Annual Report 2025

    FY2025

    Our Impact BY THE NUMBERS

    Food

    Over 1,875,000 pounds of food were distributed at our Food Pantry in FY25.

    Clothing

    Every month, over 500 bags of clothing were donated to our Thrift Store in FY25.

    Shelter

    24 shelter Guests moved to a stable living situation, family or permanent housing in FY25.

    VOLUnTEERS

    18,571 volunteer hours took place across the ministry in FY25.

    LAZARUS HOUSE MINISTRIES CELEBRATES CASA BETHESDA GRAND OPENING WITH THE COMMUNITY

    Lazarus House Ministries celebrated the opening of Casa Bethesda, a transitional housing program providing 5 units to Guests facing the challenges of homelessness. They were joined by leaders and supporters from the community in the Merrimack Valley. Lazarus House Ministries Executive Director Carmen H. Vega, Board of Directors President Todd Johnson, Vice President Art Durkin and others gathered together to commemorate this milestone. Local officials stood alongside them, affirming the city and state’s commitment to addressing homelessness. “This is a place of renewal and possibility,” said Executive Director Carmen H. Vega. “Casa Bethesda represents the heart of our mission: to provide dignity and respect for families working toward a better future.” The success of Casa Bethesda was made possible through the generosity and dedication of numerous companies, donors and community partners. Lazarus House Ministries extends its deepest gratitude to all who contributed their time, resources, and passion to bring this project to fruition. Vega continued, “But we are not done yet! As we continue to grow and meet the needs of our Guests, we need you now more than ever.”

    Stories

    John's Story: The Shining Light

    When John arrived at Lazarus House, he was carrying the weight of an unimaginable hardship.

    Within a single year, he had lost his mother, lost his home, and spent months without a safe place to live; John even questioned whether his life was worth living. Having nowhere else to turn, John contacted one of our community partners who directed him to Lazarus House Ministries. This is where his healing began.

    At Lazarus House, John found a home.

    John moved into a permanent apartment at one of our transitional housing programs, giving him the safety and stability he needed. What made the most significant difference was the community he stepped into: families, staff, and volunteers who saw him, cared for him, and walked with him as he began to recover from his profound grief.

    Our staff connected John with resources that included daily meals at the Lazarus House Soup Kitchen and personal care items through our Community Resources program. Each step affirmed his dignity and reminded him he was not alone.

    Two years ago, John lived with uncertainty and fear, unsure of what tomorrow might bring.
    Today, he speaks with pride, gratitude, and renewed purpose. When he reflects on his journey with Lazarus House staff, he shares not only how far he has come, but how hope returned:

    “Since I’ve been at Lazarus House Ministries, I have no problem advocating for myself. My time here so far is the best. It’s making me feel happy again. I’ll sit there and I think - wow, two years ago I was in the darkest time. Look where I am now: I made it through, I’ve got that light shining. As I look out my window, I look at the sunrise - and there’s that light shining again.”

    Walking ALongside Our Guests:
    New Balance and Lazarus House Ministries

    Since joining the Lawrence community, both Lazarus House and New Balance have played an integral role in supporting those in need and making an impact. Now for nearly 20 years, New Balance has been a Lazarus House partner, giving both financial support and in-kind donations of shoes, clothing and food. This support goes beyond just giving; it is a collaborative partnership. New Balance has also been a longtime sponsor of the Walk for Hope Fall Festival since its inception, making a direct impact for our Guests. Every month, New Balance volunteers can be seen making dinner for our shelter Guests, passing out grocery items at our food pantry, or unloading large donations at our doorstep. This is the heart of ‘walking alongside our Guests’ and their generosity fuels our ability to support individuals and families facing the challenges of homelessness and food insecurity.

    "At the New Balance Foundation, we believe in strengthening communities by empowering families to thrive. Our longtime partnership with Lazarus House reflects that commitment. For more than two decades, we have been proud to support their vital work in Lawrence, helping neighbors overcome hardship and build brighter futures. Together, we aim to create lasting change in our shared community."

    Leadership

    Carmen H. Vega

    Executive Director

    Blessings,

    Lazarus House Ministries has had a year of deep service, commitment, and compassion. The needs of our brothers and sisters continue to grow, and yet, through God’s grace and your generosity, we have met them every single day. Families and individuals facing homelessness, food insecurity, and other crises come to us seeking support.

    Because of you, parents like Maria, who lived in our shelter, were able to feed their children, place them in warm, safe beds, and take steps toward a brighter, more secure future. Kelly, a pregnant mother who had been sleeping in the park, came to us out of cold and today she is safe with a place to call home.

    Thank you for standing with us so our Guests like Maria and Kelly, during their hardest moments, can utilize vital programs and rely on Lazarus House Ministries daily.

    As we reflect on the year behind us, our purpose is clear. We remain devoted not only to responding to the demand of those we serve, but also to envisioning a future that makes a difference in the lives of those we serve.

    My vision is to one day live in a world where every person is fed, safely housed, and where the trauma of homelessness and food insecurity is truly healed.

    Until that day comes, Lazarus House will continue to close the gap, be present, and serve all those who come through our doors.

    Together, we are building a community grounded in hope, love, and service. Your dedication and love in action for those we serve make this work possible, and your faith in our mission strengthens every step we take forward.

    Forever grateful,

    Carmen H. Vega

    Todd Johnson

    President, Lazarus House Board of Directors

    The past year has been both challenging and rewarding for Lazarus House.  I am honored to partner with so many generous and dedicated board members, staff, donors, and volunteers who continue to rise to the occasion to help those less fortunate.

    In recent months, resource limitations forced us to refocus efforts on our core mission principles of food and shelter as the federal SNAP cuts impacted our Guests significantly.  It is noteworthy that Lazarus House is now providing supplemental groceries to over 1,800 households weekly- an all-time high. I am so grateful to those who contribute support for our Guests with the necessities that many of us take for granted.

    We certainly live in difficult times, and I am inspired daily knowing that the Lazarus House community always comes through for us. We are so blessed for all the generosity of time, talent, and treasure exhibited by so many; and all this underscores that WE ARE LAZARUS HOUSE!

    With gratitude,


    Todd Johnson
    President, Board of Directors

    OUR FINANCIALS

    YOU MADE THE DIFFERENCE IN FY25

    The Knights of Columbus donated over 1,000 cans of tuna TO our food pantrY

    Apple Valley Catholic Community organized over 20 DAYS OF SERVICE IN OUR soup kitchen

    50 Merrimack College students volunteered for an entire semester across the ministry

    250 Golfers + 300 Walkers + 300 Guests = 850 Amazing ATTENDEES for our Signature Events

    Analog Devices donated 100 back-to-school backpacks for our shelter and capernaum place Guests

    LAZARUS HOUSE MINISTRIES BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    President

    Todd Johnson

    Vice President

    Arthur Durkin

    Treasurer

    Gregory Spurr

    Clerk

    Jesús Suriel

    Executive Director
    Carmen H. Vega
    (Ex Officio)

    Christine Andersen, M.D.

    Mona Bates

    Linda Benjamin

    Deacon Mike Curren

    Roger Desjardins

    Pastor Joe Garon

    Robin Gorski-Routhier

    Francis Hyatt

    Eric Landers

    Rabbi Howard Mandell

    Carol Hajjar McGravey

    Hazel Navarro, LICSW

    Courtney O’Connor

    Jennifer Pollina, CFP ®

    Father Christopher Sahd, BSO