In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, celebrates Women's History Month by reflecting on the impact women have had at LUM for the past 50 years. Please take 58 seconds to watch this video and SHARE with others or see below for more details. See below for more stories of remarkable women of LUM.

It is March — and LUM is celebrating Women's History Month by spotlighting Mary Anderson. Mary started at LUM in 1994, was the interim executive director from 2004 - 2008, and served as the director of the Financial Assistance Program from 1998 to her retirement in 2015.

As Mary reflects on the LUM 50th Anniversary, she shares that, "LUM has been able to put a face on the issues of homelessness and poverty. LUM volunteers and donors see first hand how individuals and families struggle -- and become more connected to the community and more empathetic to their neighbors in need." As she looks toward the next 50 years for LUM, Mary says, "The community will always need LUM because there will always be people in need. LUM offers a faith-based approach to assistance — giving help and giving hope. It gave me a perspective that changed me for the better."

During her time at LUM, Mary created the ID Clinic and was instrumental in raising the funds to acquire the current LUM Office building. In honor of her 21 years at LUM, the Board of Directors named Mary an executive director emerita and established the Mary Anderson Kickstart Fund, which allows the Financial Assistance Program to give up to $100 more than the usual grant for those who have especially difficult financial needs. A mentor to many and an inspiration to all, Mary has always been, and continues to be, kind, helpful, wise and generous — and a gift to LUM. To read more about Mary Anderson, click HERE.

In the Sigma Chi vision & mission, it states that, “Our mission is to develop values-based leaders committed to the betterment of character, campus and community.” This past Sunday, the members of the Delta Delta Chapter of Sigma Chi at Purdue lived out their mission at the LUM Ray Ewry Center.

Purdue Sigma Chi members spent the day deep cleaning the LUM Ray Ewry Center, home of the LUM Emergency Shelter and Youth Programs. They cleaned and organized the shelter kitchen and laundry room, cleaned more than 20 bunk beds and 40 mattresses, and cleaned appliances, bathrooms, showers, dining room chairs & tables, floors, ceiling vents, baseboards, the grounds, and more. {Pictured L to R are Luke Pezza, Mitchell Sloane, Andrew Spears, Ryder Elitharp, Mason Stapp, Kofie Apea, Karsten Williamson, and Cameron Graber.}

Join us in thanking the members of the Delta Delta Chapter of Sigma Chi Fraternity at Purdue for their service to LUM. If your organization or business would like to volunteer with LUM, please visit the LUM website or email or call Terri Anderson, LUM Volunteer Coordinator (volunteer@LUMserve.org | 765-423-2691).

For Women’s History Month, LUM is celebrating the 12 women who currently lead a local church or religious community that is also a member of the LUM Board of Directors. Women have been a important part of the formation, growth and sustainability of Lafayette Urban Ministry since the very beginning. It is particularly important to recognize the Women of LUM as we begin celebrating the LUM 50th Anniversary because in many ways their impact has evolved. {Not pictured is the Rev. Elizabeth Lee, the new pastor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, who was installed this past Sunday.}

Today, more than 27% of the LUM Member Churches are led by women. The women being honor this year are in leadership roles within their churches with the power to make decisions and initiate change in our community. Having more women engaged in leading LUM brings an important voice to everything LUM does. Compared to when LUM was incorporated in 1972, this progress is encouraging.

Join us in honoring these women religious leaders and ALL of the other women who have leadership roles in LUM Member Churches, by saying their names. LUM is grateful for their knowledge, expertise, experience and insight; and is thrilled that they are a part of the LUM leadership team as well.