About Us
At Cedar Refuge, we are dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where children recovered from sex trafficking in America can heal from their trauma and reclaim their childhood. Our purpose is to provide holistic support that addresses the unique needs of each child, empowering them on their journey to restoration and hope.
MISSION
Providing safe refuge for the healing and restoration of children who have been sexually exploited in America.
vision
A world where children have access to whole person healing after exploitation.
At Cedar Refuge, we believe in healing that addresses the mind, body, and spirit, giving children the tools and support they need to reclaim their lives. Our vision is to provide comprehensive care that not only restores hope but also equips each child for a future of wholeness and possibility.
At Cedar Refuge, we believe in healing that addresses the mind, body, and spirit, giving children the tools and support they need to reclaim their lives. Our vision is to provide comprehensive care that not only restores hope but also equips each child for a future of wholeness and possibility.
OUR VALUES
FAITH IN GOD
We believe in the power of faith and the goodness of God, trusting in His ability and deep desire to heal and restore lives, knowing that with Him, nothing is impossible.
INTEGRITY
We are committed to transparency, honesty, and respect in all our interactions, while safeguarding the stories and healing journeys of the survivors in our care.
EXCELLENCE
We are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of care and service, with a strong commitment to ongoing improvement and professional development.
ACCOUNTABILITY
We take responsibility for our actions, level of care, and resources we manage. We steward our resources responsibly for maximum impact and to honor trust.
COLLABORATION
We recognize that healing is a community effort. By collaborating with families, volunteers, and other organizations, we strive to provide quality support and care.
We are a faith-based organization with a deep love for the Lord. While we believe that through Him all things are possible, we welcome children to come as they are, with no expectation or requirement to adopt Christianity. We believe that God loves each child unconditionally and desires their healing, regardless of reciprocation.
MEET THE GIPES
Steven and Brandyn Gipe are the founders and hearts behind Cedar Refuge, driven by faith and a deep calling to help recovered children heal. Learn more about their journey and passion for this mission.
OUR STORY
Cedar Refuge was inspired by our founder, Brandyn Gipe’s, recognition of an unmet need in the fight against child trafficking in America. With nearly a decade of experience in aftercare services for trafficked children, she discovered a significant gap: there were no long-term safe options for teenage boys or children under 10 who had experienced trafficking. This realization became particularly poignant when she learned about a 6-year-old girl in need of a long term safe place that simply did not exist outside of the broken child welfare system. Troubled by the absence of therapeutic treatment programs, she felt compelled to seek solutions.
Cedar Refuge was inspired by our founder, Brandyn Gipe’s, recognition of an unmet need in the fight against child trafficking in America. With nearly a decade of experience in aftercare services for trafficked children, she discovered a significant gap: there were no long-term safe options for teenage boys or children under 10 who had experienced trafficking. This realization became particularly poignant when she learned about a 6-year-old girl in need of a long term safe place that simply did not exist outside of the broken child welfare system. Troubled by the absence of therapeutic treatment programs, she felt compelled to seek solutions.
After months of reflection and prayer, she felt called to act and wholeheartedly committed to establishing Cedar Refuge. The vision quickly gained momentum, with discussions in the anti-trafficking community confirming the urgent need for a safe haven for these vulnerable children.
Cedar Refuge is working toward establishing a self-sustaining ranch in Northern California, providing a safe and healing environment for children under 12 and teenage boys up to 18 who have been recovered from sex trafficking. Our program will include therapy, education, agriculture, and fun, addressing all their basic needs. We are fully committed to this mission, trusting that God will provide the necessary resources to make it a reality. Most importantly, Cedar Refuge will offer children the chance to reclaim their childhood and rediscover joy after the trauma of exploitation.
Cedar Refuge is working toward establishing a self-sustaining ranch in Northern California, providing a safe and healing environment for children under 12 and teenage boys up to 18 who have been recovered from sex trafficking. Our program will include therapy, education, agriculture, and fun, addressing all their basic needs. We are fully committed to this mission, trusting that God will provide the necessary resources to make it a reality. Most importantly, Cedar Refuge will offer children the chance to reclaim their childhood and rediscover joy after the trauma of exploitation.
