About Jericho Road Lawrence

Our history

Jericho Road Lawrence was born out of the passionate desire of a small group of individuals from the North Andover North Parish Unitarian Universalist Church wishing to address dramatic socio-economic disparities in Greater Lawrence. We are modeled after the Jericho Road Project, established by the First Parish Church in Concord, Massachusetts.

In the fall of 2006, we received our 501c3 tax exempt status. Since then, Jericho Road Lawrence’s programs and services have expanded from volunteer professional matchmaking to include educational and leadership programs, and a grant resource center.

The “Jericho Road” name

The name, “Jericho Road” was inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King’s Good Samaritan sermon in which he stressed that it is not enough to fling a coin to a beggar on life’s road but that the entire road must be changed to remove barriers to equal participation for all people.

The need

Lawrence is one of the poorest cities in Massachusetts – in contrast to the abutting communities which enjoy a median household income well above the state average. It is this profound disparity that drives Jericho Road Lawrence’s mission to enhance the organizational capacity and economic sustainability of nonprofits serving our ultimate constituents - the men, women and children of Lawrence, Massachusetts, who often struggle under unfavorable social conditions.

Recognitions/Awards

Our work within the community has been widely recognized by local media, as well as our nonprofit clients and partners.

• Recognized by Lawyers Clearinghouse at their annual meeting in Boston for providing outstanding pro bono services to the Lawrence nonprofit community
• 3 Community Partner Awards
• 2 Volunteer of the Year Awards
• Woman of the Year Award presented to our Executive Director for our work within Lawrence
• Quota International of Lawrence's Nina Scarito Leadership Award presented to our Executive Director on behalf of our work in the Lawrence community