Gift Establishes “Nancy’s NEST,” a Dedicated Counseling Room to Support Girls’ Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being
Palm Beach County, Fla. – Pace Center for Girls Palm Beach has received a generous gift from Rick, Lauren, and Aly Baer and their families to support the creation of a dedicated counseling room at its Palm Springs, FL, location. Made in loving memory of Nancy Baer, the donation will establish “Nancy’s NEST,” a warm, welcoming space where Pace girls receive the Nourishment and Emotional Support to Thrive. While development is already underway, this transformative gift secures the future of the counseling center, which will nurture the mental health and well-being of Pace girls for generations to come.
Nancy Baer left a lasting impact on everyone she encountered. She was a fierce advocate, a loyal friend, and a source of unwavering compassion and strength. As a core component of the Day Program, the Pace Counseling Program at Nancy’s NEST is integrated into a broader wraparound model that includes academics, college and career readiness, life skills training, and therapeutic support. This approach equips each student with the tools, resources, and confidence to succeed in all areas of life.
Nancy herself emerged from a childhood marked by physical and emotional abuse, yet she committed her life to ensuring that no girl would suffer as she did. “Nancy’s NEST” honors her legacy. She lived each day making sure every person she met felt seen, heard, and understood. Known for her sharp wit, warm humor, and quiet generosity, Nancy had a gift for making people feel loved and accepted—without judgment. Her enduring legacy will now be reflected in every girl who finds comfort, guidance, and courage within Nancy’s NEST at Pace Palm Beach.
“Nancy believed in showing up for others, without conditions,” said Mindy Hanken, Executive Director of Pace Palm Beach. “This gift from the Baer family allows us to create a space that embodies who she was—one of safety, dignity, and deep care. We are profoundly grateful for their partnership and for the opportunity to carry Nancy’s legacy forward in a way that will uplift girls for years to come.”
The new counseling center will play a vital role in the holistic development of students enrolled in Pace Palm Beach’s Day Program. Through one-on-one counseling sessions, girls will receive individualized support tailored to their emotional and mental health needs, in an environment intentionally designed to feel safe, calm, and restorative. This vision aligns closely with Pace Palm Beach’s mission: uplifting girls ages 11–17 through strength-based, trauma-informed care.
This generous gift reflects a shared commitment to creating brighter, more equitable futures for young women in Palm Beach County. By driving meaningful, sustainable change, Pace strengthens the community by cultivating confident, educated, and engaged young women ready to contribute meaningfully to society. Nancy’s values will live on in a space that serves hundreds of girls facing extraordinary challenges and allows Pace Palm Beach to expand its programming aimed at enhancing girls’ mental health, social-emotional growth, and academic success through trauma-informed care.
Pace Palm Beach extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Baer family, along with its partners, advocates, and the broader community, for believing in the transformative impact of programs that uplift every girl.
To learn more or get involved, visit www.pacecenter.org.
