What is a GAP Ministry?

A GAP Ministry is a ministry that a church develops that fills a gap.  In other words, a church fills a need that has been identified through Love INC and is not being filled by any other source.

You can help "FUEL" these important programs through donations made to the coordinating church or organization.

GAP Ministry Highlights

Area Food Pantries- Springville-Concord, West Valley, Delevan, Chaffee, and Cattaraugus Food Pantries, FISH of East Aurora, The Trading Post, and St. Vincent dePaul in Boston are resources for referrals.  There were 392 food pantry referrals in 2008, utilizing 361 volunteers.

Cleaning Supplies- (First United Methodist Church, Springville) This ministry supplies cleaning supplies to people in need.  Sometimes they are moving into a new home or just having trouble making ends meet.  A representative from the church contacts the family and asks what they may need to help them out.  Special requests are honored when possible and the supplies are delivered to the home, along with a loving message from the church.  There were 6 referrals to his ministry in 2008.

The Elizabeth Ministry- (St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church, Springville)  The Elizabeth Ministry originally formed to provide newborn items to those in the maternity ward at the Bertrand Chaffee Hospital.  At about the same time, the hospital decided to close the maternity ward.  During a presentation at St. Aloysius about Love INC, a seed was planted and the Elizabeth Ministry decided to change its mission  and begin to link their ministry with Love INC to fill needs in the community at large.  There were 10 referrals made to this ministry in 2008.

KAR Ministry (Keeping Autos Running)- (St. Paul's United Methodist Church, West Valley)  This is a great source of help to individuals who are working or planning to go to work, and have or need a vehicle.  Individuals receiving help through this ministry are encouraged to attend IMAGE classes.  The only exceptions to this rule are screened carefully and generally have valid reasons why they cannot attend IMAGE regularly.  There were 18 needs filled in 2008, however only two referrals were made by Love INC to the KAR Ministry because of their limited funding.

Doug Andrews of Concord Mechanical, has been instrumental in helping with car repairs.  Love INC writes a voucher for an individual to make an appointment with Doug for an estimate of the cost of repairs.  It is then, with other things taken into consideration, that a decision is made to help.  This is the point at which KAR would be contacted.

Doug has also been instrumental in the Love INC Car Donation Program.  He makes an assessment of the vehicle to see if it would make a good car for a low income family.  If so, then a match is made.  If not, then the car will be sold or sent for scrap.  Love INC received 3 car donations in 2008.

Furniture Ministry- (United Methodist, Colden) Franklin Street Storage partnered with this church to meet the needs of families in the community.  People call with donations that are stored, and people call for items they need.  Volunteers from several churches are recruited by Ken & Ruth Heiler to deliver or pick-up the furniture and appliances.  42 furniture and appliance needs were filled in 2008.

Prescription Drug Ministry- (First United Methodis Church, Springville and Catholic Charities)  Many times people call Love INC needing help with co-pays; Medicaid payments have not kicked in, or insurance does not cover the need.  These two resources are available for referrals.  Love INC made 22 referrals for help with medication and co-pays.

Transportation- Love INC and Healthy Community Alliance have worked together to create a model for rural transportation that has drawn national attention.  252 rides were provided (233 by the van, and 19 by personal vehicles) through Love INC by a group of volunteers who are unmatched.

WHERE ARE THE GAPS TODAY?

Shelter: 65 housing needs were met in 2008.  These needs reflect housing needs such as displacement due to fire or domestic violence, preventing homelessness by helping with rent or mortgage payment, help with security deposit and/or first month's rent, or shelter for a transient.

Many times needs are denied by social services due to lack of employment or income to support housing.  That sounds feasible, but more times than not families are displaced by unfortunate or unpredictable circumstances, such as loss of job, broken relationship, injury or sickness and waiting for disability or workman's compensation.  All of these instances require time, proof, and valid paperwork.  That sounds feasible, but the stress begins to mount.  Children will be plucked from their schools, worry begins to unravel their senses and the stress becomes too much to handle and hope is lost.

Homes for Hope is a model for church ministry that can manageably deal with a family uprooted.  It gives opportunity to share the love of Christ, and bring the hope of a Savior to a family in crisis.  Learn more by calling the Love INC office.

Life Skills Classes:  IMAGE has such potential!  This is the venue where churches can meet as the Body of Christ to bring transformation in Christ.  The faith community can impact the community by pooling the gifts and resources that are present in the Body to teach skills, guide, and share with someone in need, directing them to a promising future in Christ.  Call to see how and shine your light into the world!