November 2025
You may ask me for anything in my name,
and I will do it.
John 14:14
How We Got Here
Steven and I met while working as residential care staff with at-risk youth and teen girls recovering from sex trafficking. For years, we each served in places that opened our eyes to the realities of child trafficking, how it devastates their lives, and the broken cycles that follow. We both felt a deep calling to this issue and knew that one day we would take action.
*Trigger Warning*
In 2022, we learned of a case involving a six year old girl... yes, only six...and we were suddenly faced with the question,...
"...Where does a young child go?"
The existing programs we knew of were structured to only serve adolescent girls, but what about the younger children... what about boys? We discovered that there are two critical gaps in care...
...there are currently ZERO dedicated long-term residential healing programs specific to boys or children under 10 years oldwho have been trafficked for sex in the United States.
Deeply moved by the issue, we felt called to act, and Cedar Refuge was born!
What We Are Building
We are committed to building a long-term residential safe haven where children under 12 and teenage boys up to 18 can heal from trauma, regain their sense of childhood, and develop life skills in a supportive, loving environment.
Our plan is to raise funds to acquire a large remote property in the mountains where kids can learn to be kids in a safe farm-like setting, where agriculture and animal care are an integral part. Hiking, fishing, camping, sports, and equine-assisted therapy will be the new norm for these children rebuilding their lives, in addition to their main healing program consisting of trauma-informed therapy, education, life skills, and more.
Cedar Refuge will operate two distinct programs:
1. The Boys Program:Serving adolescent boys ages 12 to 18, with 24/7 rotational staff and a strong focus on holistic care to equip them for bright, hope-filled futures.
2. The Family Program:Serving boys and girls under 12years old who will have live-in house parents that replicate the structure of long-term foster care, allowing us to keep sibling units together when applicable.
To our knowledge, the program structure we are developing will be the first of its kind in the United States serving this population. We are excited to meet this significant need in restorative care for this underserved group of children.
Our Plan and Vision Overview
How You Can Help
Our biggest need right now is truly prayer. We are tackling a massive issue that lives in darkness, and knowing that people have our backs in prayer impacts us more than you know.
The next need would be monthly donors! Monthly donations create revenue that we can rely on to support various expenses that arise, such as events and marketing materials, that set us up to pursue large donations with excellence for upcoming phases. Join us by giving monthly if you're able!
Next, spread the word! Tell your friends about what we are doing and invite them to get involved in this journey that will bring healing and restoration to children who desperately need it.
We so appreciate you guys for all of the support and early donations! We are so thankful for you. We cannot do this without you, so thank you for making healing possible and believing in this mission with us.
With love,
Steven & Brandyn Gipe
Founders & Executive Directors
There are so many exciting updates this month, here are a few highlights!
🥳On October 16th, we FINALLY received our 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status! This milestone officially launches Phase Two for Cedar Refuge and opens many new opportunities.
Last month, we shared our vision at a local homeless coalition prayer meeting - our first “public” commissioning - and since then, doors have been flying open.
Before our social media launch, we prayed for upcoming expenses, and God provided through a generous donation from a not-yet-met friend in New Mexico, Jill. Her gift was exactly what we needed at just the right time!
We’re thrilled to welcome Theresa and Trey to the team. Theresa brings project management expertise, and Trey brings skills in marketing, creative film, and fundraising. Their contributions are already making a huge difference.
This month has been all hands on deck as we develop our comprehensive business plan, which will guide our next steps and grow our vision.
Huge shout-outs to Emily for donating $1,000 to cover trailer modifications for our upcoming CANS4KIDS campaign, and to Jim for generously donating the trailer!
We have even more exciting updates on the horizon and can’t wait to share them with you next month!
Prayer Requests
Please pray that the Lord would cover our team, protect our hearts and minds, and keep us safe as we address an issue that lives in darkness, naturally comes with opposition, and at times, heavy information.
Pray that God would grow our early development team with the right people who are passionate about our mission.
Pray that compassionate MEN: safe fathers, big brothers, and grandfathers - with both courage and tenderness - would hear our vision and feel called to partner with Cedar Refuge.
Pray for creative ways to free up Steven and Brandyn's time so that they can fully focus on fundraising, developing, and growing Cedar Refuge.