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Our Story
1990
The Youth Development Center (YDC) was founded in 1990 by a group of individuals, including business people and community leaders, who deeply cared for the development of adolescents in Winchester, Frederick and Clarke County. Later, Tom and Sheila Baker donated their home and three acres of land to complete a three building campus site.
1992
The YDC Board of Directors was expanded.
1995
The Gerald F. Smith Building was dedicated on December 3, 1995.
1996
The first High School Dance was held in January 1996.
A goal of $1,455,000 was established to allow for construction of an office building, renovation of the Baker House, and construction of the activities building. Three acres of land were donated by the O'Sullivan Corporation, expanding the campus to 6 acres- 3 acres each in the city of Winchester and Frederick County. Donations were solicited and received from individuals, businesses, civic groups, youth groups, schools, churches, and government agencies. Additional donations were sought for the beginnings of a future endowment fund.
2003
2006
By 2003 the Youth Activity Building was being fully used and a new campaign began to expand the facility.
$1.6 Million was raised and the new Dave and Kathy Holliday Annex was dedicated in November of 2006.
TODAY
The Youth Development Center has entered an exciting new chapter with our move to our new home in the heart of downtown Winchester at 302 S. Loudoun Street. After more than three decades of serving families, this relocation places the YDC at the center of the community we exist to support, making our programs more visible, accessible, and connected than ever before. This historic space allows us to expand our offerings, welcome new partnerships, and open our doors wider to youth and families seeking opportunity, support, and belonging. Our move is more than a change of address; it’s a renewed commitment to being a cornerstone of downtown and a place where the next generation can learn, grow, and thrive.