Leads To Success

Meet Richard: A Journey of Resilience and Triumph

Richard, a Specialist Four in the United States Army, was born in Trinidad and raised in Nigeria. With a warm smile and a quiet strength, he set out on a path to better his life through education. After earning his bachelor’s degree in Nigeria, he arrived in Massachusetts to pursue his dream of completing a sports medicine degree at Merrimack College. However, upon arrival, Richard’s world turned upside down. Political upheaval in Nigeria in 2018 led to the abrupt cancellation of his sponsorship, leaving him stranded with no funds, no way home, and only a few belongings.

Facing the daunting reality of homelessness in a foreign country, Richard found refuge at Lazarus House Ministries. With open arms, they provided him with not only the basics—shelter, meals, and clothing—but also the hope he desperately needed. The challenges didn’t stop there. As a soft-spoken man from the warm climates of Trinidad and Nigeria, Richard now faced his first brutal New England winter. He struggled to adapt to the freezing temperatures, the unfamiliarity of public transit, and even the different types of food. But with the support of Lazarus House, which even provided him with a bicycle to travel to and from school—sometimes through snowstorms—Richard never gave up.

The pandemic added another layer of difficulty with the switch to remote learning, yet Richard’s determination never wavered. Through every obstacle, he persevered. Today, with his master’s degree in hand and recruitment opportunities in the Medical Corps on the horizon, Richard reflects on his journey and the unwavering support he received. “Lazarus House gave me hope when I had none,” he says.

Richard’s story is a testament to the power of community, resilience, and the transformative impact of compassion. He is a shining example of what can be achieved when people come together to lift one another up.

Meet Maria: A Story of Strength, Hope, and Transformation

Maria, a single mother of three young children, found herself at a heartbreaking crossroads when her partner left, leaving her with the crushing weight of homelessness and uncertainty. In her late twenties, with children ranging from 3 to 8 years old, Maria’s confidence was shattered, and her once-bright dream of a healthcare career seemed unreachable. Desperation filled her days, unsure where to turn—until she found Lazarus House Ministries.

Lazarus House provided more than just the immediate essentials—clothing, formula, and nourishing meals. They gave Maria and her children the safety and stability they desperately needed. Her children couldn’t sleep through the night for nearly a week, too fearful after their upheaval. But slowly, the security of Lazarus House’s shelter allowed them to find peace.

As the family began to rebuild, Maria took a brave step forward. With the unwavering support of caseworkers and advocates, she moved into transitional housing at Capernaum Place. There, she pursued her long-held dream of working in healthcare. With grit and determination, Maria earned her healthcare assistant certification and graduated near the top of her class, even delivering a speech during commencement—an achievement she never thought possible.

Today, Maria walks to work each day with a renewed sense of purpose while her children thrive in local schools and daycare. Reflecting on her journey, she credits Lazarus House for her success, saying, “Without their help, navigating multiple agencies would have been overwhelming.”

Maria’s story is one of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of a helping hand. With the support of Lazarus House, she has built a brighter future for herself and her children—one filled with promise, dignity, and independence.

Meet Tomas: A Story of Redemption and Hope

Tomas was a hardworking laborer who raised his children with his girlfriend in our community. After battling addiction early in life, Tomas fought to stay sober for an impressive 17 years. But like so many who face the daily struggle of recovery, he eventually relapsed. Over the years, Tomas became familiar with the Lazarus House Community Resource Program and the Food Pantry, where staff members who had come to know him could see the warning signs as his life began to unravel. It took losing contact with his family, friends, and his health before Tomas could finally admit that he needed help.

In a moment of vulnerability, Tomas reached out to one of our Advocates, who recognized he was ready for change. Seeing the sincerity of his commitment, the Lazarus House staff stepped in to guide him into a recovery program. With their support, Tomas has started rebuilding his life. He successfully completed the first of several recovery programs. He even earned an opportunity to become a recovery coach—a role that allows him to help others navigate the same battles he has fought. Tomas has also qualified for Section 8 housing, a vital step toward stability.

Proudly sharing his progress with the Lazarus House team, Tomas said, “Lazarus House never gave up on me. I’m on a better path because they were there for me.” His journey is a testament to the power of persistence, hope, and the unwavering support of a compassionate community. Tomas is proof that, with the right help, the path to a better life is always within reach.

Meet Ashley: A Story of Love, Hope & Service

Ashley’s journey with Lazarus House Ministries began as she was facing some of the greatest struggles in her life. Homeless and having just escaped domestic violence, Ashley was also dealing with extended periods of separation from her children. Yet, despite these formidable challenges, she found a beacon of hope at the doorstep of Lazarus House Ministries.

Upon her arrival, Ashley connected with our staff who immediately offered unwavering support. The Emergency Shelter Program provided a refuge from the chaos surrounding her, ensuring the security of her family. Deeply touched and appreciative of the abundance of assistance— ranging from food and clothing to essentials for her children’s comfort—Ashley saw that it only took a few short days before her children could finally rest peacefully through the night.

However, this marked only the initial phase of Ashley’s path to steer her family in the right direction. Within months, Ashley and her children moved to Capernaum Place Transitional Housing program, where she began the process of acquiring what our Advocates refer to as “Life Experience Skills.” She learned how to budget limited resources and still prepare healthy, nutritious food, honed her active listening skills to better understand her children’s needs, all while acquiring the necessary education to give herself the confidence to pursue a career she once thought out of reach.

Today, Ashley lives as an example of what we believe and hope all our Guests can accomplish. At Lazarus House Ministries, we walk alongside each Guest with the understanding that all have different needs and gifts. Our doors are open to all as we strive to provide Love, Hope, and Service with dignity and respect.