New CCS director loves making a difference

Intermountain Catholic

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José Lazaro

SALT LAKE CITY – The story of how José Lazaro became part of Catholic Community Services (CCS) is very peculiar.

About 10 years ago, he waited for 15 minutes in a line outside of Saint Vincent de Paul Center. Unlike the others in line, he wasn’t there to ask for help; he was there for an interview with the center’s director for the job of receptionist.

"When I showed up for the interview I was standing in line and I stood there for about 10 to 15 minutes because they told me I had to wait till they opened the door," said Lazaro. "When I finally entered I asked for the director and they didn’t know who that person was, so fortunately there was a case worker that heard me and told me that she was across the street."

Late for his interview, Lazaro rushed into the other building, where he was greeted by one of the employees. He kept apologizing for his tardiness, explaining what had happened.

After a 15-minute interview, he was given a tour of the building and told that they would call him later. After the events of the day, Lazaro was pretty sure he wouldn’t get the job.

"Because of my tardiness and because every time I had an interview before that it was half hour or more, I thought I did not have any chance of getting that job," Lazaro said.

To his surprise and joy, he did in fact receive a phone call later on that same day, offering him the position. He accepted, and held the job for a couple of years.

"I had no expectations to stay with CCS for long, but I just fell in love with the job that we do," he said. "I love the people that we help, just the feeling of knowing you are making the difference. This is one of the things that for sure money can’t buy."

With time, Lazaro was promoted to coordinator at the facility. "I have always been very fortunate to work for great people that have mentored me and gave me the opportunity to fill different capacities," he said.

As the years went on, the director of Saint Vincent’s even advocated for him, and that’s how he ended up being the director of CCS’ Basic Needs Services for several years.

Lazaro has spent the past 10 years at CCS. In July he became the organization’s development director, when Kathryn Brussard left the position after eight years.

"The plans now are to build on the foundations that were put in place by Kathryn Brussard; she is a wonderful individual that did a wonderful job," Lazaro said. "I am very fortunate to have a great team in place; I just have to do a little thinking outside the box" to move forward, he added.