May 2026 Newsletter
As many of you know, this year is largely dedicated to program and business plan development for Cedar Refuge.
That also means we get to focus on one very exciting part of the process: tours!
In between building out plans and next steps, we are visiting programs, ranches, and regenerative farms that operate with similar models and values to what we are building toward. Getting to learn from people who are already doing this work has been incredibly valuable as we continue shaping the vision and practical foundation of Cedar Refuge.
The Rockside Ranch Tour
Rockside Ranch was such a blessing to visit. They run a residential healing program for men recovering from crisis, addiction, trauma, and more, all while operating a regenerative farm.
Watch Tour Highlight Here
Seeing a model so closely aligned with the heart behind Cedar Refuge was deeply inspiring.
They also operate a bakery and butcher shop. A store front is part of our own 10-year vision for Cedar Refuge. These businesses help fund their mission while giving the men in their program meaningful work experience in a mentored, healing environment.
What they have built is truly special.
They invited us to join their community night, where we were able to meet the men in the program, the staff, and even some of their four-legged friends. We left feeling encouraged, inspired, and even more excited for what is ahead.
It also stirred in us a deep longing for our own community nights - one day evenings where everyone comes together simply to enjoy one another, share a meal, and celebrate the healing taking place.
Thank you so much to the Rockside team for welcoming us, sharing your hearts with us, and letting us experience a glimpse of your beautiful community!
Upcoming Tours
In early June, we are very excited to tour Hope Refuge, a short-term residential facility in California for teen girls who have experienced sex trafficking. This program is highly supported by the state, and we are eager to learn more about their grounds, program structure, and daily operations.
On the same trip, we will also be touring Apricot Lane Farms. If you have seen the documentary The Biggest Little Farm, that is where we are headed! We are very excited to see the farm in person and learn from those working it.
A big part of the Cedar Refuge vision is to one day operate an organic, regenerative farm. We have been inspired by The Biggest Little Farm as well as Polyface Farms and Joel Salatin, also known as “The Lunatic Farmer.” We hope to tour Polyface later this year as well.
We will be “killing two birds with one stone” by touring both the girls’ program and the farm on this trip. We are so excited to learn from both and apply what we discover to our program and business plan development.
Fast Updates
We recently received a complimentary fundraising audit from a nonprofit fundraising consultant. Cedar Refuge scored above average on all markers and received strong projections, along with helpful advice and encouragement for the next 12 months.
Our licensing journey is moving forward, and we currently have two viable routes we are prayerfully considering. After speaking with several licensed facilities in the state, we believe we have identified the most appropriate licensing path for Cedar Refuge. We have one more orientation next month to make sure we fully understand all available options before making a final decision.
We are developing a master development schedule to help map out focus areas, timelines, and tasks for ourselves, volunteers, and future interns.
On the property front, we learned after talking with the realtor and owners that we need money in the bank before we are able to tour the property - unless you happen to have a helicopter… in which case, hit us up. This puts us in a unique position, since part of our planning involves zoning conversations and mapping out the program around a future property. But we are trusting the Lord with every detail and know it will work out.
Watching God Prepare the Way
More than anything, we continue to see God preparing the way for Cedar Refuge.
Step by step, conversation by conversation, and open door by open door (and closed doors!), He is allowing us to learn, grow, and build with wisdom. We are so blessed to watch this unfold, and we are deeply grateful for each of you who continue to pray, encourage, give, and walk with us in this mission.
With gratitude,
Steven and Brandyn Gipe
Founders & Executive Directors