Foster Children
Children are the Heart of Everything We Do
CARING FOR FOSTER CHILDREN & TEENS
Splash
Family Restoration
Foster Care
Our mission is to reflect the Father’s heart by welcoming them with love, acceptance, and hope—meeting their needs not only physically, but also socially, educationally, emotionally, and spiritually. We believe the Church is called to join in this work of restoration.
SPLASH HOUSES
GAP Ministries began by caring for foster children in the home of our founders who became the first house parents. The homes are called “SPLASH” Houses, which stands for Spirit-Powered-Love-Aggressively-Shaping-Hearts. Over the years depending on the need, GAP has operated a number of family style group residential homes where the love of God is shared with the children and teens each day. Each home is run by house parent couples who care for up to 10 children. The larger capacity of our homes often allows for sibling groups who come into foster care to stay together while they are away from their parents.
What does a SPLASH House look like?
SPLASH Houses look like homes, except bigger! Our homes are in residential areas and are lovingly decorated to become a place of refuge and healing for the children. Founders Greg and Pam Ayers always said, “Why wouldn’t these children deserve a home that’s just as nice as the ones we provide for our own children?”
Because the SPLASH homes can have up to 10 children in them, large sibling groups are able to stay together and live in the same home. Boys share rooms with boys, and girls with girls. Everyone in the entire home sits around large tables for breakfast, dinner, homework and games. The homes have play areas outside and some even have swimming pools. Whether they stay for a few days or many months, every child who enters a SPLASH House is loved, honored, and given tools and support to begin healing.
What does a House Parent look like?
House parents are people who have a heart to provide a loving, family-like environment to children coming from hard places. They feel called to impact the lives of children and teens to help them see their potential and the destiny that God has intended for their lives.
Join Our Ministry team
Volunteering with foster children
Because of the strict state requirements, we are not allowed to have volunteers work with our children or teens unless they have been thoroughly vetted and trained. OCJKids is an organization that trains volunteers to work with children in group homes. If you are interested in this process, find out more:
520-442-4755 / fernanda@ocjkids.org
FAMILY RESTORATION
GAP has the opportunity to minister to and show love to these mothers and fathers who are working hard to be reunited with their children. We do not judge them. Many are only doing what they saw their parents do. Learning new ways to parent can change the trajectory of their lives, their children’s lives and their grandchildren’s lives. It is our desire that as parents are learning new methods while also getting the help they need, they can stop the generational cycle of abuse and neglect and become nurturing parents.
GAP strives to create a warm, safe, and comfortable environment for children, in rooms furnished with living room furniture, toys, and games to help them feel cared for. The staff, including well-trained case aides, are deeply committed to both the children and their biological families.