Pace Jacksonville Joins Forces with VyStar Credit Union During Suicide Prevention Month to Empower Young Women
Pace Center for Girls, Jacksonville is excited to announce a collaborative partnership with VyStar Credit Union during Suicide Prevention Month. This partnership not only aims to empower young girls and women but also underscores the importance of community members coming together to combat the youth mental health crisis. The event, hosted on September 28 from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, will feature interactive activities, including the development of a mural by acclaimed artist Jeanette Bullock and the creation of Vision Boards for the girls' futures.
September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Month, a critical time to raise awareness about mental health challenges faced by youth and the urgent need for support and intervention. Pace Jacksonville has been steadfast in its mission of transforming the lives of some of our community's most vulnerable girls and young women for over 38 years. Since its inception in 1985, Pace Jacksonville has positively impacted the lives of more than 3,000 girls and young women in North Florida, providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to overcome adversity and achieve their dreams.
Chantell Miles, Executive Director of Pace Jacksonville, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership and its alignment with Suicide Prevention Month, saying, "In September, as we recognize Suicide Prevention Month, it is vital that we address the mental health challenges faced by our youth. We are thrilled to partner with VyStar Credit Union and their Good is everywhere celebration to provide our girls with the chance to create Vision Boards for their futures, setting them on a path toward success and mental well-being. This event embodies the spirit of community and empowerment, and we are grateful for VyStar's support."
As part of the Good is everywhere celebration, VyStar is empowering every employee across the credit union’s footprint will Do Good by volunteering in the places VyStar calls home from Georgia to Central Florida. This partnership with Pace Jacksonville underscores VyStar's dedication to creating positive change and uplifting the aspirations of young girls, particularly during this critical month.
“Our employees are committed to making a difference for our members and for the nonprofit organizations, like Pace Center for Girls that make our communities a better place for everyone,” said SVP/President VyStar Foundation Patricia McElroy. “Our collaboration during Suicide Prevention Month reinforces our commitment to the well-being of our youth. We believe in the power of education, empowerment, and mental health support, and we are excited to work together with the girls to help them visualize and plan their futures while also addressing the challenges they may face."
About Pace Center for Girls
Founded in 1985, 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.
About VyStar Credit Union
VyStar Credit Union is the second-largest credit union headquartered in Florida and now serves more than 900,000 members with assets of over $13.5 billion. VyStar is the largest mortgage lender in Northeast Florida and a major employer in the region with over 2,000 employees across the communities it serves. VyStar membership is open to everyone who lives or works in the 49 contiguous counties of Central to North Florida, 29 Georgia counties, and past and present military members and their families all over the world. For more information, visit vystarcu.org, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.