In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, gives and overview of the LUM emergency financial assistance program, the Good Samaritan Program, which provides a strong and reliable safety net to families and children who are most in need in our community. Please take 58 seconds to watch the video and SHARE with others. {Pictured L to R is Shirley Robertson & Linda Hicks, Good Samaritan Program volunteer and director, respectively.

LUM is excited to introduce you to the president of the LUM Board of Directors, Cheryl Fowler. Cheryl has been an active LUM volunteer for more than eight years when she was selected to represent her church, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tippecanoe County, on the LUM Board of Directors. In addition to serving on the LUM Executive Council for the past four years, Cheryl has served on the Hunger Hike Fundraising Committee for seven years and was the program director for the LUM Community Thanksgiving Feast in 2015 & 2016.

Cheryl grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, graduated from Finneytown High School, and earned a BS in marketing from Miami University, Ohio. Cheryl lives in West Lafayette with her husband of 36 years, Gary, and they have an adult daughter, son-in-law and seven-month old granddaughter. In addition to her family, she draws inspiration from music, especially this Carrie Newcomer song lyric, “The greatest revolution is a simple change of heart.”

Cheryl shared that, “Central to my faith is the inherent worth and dignity of each person and my commitment to justice, equity and compassion for all.” This is what drew her to get involved with Hunger Hike and the new LUM Westside Food Pantry, opening this April. “Creating awareness of food insecurity, raising money to fight hunger and providing food assistance to local families,” is important to Cheryl. She is most proud of her work with the LUM Executive Council, stating that, “Serving as the liaison for my church, working with the governance of LUM and witnessing firsthand the LUM volunteers & staff making a difference in people’s lives, gives me such a positive feeling. LUM truly is in the business of helping to restore human dignity and hope.”

Following a long history of women serving with LUM, Cheryl is a humble and hardworking leader and volunteer. Over the years, she has stepped up and led when needed but has also rolled up her sleeves and participated in the day-to-day work at LUM. “LUM helps me live out my values,” Cheryl shared with pride and gratitude.

Cheryl also serves on the social justice team with her church and a racial justice group in the community. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, outdoor activities including camping, traveling, music and supporting the arts, and tap dancing, which she has done since she was four years old. LUM and the children and families served by LUM are blessed to have someone like Cheryl as their leader, advocate, and servant.

As a part of their COVID-19 Relief Program, the Ball Corporation recently awarded $6,750 to LUM to combat the impact of COVID-19 on the members of our community. Ball employees are united in their commitment to supporting communities worldwide throughout the challenging COVID-19 health crisis, and the corporation is donating $5 million around the world to meet the unique needs of their local communities as the impacts of the pandemic evolve. LUM received this grant for our programs that focus on providing critical support for food security and at-risk individuals in our community. These funds will have an immediate positive impact through the various programs at LUM. LUM is grateful for the support of the Ball employees and the recognition from the Ball Corporation & Foundation.

Joan Foord Low, transitioned from being LUM board president as gracefully and humbly as she entered in 2005 as the newly selected representative from her church to the LUM Board of Directors. For the past 16 years, she led with passion and strength through some of the most significant milestones at LUM, including the search and hiring of the new LUM executive director last spring.

Due to COVID-19, Joan was given a Zoom send-off from her colleagues and was presented with a token of appreciation from the LUM board and staff members by Wes Tillett, LUM executive director. Pictured is Wes presenting Joan with a framed sketch of the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Utah with a plaque that reads, "With deep appreciation of Joan Low for her years of leadership and service at Lafayette Urban Ministry."

Joan is one of an impressive group of women who have led and served LUM through the Board of Directors. She is an inspiration to all and a shining example of the contribution individuals can make in our community through the work of Lafayette Urban Ministry. Joan shared that she will still volunteer with the LUM youth programs and wherever else she is needed. THANK YOU, Joan!

Each night of the year, a simple meal is provided at the LUM Emergency Shelter.

Planning and preparing a meal is a great activity for families, church groups, campus organizations and civic groups. No contact drop off is an option as well.

MEALS NEEDED - March 15, 17, 18, 21-25, 27, 28 & 31.

Lafayette Urban Ministry has been awarded $17,000 from the Tippecanoe COVID-19 Response Fund. This fund was created last spring by United Way of Greater Lafayette, The Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette and Greater Lafayette Commerce to bring relief to the area’s most vulnerable individuals and families. LUM is a funded partner agency and continues to serve those experiencing the short-term and long-term impacts of the coronavirus global pandemic. Ten thousand dollars will be distributed to individuals and family through the LUM Good Samaritan Program; and $7,000 will fund a clerk to process these requests more quickly. 

LUM is proud to be designated as a partner in this important initiative. Thank you to United Way of Greater Lafayette, The Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette, and Greater Lafayette Commerce for their continued support.