GAP Ministries

06/01/2026

☀️🔥 The Summer Heat Wave has officially begun! 🔥☀️

Summer is one of the most challenging times of year for GAP Ministries. While donations traditionally dip during the summer months, the need for our services actually increases.

🍽️ We provide more meals for children and adults participating in summer programs.
🏡 Foster children are out of school and require additional care, activities, and support.
🛒 The 05 Market has expanded its hours and is now open 6 days a week to help more families access affordable food and household essentials.

That's why the Summer Heat Wave is so important.

This summer, YOU can make a huge difference in the lives of children, families, and individuals served through GAP Ministries... and you could win some amazing prizes along the way...like a resort stay! 🦀🎉

Even better? Every gift will be MATCHED by a generous donor up to $25,000, doubling your impact! ❤️

Visit our website (link in the comments) to learn how to participate, see all the prizes, and find out how YOU can help beat the heat this summer.

A huge THANK YOU to our incredible prize sponsors for partnering with us and making this campaign possible. Be sure to visit the resort pages linked below and show them some love!
True Ranch Collection
The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain
Desert Diamond Casino
The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa
Tanque Verde Ranch
Loews Ventana Canyon Resort

05/31/2026

🙏 Weekly Prayer Focus 🙏

This week, please join us in praying for a fun, safe, and joy-filled summer for the kids in our SPLASH homes. ☀️❤️

Pray for:
🌊 Safe adventures and activities
😄 Moments of laughter, friendship, and fun
💛 Healing, peace, and encouragement
🙏 Protection over each child and the staff caring for them

Summer can be a time for kids to create lasting memories, build confidence, and simply enjoy being kids. Thank you for covering our SPLASH youth in prayer this week.

05/30/2026

📣 Did you hear the news? The 05 Market now has extended business hours! 🛒🥦

The 05 Market offers fresh FREE produce along with reduced-price pantry staples, groceries, and household essentials to help support families and individuals in our community. ❤️

Each week, donated food items are given away FREE to shoppers, while the 05 Market also purchases grocery and household products at a discount to pass the savings directly on to YOU. Donated items are NEVER sold.

Be sure to follow the 05 Market on Facebook to see daily updates on free items and available products. And don’t forget to share the page with friends, neighbors, or anyone who could benefit from stretching their grocery budget a little further!

05/29/2026

🦀☀️ Ahoy, mateys! Captain Claws has officially made landfall! 🔥🌊

The votes are in, and our Summer Heat Wave mascot officially has a name!

Captain Claws is ready to help you navigate a summer full of hope, help, and healing across our community. From feeding families and supporting foster youth to providing essentials and job training, this crew is making waves all summer long. ❤️

Keep your eyes on the horizon because Captain Claws will be sharing fun ways to get involved, support the mission, and maybe even score some prizes along the way. ⚓😎

Learn more at heatwave.gapmin.com

05/29/2026

Since May is Foster Care Awareness Month, we want to shine a light on the experiences and stories within our GAP family. ❤️

Today, we’re sharing from one of our incredible foster parents, Yulianna:

"In 2024, I decided to pursue my calling to become a foster parent, striving to positively impact a teenager who often feels unheard and unseen. Although it has not been easy, it has been incredibly rewarding. This experience has been one of the most fulfilling endeavors I have ever undertaken, and highly encourage anyone who has considered this path to take the leap. It has given me a sense of higher purpose, and has also inspired my adult son and parents to get involved in providing a supportive family environment."

There is a tremendous need for foster families in Tucson, especially for teens who need safe, supportive homes and caring adults who will show up for them.

If Yulianna’s story inspires you or sparks questions about foster care, we would love to connect with you and help you learn more about the journey.

To learn more about becoming a foster parent click the link in comments.

05/27/2026

We are so proud to celebrate Sam Rayo, a recent graduate and one of the amazing youth in our SPLASH program at GAP Ministries! 🎓❤️

Sam has been part of the GAP family for the past two years, and it has been incredible to watch his resilience, determination, and growth as he worked toward this important milestone.

His story is a powerful reminder that with support, encouragement, and perseverance, foster youth can overcome incredible challenges and build a bright future.

Congratulations, Sam! We are cheering you on and can’t wait to see all that comes next for you. 👏

See Sam’s inspiring story here:
https://www.kgun9.com/news/community-inspired-journalism/southside-news/toltecalli-high-school-graduate-sam-rayo-turns-years-of-hardship-into-a-diploma-and-a-bright-future

Sam Rayo spent years in the foster system and struggled with his mental health, but a small southside high school and his sister's encouragement helped him turn his life around. Now he's graduating.

05/25/2026

🦀 We loved reading all the submissions on all our pages! The votes are in… and we have our TOP 3 crab name finalists for the Summer Heat Wave! ☀️🔥

Which name should win? 👀

🦀 Captain Claws
🦀 Shelldon
🦀 Sandy

Comment below with your favorite and help us choose the official name for our Summer Heat Wave crab mascot! 🌊

We’ll be reviewing votes across all of our social media platforms before announcing the winner, so make sure to cast your vote before voting closes THIS THURSDAY! ⏰⬇️

05/25/2026

GAP's 05 Market was recently featured in an AZPM news story highlighting the growing need for affordable food resources in our community.

Our Logistics Director, Matt Clauer, shared about the increasing number of families turning to the 05 Market for support and the importance of continuing to provide access to free and reduced-cost groceries and essentials. ❤️

Check out the story here:
https://news.azpm.org/p/news-articles/2026/5/22/229875-food-providers-report-more-clients-as-az-snap-caseload-cut-in-half/

More than 900,000 Arizonans relied on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance last year. April figures show only 435,000 are on the program now.

05/24/2026

🙏 Weekly Prayer Focus 🙏

This week, please join us in praying for the foster care staff at GAP Ministries. These dedicated individuals show up every day to serve children, youth, and families with compassion and care.

Please pray for:
❤️ Protection as they care for vulnerable children and families
💪 Strength for the emotional and physical demands of their work
🧠 Wisdom as they navigate difficult situations and decisions
🤝 Love that continues to reflect hope and healing to every child they serve

Lift up our SPLASH and Foster Care Directors, House Parents, Managers and Support Staff, Foster Family Specialists, and Case Aides as they faithfully walk alongside children and families every day.

Thank you for praying with us. Your prayers matter. ❤️

05/23/2026

Congratulations to these three seniors graduating from Cholla High School! 🎓🎉

All three students were part of the TSW program and spent time volunteering at GAP throughout the school year, building valuable life and job skills that will help them in their futures.

Their staff shared this message with us:

"Thank you so much for giving our students the opportunity to volunteer with your agency this school year. They truly enjoyed the experience and learned many valuable skills, including customer service, inventory management, teamwork, and independence. Your kindness, patience, and support helped build their confidence and gave them meaningful, real-world experience.

At the end of the year, students completed a survey, and one question asked what could make the TSW program even better. Most students responded that going to GAP more often would help. The environment you all create is truly warm and inviting, and we always look forward to bringing our students each year to volunteer and be part of such a positive space.

We are very grateful for your partnership and hope to work together again next school year!"

We are so proud of these students and incredibly thankful for our partnership with the TSW program over the years. We look forward to welcoming many more students in the future! ❤️