Standing in the Gap helps trauma survivors
CULLMAN, Ala. – Standing in the Gap is a faith-based nonprofit ministry that has operated in Cullman County for two years. Focused on restoration, rescue and healing, Standing in the Gap represents boots-on-the-ground activism in the face of domestic violence and trafficking and offers holistic support for those victims and their families.
Jennifer Clark, director of the program, said the work she and her team do is more than a calling. She said it’s a commission given to them by God.
“Our ministry, our commission, is to help hurting people,” she said. “It’s not something you can just dip your toe in; you have to dive in.”
Clark mentioned that while there are several nonprofits in the area focused on the same things, Standing in the Gap is unique in that it meets those victims where other nonprofits don’t necessarily have the manpower or allocated funds to do so, particularly on weekends and for those small but no less important things that are needed when escaping a domestic violence or trafficking experience.
“We treat the whole person,” Clark declared, sharing that her ministry not only offers basic services like support and assistance in finding housing and addressing food insecurity for victims, but also offering emotional support and faith-based counseling for those victims as well as their families.
“The support doesn’t end once the individual is physically safe,” Clark noted. “We continue to hold their hand. We have to be a safe place for these people. The world can be a dark place; we just want to shine a light.”
Clark said the program has operated quietly, outside of the public eye for years due to the sensitive nature of the clients and cases it deals with, but that it’s time to go public due to the demand and dwindling resources.
“We’re not government funded, or related to one specific church,” she said. “Our funds come from people who believe in our commission and our board members and volunteers are from all different churches in the area.”
Clark also shared that while all her volunteers and partners wish to remain anonymous due to the nature of their work, “It takes a lot of brave people to do this. We draw a lot from Nehemiah 4:14; it’s kind of our motto.”
Clark said her volunteers and board members are brave, but the clients they serve are infinitely more so.
“If I could say one thing,” said Clark, “these people can’t advocate for themselves. These people have lost everything. It’s a heavy weight to bear. I just want them to know, we can help you carry that weight.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or trafficking, there is hope. Call Standing in the Gap’s hotline at 256-509-9092.
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