Just as each girl is equal, each is also unique. Similarly, the Little Black Dress is the same each day, but is transformed into its own unique outfit each day.

AND, while wearing the same dress everyday may seem like a limitation, it can really be seen as a creative opportunity. It’s an opportunity to unleash creativity rather than restrict it.

AND, part of what PACE Center for Girls of Marion does for its students is remove the limits of their life situations and allow them to unleash their unique gifts. PACE provides a safe, nurturing place to find hope.

PACE Center for Girls of Marion has a set of Values and Guiding Principles that should be part of every girl and woman’s basic wardrobe. Part of everyone’s “Little Black Dress.” They are...

Honor the Female Spirit:  We value and promote the female perspective by respecting its distinct needs, creating safe and gender responsive environments, and celebrating the female experience.

Focus on Strengths:  We look to identify strengths in our girls, their families, our staff and supporters.  Using these strengths as our foundation, we build strong, confident, productive community participants.

Act with Integrity and Positive Intent:  We believe that all actions and decisions must be guided by the highest ethical principles, respecting the uniqueness of all involved and honoring the differences.

Embrace Growth and Change:  We believe that everyone is capable of remarkable growth, and only by encouraging change can individuals, organizations and society reach their full potential.

Value the Wisdom of Time:  We understand that patience can be as powerful as immediate action, and each has its place.  We value the discernment required for their effective use.

Exhibit Courage:  We think courage is essential in making a difference, enabling us to speak for those who cannot, take risks to do what is right, deliver just and fair consequences and be accountable for our actions.

Seek Excellence:  We strive for excellence in all we accomplish by holding true to our mission while consistently meeting high standards of performance, reflecting critically upon our accomplishments, seeking innovative solutions, and believing all things are possible.

Create Partnerships:  We believe in developing effective partnerships and long-term relationships, by listening to our staff, our girls, and their families and our communities, incorporating their input and involving them in our decision-making.