A few words

About Us

Our Mission

To empower women with an unplanned pregnancy to complete their educational goals.

2022- First tv news story BROADCAST about Gianna’s place
2023- first public informational reception held
2024-Executive Director hired
2025-Lease Signed for our home
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.

Gianna’s Place is a Christ-centered residence offering a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment for single student women, 18 and older, who choose life for their child — whether they plan to parent or place for adoption.

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.

We are committed to fostering family values, life skills, and the completion of educational and career goals, empowering each woman to reach her God-given potential. Through strong community partnerships and access to local resources and services, we’re helping women build a foundation for a brighter future — for themselves and their children.

Our Board of Directors

Chris Montrowl, Chair
Joanne Robertson, Secretary
Sheryl Montrowl, Treasurer
Mary Ryngaert
Betty Johnston
Mary Catherine Gilligan
Rev. David Ruchinski (Emeritus)
Our GOal
To create a nurturing and empowering home where single student women, 18 and older, experiencing an unexpected pregnancy are encouraged and equipped to not only pursue but achieve their educational goals.

Gianna’s Place will offer a supportive, family-style community that fosters personal growth, life skills, and strong family values, helping each woman confidently move toward her full potential and a bright, purpose-driven future.
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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.

Want to make a difference?

Empower student moms to achieve their dreams—donate today and help build a brighter future for families.

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