Look out, here she comes! Gayla Kidd brings HAP to Madison
Special to The Madison Record
MADISON – Gayla Kidd is starting a new project — at the young age of 80 years old. A strong and resolute leader in the Christian community, Kidd is opening a third location of the Huntsville Assistance Program.
HAP West, located in the Harvest Pointe Church building near downtown Madison, is an outreach to those in need of help with rent, utilities, mortgage and food. Through it all, she hopes to share and show God’s love, and encourage others to seek out His love.
Kidd’s philosophy comes across as soon as you meet her. There is an immediate atmosphere of respect and purpose that radiates to those surrounding her. There is the work, taking care of those who are in need of “a hand up, not a handout.”
When most are planning their retirement at 60 years old, Kidd seized the opportunity 20 years ago to step into a newly formed consortium of seven local churches. She developed the organization’s official philosophy, the rules, regulations and standards.
The success under Kidd’s leadership is evident. There is the HAP Central office with food pantry, the HEALS dental clinic and food pantry in Toney, and the new Hap West in Madison, at 103 Gin Oaks Ct in Madison.
With over 70 affiliated churches providing support today, and funds and food dispersed to those in need, Kidd keeps on living her calling, her mission of wanting the best for those under her protective angel’s wings.
That’s not all, folks. This dynamo of a little lady has many other accomplishments under her belt. After retiring from the interior decorating industry, Kidd doubled down to tackle some of the community’s toughest problems. Everyone needs to ride along with their local police to actually see what’s going on in their community.
Kidd rides as a citizen observer at least once a month. The lady’s got insight. Teaching anger management classes at the men’s prison, the lady’s got guts. Lecturing from the pulpit as a visiting minister, the lady’s got grit. Making regular hospital visitations to those bedridden, the lady’s got a heart of gold.
Harvest Pointe Pastor Marshall Daigre and board members recognized the many special qualities of Gayla Kidd and provided the space for her new project. With Harvest Pointe Independent Methodist Church, established 10 years ago, a congregation of young, enthusiastic members called to service in the community, embracing the knowledge and wisdom of Kidd, the combination is destined to accomplish much.
Visit www.huntsvilleassistanceprogram.org and www.harvestpointe.com for more information about HAP.
