In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, gives gives a "pop quiz" to see how much you know about LUM — or more importantly share with you the impact that LUM is having in one important area. Please take 59 seconds to watch the video and SHARE with others.

In 19 days, buses will be dropping off 80 local children to LUM Camp 2023. This is the start of the best week of the summer. This year's them is MUSIC! and will include many musical surprises and once in a lifetime experiences — plus nature hikes, arts and crafts, boating, swimming, morning campfires, wall climbing, zip-lining, the giant swing, snacks, delicious meals, and diverse and caring counselors.

LUM Camp still needs donations to send children to camp, volunteer camp counselors (especially men), and eligible campers. LUM Camp is a scholarship-based camp, meaning LUM only invites children whose parents are not able to pay for the actual cost of camp, which is more than $300 per camper. Campers’ parents pay only $5 per child, and LUM needs donors like YOU to cover the rest. For more information on LUM Camp, click HERE or one of the buttons below.

One year ago, I wrote a letter about a Ukrainian refugee family who were able to legally settle in Greater Lafayette with the help of the LUM Immigration Clinic. The husband/father had to remain in the Ukraine to fight in the war. At that time the family commented, “You gave us hope.”

It saddens me to inform you that recently the husband/father was killed in the war in Ukraine. After initially being denied, the woman called Christian Gallo, LUM Immigration Clinic director, who worked to secure not only the paperwork to get her to Ukraine for the funeral but also the paperwork to get her safely and legally back to the US and reunited with her two school-age children. Thanks to the LUM Immigration Clinic, this Ukrainian family has some closure.

This is one of the 291 individual cases that were aided in 2022. There is not enough space here to tell all the stories of our neighbors who were reunited with loved ones, able to flee from abusive situations, or able to secure the proper documentation to live and study and work and drive in the US.

Because of generous financial supporters, the LUM Immigration Clinic is able to continue this good work. I ask you to please consider a donation of $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000 or some other amount. Thank you in advance for your support of the LUM Immigration Clinic.

Appreciatively,

Wes Tillett, Executive Director, Lafayette Urban Ministry

Cris King, a faithful supporter of the LUM Immigration Clinic recently shared that,

“Since it began in 2014, the LUM Immigration Clinic has assisted with more than 862 individual immigration cases, improving the whole trajectory of these immigrants’ lives. Many immigrants come to this country seeking the safety and promise of the United States. The legal issues they face after arrival often can be resolved by knowledgeable attorneys or other certified representatives, but the costs for and intricacies of these services are far beyond the capacity of most immigrants. The LUM Immigration Clinic is recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice. The legal team is composed of DOJ-accredited representatives and attorneys. With a strong team of volunteers and only one full-time and one half-time paid staff members, every dollar donated to the Immigration Clinic is stretched into many more dollars worth of certified legal help. LUM is the only provider of these immigration services in Tippecanoe County and the surrounding eight counties.” 

In 2023, the LUM Immigration Clinic budget is $106,982. This cost includes financial aid for immigrants; continuing education for volunteers; staff salaries & benefits; and legal resources. The fact of the matter is this: without the financial support of kind-hearted donors such as you, LUM will not be able to continue to offer this indispensable service. As was noted, the LUM Immigration Clinic is “improving the whole trajectory of these immigrants’ lives.” Knowing this to be true, will you to please consider a donation of $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000 or some other amount in support of the LUM Immigration Clinic? 

Be a part of the LUM Summer of Service by providing a meal to your neighbors experiencing hunger, homelessness, and heat. Details on how you can provide meals are as follows:

Thanks to the new Paramount Schools of Excellence - Lafayette principal, Heather Brooks, and her son, Keaton, for providing and serving a meal to the shelter guests earlier this year (pictured above). Please SHARE with others, and THANKS.