This year, Josh J. Prokopy will be expanding his role with LUM to include outreach, fundraising and tax assistance . Josh will now be the director of two major fundraising events ( Hunger Hike & Turkey Trot 5K Run ), the Tax Assistance Program and the Dream Team project .

Josh grew up in Conway, Massachusetts and now lives in West Lafayette with his wife, Linda, and their three teenage children, Annabel, Margaret & David. Anabel & Margaret are both in 10th grade, and David is in 7th grade, all at West Lafayette Junior/Senior High School. They are members of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tippecanoe County.

Josh earned a bachelor’s in independent concentration from University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and both a Master’s in Sociology and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. In addition to being active in the community with housing related organizations and with his church, he is an avid home-brewer of beer and has a 2nd degree black belt in Taekwondo. Josh enjoys being out in nature, playing strategy games, and spending time with friends and family engaged in meaningful conversation, “preferably over a pint of excellent home-brewed beer.”

LUM is fortunate to have someone with Josh's talent and experience as a member of the team.

The Rev. Susan Brouillette , the LUM Immigration Clinic founding director, will be honored at the 47th annual Salute to Women program. Susan is one of only 12 women being honored this year at a dinner and celebration on Tuesday, March 3. She is being recognized for being an " i mmigration advocate " and for being " instrumental in the development of Lafayette Urban Ministry’s Immigration Clinic. "

Joe Micon, LUM executive director remarked that, " Most of the immigrants and asylum seekers who come to the LUM Immigration Clinic are in serious straights. Some are without family or friends. In Susan Brouillette, they have found an advocate who represents and defends them with skill and commitment. She is one of those rare and extraordinary individuals responsible for our community being such a diverse and welcoming place. "

Join us in congratulating the Rev. Susan Brouillette for this well deserved recognition.

Recently, the Lafayette Urban Ministry  staff members participated in a daylong “retreat” at Hanging Rock Christian Assembly Camp, West Lebanon.

This year’s retreat focused on improving the "organizational culture" using "energy, passion & positive attitudes" that leads to better service and a more collaborative & creative team. Pablo Malavenda, LUM executive program director, led the retreat using the “FISH! Philosophy“ video and structured discussions related to their work at LUM. It was a fun & powerful retreat — everyone was open-minded, eager to learn and excited about the topic. The LUM staff members also had an opportunity to learn more about each other. Everyone is now refreshed and motivated to improve their work with clients, guests, volunteers, children, students, parents & families.

Join us at  Chipotle-Purdue  (200 W State St, West Lafayette) on  Tuesday, February 25 from  5 - 9 p.m. — and the LUM After School Program gets 33% of all orders, if you present this  COUPON.

It's easy! Print the  coupon or show it on your phone, order your favorite  Chipotle meal (burritos, burrito bowls, tacos, salads or kids meals), don't forget to get chips, guac', and a drink — and  LUM gets 33%.

If you can't make it and wish to support the LUM students, click the button below to make a donation.

Join us for the ninth annual  LUM Follies  and help us celebrate  Joe Micon, LUM Executive Director , who is retiring soon. The event is on Friday,  March 6  at 7 p.m. and includes a program to honor Joe Micon for his  41 years of service  to our community through his work at  Lafayette Urban Ministry .  The celebration will include performances by the Purdue  Glee Club , Purdue  Black Voices of Inspiration , and  Michael Kelsey  as well as a large  Ecumenical Choir  featuring singers from LUM member churches. There will be tributes, presentations, videos and much lighthearted fun.  After the program, there will be a reception with refreshments, sponsored by Lafayette Brewing Co.  LUM Follies  is  FREE  & open to all. 

In lieu of gifts the Micon Family requests that you  make a donation to Lafayette Urban Ministry  in honor of Joe Micon. 

This past Saturday, the Purdue Rowing Team held their annual “Row-A-Thon" event at the Mall . Each member of the co-ed team rowed a marathon of 26 miles in three hours on indoor rowing machines while raising funds for the LUM Good Samaritan Fund .

If you missed Row-A-Thon, you may still make a donation by mail or online (click  HERE ). Please make checks payable and mail your checks to: Purdue Crew Row-A-Thon, 355 N. Martin Jischke Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907. Thanks to Purdue Crew president, Henri Laliberte (pictured above with Joe Micon, LUM executive director), Head Coach David Kucik, and the entire rowing team and coaching staff for their continued support of  Lafayette Urban Ministry .  Please note: the funds raised from Row-a-thon will be split 50/50 between LUM and Purdue Crew Team.

The LUM Good Samaritan Fund is an emergency financial assistance program which provides our community’s neediest families and children with a strong and reliable safety net. Help is offered for utility bills, rent, and prescription medications. In 2019, the Good Samaritan Fund provided assistance  1,783 times  and  $103,614  was shared.