For the past two dozen years, Amparo Lancara has been a mainstay at Catholic Charities of South Jersey’s Cumberland County Family and Community Center.
As the dedicated team member prepares to retire from the organization that she has been a part of since February 26, 2001, her colleagues have nothing but positive things to say about her impact.
“When I started working for Catholic Charities 13 years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Amparo, and she has been a light ever since,” said Madelyn Frazier, regional program coordinator of family and community centers for Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem Counties. “Amparo always treated everyone – staff and clients alike – with respect and made them feel like family. Her welcoming nature made a profound impact on everyone she encountered.”
Frazier described Lancara as a team player, and someone who always took the initiative to help her colleagues.
“Amparo always stepped up to do whatever was asked of her,” she said. “She has a heart of gold, offering advice, hugs, prayers, and the faith to keep everyone motivated to push forward.”
Aimee Brown, another regional program coordinator for family and community centers, met Lancara when she joined Catholic Charities some 12 years ago, and had the chance to work with her as a colleague and later her supervisor. Like Frazier, she spoke highly of Lancara’s commitment to the mission of Catholic Charities.
“Throughout the years, Amparo would always come to work early every day, walking to work on some days and even working weekends on occasion,” she said. “Amparo loved to help others, and if she was able to help everyone, I know she would have. Helping others is what seemed to motivate Amparo the most.”
Lancara also left an impact on Susan Stephens, regional program coordinator of the Supportive Services for Veterans and Families initiative.
“Amparo welcomed me to our Vineland office some 10-plus years ago. Soon after, I called her my friend,” Stephens recalled, also noting her positivity and encouragement. “Amparo is a compassionate and dedicated case manager, having mentored so many over the years.”
Stephens also pointed out the role that faith, and family, have played in her life.
“Her faith saw her through some difficult times, and her smile saw me through some tough days,” she said. “Amparo’s greatest joy is her family – shopping with Mom and visits with her grandchildren and showing us pictures of them.”
Lancara’s faith also stood out to Frazier. “Everyone who knows Amparo knows she loves the Lord,” she said. “She always put her trust in Him, sharing His goodness and offering unwavering support. Her good advice, listening ear and powerful prayers assured us all of God’s strength and love, helping us through any challenge.”
Frazier added, “Amparo is more than a coworker – she is family. We will miss working with her so much, but we are genuinely happy that she now gets to relax and enjoy her family. It’s a retirement well-deserved.”
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