Majors Elias and Maria Goiz Join The Salvation Army of Lawrence

LAWRENCE — The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division recently announced the appointment of Majors Elias Goiz and Maria Goiz as new leaders of the non-profit’s Lawrence Corps. 

In their new roles, the couple will oversee daily operations, including feeding programs and social services, at The Salvation Army of Lawrence, the oldest Corps in the Commonwealth. The Salvation Army opened their first location in Massachusetts in Lawrence in December 1883 to serve local residents including many immigrants who were employed by the bustling mills in the Merrimack Valley.

Today, the city of Lawrence is one of the poorest cities in the United States with nearly 30 percent of the population living below the poverty line.  

“There is a tremendous need in this community,” said Major Elias Goiz. “The goal of The Salvation Army is to serve all of our neighbors in need with love and without discrimination. We are excited to meet the ever-growing and changing needs of Lawrence area in our new appointments.”

Majors Elias and Maria, who have been Salvation Army officers for nearly 20 years, have been amazed by the constant increase in requests for assistance since their arrival in the Merrimack Valley. Like many local residents, they discovered the organization after they immigrated to the United States from Mexico 25 years ago.

“Whether it’s providing hardworking, struggling families with food or utility assistance or giving children a safe place to thrive through our music arts ministry, we hope to expand our programming and resources for all ages,” said Major Maria Goiz. “It’s part of our culture to serve the community. Our doors are open to all.”

The couple first worked with The Salvation Army in Providence, R.I., where they helped to run programs for youth. 

In 2003, both entered The Salvation Army’s training school to become officers, a process that they completed in 2005. Since that time they have worked at Corps in Ohio and New York, most recently serving in the Bronx, where they worked from 2012 to 2023. 

Major Elias said he and his wife had always been involved in church activities, but that they were still struck by the wide variety of programs and services The Salvation Army offers, including music education.

“The Salvation Army in Lawrence offers a strong, nationally-recognized youth arts and music program that we hope will continue to grow,” said Major Elias.

Having been in charge of The Salvation Army in Lawrence for nearly a year now, Majors Elias and Maria hope to expand community outreach and program offerings. They say that poverty, food insecurity, and high housing costs are among the biggest challenges they see in the greater Lawrence community.

The couple lives in Andover near the Lawrence city line, enjoy travelling in their free time, spending time with family, and also enjoy outdoor activities such as walking on trails and enjoying a good bonfire. 

To learn more about The Salvation Army in Lawrence or to make a donation, visit www.salvationarmyma.org/lawrence.

The Salvation Army annually helps more than 25 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol addiction, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,200 centers of operation around the country. During times of disaster, 100% of designated donations to The Salvation Army are used for immediate response and long-term efforts. In 2021, The Salvation Army was ranked No. 2 on the list of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. For more information, visit SalvationArmyMA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyMA and #DoingTheMostGood.