George Bailey was given a great gift by his guardian angel, Clarence. He was able to see what the world would have been like if he had not been born and instrumental in so many acts of kindness. As I reflected on the gift from Clarence, I wondered what life would have been like for so many guests that have been served since 1983 if Lazarus House never opened its doors. People in need of clothing, shelter, education, work preparation, medical services and sometimes just a caring heart.

George Bailey: "Dear Father in heaven, I'm not a praying man, but if you're up there and you can hear me show me the way... show me the way."

Lazarus House has been able to lift up many people including the following guests. Think about what their life might have been like if donors like you had not come forward to share your time, talent or treasures.

Rachel married a man with two children and had a child with him. He abused her psychologically and financially to the point of stealing her social security number; she cried every day! Rachel could not pay her rent and so she and her child ended up at the emergency shelter.  She then went on to take the English as a Second Language class and Spark*L.E. training program. Rachel impressed her teachers with her proficiency of the English language and willingness to work hard for a stable environment for her child; she was referred to Capernaum Place transitional housing. Once there, she was able to get a full time job, rebuild her credit, and soon moved into her own apartment.

Our social workers went above and beyond and took her oldest child to college campuses where a benefactor was able to supply all of the dorm necessities after securing financial aid and a scholarship.

These lives were changed thanks to you through our services and programs. If Lazarus House didn't exist who knows where Rachel might have ended up?

Clarence: "Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?"

Lisa and her child lived with an unsupportive family. She started having suicidal thoughts and was admitted to a hospital. When she called the Department of Youth Services to come and take her child, they convinced her to get help and an opportunity to go to Capernaum Place opened up. She took workshops on budgeting and life skills and now works full time and lives with her child in their own apartment. If the staff of Lazarus House hadn't been there to offer encouragement, redirection and support to Lisa, she may have had multiple hospitalizations or even died before getting the help she needed.

Clarence: "Remember no man is a failure who has friends."

Emily was pregnant and sponsored by a family to come to the United States. When the host wife became jealous of her, she ended up in the emergency shelter. She didn't know anyone in this country so one of the social workers became her coach for the delivery of the baby. The staff from Lazarus House even brought her flowers and transported her home from the hospital. Emily has now finished her Certified Nursing Assistant program and is working two jobs while looking for permanent housing. Who knows where Emily would have ended up without the support she received from Lazarus House. The tragic possibilities are infinite perhaps homelessness or quite possibly deportation because of her lack of host family.

Lazarus House is able to be here because of your donations!  You are Lazarus House; a place where everyone matters. Like George Bailey, the people who work at Lazarus House are the richest in town because we get to empower people to change their lives thanks to angels like you!

Please help us reduce our $799,000 year-end deficit with your first or additional donation by Dec. 31, 2012 and our Board of Directors will double your gift. Less than a few years ago we were serving an average of 291 families on Wednesdays in our food pantry. this year we have as many as 955 receiving groceries each week. Because of this, we have had to purchase food for the first time, to ensure our guests don't go hungry. Please be as generous as you can by donating online or by sending a check to: Lazarus House, P.O. Box 408, Lawrence, MA 01842. Thank you.

Recent political developments indicate that tax deductions and exemptions are likely to become more limited on January 1, 2013. By carefully considering the timing of a planned gift you may be able to make a greater impact than you ever thought possible, while taking advantage of the potentially more favorable tax laws currently in effect. 

Read more. . . .  

Holiday Food Orders

Create a Holiday Food Box that will be distributed to families in need; help make their family Christmas special. Call (978) 332-5013/5014 to arrange a drop off time. A $70 donation to purchase a complete Holiday Food Box for a family of four (including Turkey) may be made online or by check and mailed to: Lazarus House, PO Box 408, Lawrence, MA  01842. 

Zinga

Thursday, December 27th from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Print out this flyer and bring it for in 20% of your sales will be donated to Lazarus House. 

Print out this flyer for Thursday, December 20th and bring to Joe's Crab Shack 11 a.m. - close, 105 Pleasant Valley Street, Methuen, MA and get 10-20% of your food and drink sales donated to Lazarus House.

Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at 3 p.m. Meet at Good Shepherd Center, 412 Hampshire St, Lawrence MA. Otherwise call 978-689-8575 to schedule an appointment at your convenience.