Girl Gathered expands to embrace women of all ages

The social club founded in Cullman, Alabama aims to help women build connections and community.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Girl Gathered, a social club created by Savannah Mahaffey to help women in their 20s and 30s build friendships in the Cullman community, has now expanded to welcome women of all ages. The group hosts a variety of events designed to encourage women to step outside their comfort zones and connect with one another. Participation has grown steadily, exceeding Mahaffey's expectations, and the group has partnered with local businesses to host larger events like "Girls-giving." Looking ahead, Mahaffey hopes to see Girl Gathered continue expanding in Cullman and potentially branch into other cities.

Why it matters

In a time when many people, especially younger adults, can feel isolated, Girl Gathered provides an important avenue for women to build meaningful connections and community. The group's expansion to welcome women of all ages shows its recognition that the desire for connection extends beyond a single demographic.

The details

Girl Gathered was founded by 22-year-old Savannah Mahaffey, who was inspired to start the group after experiencing the sense of connection she felt when joining a local walking group while living out of state. Mahaffey initially launched Girl Gathered with the intention of focusing on women in their 20s and 30s, but after about a year, she realized the desire for connection extended beyond that age group. This year, Girl Gathered expanded to welcome women of all ages seeking community and shared experiences.

  • Girl Gathered was founded nearly three years ago.
  • The group's first "Girls-giving" event, a Friendsgiving celebration, took place last year.
  • Upcoming events include a March gathering in Huntsville and a spring picnic planned for April 2026.

The players

Savannah Mahaffey

The 22-year-old founder of Girl Gathered, who was inspired to start the group after experiencing the sense of connection she felt when joining a local walking group while living out of state.

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What they’re saying

“I wanted the group to be a hub for women looking to make new friends or just try something new.”

— Savannah Mahaffey, Founder, Girl Gathered (cullmantribune.com)

“If you didn't move off for college or you got married very young, it can be hard to find your people. Everyone's lives look so different in our 20s and 30s that sometimes it feels like we fall through the cracks.”

— Savannah Mahaffey, Founder, Girl Gathered (cullmantribune.com)

What’s next

Mahaffey hopes to see Girl Gathered continue expanding in Cullman and potentially branch into other cities by equipping women to start their own chapters.

The takeaway

Girl Gathered's expansion to welcome women of all ages demonstrates the group's recognition that the desire for community and connection extends beyond a single demographic. By providing a platform for women to build meaningful relationships, the group is helping to address the isolation that many people, especially younger adults, can feel.