OUR STAFF

Brenda Long
Founder and Executive Director 

Brenda is a dedicated wife and caregiver. She is the mother of 3, step-mother of 3, second mom of an adult foster daughter, grandmother of 23, and great-grandmother of 2. Brenda is a native rural Iowa girl who lived in Texas, Kansas, and California before returning home to her roots. She was raised on a farm in central Iowa, sharing a house with her parents and 7 other siblings. Brenda now enjoys living in the wide-open spaces of rural Iowa with her husband Steve and their family pets —two Yorkie’s, a Vizsla, and three horses. Brenda is an active member of Heartland Church and an experienced local real estate agent, with over 16 years of service. In her spare time, Brenda enjoys reading and learning new things. Brenda’s history includes employment with CASA for at-risk children, volunteer services with a safe home for young women at risk, and 13 years of foster parenting alongside her husband. She is a graduate of JSMI School of World Evangelism in Fort Worth, TX and has her ministry credentials with Heartland Alliance in Ankeny, IA.
"The belief that everyone is born on purpose for a purpose was the driving force behind my prayerful pursuit of the purpose of my own life. In late January 2015, I found my answer and started the journey of walking in my God-given, God-ordained destiny. Garden Gate Ranch was birthed out of that pursuit, combining an endless passion for God with a deep compassion for His people."

Lauren
Development Director 

Lauren is a devoted wife who grew up on a farm in Central Iowa. Due to her roots, she has always been an enthusiast for adventure. She finds great joy in the outdoors whether hiking trails, mountain climbing, playing sports, running, rock climbing or simply walking. Lauren enjoys traveling with her husband, spending time with loved ones, and reading good books. She attended Nebraska Christian College where she received her BA in student ministries. Her passion is freedom —seeing people defy odds and become what they desire to be in every aspect of life. As a certified Life Coach, Lauren assists others in attaining their goals and dreams. She currently holds 3 certifications: ROAD Certified Life Coach, Destiny By Design Certified Life Coach, and Lifeforming Certified Growth Coach. She appreciates the uniqueness of each individual, believing every person’s life story has the power to impact and change our world.

Alfonso
​Community Development Coordinator

Alfonso is an exceptional leader, cultural architect, and urban specialist who connects human hearts for greater city impact. He was born and raised in inner-city Chicago, and later moved to Iowa through Youth For Christ and to Des Moines, specifically, for a church plant. Alfonso graduated from Christian Life College in Chicago with a degree in pastoral studies and business management, and brings with him over 25 years of ministry and community leadership experience. Alfonso's urban upbringing forged in him a ministry philosophy that enables him to transcend ethnicities, political lines, denominational divides, and similar barriers that often separate the Church and other community silos, thus uniting hearts, hands, and resources for a common goal. Alfonso’s engagement with Garden Gate Ranch leverages the social influence and physical resources needed to push back the evil of trafficking and further the redemptive process in our communities.

Colleen
​Development Assistant & Bookkeeper 

Colleen is a dedicated wife, a wise mentor, and a lover of animals. She grew up in rural Iowa surrounded by her family, and now lives on an acreage with her husband and their many pets. After graduating from AIB with a business degree, Colleen began to climb the corporate ladder of the accounting world, attaining so high a status as second in command for a million dollar construction company. But her success was not satisfying, and after many interactions with a Christian coworker, Colleen finally found fulfillment in a relationship with Jesus Christ. The joy and healing that followed her conversion filled a void that no status or achievement ever could, and it fueled a desire to use her gifts for the service of God and others. In Jesus, Colleen found healing and restoration from past trauma, and she longs to see this same grace transform victims and perpetrators alike. Today, she lends her gifts to Garden Gate Ranch for the expansion of God’s Kingdom, and for the healing of all those He loves.

Aubrey
​Marketing Coordinator

Aubrey is a twenty-something creative from the suburbs of Des Moines. She grew up in a Christ-following family of 5 and now lives with her husband and dog in rural Iowa. After graduating from Dordt University with a degree in graphic design, Aubrey spent 8 months abroad in 4 different countries, immersed in Christian discipleship and anti-human trafficking training. Through her work with Garden Gate Ranch, she exercises her passions for art, justice, and restoration as the team’s Marketing Coordinator and as an active volunteer. Aubrey desires to see all people awaken to their God-given identity, knowing that freedom and joy are found in the wholeness of His love. She longs to see the Lord complete the work ascribed to Him in Isaiah 61: that all would be set free.

OUR BOARD

Board Chair​
Michael H.
Board Members
Brenda L.
Troy R.
Jennifer R.
​Chad R.

​Barb R.
Steve L.
​Lauren G.