News Releases

Hannah Shields 7/21/25 Hannah Shields 7/21/25

Pace Community Action Agency, Inc. Holds Board of Director’s Meeting

Pace Community Action Agency’s Board of Directors meeting was held via Zoom at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 17th with President, Greg Jones, presiding.

The 2024 Financial Audit Report was presented to the finance committee and to the full board by Comer, Nowling & Associates from Indianapolis. Ms. Cami Demaree, auditor from Comer, Nowling, reported on the agency’s audit in detail explaining that there were no financial statement findings, no federal award findings or questioned costs for Pace or their subsidiaries. Cami Demaree stated that Pace continues to hold a high standard of excellence, and because of no findings in past years, Pace continues to qualify as a low-risk auditee.

In addition, reports were presented by Tai Blythe, CEO; Liann Smith, CFO; Carla Gambill, VP of Finance and Jeremy Wimmenauer, VP of Planning & Development. The Board also approved funding requests.

Pace’s next regular Board of Directors’ meeting will be held in Vincennes on Thursday, September 18th, 2025 at 6:00 pm.

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Pace Community Action Agency, Inc. is a private not-for-profit Community Action Agency established to provide support services to improve the community and encourage self-reliance. Services are provided without regard to race, age, color, religion, sex, disability, national origin, ancestry, familial status, or status as a veteran.

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Hannah Shields 7/17/25 Hannah Shields 7/17/25

Pace Community Action Agency Virtual Board Meeting Agenda

Click on Agenda to access the July 17, 2025 Agenda.

Courtney Welage 7/15/25 Courtney Welage 7/15/25

Pace Community Action Agency to Discontinue Health Insurance Navigator Services

Pace Community Action Agency shares with care and consideration that it will no longer offer Health Insurance Navigator services effective immediately. Over the past several years, securing consistent funding for the Navigator program has become increasingly difficult. In addition, similar services are now being offered by other community-based organizations, making it less sustainable for Pace to continue this program internally.

“Pace has proudly supported thousands of individuals and families in navigating their health insurance options through our Navigator program,” said Tai Blythe, CEO. “While this strategic decision was not made lightly, the availability of Health Insurance Navigators through other trusted local providers, combined with ongoing funding challenges, led us to this shift. It allows us to focus our efforts where the community will see the greatest impact and our services remain essential.”

Over recent years, the health insurance landscape has evolved. Community members who need assistance enrolling in health insurance or understanding their coverage options can connect with the following local resources:

ASPIN Health Navigator
Children and Family Services Corp.
Daviess Community Hospital
Good Samaritan Hospital
Greene County General Hospital
Indiana Department of Insurance
Indiana Rural Health Association
Sullivan County Community Hospital

Though this program is ending, Pace remains deeply committed to supporting the health and well-being of our community. We continue to offer reproductive healthcare services on a sliding fee scale, and no one is ever turned away for inability to pay. Our team is here to support individuals and families with high-quality, confidential care.

To learn more about our current health services or to find a clinic near you, please visit www.pacecaa.org/health-connection.

Hannah Shields 7/10/25 Hannah Shields 7/10/25

Pace Community Action Agency to Hold Virtual Board of Directors’ Meeting

The Board of Directors of Pace Community Action Agency will hold their bi-monthly Board meeting on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. virtually. If the public would like to join the online meeting, contact Hannah Shields at hshields@pacecaa.org for access information.

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Jill Vieck 6/27/25 Jill Vieck 6/27/25

Pace Community Action Agency, INC. Pace Holiday Closing Notice

Pace Community Action Agency, Inc. will be closed on Friday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. Offices will resume normal operating hours on Monday, July 7th.

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Jill Vieck 6/12/25 Jill Vieck 6/12/25

Pace Community Action Agency, INC. Pace Holiday Closing Notice

Pace Community Action Agency, Inc. will be closed on Thursday, June 19th in observance of Juneteenth. Offices will resume normal operating hours on Monday.

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Hannah Shields 5/19/25 Hannah Shields 5/19/25

Pace Community Action Agency, Inc. Holds Board of Director’s Meeting

Pace Community Action Agency’s Board of Directors meeting was held via Zoom at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 15th with President Greg Jones presiding.

