In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, LUM executive director, shares that at the very heart of Lafayette Urban Ministry is a deep hope for a bright future for the children in our community. Please take 59 seconds to watch the video and SHARE with others.

Today is the last day of the LUM After School Program and the teachers and students are celebrating another successful year.

It was another school year of COVID-19 challenges and eLearning Days, but it was also a wonderful service for local families with...

Thank you to everyone who made this year a success, giving low-income families a safe, loving and enriching environment for their children each day after school.

This Tuesday, May 31, the LUM 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program team will welcome 60+ students to the full-day, enhanced child care experience. If you, your group or business wishes to invest in the proven success of the LUM 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program, here are FOUR simple WAYS:

The LUM 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program offers scholarships and accepts "vouchers" to provide full-day, child care to low income families. Stay tuned for more good news from the LUM summer youth programs in the coming weeks.

Christian Gallo, the LUM Immigration Clinic director, and Yanina Gomez Szyszko, assistant director, have recently visited with two local agencies to share more about the LUM Immigration Clinic.

As a guest speaker in a LARA class for international students (pictured above), Christian gave a presentation and answered general questions about LUM Immigration Clinic services including the naturalization process, Green Cards, F2 Visa, J2 Visa, work permit application, asylum, M2 Visa, and how COVID-19 affected the processing times. On another occasion, Christian and Yanina met with Jeannette Fonseca, advocate with the Heartford House Child Advocacy Center (pictured below), to discuss opportunities to collaborate, common challenges faced when offering services to bilingual families, and advocacy for immigrant victims of certain crimes (U Visa, T Visa and VAWA). Both of these outreach opportunities were valuable.

Outreach and networking are important parts 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, immigration, and homelessness. Directors of the various LUM programs are eager to raise awareness of LUM services, are well-informed on social and economic issues, and would like to help raise awareness in the local community on critical issues affecting low-income families. 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).

The McAllister Foundation recently awarded LUM a $1,200 grant to purchase video conferencing equipment for the LUM Ray Ewry Center. This gift will be used to assist the students enrolled in the LUM youth programs in participating with virtual education and e-learning days. It will also be available for the LUM staff and board members to use for large video conferencing programs and professional development.

Wes Tillett, LUM executive director is pictured receiving the check from Dave Webb, representing the Alfred J. & Dorothy N. McAllister Foundation. LUM is grateful to the McAllister Foundation for their support of the LUM mission to serve local families and children.