GOVERNANCE
OUR BOARD OF ADVISORS
CHUCK
Board Chair
Chuck has been married to his wife for over 50 years, and together they have a son, a daughter and seven grandchildren. He graduated from Drake University with a BA degree and from REMHA bible training correspondence school. Presently, Chuck does business as CRM Sales, Inc. along with acting as Garden Gate Ranch's Board Chair. In 1976, he had an encounter with the Holy Spirit and he and his wife surrendered their lives to Jesus. He has been teaching Bible since 1978, with a speciality in prophecy. Chuck met Garden Gate Ranch's founders over 15 years ago and they became great friends. When Brenda received and shared the vision for Garden Gate Ranch and its place in the fight against human trafficking, Chuck and his wife were immediately drafted into the vision. Chuck is both humbled and honored to participate in this ministry of the Lord's.
LINDA
Board Co-Chair
Linda was raised along with her four siblings by a single mother in the beautiful hills of Northern California. She is the mother of five children and ten grandchildren. In her early twenties, Linda began to search for purpose and direction for her life. When God drew her to Himself, she was overwhelmed by his love and acceptance. Through her healing she sensed the call of God from Isaiah 61:1-3 upon her: to bring healing, joy and purpose to the brokenhearted, and instill in each individual the knowledge that they have great value. This led her to love and challenge the incarcerated as a Chaplain and missionary, traveling to several countries. She has a passion to stand against injustice and help stop the exploitation of women and children. She graduated from Shalom Bible College and Seminary with a Bachelor’s degree in Theology and a Masters degree in Nouthetic Counseling, and is now the Educational Pastor of her church.
JUDY
Secretary
Judy grew up in Winterset, Iowa and attended nursing school in Des Moines. She worked as a registered nurse for 15 years, then transitioned to an administrative assistant and office manager for her pastor, where she served for 30 years. She and her husband Chuck have a son, a daughter and seven grandchildren. Judy enjoys reading, walking, Bible study, and time with her family. She has been involved with Garden Gate Ranch from its inception. Her main focus is participating in prayer as part of The Heard prayer group. Judy is honored to serve on the Board of such a wonderful ministry, seeing young women and their children restored.
COLLEEN
Treasurer
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.
BRENDA
Board Member
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Brenda Long — A Life of Faith, Family, and Purpose
Brenda and her husband, Steve, married in 1990 and joyfully blended their beautiful families. Together, they share seven children, twenty‑eight grandchildren, and seven great‑grandchildren — a legacy that continues to grow in love, laughter, and faith. A native of rural Iowa, Brenda has also lived in California, Texas, and Kansas, ultimately returning to the wide‑open spaces of her Iowa roots. Today, she and Steve enjoy country living alongside their beloved family pets.
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Raised on a central Iowa farm as one of eight siblings, Brenda’s early years shaped her deep appreciation for the Lord, hard work, community, and compassion. She remains an active member of Heartland Church and previously served her community as a local real estate agent for more than 17 years. Since 1993, she and Steve have owned and operated multiple businesses, including Steve’s wholesale meat company and various real estate ventures. In her spare time, Brenda delights in her family, reading, and lifelong learning.
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Brenda’s experience is both extensive and deeply personal. Education has been vital, but her real‑life journey has provided profound insight into trauma, resilience, and the needs within our communities. As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, Brenda understands firsthand the injustice faced by vulnerable children. Her history includes serving in the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) program for at‑risk youth, volunteering with safe homes for young women, and providing 13 years of foster care alongside her husband.
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Her commitment to trauma‑informed care is strengthened by extensive training with The Institute of Survivor Care, Mercy Multiplied, Thistle Farms, and Wellspring Living. Brenda remains steadfast in her mission to stay educated, informed, and equipped to serve survivors with excellence, dignity, and continuity of care.
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Brenda's love for the Lord and compassion for people compelled her to deepen her foundation. Brenda is a graduate of JSMI School of World Evangelism in Fort Worth, Texas, and holds ministry credentials through Heartland Alliance in Ankeny, Iowa. Her life reflects a calling to restore hope, champion healing, and walk alongside those seeking safety and a renewed future.
GUIDING
PRINCIPLES
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Love others and be not indebted to anyone: Romans 13:82.
Honor the tithe by giving 10% and paying it forward: Malachi 3:8-11
Lead by serving others: Matthew 20:28
Honor and care for those caring for survivors: 1 Timothy 5:18
ENDORSEMENTS
Garden Gate Ranch is accredited by ECFA and upholds the seven integrity standards: Doctrinal issues, governance, financial oversight, use of resources and compliance with laws, transparency, compensation-setting and related-party transactions, and stewardship of charitable gifts. Visit ecfa.org to learn more.
A mentee to the Institute for Shelter Care, Garden Gate Ranch was the first residential home to open under its mentorship.
Garden Gate Ranch has received GuideStar's top-ranking Platinum Seal of Transparency. View our unique profile here.