In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, gives an update on the LUM Summer of Service — and shows an example of a youth group who have served all summer long with LUM (see story below). Please take 60 seconds to watch the video and SHARE with others.

I try to “climb inside the skin” of the immigrants we serve at Lafayette Urban Ministry. I try to imagine things like suffering under an abusive spouse in the midst of a volatile nation, making an arduous and often dangerous journey to the United States, attempting to connect in a culture and language unfamiliar to me, all while my legal status hangs in the balance as I navigate the bureaucracy of the US immigration system. It is emotionally taxing to think about. But this is the real situation of many of the clients served by the LUM Immigration Clinic. 

Harper Lee, To Kill A Mockingbird

The LUM Immigration Clinic exists to help these individuals successfully navigate all the red tape of the US immigration system, providing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of certified legal assistance to those who could not afford it otherwise. The LUM Immigration Clinic is recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice and the legal team is composed of U.S. Department of Justice accredited representatives and attorneys. Established in 2014, the LUM Immigration Clinic is the only program of its kind in Tippecanoe County and the surrounding eight-county area. 

As I attempt to imagine what it is like to be an immigrant in the USA, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s words ring true to me: “We may have all come on different ships, but we’re all in the same boat now.” My family and I (pictured above) are proud of the LUM Immigration Clinic as it encourages us to have a posture of “xenophilia” (love of the stranger) instead of “xenophobia” (fear of the stranger). We are grateful it enables all of us in this “same boat” to row together toward the bright shore of a better future. 

Christian Gallo, LUM Immigration Clinic director shared that, "The vision I have for the LUM Immigration Clinic is to thrive. We are doing important work today, but can always improve how we serve others and expand into new areas to serve more. As an example, I would like to see the LUM Immigration Clinic assist more clients through the long and complicated Immigration Court process. If we focus on getting more of our volunteers fully accredited then we will be able to represent more clients. We also can do a better job of supporting our volunteers with resources and training. The LUM Immigration Clinic must also engage with our local, state and federal elected officials and organizations, including foreign national consulates, to increase awareness and to better serve our community as a whole."

Christian Gallo (pictured above with a grateful client) grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Colegio Champagnat, Master in Laws degree from Indiana University, and JD from Universidad Católica Argentina (Buenos Aires). Christian has many years of experience in immigration law and speaks four languages: Spanish, English, Italian, and Portuguese.

In 2020, the LUM Immigration Clinic served 151 clients. Every dollar donated to the LUM Immigration Clinic is multiplied into many more dollars worth of certified legal help thanks to Director Christian Gallo and the talented team of volunteers. 

The 2021 budget for the LUM Immigration Clinic is $95,094. This cost includes financial aid for immigrants, continuing education for volunteers, staff salaries and benefits, citizenship classes, legal resources, and more. LUM relies on generous donors like you in order to continue to offer this amazing service to our immigrant neighbors in this region - neighbors like Ricardo & Jaqueline Valera (pictured) who wrote to LUM to express their gratitude, “Since obtaining the LUM Immigration Clinic’s help with our immigration process, my husband was able to obtain his work permit. His income has helped me out with my family and school debt. I no longer have to work two or three jobs. I no longer have to miss important family moments. I no longer have to choose work over my health… We would not be where we are today without your help.”

The LUM Immigration Clinic has been there to help many hundreds of people like Ricardo & Jacqueline. Would you please consider a donation of $50, $100, $250, $500, or $1,000 or some other amount in support of the LUM Immigration Clinic?

During the LUM Summer of Service, there is no better way to volunteer than being a LUM Camp counselor! Counselors are needed from 11 a.m. Monday, July 26 to 4 p.m. Friday, July 31. 

Marlena Edmondson, the LUM Camp director (pictured) wants YOU to join the leadership team as a volunteer camp counselor. LUM Camp is a week-long, over-night camp program for low-income children from 8 to 10 years old. Volunteer camp counselors must be at least 18 years old, enjoy working with children and be able to spend the entire week at camp. 

Make this the year that YOU make a difference in the lives of local children. To learn more about becoming a LUM Camp Volunteer Counselor, click HERE.

The Youth Group at Covenant Church (West Lafayette) volunteered for three days this week putting a new coat of paint on the porch, trim and playground at the LUM Ray Ewry Center, home to LUM youth programs and the Emergency Shelter. The high school youth group also volunteered several days in June with the LUM 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program. 

To view more PHOTOS, click HERE.

If you or your group would like to volunteer during the LUM "Summer of Service," click HERE. LUM is grateful for the help from these hard-working students from Covenant Church. Their passion for getting involved in making this a better community for everyone is inspiring.