Our Leadership Team
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Carmen H. Vega
Executive Director“We are all only one life event away from homelessness or food insecurity. We don’t judge. We welcome, we love, and we support.”
Carmen says she is a Lawrencian through and through and is not unfamiliar with the struggles the Guests of Lazarus House face on a daily basis.
She was raised in this community, attending Middle and High School in Lawrence, and after earning a Bachelor’s degree from Mount Washington College, a Master’s in Education from Cambridge College and getting her LMHC licensure, she settled in her beloved Lawrence with her husband and children.
She shares of 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. Raised by a single mom that 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.”
“I am thrilled and ready to take on this challenge. I look forward to working with the Board, our dedicated team of Directors, and the staff team I already love and trust to carry out the Strategic Plan, and continue to meet our Guests’ changing needs now and in the future.
“Let me paraphrase Philippians 4:13 and say ‘We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us’.”
Our Leadership Team
Ellen Bedrosian
Manager of Stewardship and Advancement Services"It is an honor and privilege to work with our donors in service to our Guests."
Miguel Cruz
Director of Operations"The village helped me. Now it’s my turn to be part of the village helping the Lawrence community."
Keith D’Entremont
Associate Director of Development“What an honor and privilege it is to get to know our supporters and witness the very best of humanity every single day."
Marcy Furse
Manager of Volunteer Engagement"Matching hearts of service to real needs of our Guests is truly a privilege ... and my favorite thing to do!"
Lenny Dubois
Marketing Manager"It's the most rewarding experience in my career, I am blessed to serve the Guests of Lazarus House."
Liset Garcia
Food Services Coordinator"Who am I to judge? I love the come as you are, no questions asked community we call the Food Pantry."
Nayely Jimenez
Thrift Store Manager"There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up."
Karen Manzi
Director of Human Resources“We may make a living with what we earn but we make a life by what we give.”
Donna Morris
Director of Development“Sometimes God whispers. Sometimes it’s a shout. You have to make sure you are listening. I am here because I listened.”
Almarie Silverman
Director of Advocacy"We treat everyone with dignity and respect. We love what we do and care about being there for our community."
Gary Tapp
Director of Finance"Lazarus House is a truly special place. I'm honored to be a part of this Ministry."
Elianna Ureña
Program Director, Capernaum Place"When we give cheerfully and accept gracefully, everyone is blessed."
Ysaura Taveras-Rodriguez
Program Director, Shelter"I've always wanted to work in a place that feels like Family. I've found it."
At the risk of sounding uncharacteristically poetic, I’d say we are at the confluence of four rivers, each of which makes the Ministries of Lazarus House stronger:
- The river of donor trust and generosity
- The river of engagement and excitement among the Staff and Board
- The river of opportunity to serve and lead our community through COVID and beyond
- The river of ministry evaluation and strategic planning
This is an exciting time for me, our Leaders, and the Board of Directors; we are planning the next chapter of thoughtful service!