Gap Relief

09/12/2025

Our hearts are heavy this week. Between acts of violence in our country, tragic losses, and today marking the anniversary of 9/11, many of us are carrying a lot right now.

In moments like these, when trauma and grief seem overwhelming, we are reminded of how much we need each other. To those who are hurting, wrestling with these difficult events, and struggling to process so much pain - you are not alone.

No matter our differences, no matter our backgrounds or beliefs, we are bound together by our shared humanity. In times of darkness, we must turn to one another for comfort, strength, and hope.

Gap Relief is here. Our community is here. We are in this together.

09/04/2025

✨ When passionate people follow their calling, amazing things happen! ✨

We're incredibly proud to announce that Elizabeth Brown, a key developer of our TIERS program, has opened the Resilience and Learning Center - a nonprofit creating safe, healing-centered learning spaces for students.

Elizabeth's work at Gap Relief touched countless lives, and now she's expanding that impact through small group learning, neurofeedback therapy, and strength-based education at Restoration Creek Farm.

This is what community looks like - supporting each other's growth and celebrating when team members spread their wings to serve others in new ways.

Congratulations, Elizabeth! Our community is stronger because of leaders like you. 💪🏼

To learn more about the Resilience and Learning Center, please see the comments section for links!

09/02/2025

Trauma isn't just stored in our minds - it may *live* in our bodies. This truth is expounded on in Dr. Bessel van der Kolk's groundbreaking work in "The Body Keeps the Score."

Here's what happens:
When we experience trauma, our nervous system can get "stuck" in survival mode. Our bodies may hold tension, experience chronic pain, struggle with sleep, or feel constantly on edge - even when we're safe.

This is why traditional talk therapy alone may not always be enough. We may need approaches that speak to the body.

At Gap Relief, we understand the value in whole body care through evidence-based practices such as:
✨ Breathwork that helps regulate your nervous system
✨ Body-based therapies that release stored tension
✨ Neurofeedback that retrains your brain's stress responses

Your healing journey is unique. We're here to help you find the approaches that resonate with your body and your story.

📞 Ready to explore? Contact us to learn more about our breath and body work or neurofeedback options. Your nervous system has been working hard to protect you - let's help it learn to rest.

08/26/2025

Our Northwest Arkansas community has experienced back-to-back trauma that has shaken our collective sense of safety - from the devastating murders at Devil’s Den involving someone connected to our local schools, to the recent active shooter scare that, while not a real threat, still deeply impacted us all.

Sometimes acknowledgment itself brings relief. We want to take a moment to recognize that these events DID have impact. It’s okay to feel unsettled. It’s normal to question our safety.
Let’s collectively take a breath. What we experienced was real, and our feelings about it are valid.

At GapRelief, we’re committed to doing our part in acknowledging trauma’s impact on our community and supporting each other as we build resilience and work toward feeling safe again. We’re in this together. 💙

08/25/2025

We're excited to introduce our newest Licensed Professional Counselor, Sam Deck!

Sam brings his Master's in Counseling from John Brown University and a deeply compassionate, client-centered approach to therapy. He specializes in multiple therapeutic approaches including CBT, EFT, Person-Centered Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy, and has experience working with a wide range of concerns from ADHD and anxiety to trauma and depression. Beyond his clinical work with children, adolescents, and adults, Sam has also served in a directoral role guiding new counselors at JBU's Community Counseling Clinic. Sam is passionate about walking alongside clients with compassion and empathy, helping them process their past while creating new, empowering narratives for their future.

We're thrilled to have Sam's expertise and heart for healing as part of our team. Welcome, Sam!

08/18/2025

We're thrilled to introduce a new member to the Gap Relief team, Abby Spencer!

Abby brings her Master's in Counseling from John Brown University and a deep passion for supporting women in their 20s and 30s as they navigate life's challenges. She specializes in helping clients work through anxiety, perfectionism, trauma, and relational difficulties in a warm, grounded therapeutic space. Drawing from approaches like Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Abby helps clients reconnect with their inner wisdom and build compassion for all parts of themselves. Above all, she's committed to creating a safe space where clients feel seen, accepted, and empowered to be their authentic selves.

