Written and shared by Wesley Lazarus
Good morning!
My name is Wesley Lazarus, and I would like to welcome you to the 2026 Cherish the Children of God breakfast. Thank you for being here and supporting the work of Volunteers of America North Louisiana.
My story with Volunteers of America began in 2018. A friend told me about a group called Visionaries. The mission was to provide high impact, low time-commitment volunteer opportunities for young adults during the busiest time of their lives (often juggling careers and starting families). We did this mostly through hosting quarterly Sip and Serves.
Sip and Serves were a social hour at a local restaurant where attendees would bring a donation item to benefit those that VOA served. Over the years these items included toys during Christmas, clothing and hygiene items, and school supplies to name a few. We also regularly partnered with The VOA Lighthouse program hosting career fairs for middle and high school students. Sip and Serves and career fairs were always a great time but some of my fondest memories occurred with other events early on, at the Bossier Lighthouse.
In the summer of 2019, we had an idea called “Lunch Buddies”. The idea was to pack a sack lunch and read a book with the Lighthouse students. I packed a sandwich, Doritos, and a Dr. Pepper (highly nutritional). I learned quickly that Doritos weren’t on the kids lunch menu at the Lighthouse, therefore, I had to share. I cannot remember the book we read, but I remember our conversations. The students at my table said I looked like “Iron-man,” and one responded, no, he looks like “Tom Brady”. I took both as compliments. We also joked about how old they thought I was and some of those guesses were less flattering. All in all though, it was a great time.
In February 2021, still in days of social distancing, we hosted a Mardi Gras parade at the Bossier Lighthouse. Beads, makeshift floats, and I dressed up as a jester. This event coincided with my birthday and at the end, the students sang Happy Birthday. I’ll never forget that day, the joy on their faces, and how much they lifted my spirit.
I continued to stay active in Visionaries and joined the board of directors in July of 2021. My involvement with VOA has never been for recognition, self-gain, or favor. However, thanks to God, VOA, and one persistent staff member I was introduced to my now wife, Hannah.
Hannah is one of the most charitable individuals I’ve ever known. Hannah volunteered as a tutor to Lighthouse students before joining the Visionaries committee. We served together for years professionally before our first date, and we officially tied the knot in October 2025.
The way in which our service has poured back into us is a debt we can never re-pay and something we’re eternally grateful for.
Now. Neither I nor VOA can guarantee future matchmaking services, and future results are at your own risk. But I can promise you this, you do not need to be a superhero or a Super Bowl winning quarterback to make an impact. You just need to be yourself.
Volunteers of America has served NLA since 1935. A church without walls. It’s ministry serves children and families, veterans, senior adults, and individuals living with disabilities.
I connected with VOA through Visionaries and The Lighthouse but many of you here have a different story. The reach and work of VOA is vast and meaningful, and it needs our continued support.
We are grateful to be surrounded today by so many of you who believe in this work.
As you hear more about the impact of this organization, I hope you are drawn closer to support its mission. It is only through your generosity, volunteerism, and help that we can continue to provide hope and belonging to our community.
Thank you for listening to my story and thank you for supporting Volunteers of America.