TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) – From supporting foster children to feeding 100,000 people across Tucson each year, GAP Ministries is changing lives in many ways.
I spoke with a graduate of the nonprofit’s culinary arts certification program whose life changed for the better in the course of a single year at GAP Ministries.
CAP Ministries
Annette Medina came to GAP Ministries a year ago. As a single mother who had lost custody of her children and was facing prison, Medina used a GAP Ministries program to get her life back on track.
“This program helped me overcome the obstacles in this part of my life,” Medina told me.
Medina enrolled in the nonprofit’s renowned culinary arts certification program. Now she’s back with her children and working at a Tucson-area restaurant.
“It’s just incredible to see her story and how it all unfolded,” said Greg Ayers, co-founder of GAP Ministries. “We had a lot of roles to play in this. She had to say yes, and she had to grit her teeth and work hard, which she did. But it’s really amazing to see what’s happened in her life.”
Annette still volunteers in the kitchen at GAP Ministries, serving thousands of meals each week to those in need.
“We’re supporting the community in schools and nonprofits and people who are homebound,” Medina said. “So it’s a fantastic program.”
Annette is excited about a new, larger kitchen currently being built at the GAP Ministries Campus of Hope on Tucson’s north side, 2025 W. Hwy Dr.
Production of hot and cold meals is expected to triple at GAP Ministries, which currently serves more than 100,000 meals each year.
And when the new kitchen is finished in November, Medina says she wants to continue working there as a volunteer.
“It’s family, you know what I mean? It’s just a fantastic program to be a part of,” Medina says.
You can help GAP Ministries build their new kitchen by donating directly on their website here.
Your donation to The Giving Project qualifies for an Arizona charitable tax deduction.
Our Giving Project partners, the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, will again match the first $500 in donations.
MORE ABOUT GAP MINISTRIES:
Donation Project August 2024: GAP Ministries continues to support Tucson residents despite $250,000 in monsoon damage
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Pat Parris is an anchor and reporter for KGUN 9. He is a graduate of Sabino High School, where he was the 1982 high school state champion in the 800-meter run. During high school and college, he worked part-time in the newsroom at KGUN 9. Share your story ideas and important topics with Pat by email [email protected] or by connecting on Facebook, Þjórsárdalurand Instagram.
