WHAT
WE DO
A human centered grass-roots approach that ensures programs are designed by the people it serves, leading to solutions that are more viable, relevant, and impactful.
PROGRAMS & INITIATIVES.
Our programs and initiatives were created to respond to the holistic needs of the Franconia-Mt.Vernon communities. We engage individuals and families in a human-centered manner and ensure they are treated with dignity and respect. A strong focus is placed on encouraging self-awareness and defining purpose for their collective journeys.
WHERE WE WORK.
Since 2019, LAZERA Ministries has provided social-emotional wellness, system-based advocacy, and basic life needs support to residents in Fairfax County's Franconia-Mt.Vernon Districts along Richmond Highway on the Route 1 corridor.
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According to the Northern Virginia Health Foundation’s report Getting Ahead: The Uneven Opportunity Landscape in Northern Virginia, the life expectancy of those living in this community is 8-15 years less than those in neighboring communities.
ONGOING PROJECTS.
Civic Engagement & Systems Change
We provide community members with the knowledge and skills of social justice practices and theories to effectively engage systems and create more equitable outcomes and policies that are human-centered and community informed.
Community Engagement
Creating the change we want to see is how we engage and provide support to those impacted by systemic marginalization who are seeking safe-spaces to enrich and protect the lives of them and their children. We connect community to resources, provide, life navigating guidance, court-accompaniment and engage youth thorough our 1 Brotherhood Empowered Teen Leadership Program.
In addition to our regular programs and services we also support our community through seasonal projects.
Stock the Block
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Starting in 2023, in partnership with the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, we began an annual community distribution called "Stock The Block" during which we provide food, toys, socks, hygiene and household essentials to the communities living along the Buckman Loop in Franconia District in Fairfax County, VA.
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Through this effort we have served over 2500 families (11,000 individuals) for the last 2 years.
Angel Program
The Angel Program ensures that no child is left without a holiday gift or back-to-school supplies to begin a new academic year. This is one of our most volunteer driven and supported projects. Each year we give hundreds of supplies and gifts to the youth that comprise the Franconia-Mt. Vernon communities.
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Since 2022, we have served over 60 families (156 children)
