In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, shares how LUM has worked for justice for more than 40 years on behalf of low income families & individuals. Please take 59 seconds to watch the video and SHARE with others. Please see below for more details on the current focus of the LUM Social Justice Team.

At this month's LUM Board meeting, Timothy Kennell (56) shared his journey from needing a bed with LUM in February 2022 to being employed and housed today. While using the shelter, he decided to "go ahead and make changes" in his life. He accepted a job and then moved on to a better job with SIA. He "got up everyday and made the decision every morning to go to work." He credits the LUM Emergency Shelter and the shelter staff and volunteers for giving him the encouragement and prayers he needed to stay focused on a more successful future. While employed Timothy was participating in the LUM Match Program. He paid $5 each night he stayed at the LUM Emergency Shelter. When he was ready to move into his own two-bedroom apartment, LUM "matched" this money dollar-for-dollar and gave a check to his landlord. The combined amount of the check was more than one month's rent. Timothy shared with the LUM Board that "This program works! And I am an example of how it can work, if you really want it. I am forever grateful." The LUM Board gave Timothy a warm reception letting him know that everyone at LUM is so very proud of him.

If you wish to make an investment in the LUM Emergency Shelter and Match Program, please consider a gift today. Please also consider being a shelter volunteer and giving others like Timothy the encouragement they need to take the first steps in the journey to becoming employed and housed. Join us in congratulating Timothy and thanking the LUM shelter staff and volunteers.

Purdue Rowing Team presents Row-A-Thon in support of the LUM Good Samaritan Fund. Purdue Row-A-Thon 2023 details are as follows:

Stop by the mall on Saturday, February 11, and check it out. The co-ed team members row a marathon of 26 miles in three hours on indoor rowing machines while raising funds for LUM. You may make a donation ONLINE (add "Rowathon" in the additional comments section), in person at Row-A-Thon (2/11), or by mail (make checks payable to Purdue Crew Club and mail your checks to: Purdue Crew—Row-A-Thon, 355 N. Martin Jischke Dr., West Lafayette, IN 47907).

Thanks to Purdue Crew president, Pat King; head coach, Nathan Walker; and the entire rowing team and coaching staff for their continued support of Lafayette Urban Ministry.  Please note: the funds raised from Row-a-thon will be split 50/50 between LUM and Purdue Crew Team.

The LUM Good Samaritan Fund is an emergency financial assistance program which provides our neighbors in need with a strong and reliable safety net. Help is offered for utility bills, rent, and prescription medications. In 2022, the LUM Good Samaritan Fund provided assistance 2,084 times to 1,451 households and $159,647 was shared.

Benjamin D. Camp is the new LUM intern for the Spring semester. He grew up in Frankfort, Illinois and currently lives in Nashville, Tennessee. Ben graduated from Lincoln-Way East High School (Frankfort, IL) and is currently enrolled at Purdue University, double majoring in Political & Civic Communication and Political Science. When he graduates in May 2024, Ben plans on pursuing a law degree and working as a labor or civil rights attorney. At LUM, he will be working with LUM Immigration Clinic. He shared that, “I'm very grateful for the opportunity to work with such an amazing team at LUM to fulfill the needs of our community.”

The LUM Social Justice Team has been focused on bringing more money back to Hoosier families by supporting the following:

As legislation progresses, LUM will need your help in supporting bills that will support Hoosier families. This is a long session, so please stay tuned for more updates and action alerts. The LUM Social Justice Team members are Tim Bobillo, Deb Parent, Patti O’Callaghan, Kathryn Williams, and Wes Tillett.