meet the founders

Just who are those original Girlfriends, and how did this start?

• One Dream
• Two Ordinary Women
• One Extraordinary God
• Unlimited Girlfriends

Girlfriends Unlimited was started in 2000 by Lisa Jernigan and Patty Wyatt, who met after they both lost their mothers at an early age (one to cancer and the other to murder). Through these tragedies, Lisa and Patty realized the urgency to life and importance of a support base. "We all need a network of support and encouragement. Looking around, we realized that often times society (and sometimes the local church) has not been successful in connecting and encouraging women in friendships and in life.

We identified three critical issues relating to women:

• Many women struggle with feelings of isolation. They long to belong.
• Many women don't take care of themselves and their needs.
• Many women don't take time to develop healthy friendships.

Historically women's ministry programs have addressed these critical issues through conferences and retreats where participants are "spectators," never connecting to those around them. Women would sit and listen but never have the chance to connect with each other emotionally or verbally. Although there is a need and a purpose for these types of events, we sought to change the culture to provide a new opportunity for women to find each other (and possibly themselves) for the first time. So, after many hours spent talking over chai tea, frozen frappuccinos, chocolates, tacos (do you notice a theme here?), and lots and lots of prayer, Girlfriends Unlimited was born.

Girlfriends Unlimited is casting a new vision for reaching and connecting women in the church. We are all little girls inside with different faces and in different seasons of life. We want to give women permission to once again (or perhaps for the first time) enjoy whimsical fun with each other and appreciate their unique God-given gifts.

At first, Girlfriends Unlimited was an innovative event to attract women who normally would not attend a church function. From there it has morphed into a worldwide movement that partners with women's ministries to reach and connect women and transform lives...one girlfriend at a time. We want to come alongside you and address the needs of women. Churches with Girlfriends Unlimited Connections have seen amazing results. It has engaged and energized women. It is a fun ride! "

We can't wait for you to experience it with us.