REGISTER FOR BRAVE THE DARK RELAY

REGISTER

WHO WE ARE

G.I.R.L.S. Ranch is a non-profit, faith-based organization that is committed to working with

girls, ages 9-17, in the middle Tennessee areawho come from hard places.

OUR MISSION

We are dedicated to investing in the emotional and spiritual lives of girls who come from hard places and encourage them to live to their fullest potential.

OUR VISION

G.I.R.L.S. Ranch is committed to providing a non-judgemental, safe, nurturing environment where girls can take part in a new life experiences in order to restructure their sense of self and make positive changes that will last a lifetime.

In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory. – Isaiah 61:3

WHAT WE DO

NEW LIFE EXPERIENCES

There is power in the words “me-too!” When someone hears these beautiful words the thoughts surrounding “I’m alone in this” diminishes quickly. Don’t we want to feel that we matter and belong in this world? Therefore, our hope is that every girl that is brave enough to walk through our doors will learn instantly that she is not alone in her hurt, she matters and belongs here, and there are other courageous girls that share similar stories as hers who can relate to her pain by sharing in the power of “me-too!”

We strive to provide a safe, non-judgemental, nurturing
environment where these authentic “me-too” moments can occur naturally.
The Growing in Grace Mentoring program enriches the G.I.R.L.S. Ranch
community one heart at a time through a mentor relationship. Girls who
participate in the weekly support groups will have the extended support
and care needed from a positive, trusted mentor relationship to further their
growth in restructuring their sense of self on Christ.
We love providing new life experiences for our girls. Semester end retreats
and summer camps are intentionally designed for girls to experience community,
nature and Jesus in a unique way with a fun and different approach.
Find out more

WHAT OUR GIRLS HAVE TO SAY

  • "I love G.I.R.L.S. Ranch....it’s like a second home or kind of feels like my first. I feel loved here and have grown to be more open and honest. I have also learned how to be more trusting of people."

    - 6th grade girl who loves to sing and dream who has experienced homelessness multiple times

    "I love G.I.R.L.S. Ranch because when I come to group, I am challenged to think more about my relationship with God. I feel like I have grown more mature in my spiritual life. Since coming to group, I feel like I have gained more wisdom. I have learned how to let more people in my life and not be so quick to shut them out; with the help of the leaders and other girls, I’ve learned how to let more people in my life without shutting them out so quickly."

    - 9th grade girl who has the most beautiful smile yet has experienced homelessness and has struggled with self-harm

    "I love that I can be myself at G.I.R.L.S. Ranch. My attitude has gotten much better since coming on Thursday nights. I have started opening up and stopped being so mad at everything. I’ve learned the important things in life....like my relationship with God!"

    - 12th grade sweet girl who was told she was just another drop-out but will be graduating soon

  • "I love being able to express myself without wondering if people are going to judge me. I love that I can be honest here. Since coming on Thursday nights, I have learned that I’m not the only one who struggles with my self worth. I’ve learned that God loves me for who I am and I should not change who I am for anyone."

    - Witty and smart 9th grade girl who longs to have a relationship with her absent father

    "I love the family atmosphere at G.I.R.L.S. Ranch where we can talk, share our feelings and meet new friends. We have fun too. As soon as I came to G.I.R.L.S. Ranch , I found freedom and began to worship God more!"

    - 6th grade shy and sweet girl who has experienced the effects of abuse

    "I love coming to G.I.R.L.S. Ranch because I can tell ya’ll things that I can’t tell others. I love that there is a focus on God, and I’ve noticed that I pray more and have a better relationship with Him. Coming to group on Thursday nights also helped me control my anger."

    - 7th grade girl who is energetic and doesn't meet a stranger but has experienced homelessness and abuse

  • "I love having a place to lean on when I need help or see that I do share similar experiences with others. Coming on Thursday nights has helped me learn how to overcome my social anxiety."

    - 9th grade musically talent beautiful girl who struggles with the grief and anger of her separated parents

    "I love the supportive atmosphere of G.I.R.L.S. Ranch. Every time you walk in you feel warmth and love. I have noticed some things in my life that have changed since coming here every week. I have grown closer to God and feel confident in being more open. I have noticed that I have also become more accepting of my self. The leaders tell me they have noticed me smiling more.”

    - 9th grade artistic and kind young lady who carries the burden of a mom who is mentally ill

    "I love that I can share whatever I need to talk about at G.I.R.L.S. Ranch and no one judges me. Coming to group has really allowed me to cope with my struggles at home."

    - 6th grade girl who is intelligent beyond her years and has a difficult time connecting with her family

GET TO KNOW US BETTER

MEET THE PEOPLE WHO HELP MAKE THIS HAPPEN

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Board Member

Chad Love

Chad Love is originally from Hermitage, TN and currently works for US Bank as Assistant Vice President. Chad enjoys working with children and has been a youth baseball coach for many years. He also is a volunteer at Second Harvest and United Way. He supports the mission of G.I.R.L.S. Ranch because he has seen the impact it had had on our community and believes it provides teen girls a safe place to support each other while enriching their lives through God’s Word.

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Board Member

Michelle Shrader

Michelle Shrader is originally from California and has lived in Murfreesboro, TN since 2005. Michelle is active in the community through her on going partnerships with local non-profit groups. Michelle is a phenomenal advocate for the need of G.I.R.L.S. Ranch in our community. She serves as a Mentor for G.I.R.L.S. Ranch and enjoys seeing individuals overcome the adversities that they encounter.

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Board Member

Scott Johnson

Scott Johnson is originally from Michigan and moved to Tennessee over 10 years ago. He received his BS from Bob Jones University and is happily married to Shannon. He loves being involved in the various maintenance projects at the G.I.R.L.S. Ranch house. He enjoys overseeing and managing all the “to-do” lists to up-keep the house.

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Group Coordinator

Fran Holdsworth

Fran is originally from Savannah, Georgia but her love of people and adventure have led her to places as far off as Italy and she is now thankful to call Tennessee her home. Fran received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from The University of Mississippi and a Masters in Professional Counseling with a specialization in Trauma from Richmont Graduate University. She has a passion for helping teens and families develop strong, healthy relationships and helping them grow in confidence in who they are in Christ.

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Director and Founder

Shannon Ritchie

Shannon is from Nashville, Tennessee and received her undergraduate from MTSU and graduated from Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA with a Masters of Arts in Counseling. In addition to working with inner-city and troubled youth since the late nineties; her experiences include working as an addictions counselor at Virginia Beach Psychiatric Hospital, Mental Health Liaison for Centerstone in Davidson County high schools and professional school counselor in Rutherford County, TN.

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Board President

Tim Ritchie

Tim Ritchie is originally from Cleveland, Ohio but moved to the Nashville area in 1977. Tim is passionate about serving on the board of G.I.RL.S. Ranch. He is consistently moved by the stories shared, both the depth of the pain these girls experience and their achievements once they became involved with the G.I.R.L.S. Ranch family. It is inspirational and reflects Gods grace that we all can see.

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Board Secretary

Leigh Bagwell

Leigh Bagwell is originally from Memphis, TN and has resided in Middle TN for the past 20 years. She has served in the public school system for almost 20 years and is currently the Director of School Counseling for the Tennessee Department of Education. Leigh is passionate about serving on the board for G.I.R.L.S. Ranch because she believes children, specifically young women, face more challenges and dangers than ever before.