About Us
At Cedar Refuge, we are dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where children recovering 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.
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 children heal. Learn more about their journey and passion for this mission.
OUR STORY
Steven and Brandyn Gipe, the founders of Cedar Refuge, have shared a lifelong calling to serve vulnerable children. In their early 20s, Steven devoted himself to work with at-risk boys, while Brandyn pursued ministry and anti-trafficking work. Their paths crossed in 2017 while working with at-risk youth and minor survivors of trafficking. On their second date, Steven shared his dream of opening a home for boys with high trauma, while Brandyn spoke of her vision to create programs around the world that would heal hearts of hurting people and equip them to impact their communities. That conversation sparked a shared dream that grew into their life’s calling.
Through their years of work with at-risk youth and minor survivors of human trafficking, they discovered a significant gap: there are no long-term safe options for teenage boys or children under 10 who have endured sex trafficking.
This realization became particularly poignant when they learned about a 6-year-old girl in need of a long-term, age-specific safe place - something that simply did not exist outside of the overwhelmed child welfare system. While the only known program for boys in the entire United States is opening soon, the need for additional homes remains urgent.
The weight of this need pressed heavily on them. Brandyn began to wake in the night with dreams of a ranch—a safe, restorative place for children to heal. One day, overwhelmed, she said, “Jesus, if You pay for it, I’ll say yes.” From that moment forward, doors began to open and Cedar Refuge was born.
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 are recovering 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.
