Gainesville is home to many wonderful organizations that support pregnant women — but until now, there has been no dedicated housing designed specifically for young women navigating an unexpected pregnancy while working to build a stable and independent future. At Gianna’s Place, we are helping to fill that gap with compassion and purpose.
Our mission is to celebrate the sanctity of life by surrounding these women with community, encouragement, and practical support as they pursue the next chapter of their lives with confidence and dignity.
Our Vision is to create a joyful and empowering home where motherhood and education go hand in hand, surrounding single student mothers, 18 and older, with a supportive community that inspires them to flourish academically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Our Board of Directors
Our Staff:
Cindy Hooker
Executive Director
As a single mom I knew that in order to take care of my daughter, Tristan, and myself I needed to complete college. I enrolled in Cleveland State Community College as a non-traditional student majoring in Human Services. Prior to graduating I met my husband Kevin Hooker and we have been married for 30 wonderful years and have a brilliant son, Matt.
I saw a great need in our community and worked diligently for two years to start a Boys & Girls Club. The Club continues to grow and spurred a movement of rural Clubs in East TN. It was humbling to be recognized multiple times by our mayor and Police Department and through the organization in which we had partnered with, the Ocoee Region Boys & Girls Club. During my tenure at the Club in Benton, TN I completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership. As our Club membership grew, we built a new facility, the Sutton-Hooker Unit.
Having completed my goal of starting the Club in TN we moved to Columbia Falls, Montana. I accepted a position as the CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Glacier Country. The Club was expecting to close due to failed leadership and loss of funding. With the help of a few board members and strong staff we were able to turn the organization around and grow it.
I am grateful for the opportunity that the Board of Directors of Gianna’s Place has given me to be a part of building and growing this organization. I know what it is like to be scared of the uncertainty and to have your life take a turn you were not expecting. Had it not been for the support of my family and friends I am unsure if I would have completed college. I am excited about being there for the amazing young women that will be faced with unexpected challenges and grateful that they will find a home, love and support at Gianna’s Place. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this amazing service to others.
