Building the Village: GAD Youth Center Fills Critical Gap for Local Teens
In a world where youth programs often abandon children after age 12, Arline Gause saw a problem that demanded a solution. Her answer? GAD Youth Center, a faith-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting the often-overlooked teenage years when young people need guidance most.
"GAD is dedicated to bridging a critical gap in support services for families with youth ages 12-16, a time when many support services cease to accept youth after age 12," explains Gause, the organization's founder and CEO. This transitional period, she notes, presents unique challenges as teens face mounting social, emotional, and academic pressures while existing support systems disappear.
A Mission Born from Military Life
Gause's inspiration for GAD Youth Center stems from her personal journey as a military wife, witnessing firsthand the inconsistencies in youth support across different communities.
"Relocating every three years exposed us to the wide disparities in education systems and the noticeable lack of consistent support for youth—especially those between the ages of 12 and 16," she reflects.
The military lifestyle took the Gause family on extraordinary adventures—from living 10 miles from the Korean DMZ to weathering a volcanic eruption in Alaska, surviving Hurricane Iniki in Hawaii, and experiencing the 1989 San Francisco earthquake at the Presidio. Through each relocation, Gause observed how some communities thrived in supporting their youth while others left critical gaps unfilled.
"Time and again, I witnessed young people struggle to find stability, mentorship, and a safe space to grow during these formative years," Gause recalls. Her own children's success served as a powerful reminder of what's possible when young people have proper support. "As I look at the success of our two children, they remind me that it was the 'village' that their father and I created around them that helped them navigate life and become who they are today."
More Than an Acronym
GAD stands for "Generations AD – in the Year of Our Lord," reflecting the organization's faith-based foundation and belief that each generation serves a divine purpose. Incorporated in January 2023 and receiving 501(c)(3) status in March 2024, the organization operates on a powerful philosophy: strong generations begin with strong families.
"At GAD, we believe that in order to build strong, purpose-driven generations, we must first restore and strengthen the family foundation," Gause explains. The organization's mission is elegantly simple yet profound: to "REBUILD and REDEFINE the village it will take to raise the next generations."
This philosophy draws inspiration from W.E.B. DuBois, whose words resonate deeply with GAD's approach: "A system of education is not one thing, nor does it have a single definite object, nor is it a mere matter of schools. Education is that whole system of human training within and without the school house walls, which molds and develops men."
Comprehensive Support for Critical Years
GAD offers six key programs designed to address the multifaceted needs of teenagers: Academic Support, Career Assessment, College Prep, Culinary & Kitchen Skills, Life Skills Training, and Health and Wellness. Through these programs and job shadowing opportunities, youth gain crucial insight into their post-graduation options, whether college, trade school, or entering the workforce directly.
Each participant creates an Individual Development Plan (IDP) serving as a personalized roadmap for achieving their goals. This comprehensive approach ensures that teens aren't just surviving their transitional years—they're thriving and building foundations for successful futures.
The need is undeniable. GAD targets an initial audience of 306 students from Chancellor Middle, Chancellor High, Battlefield Middle, and Riverbend High Schools within the Spotsylvania County Public School District. This represents 9.5% of the 3,271 students currently enrolled in grades 6-10. Perhaps most telling is that "each year, over 500 youth are turned away from local youth and summer programs due to age limits and available slots, creating a critical gap in support."
Purpose in Action
For Gause, leading GAD Youth Center represents more than professional fulfillment—it's personal mission.
"What I enjoy most is living my purpose—knowing that I'm making a real difference and being part of the solution," she shares. "This work is deeply personal to me; it's not just what I do, it's who I am."
Her ultimate vision extends beyond immediate impact to generational change. "My greatest inspiration is the desire to see the next generation thrive. I want young people to grow up feeling seen, supported, and empowered—especially during the critical years that shape who they become."
The long-term goal is beautifully ambitious: creating young adults who will "look back on Spotsylvania County as a place where they were wrapped in love and uplifted by community" and ultimately "return, plant roots, and raise their own families here."
Building the Future
While GAD continues searching for a permanent location, the organization remains committed to its mission with support from local partners. Summer 2026 will bring a series of dynamic youth workshops focused on building confidence, life skills, and purpose.
As Gause emphasizes, "It truly takes a village!" Community members can learn more and get involved by visiting www.gad-youth.com, where they can sign up for volunteer opportunities and join GAD's mission to empower youth toward prosperous, purpose-driven lives.
In an era when many institutions have failed to adequately support teenagers during their most formative years, GAD Youth Center stands as proof that one person's vision, combined with community support, can rebuild the village our young people need to ensure they succeed.
