SORT STACK SERVE
Who is Grace and Peace CRC?
In the mid-1990s, John and Angelina Zayas, church leaders deeply invested in their neighborhood, started an afterschool program in their home. Their dedication caught the attention of Grace and Peace Fellowship, who mentored and supported them.
Generous donors purchased a former Lutheran school, creating GAP Community Center (GAPCC). Over time, GAPCC expanded, offering shelter for domestic violence survivors, a food pantry, and family events. In 2009, the GAPAdemics After School and Summer Program launched, fostering academic curiosity and community employment. In 2016, GAPCC became an independent 501(c)3 organization, while maintaining a partnership with Grace and Peace Church. Relocating in 2019, GAPCC expanded disaster relief efforts, aiding areas affected by crises.
In response to the crises created by COVID-19 in 2020, GAPCC launched a Food Bank that still supplies 1,200 families with food each week and up to a dozen food pantries each month to do the same in their communities. Since March 2020, GAPCC has distributed millions of pounds of food to over 600,000 families, thanks to partnerships with the US Department of Agriculture and the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
As GAP Community Center has grown, its mission has remained the same as when Pastor John and Pastora Angelina opened up their home to neighborhood kids – to unlock the potential in and with the community.
Our Celebrate Ministries Community Serve Event — SORT STACK SERVE — will be hosted by the Elmhurst CRC Deacons and take place at the Grace and Peace Community Center campus on Saturday, June 3, from 9-11 AM. Bus service is available. We have room for 100 - all ages are welcome!