JUNE UPDATE
From the Board Chair

Greetings friends,

The weather has been hot this month, but our clients still come in record numbers. Each week we have new families sign up for food and hygiene products. We are serving our clients through the doors on Greene Street while we eagerly await our new ramp and entrance on Ellis Street. It has been a challenge at times, but the patience of the clients and volunteers has made it doable. Our nurses served 184 clients this month which is the most they’ve seen in a month this year. Genoa Pharmacy is now serving GAP along with Villa, Barneys and Walmart. We are so appreciative to these pharmacies for their cooperation.

The birth certificate volunteers saw 137 people. They gave out 49 birth certificates and sent off an additional 51. One lady who received her birth certificate came downstairs dancing and praising God. The photo ID volunteers took 22 people to the DDS and 15 of them received their ID. They were unable to take anyone on June 19 as the DDS was closed for the Juneteenth holiday.

The choice food pantry was able to provide 964 people with their needs for the month. We are appreciative to DCCM for continuing to donate produce, baked goods and meat. Also, KAMO and several churches have donated food to the pantry. Walking bags continue to be a much-needed item, especially with school out for the summer. Volunteers prepared 435 walking bags for people with no means to cook. This month we saw children receiving these as well.

Our health hygiene programs of diapers, adult incontinence and period products continue to grow. We are thankful to the many volunteers that purchase, deliver and pack these products. This month 672 children received a week’s worth of diapers, 337 adults received incontinence products, and 190 ladies received period products. Since we were closed the week of July 4th , clients received two weeks’ worth of diapers and adult incontinence products.

A new service in conjunction with the Dept. of Public Health is eye exams. We were able to have an optometrist give an exam and provide prescription glasses to 14 clients.

Thank you to the many hands that make GAP Ministries a loving and compassionate place to serve and be served.

Gladly serving,

Lola