Meet Gaia Community Outreach, Inc | Co-Founders
We had the good fortune of connecting with Gaia Community Outreach, Inc and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Gaia Community Outreach, Inc, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
We were both psychology majors in the undergrad program at Reinhardt University, and we’ve been friends ever since. Prior to our official launch in July 2024, we were both working on our own respective businesses. Thaysa was working on developing a plan for an after-school program for children and adolescents. I was working on an idea for an agency that provides information and resources to the community. Thaysa wanted to address micro-level issues in mental health through preventative life skills education in her after-school program. I wanted to address micro- and macro- level issues through psychoeducation and linkage to community resources. When we were discussing our ideas, it just clicked. Why are we doing this on our own, we can come together and have a broader reach? From that point forward, we joined forces. Thus, Gaia Community Outreach was born.
The purpose of GAIA community outreach is to connect individuals to resources that are relevant to their needs (i.e., housing, clothing, food, etc.) and providing preventative care to youth and community members through life skills education (LSE). Gaia Community Outreach Nonprofit is structured as an umbrella company home to two departments with focused goals. Your Mind Grows (YMG) is responsible for the LSE after school program and Rebirth is responsible for community events/outreach. Our after-school life skills education program will be hosted out of various middle schools and high schools in the surrounding Atlanta area. The curriculum for the after-school program includes (but is not limited to) psychoeducation, clinical interventions focused on emotion/nervous system regulation, group therapy style analysis, mindfulness practices, and opportunities for community, volunteering, and connection. Rebirth provides community resource accessibility that will mainly take place by hosting weekly community events that include but are not limited to: psychoeducation (coping skills, stress management, seminars, etc.), free meals/pantry items, sponsorship Booths (public service agencies operating within the community), blessing Bags (care packages for those who are unhoused), mobile shower units, clothing drives, and health centered activity booths. Our mission statement is “Providing resources to empower you to Nurture YOUR Best Self.” We believe that by fostering a community with a strong foundation in helping and caring for one another, will contribute to a more compassionate social ecosystem.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Dejane earned a B.S. in psychology and sociology (with a minor in social science research), and a M.S. in clinical mental health counseling. She is also licensed as a LAPC in Georgia, and a LMHCA in Washington State. Thaysa earned a B.S. in psychology, and certified in cognitive behavioral therapy. We both have combined experience of at least 5 years in the mental health industry, and hands-on experience in the public service industry specifically.
Gaia community outreach is dedicated to empowering every individual we encounter. Life is a challenge for all of us no matter the circumstances. At Gaia, we provide information to anyone (regardless of status) on existing public services and assistance on how to navigate them. What sets us apart from others is our emphasis on fostering resilience and autonomy through community and collaboration. With Rebirth, our mission is to empower people to develop their own network of resources that are relevant to their own individualized needs, by connecting them to social enterprises that already exist in the community. As mental health professionals, a common issue that we would come across is people expressing their frustration in navigating the mental health industry. Frustrations span anywhere from lack of awareness of resources or not being able to afford services. We want to foster cohesion and collaboration with existing public service agencies in Georgia as well as connect high-risk populations to the abundance of relevant resources in Georgia.
Your Mind Grows is dedicated to providing the knowledge and space for mental health management and life skills education. Childhood and adolescence is a volatile period in human life span development. LSE in schools have been shown to improve self-esteem, perception of coping skills, social development, critical thinking abilities, social/emotional adjustment, and foster prosocial behaviors. Here we introduce topics including but not limited to, healthy boundaries, nervous system regulation, interview and job prep, emotional identification and expression, gardening and more. The afterschool program is focused on youth education but also provides workshops that are open to all to benefit communities at every level. With YMG, we want to address mental health concerns in our youth through preventative care. We want to teach them skills and tools to help mitigate the impact of adverse life experiences.
Getting to where we are today was not easy by any means. Heck, we just got started! The most important factor behind the success of our brand is our mindset and our mission. We serve ourselves by serving the community. Our goal starts and ends with improving lives–even if it’s just one. Remarkably, we’ve far exceeded our initial goals, and every day we add even one more success to the list that contributes to the individual’s growth, their social connections, and their broader impact on the world. Our continued success stems from staying focused on this mission and adapting to meet the evolving needs of those we serve.
We overcame our challenges by not giving up and taking risks. Giving up is not an option. We are both so dedicated and passionate about the necessity and positive impact of Gaia in communities. We are both minority women, who put ourselves through college, care for our families. We fight the adversity we face with emotional awareness and a growth mindset. Our confidence comes from the fact that our “we’ll figure it out” mentality has yet to fail us. Although the journey is tough, and full of pivots, it is worth it and made easier with true partnership. There is no risk big enough that would outweigh the benefits of having our nonprofit actively supporting communities across the state and ideally across the world.
The best things in life often come when you take risks. The greatest risk would be giving up, or not trying at all. Risk is a necessary part of growth, both personally and professionally. Calculated risk-taking can open doors to new opportunities and innovations. When we started Gaia we had a vision, but we knew that there were no guarantees for success. We’re taking a risk by innovating programs like Your Mind Grows and Rebirth. There is a risk that our community may not embrace either of the programs, or that the resources we invested in might not yield the immediate results we hoped for. But we believe the best way to heal and foster growth in the community is needed beyond traditional education. In the nonprofit sector, resources are limited, but the impact is extremely significant. We approach risk with a mindset rooted in informed confidence. We have a deep belief in the value of our work, our ability to execute it, and our determination to see it through. With careful attention to detail and unwavering commitment, we know that anything is achievable. By taking these risks, we aim to create lasting change and provide meaningful resources to the community, ensuring that we meet both immediate needs and long-term growth.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One of the things that I love most about Atlanta is that there is so much to choose from! Monday, we’d hit R&B Monday at the Greenhaus Rooftop at Suite Lounge. Tuesday, we’d go to The Real Milk and Honey in college park and get some mimosas, honey butter biscuits, and their blackened salmon and grits. Tuesday night, we’d go to “One Knight Only” at Our Bar ATL on Edgewood. It’s a really fun open mic comedy show hosted by Lauren Knight. Wednesday, we’d go to the happy hour at STK, and then go to Rose and Rye Rooftop lounge for their craft cocktails and beautiful views. Thursday, we’re going to head to The Roof at Ponce City Market for games, rides, and then some shopping. Later that night, we’ll hit up the R&B happy hour at Sidebar and sing the rest of the night away. Friday night, we’ll head to the James Room speakeasy for some craft cocktails and small bites. Saturday we might go to one of my favorite outdoor excursions at the Cascade Nature Preserve and have lunch on top of the waterfall. Sunday, we’ll end her last day by going to brunch at Whiskey Mistress.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We would like to thank everyone who has supported and pushed us forward this far. We appreciate all of the positive words and affirmations. It definitely lights a fire in us, and keeps us going.
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