In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, gives you a tour of the LUM Emergency Shelter and shares Timothy's story. Please take the time to watch the video and SHARE with others. See below for more information about Timothy and two of his advocates, Sue & Tom Harmeson.

Timothy Kennell spoke with emotion. After many months of struggle, Timothy moved out of the LUM Emergency Shelter and into an apartment. To convey his gratitude, he addressed the LUM Board, and, by implication, all of you who support LUM.

Timothy shared that, “If it had not been for LUM, I would have been on the streets sleeping,” He battled through illness, job loss, and feelings of depression and self-pity. But he persevered, landing and keeping a job at Subaru.

With a steady income, Timothy took part in the LUM Match Program, paying $5 each night that he stayed at LUM. When he was ready to move into his own place, LUM "matched" his contribution and paid his new landlord close to one month's rent. This was the financial boost that Timothy needed to be lifted out of homelessness. He commented, “I am in a two-bedroom apartment. Got great landlords…. It’s mine. I can call it home.” Timothy teared up as he shared, “[LUM staff and volunteers] motivated me when I lost the motivation. They kept telling me they cared about me. They were praying for me. They became [my] friends. Some of them became family.” Two individuals who impacted him have been Sue & Tom, the LUM Volunteers of the Month (see story above).

Since January 2022, eight individuals have benefited from the LUM Match Program, including Robert Boswell, Amanda Clingenpeel, Benjamin Huber, Brandon Northcutt, Gerrick Steen, Christopher Sutherlin, Thyrome Wilder, and Timothy. Timothy joked, “I guess I am kind of a poster child for LUM now.” And, in a way, he and the others listed above are. They exemplify the ideal trajectory for LUM clients – from a downward spiral to an upward spiral; from hopelessness to help, healing, and hope. A hand up!

March is National WOMEN in History Month. Throughout the month, LUM will be celebrating the contributions and impact of the women who lead, care, give, and serve.

From the early 1950s to today, thousands of women have had a tremendous impact through their engagement with LUM. By "tackling human needs and uplifting the people of Greater Lafayette" in many different ways on many different levels, women have been an integral part of the success of LUM for more than 50 years.

Join us in recognizing and celebrating each of these women. In today's eNewsletter LUM honors Sue Hermeson, the LUM Volunteer of the Month for March (see below). Stay tuned for more celebrations of LUM women in the weeks to come.

{To view the names of the women in the image above, click HERE.}

Picture L to R: Sue Harmeson, Corrine Armstrong, Brett Hartman, Tom Harmeson and Todd Armstrong

Sue & Tom Harmeson are the March "Volunteers of the Month." Sue & Tom currently live in West Point, Indiana. Sue is the communications coordinator with the Tippecanoe School Corporation, and Tom is an event production manager with Elliott Hall of Music Productions at Purdue University.

Sue & Tom are being honored for their work with the LUM Emergency Shelter. The shelter staff are grateful for Sue & Tom because they are reliable, prepare a great meal, engage with the shelter guests, and bring more volunteers with them. Sue, Tom and their son, Brett, have found that engaging in the community together is fulfilling, strengthens their relationships, and enriches their entire family. They are partners both in life and in the community. They stated that, "God has blessed us with different gifts -- Tom's culinary skills and Sue's ability to connect with people. We enjoy serving the Lord by volunteering to serve meals at the LUM shelter, and appreciate LUM's ministry and the volunteers & staff members who make sure the guests are taken care of every night."

LUM is grateful to Sue & Tom for choosing to volunteer with the LUM Emergency Shelter. They encourage anyone who is thinking about helping out to "find a partner" and get started together. They stated that, "Serving at the shelter is an eye-opening experience. It helps break down stereotypes and can be one of the most rewarding experiences. We have fun when we serve and enjoy sharing that joy with others."

If you, your family or your group wish to volunteer with LUM, please check out all of the opportunities on the LUM website at LUMserve.org/volunteer. If you still have questions or need more information, please email or call the LUM volunteer coordinator (volunteer@LUMserve.org | 765-423-2691).

In 2022, LUM served 3,588 households, providing assistance 35,079 times through 20 different programs and events. All of this positive community impact is possible only because people like you support LUM in the mission to “tackle basic human needs and uplift people in Greater Lafayette.”

So, really, YOU are the unsung hero operating in the background of Timothy’s story (see above). YOU who financially support, pray for, volunteer with, and advocate for LUM – YOU are the ones who made Timothy’s turn-around possible. For the past 51 years, together we have assisted individuals, strengthened families, nurtured children and made the Greater Lafayette community a better place for everyone. Thank you! 

Timothy Kennell, shelter guest, shared, “It works, guys! The program that you guys are putting into – WORKS. I am an example of that.” Would you please continue your partnership with Lafayette Urban Ministry by making a generous gift of $50, $100, $250, $500, $1000, or more today? Your compassionate generosity is a huge blessing to Timothy and others like him in Greater Lafayette.