Have you ever heard the saying: “Children should be SEEN and not HEARD”? Well… not at GAD Youth Center! Here, we believe our youth have so much to offer—and when given the opportunity, they step up and rise to the occasion. As part of GAD’s Health and Wellness Program, our youth are learning that community service isn’t just about giving back—it’s about becoming valuable members of the community. On July 23, 2025, we visited the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank. After learni

Summer is ending and school has started. As the staff and I reflect on the success of our summer pilot workshops, we take this moment to thank everyone who supported us. As a result of our community support and donations, GAD offered 5 FREE workshops in the month of July. The Importance of Fatherhood conducted by Dr. Terrance Sanders, A Father’s Legacy CPR/AED Training conducted by Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation Field Trip to Spotsylvania Fire, Rescue, & Emergency Management, Fi

At GAD Youth Center, we believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to explore their passions, discover their strengths, and visualize a future filled with purpose. That’s exactly what our Career Assessment program is designed to do—help youth navigate their potential and connect it to real-world experiences. Recently, during one of our pilot Career Assessment workshops, some teens expressed a strong interest in pursuing careers as firefighters. We saw this as mo

On Thursday, August 14, 2025, members of the GAD Youth Center team had the privilege of volunteering alongside Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation to support their fundraising efforts. Together, we operated one of the concession stands at a Fredericksburg National baseball game—two organizations with missions to educate, joining forces for a great cause. We had so much fun meeting, chatting, and serving guests. It was an evening filled with teamwork, laughter, and purpose. A heartfelt

On August 5, 2025, youth from GAD Youth Center teamed up with Pastor Rick White, Sabrina White, Hospitality Overseer, and members of Victorious Believers Community Church (VBCC) to make a difference — not just with supplies, but with love, intention, and purpose. Together, they helped deliver backpacks and essential school supplies donated by VBCC to Mary’s Shelter VA, a safe haven for women and children in need. Our youth didn’t just lend a hand — they showed what it means

The mission of GAD Youth Center is “REBUILDING and REDEFINING the village it takes to raise the next generations.” On Wednesday, July 9th, that mission came alive. Dr. Terrance J. Sanders of A Fathers Legacy, Incorporated poured into our young men with a powerful and heartfelt message on “The Importance of Fatherhood.” His presence, his story, and his wisdom made a lasting impact. Thank you, Terrance, for strengthening our village and planting seeds that will grow for years t

The Comeback of Cursive: Teaching Teens the Power of Their Signature** In 2010, cursive writing was removed from many school curriculums across the country. Once considered a foundational skill, it quietly faded from the classroom to make room for keyboarding and technology-based instruction. But at GAD Youth Center, we believe that some skills are too valuable to be lost. Last week, during two impromptu 30-minute sessions, our teens (ages 11–15) participated in a special wor

Watching the amazing Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation in action during GAD’s CPR/AED Workshop was nothing short of inspiring. On July 16, 2025. we witnessed dedication, determination, and purpose as our youth and volunteers worked side by side to master essential life-saving skills. Their commitment reminds us that preparedness and courage can truly make a difference when it matters most. From the bottom of our hearts, we extend our sincerest thanks to the Griffin family and the man

Joseph Business School (JBS) is where faith meets strategy and vision becomes execution—and I was honored to share my journey as an alumni panelist during the recent Entrepreneurship Program Information Session on Saturday, June 21st. I had the privilege of speaking alongside Pastor Arthur Thomas, Lead Advisor for the JBS Online Program, and David Ramseur, Dean of Campus Programs. Together, we discussed how JBS continues to empower entrepreneurs through a curriculum rooted in

I will never grow tired of sharing the heart and soul behind GAD Youth Center—because it’s not just a youth program. It’s a powerful movement. A mission with purpose. A promise to rebuild the village and uplift teens during the most pivotal years of their lives. A heartfelt thank you to Dori and the phenomenal team at FXBG Neighbors Podcast for giving us the platform to share the who, what, and why of GAD Youth Center. It was an absolute honor to spotlight how we’re empowerin

Dear Friends, On Thursday, March 21, 2025, I had the incredible honor of being recognized as one of the five Community Trailblazers at the 2025 EmpowerHer Summit. I was truly humbled to stand alongside such inspiring women: Tammy Reid, Brittany Chiang, PMP, ICF, ACC, Kimberly Young, ED.D, MBA, MMH, Monica Owens, and Susan Spears. This meaningful event was made possible by Global Women Trailblazers and A&B Creative Event Center. I send special thanks to Latashia Brooks, Glo

Volunteering at the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 4th Intern Expo on February 5, 2025, was an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding experience. It was inspiring to witness so many eager and talented students prepare to take the next step in their careers. A special shout-out to the amazing staff at GAD for their invaluable support in conducting Mock Interviews, guiding the students with professionalism and expertise. Thanks to Gary Burton, Administrative Direct

GAD’s CEO, Arline Gause, spent time volunteering at an event aimed to empower youth in our region. On November 6, 2024, the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted a Mock Interview Day at the Fredericksburg Nationals Stadium. This event, designed to provide high school and college students with invaluable practice in honing their interview skills, hosted students from high schools in Planning District 16 (Spotsylvania, Caroline, King George, Stafford, and Frederick

On Wednesday, October 16, 2024, GAD CEO, Arline Gause attended a special luncheon in memory of Cathy Davis, an extraordinary leader in our community whose tireless efforts and support of many local nonprofit organizations has benefited women for generations. Her legacy continues. This year’s event, recognized Susan Coleman as the recipient of the 2024 Woman of Influence Award. Susan, a professional Executive Life Coach, empowers women to embrace transformation and change in t

It was indeed a humbling experience and we’re happy to report that GAD Youth Center was awarded 1st Prize ($2,300) as well as the prize for Audience Pick ($500). https://www.score.org/centralvirginia/resource/blog-post/score-central-virginia-hosts-successful-pitch-summit-empowering?sfnsn=mo Congratulations to all the winners as well as the entrepreneurs selected as the top 10 finalists. GAD’s mission of “REBUILDING and REDEFINING the VILLAGE it takes to raise a child” was i

GAD Youth Center’s mission is to “REBUILD and REDEFINE the village it will take to raise the next generations”. Exemplifying that mission, Arline Gause, GAD’s Founder and CEO, attended the Chamber’s Network of Enterprising Women (CNEW) Non-profit and Small Business Fair held at the Fredericksburg Country Club on September 12, 2024. CNEW offers business owners opportunities to network and build relationships at quarterly functions designed to inspire and empower women at all l

On July 26, 2024, GAD’s CEO Arline Gause attended the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce’s Network at Nite. It was a time to network, celebrate Christmas in July, wear our favorite Christmas outfits, meet and collaborate with other business entrepreneurs while our families and guests enjoyed the activities. As you can see, Arline didn’t miss a chance to get a head start on Christmas by sharing GAD’s Christmas wish list with SANTA! ! ! Thanks to the Chamber and Danny Glover of

On July 17, 2024, GAD joined the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce. Welcome to the Chamber!! Hanging with some of our LEADSHARE Group members at the Chamber’s August 2024 Membership Meeting

On March 22, 2024, GAD competed in the Annual Business & Leadership Conference (BLC) Pitch Competition in Forest Park, Illinois. This event was hosted by the Joseph Business School of Living Word Christian Center. With Over 108 entries submitted in Round 1, GAD Youth Center secured one of the top 10 invitations to compete in Round 2. This involved a 3-minute live presentation before 3 judges. Upon final scoring, the judges awarded GAD Youth Center 3rd Place and a cash prize o