Lazera Ministries

07/22/2026

Congratulations to our Executive Director, Yolonda Bunny Earl-Thompson on being recognized in Greater Washington Community Foundation Voices of the Region: A People's Celebration of Greater Washington. Her story reflects the heart of LAZERA's mission—building community through collaboration, empowering residents to lead, and choosing Humanity First every step of the way.

This recognition is more than an individual achievement. It is a celebration of every community member, volunteer, partner, and young leader who continues to prove that lasting change happens when people come together with purpose.

As Yolonda shares in the feature, thriving communities are built when neighbors become partners, youth are trusted as leaders, and every voice matters. That's the future we're working toward—together.

This summer, as the country marks its 250th anniversary, The Community Foundation is launching Voices of the Region — a storytelling campaign that celebrates Greater Washington through the people who live, give, and build here. Ours is one of the most diverse and dynamic regions in the country, an

07/22/2026

We are so proud of these amazing community leaders. On Sunday, July 19th they hosted over 100 community members for a day of football, food, community resources and more. Along with out Healthy Communities Action Team (HCAT), sponsored by Virginia Foundation For Healthy Youth, we created a safe space for youth to engage and connect.

Special thanks to Supervisor Rodney Lusk for your support.

The DMV 1v1 Showdown, a program of Lazera Ministries and 1 Brotherhood Empowered, was a community football game celebrating young leaders working to make positive impacts in their communities. I had the pleasure of speaking with the athletes about leadership and civic engagement.

1 Brotherhood Empowered is a teen-led program whose mission is to empower young males through leadership opportunities, exposure to college and career pathways, and mental health support.

07/22/2026

Join us! We are honored to partner with Supervisor Dan Storck for the 4th annual Back to School event.

See you August 1st!!!

07/15/2026

LAZERA is proud to welcome Andrew "Andy" Cole to our Board of Directors.

Andy brings decades of distinguished leadership in education, organizational development, and community engagement. Throughout his career, he has guided leadership development initiatives, supported school systems across the country, contributed to national education standards, and dedicated countless hours to civic leadership and mentorship.

His lifelong commitment to developing leaders and strengthening communities reflects the very heart of LAZERA's mission—to empower voices, strengthen character, and cultivate opportunities that create lasting impact.

As our organization continues to grow, we are honored to have leaders like Andy helping shape our vision and expand our reach. His expertise, integrity, and passion for service will be instrumental as we continue building stronger communities together.

Please join us in welcoming Andy to the LAZERA Board of Directors. We are excited for this next chapter and grateful for the leadership he brings to our organization.

06/27/2026

05/09/2026

🎉 STOCK THE BLOCK COMMUNITY DISTRIBUTION 🎉

We’re excited for this year’s Stock the Block Community Distribution! Join us next Saturday, May 16th for an amazing day of community, connection, and support. 💛

Community members will receive:
🧼 Essential hygiene items
🏠 Household supplies
🥫 Food items
🤝 Resources from local community partners

Come out, bring your family, and help us continue building a stronger, healthier community together. We can’t wait to see you there!

📍Gerry Hyland Government Center, 8350 Richmond Highway, Alexandria, VA 22309
⏰ 10:30 am - 1:00 pm

05/06/2026

Three days. Countless connections. Purpose renewed.

At the Champions for Youth Summit, we leaned into growth—learning new tools, gathering valuable resources, and building relationships rooted in impact. Each conversation, each session, and each moment poured into our mission to serve stronger and lead better.

As seasons change, systems can too—and we are choosing to be intentional about that transformation.

We’re not just inspired… we’re equipped.
And we’re committed to changing our communities for the better.

05/05/2026

Growth is intentional—and so is our commitment to community. 🌱

This week, LAZERA is stepping into the Champion for Youth Summit to deepen our understanding of systems, expand access to resources, and strengthen the impact we bring back to the communities we serve.

Because real change doesn’t happen by chance—it happens when we choose to learn, grow, and build better together.

We’re not just attending. We’re investing in what’s next.

CommunityImpact GrowingTogether

04/30/2026

04/24/2026

When residents shared the need for a safer and more welcoming space for youth, LAZERA listened.

Through partnership with the Fairfax County Park Authority, alongside our subgroups 1BROTHERHOOD EMPOWERED and COMMUN1TY+, we helped bring community voices to the table and support the reconstruction of Mount Vernon Woods Park.

This reopening is more than a park.
It’s a reminder that when people are heard, systems can respond.

A place for youth to play.
A place to gather.
A place to build community.

This Spring2ACTion, support organizations creating real change where it matters most.

🔗 Give today. Invest in community. Build what’s next.