Reports were presented by Tai Blythe, CEO; Liann Smith, CFO; Chealsi Fiscus, ERSEA Coordinator; Carla Gambill, VP of Finance; and Jazmin Murfee for the Planning & Development Committee. The board approved programming and multiple funding requests.

Pace’s next regular Board of Directors’ meeting will be held virtually on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 6:00 pm.

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We Educate, Empower and Improve through organized steps at a personalized pace!

Jill Vieck 5/19/25 Jill Vieck 5/19/25

Pace Community Action Agency, INC. Pace Holiday Closing Notice

Pace Community Action Agency, Inc. will be closed on Monday, May 26th in observance of Memorial Day. Offices will resume normal operating hours on Tuesday, May 27th.

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We Educate, Empower and Improve through organized steps at a personalized pace!

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Hannah Shields 5/15/25 Hannah Shields 5/15/25

Pace Community Action Agency Virtual Board Meeting Agenda

Click on Agenda to access the May 15, 2025 Agenda.

Courtney Welage 5/15/25 Courtney Welage 5/15/25

Pace Community Action Agency Celebrates Community Action Month

This May, as part of National Community Action Month, Pace Community Action Agency proudly celebrates 60 years of serving families across Southwestern Indiana. As a member of the nationwide Community Action Network, Pace has been at the forefront of efforts to help individuals and families achieve lasting economic independence.

Founded in 1965, Pace Community Action Agency is part of a powerful network of nearly 1,000 agencies across the United States that work daily to create economic opportunities, strengthen communities, and help families find sustainable paths to self-sufficiency.

Each year during Community Action Month, we reflect on the impact Pace and our network have had on families and the community. Tai Blythe, CEO of Pace, said, “Last year alone, 6,436 individuals received vital services like early childhood education, energy assistance, and access to healthcare. We employee over 115 individuals and administer a $10,000,000 budget; our economic impact to our local communities is impressive.”

Community Action Agencies like Pace are locally governed with boards of directors made up of local elected officials, public and private sector leaders, and engaged community members. This community-based model ensures programs are responsive to local needs and drive meaningful change at the ground level.

Community Action Month provides an opportunity to highlight the critical work of agencies like Pace and to honor the local partnerships that fuel these efforts. To learn more about Pace Community Action Agency’s services and how to get involved, please visit www.pacecaa.org.

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Cherrie Farmer 5/15/25 Cherrie Farmer 5/15/25

Pace Community Action Agency Announces Judith K. Bobe Scholarship Winners

The Judith K. Bobe Scholarship program is named in honor of Pace’s former Head Start Director who worked within the program for over 40 years. Annually, since 2010, Pace has allotted funds to provide at least two scholarships for graduating high school seniors that were previously in our Head Start program. Pace congratulates the 2025 Judith K. Bobe Scholarship recipients; Ava Biggerstaff and Kayleen Arriaza.

Ava Biggerstaff from Bloomfield High School plans to pursue her studies in Radiologic and Imaging Sciences while attending the University of Southern Indiana.
Kayleen Arriaza from Washington Catholic High School plans to attend the University of Southern Indiana, while pursuing her degree as a Dental Hygienist.

Recipients each received a $500 scholarship to help with their educational expenses. Pace’s Chief Executive Officer, Tai Blythe states, “Our Head Start Program not only prepares students for kindergarten but prepares families for college. The impacts of Head Start are lasting for children and families.”

Former Head Start students from Daviess, Greene, Knox and Sullivan Counties are encouraged to apply for scholarships next year. For more information about Pace programs and services, call (812) 882-7927 or visit us at www.pacecaa.org.

We Educate, Empower and Improve through organized steps at a personalized pace!

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Hannah Shields 5/8/25 Hannah Shields 5/8/25

Pace Community Action Agency to Hold Virtual Board of Directors’ Meeting

The Board of Directors of Pace Community Action Agency will hold their bi-monthly Board meeting on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. virtually. If the public would like to join the online meeting, contact Hannah Shields at hshields@pacecaa.org for information to access the meeting.

