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The Girls Coordinating Council (GCC) of Southwest Florida is a community
collaborative strategy dedicated to improving the lives of girls through
gender-responsive, strengths-based, and trauma-informed services.
Established in 2019, the GCC works to influence local policies and practices to improve the local system of care for girls and ensure girls have a voice in shaping their futures.
A Girl-Focused Framework
GCC OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA STRATEGIC FOCUS AREAS
KEY INDICATORS
DATA POINTS
Approximately 9 out of 10 girls in Lee and Collier Counties graduate high school within four years.
About half of middle and high school girls in Florida report feeling sad or depressed most days.
One in ten girls attempted suicide in past year. In Lee County, it increases to 14%.
Bullying and Cyberbullying is a big problem. 4 in 10 girls report bullying in some form.
WHY IT MATTERS
When girls have a safe, welcoming environment they feel like they belong. Graduation opens doors to college jobs and opportunities for a successful future.
Girls emotional health is closely tied to how they see themselves, handle stress and cope with challenges.
When girls feel supported, they are more likely to grow resilient and confident.
Positive relationships lower stress an improve overall well-being.
ABOUT US
We are a community-based collaborative group focused on strengthening and improving systems of care for girls and young women in our community.
Partners in Collaboration, Data-Driven Decisions, and Strategies, this group allows for organizations and individuals from across sectors and services in Lee County and Collier County to:
- create and foster partnerships in our community,
- share information affecting girls and young women in our community, and
- collaborate on initiatives to mitigate identified challenges and strengthen our community’s system of care.
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Dr. Sandra Pavelka
Co-Chair
Florida Gulf Coast University
Marshall Bower
Co-Chair
Foundation for Lee County Public Schools
Dan Campbell
United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades
Jennifer Cellitti
Pace Center for Girls, Lee
Marianne Kearns
Pace Center for Girls, Collier
Peg LaMarca
Dept. of Juvenile Justice
Paul Poland
State Attorney’s Office
Hon. Kathleen Smith
Public Defenders Office
Dr. Sharon Henry-Woodby
Community Advocate
JOIN US IN MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Supporting the GCC means helping girls succeed academically, emotionally, and socially. Together, we can reduce juvenile justice involvement, promote mental health, and create a brighter future
EVENTS
Foundation for Lee County Public Schools
Lead Like a Girl
December 2025
Florida Gulf Coast University
Kids Minds Matters
Normal is Overrated
May 2025
Florida Southwestern College
Girls Coordinating Council
Community Conversation
&
Call to Action
February 2025
Embassy Suites
Estero, FL
RESOURCES
988 SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE
Using the 988 Lifeline is free. When you call, text, or chat the 988 Lifeline, your conversation is confidential. The 988 Lifeline provides you judgment-free care. Talking with someone can help save your life.
A.N.A’.S FRIENDS
A.N.A.’s Friends serves Abused Neglected and Abandoned children in Southwest Florida. A.N.A.’s Friends works tirelessly to provide these vulnerable young individuals with the support, care, guidance and resources they need to overcome adversity and build brighter futures.
CRISIS PREVENTION & EMPOWERMENT
CPE offers outpatient counseling and round-the-clock crisis intervention, including wrap-around services, with no limitations on age, background, or ability to pay.
DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE
Enhance public safety through high-quality effective services for youth and families delivered by world-class professionals dedicated to building a stronger, safer Florida.
DRUG FREE COLLIER
Uniting the community to protect the children of Collier County from substance abuse.
DRUG FREE LEE
Reduce substance abuse in Lee County by raising awareness of prevention resources through collaboration, education and inspiration.
COLLIER CARES
Mobile application and web-app for the purpose of connecting people in need with critical resources and services available in Collier County Florida
PACE CENTER FOR GIRLS
Pace Center for Girls is a nonprofit organization where middle and high school girls find the support, guidance, and resources they need to thrive. Our programs offer a full academic school day and comprehensive mental health support, tailored to meet the unique needs of each girl.
UNITED WAY 211
211 connects you to expert, caring help. Every call is completely confidential.
VISUALITY
The mission of Visuality is to promote the health, safety, personal growth and overall wellness of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer plus community of SWFL and for our allies.
GIRLS VOICE TASK FORCE
Since its inception, the GCC has committed to letting the Girls Voice lead the work. In August 2025, the Girls Voice Taskforce, a subcommittee of GCC, was formed to give girls a place to be heard. The girls meet through in-person and virtual meetings.
In 2026 they will begin work on a series of podcasts to discuss important issues facing their communities today. Please follow on the link below to hear the powerful voices of these young women.
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