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BREAKING CYCLES

And empowering lives

Stories and Updates

Most people never see the realities of foster care, poverty, and generational trauma.

At GAP Ministries, we step directly into them every day.

Breaking the Cycle for Children

When a child grows up in abuse, neglect, or constant instability, they often believe a devastating lie: “I’m not worth anything.”

That lie doesn’t stay in childhood. It follows them into adulthood, shaping every relationship, every decision, every opportunity. Unless someone steps in, the cycle of brokenness continues.

Our SPLASH homes—and everything we do for foster children—exist to interrupt that story, and replace it with the truth of who God says they are. We provide more than just a safe place to sleep. We create a home where children are taught their value, their worth, and their identity in Christ. Surrounded by consistent love, compassion, and patience, they begin to believe what we’ve been speaking over them all along: you matter, you are valued, and you are loved.
When a child discovers their worth, their entire future opens up. We may not be able to break the cycle for their parents, but we can change their story—and set a new course for generations to come.

Breaking the Cycle for Families

It’s not enough to take in a child—we have to fight for the family they come from.

GAP has been caring for foster children for over 25 years. But we want to do more than just care for these children. We want to heal their families and break the cycles.

The hard truth: many parents who lose custody of their children were once in the system themselves—or probably should’ve been. Cycles repeat when no one steps in. That’s why GAP Ministries exists: to stand in the gap—not only for the child who needs safety, but also for the parent who needs a second chance.
When you realize that a parent who made terrible choices was once a scared, hurting child themselves, it changes everything. Judgment turns into compassion, and compassion opens the door for restoration.

Breaking the Cycle in our Community

Why We Care About the Working Poor

They’re not unemployed, and they’re not on the streets. They’re bagging your groceries, cleaning your child’s school, answering your support call.

They work multiple jobs to make ends meet but somehow, it’s never enough. They earn just enough to be disqualified from government help—but not nearly enough to keep up with food, rent, gas, and childcare.

These are the people who fall through the cracks…

The system punishes their effort: if working fewer hours meant qualifying for more assistance, isn’t that the smarter option? Hard work quickly becomes disincentivized.

That’s where we step in.

 We provide low-cost and free groceries when the fridge is empty, clothing when their kids grow out of everything, meals when every dollar is spoken for, and support when the system says: you don’t qualify.

Why We Care About Poverty

Poverty is one of the strongest predictors of abuse and neglect. When families don’t have enough money to pay the bills, stress multiplies. Tension becomes volatility, and neglect can become survival. Children suffer, families fracture, and the destructive cycle begins. And if it’s never healed, it’s passed down from generation to generation.

We don’t want to just respond to the aftermath of brokenness—we want to stop it before it begins.

Why We Believe In Second Chances

You can’t break the cycle without a way out. For too many in our community, poverty and incarceration aren’t one-time events—they’re all they’ve ever known.

They grew up surrounded by addiction, crime, and instability. They aged out of systems that never believed in their potential. They carry records, trauma, and shame that shuts doors before they can even knock.

They want more… but they just need someone to show them how.

That’s why GAP’s workforce development program exists.
To give people a second chance—not just at employment, but at a life they never thought they could have.

These are often parents of children in the foster care system. When their lives become stable, their children are able to return home. This is best for the children and the family. This is where the cycle stops. Their children’s children will not be in foster care.

STORIES & UPDATES

A Community Comes Together to Feed Seniors

Meeting a Critical Need Last year, Pima County recreation centers lost funding for senior meals. Many older adults faced uncertainty about where they would find nutritious meals and community connection. When GAP Kitchen Director Chef John Hohn learned about the cuts,...

05 Market Highlighted in AZPM News Story on Food Insecurity

The need for affordable food continues to grow across our community. GAP Ministries’ 05 Market responds every day. Recently, AZPM featured the 05 Market in a news story. The story highlights rising demand for food assistance. In addition, it explores challenges...

More Than a Kitchen: Creating Meals, Careers, and Hope

A Kitchen With a Greater Purpose At GAP Ministries, our kitchen is more than a place to prepare food. It's a place where lives are changed every day. Each meal represents care, dignity, and hope for someone in need. We serve children, families, and individuals facing...

A Lifetime of Impact: Peter’s Story of Hope and Belonging

What happens when a child experiences unconditional love, stability, and the assurance that they matter? For Peter Clauer, that support came at a critical time in his life. When he was just 3 years old, Peter entered one of GAP Ministries' children's homes. Like many...

Meeting the Growing Need for Summer Meals

During the summer months, the need for meals in our community increases dramatically. When school is out, many children lose access to the breakfasts, lunches, and snacks they rely on throughout the school year. To help fill that gap, the GAP Kitchen more than doubles...

Campus of Hope Spoken Word

A powerful spoken word written and performed by Delvyn Crawford, a house parent for one of the GAP group foster homes.

From Giving a Ride to Giving Back | Corina’s Volunteer Story

What started as a simple ride to the 05 Market sparked a journey of service for Corina. Her warmth and care now make a meaningful difference for everyone we serve. 💙 See how one small act can inspire big change—and how you can help make an impact in our community!

KGUN News Story

KGUN News Story

KGUN News reports on the opening of GAP Ministries’ new kitchen, funded in part by $70,000 raised through viewer donations and community support. The facility will expand GAP’s capacity to serve meals and support its outreach programs.