The PACE Foundation represents a collaborative effort between over twenty faith-based and community organization leaders as well as community business leaders. Founded in March 2006, the foundation seeks to empower residents in Lorain and provide opportunities to transform lives in northeastern Ohio.  It consists of both short-term and long-term program goals to increase the economic viability of the area, and provide residents with the ability to live productive and self-sufficient lives. Currently as a result of economic downturns, factory closures and subsequent layoffs needs of residents in the area are complex in nature. According to the US Census 2005 estimates nearly 80 percent of Lorain residents have completed high school, but only 10 percent have college degrees.

As a result, the Pace Foundation a 501(c)(3) tax exempt corporation was organized to address three key areas in the community.  These core areas include, (1) Youth Development (2) Job Training and Workforce Development and (3) Economic Development.

                 1. Youth Development

                These services focus on providing youth (ages 6-18) with academic, cultural and                vocational training and opportunities to develop a self-sufficient young adult           population that can continue to serve as the background for what will be a growing Lorain community.

                2. Job Training and Workforce Development

                These services will be targeted towards those adults (21-45) who are unemployed or     under-employed, and especially recently laid-off to provide them with services     necessary to help them regain their economic footing.

                3. Economic Development Projects

                This area of the foundation focuses on the development of economic development       projects that both serve as means by which to employ program participants but also            to generate economic activity that benefits the entire areas as a whole.

In addition to the development of the following programs and initiatives, the foundation will also provide funding opportunities to qualified non-profit organizations to address priority areas identified by the foundation.

PACE also builds and rehabs commercial and residential properties to generate revenue for the following reasons:

* To provide home ownership counseling

 *To provide educational and safety programming

 *To provide youth recreational programs, and other activities to revitalize our neighborhoods.

II. Mission Statement

At the core of any successful organization is the mission of that organization. A clear and concise understanding of the purposes for why the organization exists and the goals of the organization is essential to that organization's longevity and sustainability. The PACE Foundation's Mission Statement adequately explains the organization's identity and purpose.

The mission statement is as follows:

The mission of PACE Foundation is to empower residents of northeastern Ohio through the provision of services that address their physical, social and spiritual needs thus transforming this area into a vibrant and self-sufficient region.

III. Vision Statement

In addition to the mission of an organization, the vision effectively sets the direction and tenor of the organization's operations as it seeks to fulfill its mission. An effective vision statement establishes obtainable goals that are in keeping with the organization's mission of that organization. The PACE Foundation's Vision Statement has effectively described the organization's future goals and objectives. The vision statement is as follows:  

The PACE Foundation will provide effective and comprehensive community empowerment services to in northeastern Ohio, making it one of the most effective collaborations of faith-based and community leaders in the region