Our mission
Helping people find stability, connection, and support.
Lumps Good Works supports individuals working toward stability, wellness, recovery, and personal growth throughout Virginia communities.
Through supportive housing programs, community partnerships, practical resources, and compassionate outreach, Lumps Good Works helps create environments where people can rebuild with dignity and keep moving forward.
Our story
Why "Lumps Good Works?"
At Lumps Good Works, we believe that some of life's greatest callings begin with the simplest words.
The organization's name comes from a deeply personal story. "Lump" was the affectionate nickname accidentally given to Benjamin H. Harper, Jr. by his wife and founder, Melissa Harper. Although it often brought laughter among family and friends, Ben proudly carried the nickname throughout his life.
The phrase "Good Works" grew from Ben's constant encouragement as Melissa began her career in social work. Before nearly every meeting, client session, or difficult day, he would smile and simply say:
"Go do good works."
What began as a loving pep talk became something much greater.
After Ben's passing, those four words became Melissa's daily reminder to continue serving others with compassion, dignity, and hope. They became both a personal mission and the foundation upon which Lumps Good Works was created.
Today, the organization carries that same spirit forward by supporting individuals and families through practical assistance, supportive housing initiatives, community partnerships, and future programs designed to strengthen lives throughout the Greater Richmond area and beyond.
Every person served, every partnership formed, and every opportunity to help someone in need continues the legacy of Benjamin H. Harper, Jr.—a man remembered not only for his kindness, but for the simple encouragement that inspired an organization devoted to helping others.
At Lumps Good Works, every act of compassion honors the legacy behind our name and carries forward Ben's timeless message:
Go do good works.
Faith & Inspiration
The words "Go do good works" also reflect the Biblical call to love, serve, and care for others through our actions. The mission of Lumps Good Works is inspired by verses such as:
"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
— Ephesians 2:10
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
— Matthew 5:16
"What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?"
— James 2:14
Current program
Serenity Residence
Serenity Residence is a supportive co-living home designed for adults seeking stability, structure, dignity, and intentional community.
Supportive housing with purpose
Serenity offers a calm, structured shared living environment for residents who value accountability, respect, recovery-informed support, and personal growth.
Visit Serenity Residence →Community connection
Lumps Good Works builds relationships with referral partners, community organizations, churches, therapists, recovery groups, and other support networks across Central Virginia.
Practical care
Donations and partnerships help support household essentials, seasonal needs, outreach efforts, resident support initiatives, and future program growth.
Future vision
Growing a broader network of care.
Additional residences
Expanding supportive housing opportunities as resources and partnerships grow.
Sponsored residential placement
Developing future care-centered residential options for individuals who may benefit from a smaller, highly supported home environment.
Environmental enrichment
Exploring therapeutic, farm-informed enrichment opportunities that may include animals, outdoor routines, and structured daily support.
Referral partnerships
Collaborating with trusted organizations to help people find the right next step.
Nonprofit status
Recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Lumps Good Works is a Virginia nonprofit organization recognized as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Nonprofit documentation, including IRS determination information and organizational records, is available upon request for grantmakers, partners, and authorized reviewers.
Organization details
Official name: Lumps Good WorksFounder / CEO: Melissa Harper, MSW, BSW
Chairman of the Board: Victor Chibueze
VP of Media & Design: Billie Jean Jones
Documents: Available upon request
Support the mission
Your support helps create stability, dignity, and care.
Donations currently support Serenity Residence and the broader mission of Lumps Good Works as housing programs, community partnerships, and outreach efforts continue to grow.
Contact
Connect with Lumps Good Works.
Reach out about donations, partnerships, referral relationships, grant documentation, or general questions about the organization’s mission and current programs.