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 of Springville and Cattaraugus, and St. Vincent dePaul in Boston are resources for referrals.  There were 469 food pantry referrals in 2011, utilizing 446 volunteers.

The Abundance Cupboard- (United Methodist Churches of Sardinia and Delevan)   This ministry supplies cleaning supplies and personal care items to people in need.  The Abundance Cupboard serves families in Sardinia, Yorkshire, Delevan, Springville, West Valley, and surrounding towns on the second Thursday of each month between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM and by appointment.  There were 14 referrals to this ministry in 2011.

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 closed 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 28 referrals made to this ministry in 2011.

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 two referrals made in 2011.

Doug Andrews of Concord Mechanical,  has also been instrumental in the Love INC Car Donation Program.  Proceeds from current vehicle donations are forwarded to the KAR Ministry.  For more information, contact Doug at Concord Mechanical at 716-592-0732

Furniture Ministry- (United Methodist Church, Colden) Franklin Street Storage partnered with this church to meet the needs of families in the community.  People call with donations which are stored and for items they need.  Volunteers from several churches are recruited by Ken & Ruth to deliver or pick-up the furniture and appliances.  51 furniture and appliance needs were filled in 2011.

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 9 referrals for help with medication and co-pays in 2011.

Transportation- Love INC and Healthy Community Alliance have worked together to create a model for rural transportation that has drawn national attention.  322 rides were provided (114 by the van, and 208 by personal vehicles) through Love INC by a group of volunteers who are unmatched.

WHERE ARE THE GAPS TODAY?

Shelter: 113 housing related referrals were made in 2011.  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.  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.

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!