Income Tax Preparation Season is HERE
Josh Prokopy - LUM Tax Assistance Director
Josh J. Prokopy is the new program director for the LUM  VITA tax assistance program . With LUM, Josh has served the past two years as the Turkey Trot 5K Run director .

Josh grew up in Conway, Massachusetts and now lives in West Lafayette with his wife, Linda, and their three children, Annabel, Margaret & David. Annabel & Margaret are both 14 years old and in 9th grade at West Lafayette Junior/Senior High School, and David (11) is in 6th grade at West Lafayette Intermediate School. They are members of Unitarian Universalist Church of Tippecanoe County . Josh earned a bachelor’s in independent concentration from University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a Master’s in Sociology and Master’s in Social Work both from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Josh is active in his church.

Josh shares,“My priorities are to raise my family as best I can, to let loose children who care about the world and our future, to better understand the world around me, and to try and make a difference, at least in a small way, within my community.” He finds inspiration in his father, “who was extremely independent minded and hard working, and never cared a hoot for what anyone else thought of him. He lived his own life in his own way, but did so much to enrich the world around him.” Josh is excited about his role with LUM, and stated, “If we can do anything at all to give people a renewed sense of hope, than we’ve made a huge impact in their lives.”

Josh is an avid home-brewer of beer and has a 2nd degree black belt in Taekwondo. He enjoys being out in nature, and spending time with friends and family engaged in meaningful conversation, “preferably over a glass of excellent home-brewed beer.”

LUM is fortunate to have Josh Prokopy rejoin the LUM staff in this new role.
LUM Solar Energy Project - Final Stages
Solar Panels Installed - "Flip the Switch" Scheduled
In late December, the solar panels were installed on the new steel roof on the LUM Office building -- completing the final stage of the LUM Solar Energy Project . The installation was done by the team at Jefferson Electric of Indianapolis (pictured above).

In addition to the environmental benefits of going solar, the saving will potentially be $6,618 per year. This total includes the savings from the reduction in energy needed as well as revenue from trading Solar Renewable Energy Credits. This money will be re-invested in LUM programs & services in support of local families.

The "switch" will be "flipped" soon and you're invited. Here are the Ceremony details:
  • Flip the Switch Ceremony - LUM Solar Energy Project
  • Monday, January 14 | 4 p.m. | LUM Office, 420 N 4th Street, Lafayette

Please join us for this historic LUM event. No RSVP necessary.
Volunteers Needed - Income Tax Assistance
Make a difference in your community by becoming a LUM tax volunteer. Volunteers are needed from Saturday, February 2 through Thursday, April 4 for the  LUM Tax Assistance Program.

No experience is necessary — and  training is provided. You may even qualify for continuing education credits. There are a number of volunteer roles available — click  HERE to see descriptions. For tax preparers, some accounting experience is desired. In all tax volunteer roles, individuals who are bilingual, multi-lingual, and have  international experience are helpful. As a LUM tax assistance volunteer, you’ll join a program that’s helped millions of people file tax returns at no charge for more than 40 years.

LUM strengthens our community through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. VITA, a nationwide IRS program, secures greater financial stability and economic opportunity for working families — and directly impacts OUR community. Your help will make a difference — and have a significant positive impact. If you are interested or need more information please click  HERE or call or email Josh Prokopy (765-423-2691 |  taxes@lumserve.org ).
Bus Drivers Needed - Now through May 2019
Love Driving? Love Kids? Love to Serve?
Volunteer  Activity Bus Drivers  are needed to transport the LUM  After School Program  students from their schools to our program facility in downtown Lafayette.

Drivers are needed each weekday afternoon from NOW –  May 21  from  2 to 3:30 p.m.  Bus drivers must have a valid driver’s license, pass the driver’s test for PPL, have a good driving record, and pass a physical examination.

Volunteers are also needed from 2 to 6 p.m. every weekday—as tutors, story readers, spelling test givers and for helping children in general. To begin the “Easy 4-Step Process” to becoming an After School Program Volunteer, click  HERE .

Please consider signing up NOW to  volunteer  for this important ministry and make a difference in the lives of children. For more information about the LUM After School Program, click  HERE  or call or email the LUM Youth Programs director, Kristi Hogue (765-423-2691 |  khogue@lumserve.org ).