In honor of Kaden Goss

Building Purpose.
Building Leaders.

We walk beside young adults through the years that shape the rest of their lives, with mentorship, real-world skills and a community that shows up.

Kaden Goss
Our Story

Honoring Kaden's Legacy

Kaden Goss was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. He lit up every room he walked into. He was competitive at the pool table, at home in the outdoors and a proud Sooner at the University of Oklahoma. He loved fishing, hunting and, more than anything, being around people.

When Kaden passed away far too young, his family chose to turn that loss into something that lasts. The KADEN Initiative invests in young adults like Kaden: figuring out who they are and where they're going.

Kaden would have loved this. That's why we're here.

  • Walk beside. We meet people where they are.
  • Hands on. Skills stick when you learn by doing.
  • Accountability without judgment. We hold a high bar because we care.
  • Faith as a foundation. Purpose comes from something bigger than ourselves.
  • Community over isolation. No one figures it out alone.
What We Do

Three Pillars of Growth

The early adult years are when life gets real. That's when a steady mentor, a useful skill and a solid community can change everything.

Mentorship

Every participant is paired with a dedicated mentor for weekly check-ins, goal-setting and accountability. No one walks this road alone.

Skills That Matter

Hands-on workshops taught by people who do this for a living. Every workshop leads somewhere: a new skill, a new connection or an internship.

Community & Belonging

Golf tournaments, fishing trips and leadership retreats. We build bonds that last through shared experience.

How the program works

  1. 1
    Assess

    Find your strengths and get matched with a mentor.

  2. 2
    Build a foundation

    Hands-on training plus financial literacy.

  3. 3
    Placement

    Apprenticeships and job shadowing with local businesses.

  4. 4
    Benchmarks

    Certifications and a portfolio that proves your skills.

  5. 5
    Give back

    Graduates return as mentors for the next group.

Career Tracks & Life Skills

Building TradesElectrical, plumbing, welding, woodworking
AutomotiveDiagnostics, repair, body work
Landscaping & OutdoorsGrounds, site design, outdoor skills
Culinary & HospitalityCooking, catering, restaurant basics
Digital Tech & AISoftware, AI tools, media
Business & FinanceBudgeting, P&L, starting a business
Leadership & SpeakingPublic speaking, leading a team
Life SkillsTime management, goal-setting

Every track leads somewhere real: an apprenticeship, a job or a business of your own.

Ready to join?

Open to young adults in the Fort Worth/TCU and Norman/OU areas. The program is completely free for every participant.

Our Fight

Ending the Legal Sale of Kratom

Kratom is sold legally across much of the United States in gas stations, smoke shops and online, often marketed as a natural, harmless supplement. It isn't. The FDA has not approved kratom for any medical use and has warned consumers not to use it.

Too many families learn about kratom's dangers the hardest way possible. We're working to change that, so that no other family has to go through what ours has.

Raise awareness

Educating young adults, parents and communities about what kratom is and the risks it carries.

Share the facts

Putting clear, honest information in front of the people most likely to be targeted by its marketing.

Push for change

Standing with families and advocates working to remove kratom from store shelves nationwide.

Come Be Part of It

Events

Annual Fundraiser

Golf Tournament

Teams of four, prizes, food and a full day supporting the mission.

Signature Event

Pool Tournament

Kaden loved billiards. This one's personal, and open to every skill level.

Outdoors

Fishing & Hunting Trips

Getting outdoors builds bonds that don't form in a classroom.

Leadership

Leadership Retreats

A weekend of building skills, character and faith.

Social

Community Nights

Movie nights, bowling and rodeo outings. Bring your crew.

Full events calendar coming soon.

This Takes All of Us

Get Involved

Partner With Us

Host an apprentice, or hire a KADEN crew for catering, landscaping or maintenance work.

Become a Mentor

Give a couple of check-ins a month and help a young adult find their path.

Fund Tools & Equipment

Sponsor a toolkit, training equipment or a participant's training.

Contact Us to Get Involved

The People Behind the Mission

The Goss family
The Goss family
JG
Joey GossKaden's Father

A trailblazer and the patriarch of the Goss family. Over 30 years building homes and building people in Fort Worth as founder of Cheldan Homes.

KG
Kayemille GossKaden's Mother

The heart behind the mission, shaping the program's vision and community outreach.

CM
Chad McCartyMentorship Director

Leads the mentorship program and mentor accountability.

DG
Danton GossKaden's Brother

The mentorship mission is closest to Danton's heart. He helps run day-to-day operations so every participant gets the support they need.

CB
Chelsea BrownKaden's Sister

Helps lead our fight against kratom, driven by a deep compassion for people and the families who love them.