In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, introduces the new LUM Immigration Clinic director — and has a little April Fool's Day fun with you. Please take 57 seconds to watch the video and SHARE with others.

Christian Gallo is the new director of the LUM Immigration Clinic. He grew up in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina and now lives in Lafayette with his three children. Christian earned his baccalaureate degree from Colegio Champagnat, Master in Laws degree from Indiana University, and JD from Universidad Católica Argentina (Buenos Aires). He has been a member of the Ciudad de Buenos Aires Bar since 1995 and Indiana Commission on Hispanic and Latino Affairs for more than 10 years. Christian is fluent in four languages (English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian) as well as speaking basic French.

Christian considers himself an advocate for those in need and was drawn to LUM because he enjoys helping others. He shared that, “Helping people in need is true love to others and God; thus, it becomes goodness for them. We are instruments of God in his salvation plan.”

Christian enjoys being with his family and coaching soccer and rugby. In 2007, he was the coach of the Purdue Women’s Rugby team. He is passionate about his work and looks forward to joining the LUM team. He is genuinely impressed with the work being done at LUM, especially with the LUM Immigration Clinic, and plans on building on that success. Please join us in welcoming Christian Gallo to LUM as the new LUM Immigration Clinic director.

In the Christian, Jewish & Islamic faiths, this is the most celebrated time of year. Many of us have been “preparing” through prayer (justice towards your faith), fasting (justice toward yourself), and giving & serving (justice toward your neighbors). As you reflect on giving & serving — perhaps you would consider a legacy gift to LUM — an organization pledged to fighting for justice for you and your community. During this pandemic, gathering together for the holiday will be difficult if even possible. Supporting LUM programs gives you an opportunity to focus on serving those less fortunate, especially those needing food, shelter, and assistance with rent, childcare, paying utilities, immigration issues, medical expenses or tax preparation.

Whether you use cash, appreciated securities/stock, real estate, artwork, partnership interests, personal property, life insurance, a retirement plan or your economic impact payment AKA stimulus check — the benefits of Planned Gifts can make this type of donation attractive to you as well as LUM. Meet with your professional advisor to learn how informed estate planning can increase the overall value of your estate with a gift of tax-burdened assets (like IRAs, 401(k), or savings bonds) to Lafayette Urban Ministry. We hope you will remember Lafayette Urban Ministry in your will.

Once you’re ready, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, will meet with you to fulfill your giving goals with your support of LUM. To begin the process, email (lum@lumserve.org) or call (765-423-2691) Wes Tillett. More information on Giving to LUM may be found at LUMserve.org.

Whatever you decide — we sincerely hope you have a wonderful Spring — and if you’re celebrating, have a fruitful Lenten journey and a blessed Easter, a meaningful Ramadan and a joyful Eid al-Fitr, or a purposeful Passover and a memorable Seder.

Last week, the team at WINCO Construction Company of West Lafayette delivered a truckload of "needed items" to LUM.

Using the LUM wishlist, the crew at WINCO was able to collect food items and paper products that will be immediately used in our After School Program, Emergency Shelter and Food Pantries.

If you, your work-mates, church or family would like to sponsor a Food Drive for LUM, please check out the LUM list of needed items. LUM relies on monetary donation as well as gift-in-kind to allow the LUM programs to serve your neighbors in need.

Join us in THANKING everyone at WINCO Construction Company for thinking of LUM and this generous donation.

2021 Port of Hope

SCAVENGER HUNT.

PoH Scavenger Hunt is a family fun event with adventures and community discoveries around Greater Lafayette. Registration will be open soon. Stayed tuned. All proceeds will benefit the LUM Immigration Clinic.

Due to COVID-19 and the desire to celebrate in person, the LUM Logo Launch event is postponed until June.