In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, shares some of the Happy 50th Anniversary messages he has received from our friends, staff and clients. Please take 56 seconds to watch this video and SHARE with others or see below for more details about the LUM 50th Anniversary Celebration.

Happy 50th Anniversary to all in our LUM family! As a community of difference makers, it is important to take at least a short time out to reflect upon this remarkable milestone. It is important to celebrate because for 50 years we have lifted up the needy in our community. We have helped low-income families to be economically stable and at-risk children to attain brighter futures. We have welcomed the immigrant stranger and enabled those who are hungry and homeless to know compassion and self worth.  

But for LUM, it has always been about more than charity. It has also been about justice. We have always believed that the two are inextricably linked and that our charity is only a waystation on the road to justice for those we serve. So along with celebrating our Good Samaritan work, food pantries and Emergency Shelter, LUM celebrates the accomplishment of fairer public assistance guidelines, a more progressive state tax code, and tireless progress toward racial equality. Along with Jubilee Christmas, LUM Camp and our After School Program, we celebrate public policy victories for textbook assistance for Indiana public school children, free breakfasts for hungry children in our state’s public schools, and the implementation of the WIC nutrition program for low-income mothers and their infant children.

LUM has always believed that while charity provides crumbs from the table, it is justice that offers a place at the table. We work toward a society that has more justice, because it becomes a society that needs less charity. In the mid 1800s the Rev. Theodore Parker asked us to: Look at the facts of the world. You see a continual and progressive triumph of that which is right. I do not pretend to understand the moral universe, the arc is a long one, my eye reaches but little ways. I cannot calculate the curve and complete the figure by the experience of sight; I can divine it by conscience. But from what I see, I am sure it bends towards justice.

Congratulations LUM on 50 years of bending the arc. Here’s to another 50 years of loving neighbors, seeking justice, empowering the least among us and renewing the church’s social ministry!

From 1980 to 1989, Joe Micon directed the LUM Advocate, Jubilee Christmas, Repairs on Wheels and Social Justice Programs. He was the LUM Camp director for 40 years (1980-2020) and the LUM executive director from 1990 to 2020. Under his leadership, the annual budget grew from $278,790 to $1,174,495, 18 more churches joined the board, staff increased from eight to 28, the LUM Ray Ewry Center opened, the LUM capital campaign raised close to $2.8 million, and 12 new programs began, including the After School Program, 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program, Immigration Clinic, Tax Assistance Program and Winter Warming Station. Joe was the first social worker elected to the Indiana General Assembly, serving two terms from 2004 to 2008. Since retiring from LUM, he serves as one of four Commissioners appointed to the Indiana State Lobbyist Commission and is a member of the Ascension St. Vincent's Hospital Williamsport Board of Directors. Along with his wife Jo, Joe operates a small cow/calf farm in Warren County. He cherishes time together with family and friends, enjoys honing his newfound drone piloting skills and hitting the open road in the RV! To read more about Joe Micon, click HERE.

Recently, LUM participated in the Greater Lafayette Resistance Fair. It was a great opportunity to recruit new volunteers, share the scope of LUM programs with attendees, and invite individuals to the LUM 50th Anniversary Celebration. Pictured staffing the LUM table (L to R) are Patti O’Callaghan, Larry Guentert, Terri Anderson, Ann Cripe, Susan Broillette & Adelia Sorge.

Outreach is an important part of the mission of Lafayette Urban Ministry. Members of the LUM professional staff actively seek opportunities to promote LUM services, recruit volunteers, and educate people on issues relating to poverty, hunger and homelessness. Staff members are available to speak or set up an information table for churches, civic organization, agencies, community events, and educational groups. To make arrangements for a presentation or event, call or email LUM (765-423-2691 | lum@LUMserve.org).

Lafayette Urban Ministry is excited to announce that three of our favorite musicians will be performing at the LUM 50th Anniversary Celebration -- Linda Hicks, LUM Financial Assistance Program director; Briton Weise, former LUM Emergency Shelter director; and Larry Guentert, LUM Westside Food Pantry director.

Join us for the LUM 50th Anniversary Celebration, hear the LUM Ecumenical Choir performance live, and help us honor the legacy of Lafayette Urban Ministry. The event is a lighthearted evening with uplifting stories, live entertainment, refreshments & good company — with a few surprises. Because you have been a part of the success and endurance of LUM, we would love to see you there. The celebration begins at 7 p.m., but be sure to show up at 6 p.m. for the social hour with refreshments and meet the former LUM executive directors, Joe Micon, Jud Dolphin and Mary Anderson. The details are as follows: