The Gipes
HELLO WE ARE THE GIPES
We are Steven and Brandyn Gipe, a husband-and-wife team with a deep passion for helping children heal and thrive. Our family includes our amazing daughter, Quinn - a toddler obsessed with sparkles and the color pink - and our three quirky dogs, Trigger, Forest, and Sage. They can be a little mischievous if left alone with a trash can, but they are truly great companions. We are cherishing our last few years with Trigger, our old boy, and we hope to expand our little family in the coming years. We are the founders and heart behind Cedar Refuge!
Both of us were drawn to children in need from our early 20s. Steven grew up in a conservative home in Pennsylvania and Ohio. At the age of 30, he left family and familiarity to dedicate his life to working with at-risk teen boys. Brandyn grew up in Southern California and at the age of 16, decided to devote her life to ministry and caring for the vulnerable.
We met in 2017 while working with at-risk youth and female child trafficking survivors. What began as a shared passion for children in crisis grew into something deeper. On our second date, Steven shared his dream of opening a home for boys dealing with high trauma. Brandyn shared her dream of starting homes throughout the World that would heal and equip hurting people. That conversation—equal parts exciting and intimidating—was the beginning of a shared dream as a couple.
Steven has over 15 years of experience working with youth, including eight years as a direct care staff for at-risk boys and girls recovering from sex trafficking. Brandyn has nearly a decade of experience in the anti-child sex trafficking movement, including 2.5 years as direct care staff for adolescent girls recovering from trafficking.
When we discovered our shared love for Jesus, the outdoors, adventure, animals, authenticity, and each other, it was clear we wanted to do life together - so we got married in 2020!
Trigger aka “Triggles”
Forest aka “Boris”
Animal-assisted therapy has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, boost self-esteem, and improve social interactions. Our dogs love children and were by our side and worked with us at the boarding school for at-risk youth where we met. We're excited to see them in action again at Cedar Refuge!
Sage aka “Sage-y-poo”
HOW WE GOT HERE
Over the years, we considered directing multiple residential therapy programs across the country. But each time, God closed those doors at the last moment. It was hard and often disappointing. Yet, we trusted His timing, believing that our unique skills and passions would not be wasted.
In 2022, shortly after Quinn was born, we learned about a heartbreaking case - a six-year-old girl… yes 6… who had been sex trafficked in the United States. She desperately needed a long-term, specialized safe place to heal, but there were no age appropriate options available outside of the child welfare system, which has limited resources for cases like hers.
We discovered a shocking reality: no long-term dedicated safe housing existed for children under 10 or teenage boys who have experienced the horrors of child sex trafficking. While the only known program for boys in the entire United States is opening soon, the need for additional homes remains urgent. The lack of therapeutic treatment programs for these children weighed heavily on Brandyn’s heart.
For months, Brandyn prayed and searched for solutions. “What about a private network with vetted families?” “What about this approach?” “What about that one?” But every idea had holes, and eventually, life moved on - until the following year, when we heard about another case involving multiple children of various ages. Once again, there was no dedicated safe place for them and their unique needs.
This time, the burden did not lift. For months, Brandyn was awakened in the middle of the night by dreams of taking in children. The picture of a ranch—safe, restorative, far from exploitation—became increasingly clear.
OUR DREAMS & PASSION IN ACTION
One day, while driving with Quinn, overwhelmed by the thought that innocent children like her were being exploited, Brandyn said out loud,
"Jesus, if You pay for it, I'll say yes to opening a home."
It was as if the Lord had been waiting for that surrender. From that moment, doors began opening - fast. Everything fell into place with ease. Conversations in the anti-trafficking community confirmed the desperate need for a long-term safe haven for this demographic of children. Steven gave his wholehearted yes, eager to see our long-held dream come to life in ways we never expected.
Cedar Refuge is the fruit of that calling. Together, with the Lord, we are committed to building a residential treatment program of excellence. We are listening to survivors and experts, and we are designing every detail with care—from paint colors and curtains that foster healing, to the best practices of trauma-informed therapy. We truly care and are creating a safe haven for restoration.
Together, with the Lord, we are building a refuge rooted in love, faith, and service. We trust that God will provide the resources needed to bring this vision to life. We are excited to welcome the children who will become part of our extended Cedar Refuge family—and even more excited to witness the healing and transformation that will take place in their lives.
We are so glad you are here. We invite you to join us in this life-changing mission: to heal, restore, and bring hope to children who have endured the unthinkable. Together, we can truly make a difference.
Sincerely,
