Summer 2001 News

Corpus Christi Changes

On the morning of Monday, July 23, a group of young people and their adult supervisors from St. Richard’s Parish in Danvers began the project of transforming the yard of Corpus Christi Residence on Franklin Street in Lawrence. Armed with energy and enthusiasm they proceeded to weed, dig up sod and prepare the beds for new plantings and cobblestones for landscaping. The residents were excited to see the progress and watch what was a good start to our garden become a beautiful oasis. By the second day, and with new volunteers and staff it became clear how neat and tidy and beautiful the yard could be. Despite the fact that the day was turning out to be the hottest of the summer, the group worked tirelessly, doing all the finish work with the mulch they purchased and completed the project in late afternoon.

The next day we found out just how valuable this group was to the community here in Lawrence. When they returned to Holy Cross House, Maureen, a nurse, was called over by some strangers to administer CPR to a man in distress near Spruce Street. She was able to keep him alive until the ambulance arrived and he could be treated at the hospital. The police were so impressed that they awarded the group a special citation on Wednesday morning.

We are amazed that we could be a part of this event in so many ways. The work done at Corpus Christi Residence as well as Bethany House was only a part of the assistance given to the ministry these three days. Our young friends touched many as they helped out serving lunch at the Good Shepherd Center, dinner at Lazarus House and anywhere else there was a need for extra help. These young adults and their supervisors were a blessing that week and we will be affected by their generosity and kindness throughout the ministry for many weeks to come.

Corpus Christi Residence

Operating under the direction of Lazarus House, Corpus Christi Residence provides comprehensive services to low income and homeless individuals and families with HIV/AIDS. We have an eight unit congregate program for individuals and a two-family building to house adults and their families. Residents commit to living a substance-free lifestyle and receive services that include securing employment and volunteer opportunities, transportation and free educational and recreational activities. Residents can stay with us until they are able to move into more permanent housing or to another more appropriate medical facility. Members of the Corpus Christi staff receive ongoing and updated training in issues related to HIV/AIDS and direct care of our residents.

Corpus Christi is currently the only group home for people with HIV/AIDS in Lawrence. Today there are of 86 cases of HIV out of a total population of 69,712 (from the latest statistics available). Most of these individuals are between the ages of 20 - 40 with 55 percent of cases male and 45 percent female. We receive referrals to our agency come from the Merrimack Valley V.N.A. and the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center.

Corpus Christi AIDS Residence And Bethany House