Carmen H. Vega serves as the Executive Director of Lazarus House in Lawrence, MA, a role she has held since 2022, guiding the organization with vision, dedication, and a deep commitment to the dignity of the 2,000 individuals and families who turn to Lazarus House each week for food, shelter, clothing, and support. With decades of leadership in human services and nonprofit management, she is recognized as a trusted advocate for those facing the challenges of homelessness and food insecurity in the Merrimack Valley. Carmen and her dedicated team work together to ensure that Guests are supported on their path toward stability and self-sufficiency.

Carmen is a Lawrencian through and through, and she is not unfamiliar with the struggles the Guests of Lazarus House face each day. She was raised in this community, attending middle and high school in Lawrence. After earning a bachelor’s degree from Mount Washington College, a master’s degree in education from Cambridge College, and certification as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), she remained in her beloved Lawrence with her husband and children.

She shares about her childhood: “I was raised in the Hancock Housing Projects in Lawrence. My family, friends, and neighbors all struggled with the issues we see in a typical urban city — some of the same hardships that the families we serve at Lazarus House are working hard to overcome. In fact, my mom stood in line at the Lazarus House Food Pantry back when it was on Holly St. Being raised by a single mom who lost her job due to lack of reliable childcare, I was brought up to be a woman of my word. My mom taught me that my word was worth more than money because people could then trust me and rely on me. I think my lived experience has provided a solid foundation to serve families and individuals struggling with food insecurity, poverty, and homelessness with compassion.”

Carmen is also an Associate Pastor at MAJES Worship Center in Lawrence and has led the worship team for over a decade. She is passionate about the needs of her community and is committed to living out the vision set in motion over 43 years ago by the Lazarus House founders: to welcome all and treat every person with dignity and respect.

A tireless advocate, Carmen brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to her leadership. “Together, our team will face every challenge,” she says. “With our dedicated board, volunteers, community partners, donors, and staff, we will continue to meet our Guests’ evolving needs.”