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Jill Vieck 4/29/25 Jill Vieck 4/29/25

Pace Community Action Agency, INC. Pace Holiday Closing Notice

Pace Community Action Agency, Inc. will be closed on Tuesday, May 6th in observance of a Mental Health Day. Offices will resume normal operating hours on Wednesday, May 7th.

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We Educate, Empower and Improve through organized steps at a personalized pace!

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Hannah Shields 4/16/25 Hannah Shields 4/16/25

Pace Accepting Nominations to fill Sullivan County Board Vacancy

Pace Community Action Agency, Inc. is now accepting nominations for 1 Low-income Sector Representative in Sullivan County to fill a vacancy on our Board of Directors. Nomination forms can be obtained and returned through email to hshields@pacecaa.org. The final day to accept nominations will be Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

Persons 18 years of age and over who reside in Sullivan County are eligible to fill this vacancy. Nominations cannot be employees or immediate family members of a Pace employee.

A ballot will be developed and issued from nominations received, and only low-income persons residing in Sullivan County who qualify under Federal Poverty Guidelines may participate in the election which will end at 4:30 on Monday, May 12, 2025.

Persons wishing further information regarding the nomination process or election should contact Hannah Shields at 812-882-7927, extension 1202.

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Jill Vieck 4/11/25 Jill Vieck 4/11/25

Pace Community Action Agency, INC. Pace Holiday Closing Notice

Pace Community Action Agency, Inc. will be closed on Friday, April 18th in observance of Good Friday. Offices will resume normal operating hours on Monday, April 21st.

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We Educate, Empower and Improve through organized steps at a personalized pace!

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Cherrie Farmer 4/1/25 Cherrie Farmer 4/1/25

Boys & Beyond Summer Camp Applications Now Available

Pace Community Action Agency is accepting applications for their Boys and Beyond

weeklong Summer Camp. The program runs from June 9 through June 13, 2025, beginning

at 8:00 a.m. and ending at noon with lunch included.

The Boys & Beyond programming has provided opportunities for over 90 boys since 2015.

This innovative and interactive program for young boys consists of positive male role models

teaching skills such as focused team building, life-skills training, relationships skills, and

leadership development. Topics such as financial literacy, technology, health and wellness,

and social skills are taught during the duration of the program with incentives being provided

to complement the lessons. This program is supported by our annual golf scramble being

held on May 9th at Country Oaks golf course.

Applications are currently being accepted for boys in the 4th and 5th grade living in Daviess,

Greene, Knox, and Sullivan County. Applications are due by May 28th. There is no cost for

participation and no income requirements. The camp will be offered at our main offices,

located at 525 N. 4th Street in Vincennes. Transportation is not provided, but mileage

reimbursement may be offered.

Tai Blythe, Pace CEO, stated, “Boys and Beyond is a great program for the entire

community. By using volunteers, we are able to ensure the boys are exposed to wide variety

of activities. Often the boys are a little timid on the first day and by the end of the week they

are asking when they can come back and volunteer.” Applications can be downloaded from

the Pace website at www.pacecaa.org.

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All services are provided without regard to race, age, color, religion, sex, disability, national origin, ancestry, familial status, or

status as a veteran.

We Educate, Empower and Improve through organized steps at a personalized pace!

Hannah Shields 3/24/25 Hannah Shields 3/24/25

Pace Community Action Agency, Inc. Holds Board of Director’s Meeting

Pace Community Action Agency’s Board of Directors meeting was held via Zoom at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 20th with President Greg Jones presiding.

Reports were presented by Tai Blythe, CEO; Liann Smith, CFO; Carla Gambill, VP of Finance; and Jeremy Wimmenauer, VP of Planning & Development. The board approved programming and funding requests as well as discussed outcomes.

Pace’s next regular Board of Directors’ meeting will be held virtually on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 6:00 pm.

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We Educate, Empower and Improve through organized steps at a personalized pace!

Hannah Shields 3/20/25 Hannah Shields 3/20/25

Pace Community Action Agency Virtual Board Meeting Agenda

Click on Agenda to access the March 20, 2025 Agenda.

