MEET THE FOUNDER
Founder, CEO & Visionary Director
BRENDA LONG
Founder, CEO & Visionary Director
Brenda is married to Steve and is a dedicated wife and caregiver. Together, Steve and Brenda have 7 children, 28 grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. Brenda is a native rural Iowa girl who has also 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 seven other siblings. Brenda now enjoys living in the wide-open spaces of rural Iowa with her husband Steve and their family pets. Brenda is an active member of Heartland Church and a former local real estate agent, with over 17 years of service. In her spare time, Brenda enjoys reading and learning new things. Brenda’s history includes working 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."
FUZZY
Emotional Support Dog
Fuzzy the sheepadoodle was born on March 1, 2024. He’s a friendly boy who loves playing fetch and meeting new people. His role at Garden Gate Ranch is to bring comfort and smiles to all—a job at which he excels every day!
COCOA & BREEZE
Emotional Support Horses
Breezy and Cocoa are Rocky Mountain mares who joined the GGR staff in the summer of 2024. The relationship between our residents and the horses is quite unique. A horse’s sensitivity to human emotions gives them a distinct ability to connect on a different level and provide immediate feedback to an individual, creating a strong bond between the two. This bond can help promote trust, communication, emotional regulation, and much more, making it an effective treatment option for individuals with mental health disorders, substance use disorders, physical health conditions, and those who have experienced trauma. Breezy and Cocoa love their home here at Garden Gate Ranch.