We can't wait for our community to experience Abby's thoughtful, insight-oriented approach to healing and growth. Welcome to the team, Abby!

08/12/2025

We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Firefighter/Paramedic Tony Spero, who lost his life in an off-duty accident on August 7th.

We honor his decade of selfless service to the Springdale and Tontitown communities. His dedication to protecting and caring for others represents the very spirit of service that we strive to support.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Spero family, the Springdale Fire Department, the Tontitown Fire Department, and all who knew and loved Tony during this heartbreaking time.

We stand in support of our first responder community as they grieve the loss of one of their own. Tony's commitment to helping others will continue to inspire us all.

Rest in peace, Tony. Your service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.

The Springdale Fire Department is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Firefighter/Paramedic Tony Spero in an off-duty ATV accident on Thursday, August 7th, 2025.

Tony was a dedicated member of our department, proudly serving the City of Springdale since 2015. He was a highly skilled firefighter and paramedic, a beloved friend, and a valued colleague. His unwavering commitment to public service and warm, kind spirit will be deeply missed. Tony was also a member of the Tontitown Fire Department, demonstrating his passion for serving the Northwest Arkansas community.

Our hearts go out to the Spero family and his friends during this difficult time, and we offer our heartfelt condolences.

08/08/2025

The countdown to GOTCHU Lake Day is ON and we are SO ready to see you! ⏰

Want to see what "we've got your back" looks like? Check out these amazing sponsors who stepped up to make this day possible:

Presenting Sponsors: DUDE Wipes & Subway of Benton County
Cardboard Boat Race Sponsor: The Dock Shop
Sailboard Level Sponsors: Netzel Cabinet Sales & David Jones of Edward Jones
Kayak Level Sponsors: Lindsey & Associates, Ascend Wellness, Northwest Arkansas Pediatrics, Arvest

THIS is your community saying GOTCHU. THIS is what support looks like.

See you at the lake, helpers!

P.S. Can't make it to the event? You can still show support by shopping our online silent auction! Ends at 2:45pm on Saturday, August 9th! Link in the comments

08/07/2025

Our hearts are full! 💙

Gap Relief has been selected for the Raise NWA nonprofit accelerator program, and we couldn't be more grateful. Over the next 14 months, we'll be building skills to amplify our impact and serve Northwest Arkansas even more effectively.

Thank you to GoodmakerU , Walmart .org, and The Jones Center for believing in our mission and providing this transformative opportunity.

The best is yet to come!

Check out some photos from our kick-off event yesterday.

08/05/2025

🌊 GOTCHU Lake Day Silent Auction is LIVE! 🌊

Each item up for bid has been generously donated by our supporters, partners, and sponsors, with all proceeds directly benefiting our mission of Helping the Helpers Build a Resilient Community. By participating in our auction, you're not just snagging cool items - you're making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.

Check it out: https://loom.ly/b9dDPVM

Please share with friends & family! Every bid matters and shows support for the Helpers of NWA.

Welcome to our online fundraising auction. 📣Each item up for bid has been generously donated by our supporters, partners, and sponsors, with all proceeds directly benefitting our mission of Helping the Helpers Build a Resilient Community. By participating in our auction, you're not just acquiring...

08/04/2025

A huge thank you to The Dock Shop for sponsoring our GOTCHU Lake Day Boat Race!

As they say, they’re ready to “rock your docks off” with premium marine supplies - and they’re rocking their support for our HELPERS too!

[GOTCHU Lake Day Aug 9: a day of self-care, fun, food, and activities for the Helpers of NWA and supporters of the cause.]

07/27/2025

To our amazing sponsors: You're not just supporting an event – you're supporting the people who support us all. 🙌❤️

Thank you for standing with us and saying "we Gotchu" to the Helpers of NWA – your sponsorship helps us show our community's heroes that they matter, they're valued, and they deserve the care and support they give to others. 💙🤝

[GOTCHU Lake Day Aug 9: a day of self-care, fun, food, and activities for the Helpers of NWA and supporters of the cause.]