Summer Update - Impact & Engagement |
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Wes's Weekly Wrap Up - Your Input is Needed |
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In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, asks for your input on the future of Lafayette Urban Ministry by taking a quick survey. Please take 59 seconds to watch the video and SHARE with others. See below for more details.
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Mission Moments - Putting a Face on Impact |
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Three Stories of Real People from Current Staff |
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LUM staff members experience moments in their work that make them so proud that they want to share their stories with others. LUM calls these Mission Moments. They are often tiny, powerful examples of how LUM impacts our community through the eyes of others — putting a face on LUM services, programs and events. Here are three Mission Moments told by three current LUM staff members about real people.
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A frequent guest of the LUM Emergency Shelter had not returned, and there were growing concerns about her safety. She was only 18 years old and had previously been hunted, stalked and captured for sexual trafficking. LUM staff supported and provided counsel to the other shelter guests. Fliers were distributed, local police were engaged, and prayers were offered for her safe return. The police recently found her along with two other women and rescued them from the traffickers.
Lee Blackman
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The LUM Financial Assistance Program helped a retired couple, Amy & John, who have a combined Social Security income of $1,795 monthly. John had a stroke and is undergoing treatment for lung cancer. Their medical bills have made it difficult to keep up. Amy requested $150 to pay their Duke Energy bill. Using money from the LUM Good Samaritan Fund supplemented with other funds, LUM was able to meet their needs. John and Amy can begin their summer with one fewer worry.
Angel Valentín
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The LUM To-Go Meal program offers a free bagged lunch during LUM office hours. Robert was new to the area and looking for employment. He was struggling to find food. Robert visited our office to learn about the LUM Food Pantries and Financial Assistance Program. He was asked if he needed a meal. His eyes lit up with sincere gratitude. He shared, It’s easier to look for job when you are not hungry. Since the program started in 2022, demand has been steady; an affirmation that this program is needed.
Terri Anderson
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Please feel free to share these stories with your friends, families and colleagues. When you spread the word about the good work happening at LUM, it is a priceless gift that inspires others and broadens the reach of LUM.
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LUM Seeks Your Feedback - Feasibility Study |
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Won't You Help? Take a 3-Minute Survey TODAY! |
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The LUM Board asks that you please take three minutes to complete this confidential survey. LUM is considering a campaign to move LUM operations to be under one roof (still in our neighborhood). This will create more program space, generate various efficiencies, and increase awareness of the LUM services; therefore, developing an even greater positive impact in our community.
If you have already completed the survey — THANK YOU! If you have not completed the survey yet — GOOD NEWS! You have until Wednesday. But why wait! It will only take you about three minutes to complete, giving LUM information that will shape our future. Please respond by Wednesday, July 19 at 11:59 p.m. Thank you for your time!
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LUM Summer of Service - Spotlight on Three |
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#1 - Ben Franklin Transatlantic Fellows |
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On BFTF Institute Summer of Service day, the students learned about the history, programs & services offered by LUM and engaged in various projects to clean and enhance LUM inside and outside of LUM buildings & grounds and the Historic Centennial Neighborhood.
The BFTF Institute (June 24-July 22) brings together a group of diverse and intellectually curious students from Europe and the United States aged 16 to 18 to participate in an intensive exchange program. Thanks to all of the BFTF Institute fellows & staff, especially Professor Anatoli Rappaport, for their interest in and service to Lafayette Urban Ministry. To view more PHOTOS from their LUM Summer of Service day, click HERE.
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#2 - Mandela Washington Fellowship Program |
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Five participants in the Mandela Washington Fellowship Program (June 22-July 30) at Purdue recently engaged with the students enrolled in the LUM 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program. MWFP is the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Institute. The fellows used fun & interactive techniques to teach the students about their countries in Africa. This is just one example of the “enhanced learning” offered by LUM each summer.
Thanks to the five fellows and the Purdue team especially, Gary Burniske, Lonni Kucik & Sarah Juffer, for engaging the LUM students in a lively and meaningful way. The five fellows (pictured above) are (L to R): Gislaine Matiedje Nkenmayi from Cameroon, Christian Agbalekpor from Ghana, Terese Shadrach Akpem from Nigeria, Natasha Mwansa from Zambia, and Osato Omo-Osemwingie from Nigeria — with Jeffrey August, LUM shelter director & Pablo Malavenda, LUM executive program director . To view more PHOTOS from their LUM Summer of Service day, click HERE.
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#3 - Caterpillar Team Volunteers at LUM Homes |
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Recently, the Caterpillar LPSD Cooling & Lube Systems team participated in a LUM Summer of Service day. The volunteers spent the afternoon "clearing the brush" at one of the LUM Isaiah 32 Project houses.
Despite the heat & humidity, the Cat team mastered the task with ease. Pictured with their "post-brush-pile" are Doug Davis, Brian Underwood, Craig Szymanski, Swapan Dara, and Steve Ramey.
Thanks to Caterpillar and these five hardworking volunteers for creating a beautiful landscape for the LUM family at this home. To view more PHOTOS from their LUM Summer of Service day, click HERE.
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Men Needed: LUM Camp - July 24-28 |
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The Ultimate LUM Summer of Service Opportunity |
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Being a LUM Camp Counselor is the ultimate LUM Summer of Service volunteer opportunity (Monday-Friday, July 24-28) at Hanging Rock Camp in Warren County.
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What's in it for the Counselors? 100 volunteer hours. Making a significant impact on a child's life. New friendships with other counselors. A week of fun including swimming, zip-lining, wall-climbing, eating, horseback-riding, delicious meals, and so much more.
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What's in it for the Campers? Honestly, the time of their lives that continues to ripple out for the rest of their lives. Studies show a week of camp can have life-long benefits for self-confidence, social skills, gross & fine motor skills, curiosity, spirituality, and overall positive identity.
Any questions, please EMAIL Wes Tillett, lead counselor. LUM Camp is an absolutely amazing week. Come be part of it! Please SHARE.
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LUM Summer of Service – Find Your Fit |
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Shelter | Youth Programs | Food Pantries & Rescue |
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It's not too late for YOU to make this your “LUM Summer of Service.” Volunteers are needed with the LUM food pantries, homeless shelter, youth programs including the full-day, child care program and summer camp.
LUM Summer of Service gives you the chance to make a difference in your community, meet an immediate need, and see the impact of your efforts. So, follow your passion, find something that excites you and convince a friend or two to join you.
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