HISTORY OF GIRLFRIENDS GET-A-WAY

As a result of a series of life challenges, Leslie Goode came to the realization that one cannot go through life without wisdom, faith, and the support of girlfriends.  Seeing her friends struggle with similar challenges, Leslie’s dream was to create an atmosphere where Christian women and their girlfriends could getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to relax, refresh, and refocus.  God blessed Leslie with the realization of this dream when the first Girlfriends Get-A-Way came to fruition in 2007.    

Initially, Girlfriends Get-A-Way was designed to be a one-time event.  Yet, after seeing the impact of Min. Wonderland Hudson’s message for the women to “…wise up, lighten up, and rise up,” a one-time event turned into an official conference.  In 2008, the first Girlfriends Get-A-Way two day conference upheld the original theme of relaxation, refreshing, and refocusing, but expanded to encompass not only an elegant brunch but a series of breakout sessions where multiple speakers encouraged the women to “fan the flame” by pushing past their fears and tapping into the talents and gifts that God has placed in their hearts.   

Now, entering into its third year, with God’s direction, Goode is ready to take GFG to the next level.  In addition to what participants have come to love and expect from Girlfriends Get-A-Way, the 2009 season will also incorporate additional activities and seminars for teenage girls through the G.E.N.E..S.I.S. Mentoring program.  Girls Experiencing New Encounters; Succeeding In Sisterhood (G.E.N.E..S.I.S.) is a program designed to assist all girls to achieve their destiny and purpose in life through exposure to life skills training, the arts, and professional development.  By embracing the young women in our community, GFG is holding steadfast to the proverb that it takes an entire village to raise a child.  Sisterhood knows no boundaries and GFG will continue to touch the lives of women and girls everywhere for generations to come.

Girlfriends Get-A-Way is a Christian based women's conference under the umbrella of the non-profit organization G.R.A.C.E. Inc. (Goode Resources to Achieve Community Excellence).