Thursdays are usually the busiest days of the week at GAP Ministries, but when others are interested in doing a pop-up event to help those in need, Nomi Stanton doesn’t care that it’s on another day.
“We love to partner with other organizations,” said Stanton, GAP’s executive director. The organization will celebrate its 45th anniversary on June 7.
On May 28, GAP joined with Project Refresh and Pernell’s H.O.P.E. Ministry for what Stanton called “extra hits of love.”
“It’s getting hot, and there’s literally nothing better than a shower and a home-cooked meal,” she said.
With its motto of “providing hope one shower at a time,” Project Refresh has a mobile shower unit that volunteers take to several locations around town on a regular basis. GAP is on the Project Refresh calendar the third Thursday of each month.
Read more: GAP Ministries serves area homeless
“We have five partner agencies,” said Tracy Showman, Project Refresh vice president, who added the group is talking with a few more organizations about additional partnership opportunities as well as more pop-up events over the summer.
Project Refresh not only provides the shower, but each person receives new underwear, toiletries, sunscreen and bug spray. Participants can receive two new outfits a month. They also receive information about available services in the area.
Formed in 2020, Project Refresh is a volunteer-driven charity. Organizers had to raise money for the mobile unit before they could embark on their mission. About 1,000 showers have been provided since February 2022.
Showman said like most non-profits, Project Refresh is always in need of volunteers and donations. A Beat the Heat 5K/10K/Fun Run is scheduled for June 22 at Hammonds Ferry Soccer Park in North Augusta. Go here for more information.
Rounding out the volunteers on May 28 was Pernell Rutledge and her H.O.P.E. Ministry, providing a homecooked meal of fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, rolls and dessert.
“Years ago, I was homeless. Me and my kids lived in the car for three months,” said Rutledge, who prepares meals for GAP and the Salvation Army, and on the third Saturday of the month at Dyess Park. “I promised God if He got me out, I’d help other people. I’ve been doing it for 20 years.”
Stanton called Rutledge “an angel” and said the meals are always a blessing.
Stanton said it was a great event and that she was looking forward to another special event on June 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. inside the sanctuary of the building that was formerly Greene Street Presbyterian Church. It will mark GAP’s 45th anniversary.
She said it’s not a fundraiser, but an uplifting night with various performers entertaining through song and dance.
“It’s a celebratory night. It’s significant,” she said.
It started 45 years ago by giving bags of food to 10 people and have expanded to food, diapers, a laundry room ministry, birth certificate help and more.
GAP is also renovating the church building. Work is underway to restore the steeple, and there’s work that will be done to the interior as well.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
