LaTicia Cason is our Transition Counselor here at PACE Polk.  We are very grateful to the George W. Jenkins Fund within the Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland, Inc. for funding this position until June of this year.

The main goal of PACE Polk Transitions Services is to insure that the girls leaving our Program have the resources available to be successful in furthering their education or finding a job.   PACE follows our girls for three years after they leave in order to provide support and guidance.

With a caseload of nearly 130 girls, the Transitions Counselor achieves this goal in both the Day and Transitions Programs. When a girl is preparing for transition, the counselor is in constant contact with her next placement as well as the Polk County School Board ensuring that she is leaving with correct credentials to further her education. Omega groups are conducted for girls finishing the Day program and celebratory exercises are held to encourage continued success. Transition groups are held for the girls who have completed the day program to provide a supportive environment and offer helpful information quarterly.

The Transitions Counselor regularly visits various institutions and community service agencies to gather information for transitions girls.   Once a girl transitions, the counselor makes monthly follow-ups by phone, in the center, and in the community. LaTicia is often visiting schools and homes to develop closer relationships and offer continued motivation to the girls and their families.

Girls and families in the Transitions Program have expressed deep appreciation for contacts and services rendered by the Counselor.  The girls are increasingly apt to open up about life after PACE during these check-ins. Over the past nine months, follow-ups have increased by almost ten percent and successful contacts are regularly reported. Essentially, the transitions counselor plays a vital role in the progression and success of each girl academically, socially, personally, and professionally.