Cherrie Farmer 3/18/25 Cherrie Farmer 3/18/25

Breaking Barriers to Healthcare: Health Connection Offers Confidential and Affordable Reproductive Services

Health Connection staff are dedicated to providing comprehensive sexual reproductive health care (SRH) and contraception services to all reproductive-age individuals, regardless of income or insurance status. Special efforts are made to reach uninsured, underinsured, high-risk, and low-income individuals. Anyone can receive services regardless of age, sex, marital status, religion, race, ethnicity, color, creed, handicap, or childbearing history. With a strong commitment to privacy and confidentiality, adolescent services are offered without requiring parental or guardian consent, ensuring that young individuals can access the health care they need.

Health Connection operates on a sliding scale fee based on household income level and household size, making essential healthcare accessible to everyone. We offer a welcoming, respectful environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging and safety.

All services are confidential and voluntary. Health Connection provides a wide range of services:

· Family Planning Services for individuals of reproductive age seeking to manage their reproductive health

· Adolescent services, education, and counseling

· Physical assessments

· Breast and cervical screenings and other health issues

· Medically approved family planning methods, including hormonal and non-hormonal options

· Pregnancy testing and counseling

· Basic infertility and preconception services

· PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) assessment

· Screening, diagnosis, and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV

· Condom distribution

· Individual and group education

Family planning methods available include:

· Natural Family Planning Methods

· Male and female condoms

· Diaphragms

· Emergency contraception

· Hormonal injections

· Long-acting reversible contraceptive methods (LARCs) such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and hormonal implants

· Oral contraceptives, patches, and vaginal rings

· Spermicides, including sponges and vaginal films

We are committed to improving the health and well-being of our community by providing accessible, affordable, and evidence-based care. To learn more about our services, meet our providers, or find the nearest clinic, please visit www.pacecaa.org/health-connection or watch our short video https://youtu.be/JVXln38dnHk.

For more details or to schedule an educational session or outreach event, please contact us. We look forward to working together to enhance healthcare access and improve lives in our local communities.

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This was supported by the by Indiana Family Health Council, Inc. (IFHC), as part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), U.S. DHHS, PHS Title X Family Planning Project, and ISDH/MCH Family Planning grants as part of a financial assistance award totaling approximately $950,000 with 90% funded by IFHC and approximately $110,000 amount and 10% funded by nongovernment source(s). The contents are those of the author (s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by IFHC/OASH/HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit Health Connection’s website.

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Cherrie Farmer 3/17/25 Cherrie Farmer 3/17/25

Proctor Inducted into National Community Action Hall of Fame

Pace’s retired CEO, Dr. Bertha Proctor, was inducted into the National Community Action Hall of Fame last week in Washington, DC. Bertha championed Community Action for 27 years, leading Pace with innovation, direction, and a willingness to disrupt the status quo. This prestigious honor is awarded to those who have strengthened and inspired the Community Action movement by making lasting change.

Current Pace CEO, Tai Blythe, said, “When looking at the legacy someone leaves, Bertha crushed it. She transformed the corporate culture of Pace. She invested in individuals by helping them, challenging them, and holding them accountable. Her impacts did not leave when she left. Bertha prepared the agency and staff to continue her tradition of excellence.”

Pace created a social enterprise in 2008 long before others were realizing the benefits of using this model. Finding creative ways to utilize technology, Pace increased program efficiency and strengthened compliance. On a national level, Bertha served as the chair of the CAPLAW board. With Pace’s C-corp, WiseCAP Training and Consulting, Bertha and Tai trained thousands of CAA leaders, staff, and board members in 28 states and provided keynote addresses at several national conferences.

Under Bertha’s leadership, in 2012 Pace won the Protégé of the Year from the National Community Action Partnership. Bertha was named the Chamber of Commerce 2015 Woman in Business Award Winner. 2023 saw Pace winning the state’s Red Carpet Award.

During COVID, food insecurity was an issue AND local restaurants were struggling. To address these problems, Bertha created a Family Meals Program that partnered with local restaurants to provide already prepared hot meals to families in need. She also created and implemented the popular Boys and Beyond program Pace holds for boys in the 4th and 5th grade.

We are thrilled to celebrate Bertha by continuing what we have done for 60 years… provide quality services to improve the community and encourage self-reliance. For more information about Pace and its ongoing initiatives, please visit www.pacecaa.org.

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