Meet the LUM Business & Support Staff
Wes's Weekly Wrap Up - A Front Row Seat
In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, shares that one of the enjoyable aspects of his job as executive director is having a front row seat to the generosity of the people of this community. Thanks to YOU for your support of and your investment in the good work at LUM. Please take 58 seconds to watch the video and SHARE with others.
Learn More about the LUM Team
Business | Maintenance | Office Management
Lafayette Urban Ministry is proud to introduce the staff members, who work behind the scenes — the business office, maintenance & office management team. Much of the success of LUM may be attributed to these unsung heroes. As you will see in their bios, these staff members have the experience to make the LUM mission a reality. LUM is fortunate to have this talented, dedicated, passionate & hard working staff.
Eileen Weiss is the Business Manager
She returned to LUM in June 2018. Eileen grew up and currently lives in Lafayette and graduated from Central Catholic High School. Eileen’s education includes:
  • Ivy Tech Community College, Business Law
  • Chrysler Corporation, Automotive Accounting
With LUM, Eileen was the LUM Camp assistant, business manager for four years, project manager for 21 months, Jubilee Christmas program director, Tax Assistance Program director, Community Thanksgiving Celebration program director, Hunger Hike program director, and Good Samaritan Fund Follies entertainment director.
Gayle Koning is the Assistant Business Manager
She started with LUM in 2016. Gayle grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; graduated from Lawrenceville Catholic High School; and currently lives in Lafayette. Gayle’s education includes:
  • American Institute of Banking, Diploma
  • Radisson Hotels International, Revenue Manager certification & General Manager certification
  • The Ohio State University, Pool Operator certification
With LUM, she was a special needs counselor at LUM Camp and has assisted with LUM Follies, Hunger Hike, Port of Hope, Turkey Trot 5K Run and Jubilee Christmas.
Nancy Emig is the Clerk in the Business Office working with the Good Samaritan Program
She started with LUM in 2020. Nancy grew up in Valparaiso, graduated from Valparaiso High School, and currently lives in West Lafayette. Her education includes:
  • Purdue University, BS, Supervision
With LUM, Nancy has volunteered as an afternoon receptionist and with the Good Samaritan Program, Jubilee Christmas, and LUM Follies. Nancy’s dog Bayley also is a regular “reading buddy” for the After School Program and 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program.
Mónica Casanova is the Office Manager and Assistant Program Director for Immigration Clinic
She started with LUM in January 2020. Mónica grew up and lives in Lafayette and graduated from Jefferson High School. Mónica’s education includes:
  • Purdue University, BA, Education
  • IUPUI, MLS, Library Science & MA, Public History
Mónica volunteered with the LUM Immigration Clinic prior to serving as the assistant director.
Connie Decker is the Receptionist
She started with LUM in 2017. Connie grew up and lives in Lafayette and graduated from Jefferson High School.

Connie took several classes at Ivy Tech Community College to gain skills in customer service, clerical & receptionist duties and professional writing. With LUM, Connie was a volunteer receptionist from 2009 through 2017. She also was the Summer Receptionist in 2016 and has assisted with LUM Camp.
Nate Gick is the Maintenance Director
He started with LUM in November 2016. Nate grew up in Lafayette, graduated from Benton Central High School, and currently lives in Oxford.

Nate attended Ball State University and completed the HVAC Maintenance Technology Program at the AC/C Tech – Indianapolis.
Kieron Denson is the Custodian
He started with LUM in June 2020. Kieron grew up and lives in Oxford and graduated from Benton Central High School.

With LUM, Kieron has served as a LUM Camp counselor and volunteered for more than four years with various programs and with the Maintenance director.
Fairfield Township Donates $5,400 to LUM
Emergency Assistance for Township Residents
Recently Taletha Coles, Fairfield Township Trustee, presented Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, a check in the amount of $5,400. This grant money will be used by LUM to assist residents of the Fairfield Township in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, with emergency financial and food assistance through the Good Samaritan Program and Protein Food Pantry. Fairfield township is one of 13 townships in Tippecanoe County. From the Wabash River to Beck Lane and 500 E to E 400 N, this will have an immediate positive impact on local families in need. Thanks to Trustee Coles and the Fairfield Township members for their continued support of Lafayette Urban Ministry and the families we serve.
Important Events, Needs and Opportunities
Ways You Can Get Engaged with LUM
Row-A-Thon - Saturday, February 13 - Fundraiser sponsored by the Purdue Crew Team to raise money for the LUM Good Samaritan Program. Support Row-A-Thon and support LUM! (See photo.) More.

Chipotle Night - Tuesday, February 23, 5-9 p.m. - Dine at Chipotle (Lafayette) and the LUM Youth Program receives 30% of your purchase. More.
Meals Need - LUM Emergency Shelter - URGENT need for February meals. Dates available include: Valentine's Day, February 14, and February 15, 17, 18, 21, 23, 26 & 27. Sign up HERE.
Hiring - Shelter Security Staff - $15/hour - Part-time, 11-20 hours/week. Send resume with cover letter to Briton Weise, Emergency Shelter Director (bweise@lumserve.org). More.

Search - Immigration Clinic Director - Full time, Salaried, Benefits, Reporting to Executive Director. Resumes will be reviewed starting February 7. Start date as early as March 15. Send resume with cover letter to Wes Tillett, LUM Executive Director (careers@lumserve.org). More.