In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, and Christian Gallo, Immigration Clinic director, give an overview of the impact of this program and invite you to attend Gala of Hope – the Immigration Clinic fundraising event on Saturday, June 24. Please take 86 seconds to watch the video and SHARE with others. See more information about the LUM Immigration Clinic and Gala of Hope below.

Christian Gallo, LUM Immigration Clinic director, attended the annual CLINIC Convening, Reunited & Reignited, last week in Phoenix, Arizona. The LUM Immigration Clinic enjoys many resources as an affiliate member of CLINIC, the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc., including the CLINIC Convening.

Christian gathered with fellow advocates and service providers to share strategies, enhance expertise and provide hope in a variety of different settings. {Pictured - Christian Gallo, far right, with his colleagues from Indiana, Pennsylvania, Nebraska, and Tennessee.} The CLINIC Convening. remains a valuable experience. Christian returned to the LUM Immigration Clinic with the new skills and knowledge that will allow him to better serve the community.

If you wish to invest in the LUM Immigration Clinic, please consider a monetary donation and join us at the Gala of Hope fundraising event on Saturday, June 24.

I am appreciatively aware of the legacy of four decades of strong advocacy by LUM for social justice. As LUM looks to the next 40 years, it starts with today. Who are the people in our community today who are on the margins, who are oppressed, who could use a helping hand up to the table of genuine community?

We keep our eyes particularly upon those who are economically disadvantaged and who are most powerless to change their situation. That almost always leads us to children, to older adults, to Black, indigenous, and other people of color, and to people with disabilities. LUM will continue to advocate for justice — passionately believing in the God-given dignity of every human being. 

As we move into the future by addressing needs today, I think of Jud Dolphin, LUM executive director emeritus and founder of the LUM Social Justice Ministry. He spoke often about the three legs of LUM: #1 direct acts of compassion, #2 empowerment, and #3 legislation. For me, 

Last week at an informal party with cake and other refreshments, LUM friends, board members & staff celebrated the 40th Anniversary of the LUM Social Justice Ministry.

The highlights of the evening were the remarks offered by Joe Micon, LUM executive director emeritus, first LUM social justice director, and retired Indiana state representative (pictured above); the awarding of the LUM Volunteer of the Month to Patti O'Callaghan for her work with LUM social justice, food aid, assistance, and legislative advocacy; the appearance of Jud Dolphin from Washington DC via Zoom, and the introduction of the LUM Social Justice Team - Pictured L to R: Deacon Jim Rush (St. Lawrence), Tim Bobillo (St. Mary Cathedral), Patti O'Callaghan (Chapel of the Good Shepherd), Kathryn Williams (LUM Legislative Advocate), and Wes Tillett; plus Deb Parent (St. Thomas Aquinas), not pictured. The event was a tribute to the successes and a call to action for the future of the LUM Social Justice Ministry.

If you are not able to attend, consider celebrating the LUM 40th Anniversary by making a donation to LUM and the social justice ministry. To view more 40th Anniversary Party photos, click HERE.

The McAllister Foundation recently awarded LUM an $11,000 grant to purchase new computer equipment. This gift has been used to purnew computer equipment to increase efficiency, speed, mobility and security, allowing staff members to better serve the local families, children and individuals seeking LUM assistance and advocacy. All of the old equipment was refurbished and distributed to local agencies, churches and families. 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.

LUM is looking for a few good people to have a blast with local children from local low-income families during the last week of July. Are you willing?

LUM Camp is July 24-28 (Monday-Friday) at Hanging Rock Camp in Warren County. LUM camp counselors and campers alike will enjoy swimming, zip-lining, wall-climbing, eating, horseback-riding and so much more.

Any questions, please EMAIL Wes Tillett, lead counselor. LUM Camp is an absolutely amazing week. Come be part of it! Please SHARE. If you are not able to attend but wish to sponsor a camper, click the link below.