In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, shares his excitement for the new LUM Westside Food Pantry. Please take 59 seconds to watch the video and SHARE with others.

This spring, Lafayette Urban Ministry will be expanding its food assistance program by opening the LUM Westside Food Pantry in partnership with the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tippecanoe County and with the support of the Chapel of the Good Shepherd.

YOU can HELP the new LUM Westside Food Pantry by "stocking the shelves" with food items before it opens later this spring. Here are FOUR ways you can help:

Cheryl Fowler, LUM Board president shared that, "This is an exciting time for LUM. After months of gathering data, it is clear that West Lafayette needs a food pantry." The LUM Westside Food Pantry will complement the LUM Protein Food Pantry, which is located in downtown Lafayette. The Protein Food Pantry will be open on Thursday mornings, and Westside Food Pantry will be open on Friday mornings. Future plans include moving the Protein Food Pantry to a better location and expanding the hours of operation at both sites. Please help LUM help your neighbors who need basic food assistance.

The students enrolled in the LUM After School Program arrived this week to a "new look" to the youth center. Thanks to a grant from the McAllister Foundation, LUM was able to replace cubbies (pictured, top), shelves, and chairs, giving their learning space a brighter, more contemporary look. On a practical level, the new purchases give the LUM teachers more space for learning and social distancing as well as chairs that are much easier to disinfect and store.

The students were most excited about the "Surf portable lap-desks." These desks make it fun and easy to sit on the floor with a laptop while maintaining good posture and less eye strain (pictured, bottom). Now that the weather is improving the students are also enjoying the new spiral tube slide in the LUM outdoor recreation space. This week is spring break and LUM is offering full-day childcare. LUM has also extended the After School Program to June 2, the last day of school in Lafayette. The summer childcare program, LUM 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program, will start on Monday, June 7 and is accepting applications now.

LUM is excited to improve the experience for our students through these latest updates. Please consider investing in our students with a gift to the LUM Youth Program or signing up to volunteer with our children.

The Campaign for Hoosier Families engages local, state, and federal officials on behalf of low income families and children. Since LUM was incorporated in 1972, “advocacy” has been a part of the mission. As a part of the Campaign for Hoosier Families, Kathryn Williams is the new LUM Public Policy Advocate.

Kathy Williams graduated from Northeastern University School of Law and was admitted to practice law in both Indiana and Massachusetts. She is a registered lobbyist with the State of Indiana and has represented clients in civil cases through the Indiana Legal Services Organization in matters including family issues, housing, government benefits, and constitutional rights. Kathy is a long-term public policy advocate at the Indiana General Assembly, representing many different organizations that provide human services and/or advocate for social justice, which now includes LUM. Kathy is currently monitoring key legislation at the Indiana Statehouse.

Patti O'Callaghan, who serves as the LUM Volunteer Legislative Liaison, submitted testimony on Indiana bills related to the following:

LUM is thrilled to have the experience of Kathy & Patti advocating for Hoosier families. They are well-respected and are the best at representing LUM where the decisions are being made at the State Capitol and beyond.

2021 Port of Hope

SCAVENGER HUNT.

PoH Scavenger Hunt is a family fun event with adventures and community discoveries around Greater Lafayette. Registration will be open soon. Stayed tuned. All proceeds will benefit the LUM Immigration Clinic.

Due to COVID-19 and the desire to celebrate in person, the LUM Logo Launch event is postponed until June.