sharing about the Lucky Duck Race for Pace, they are not only advocating for the needs of our PACE girls, but they are also highlighting this valuable resource for our community.”
Neal Communities served as the Community Sponsor for the Lucky Duck Race, donating $10,000 to the effort. Villarreal says she encourages “anyone willing to listen” to support PACE each year through the adoption of ducks as the money spent on adoptions supports PACE Manatee and allows the community to enjoy a rubber duck race down the Manatee River.
“Aside from the financial support from Neal Communities, providing for PACE to host events like the PACE Duck Race; I like to think when girls attending PACE Manatee see support from companies with a large local presence, like Neal Communities, they know they are seen and supported in an incredible way beyond the halls of PACE Center for Girls,” Villarreal adds. “It’s great that I get to share the mission of PACE with people that had no idea they even existed – if they become aware of a girl struggling in school, I hope they remember there is a wonderful resource right here in Manatee County.”
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