In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, reflects on the incredible impact of WOMEN on the success at LUM in the past and today. Please take 59 seconds to watch the video and SHARE with others.

In the Celebration of the Women of LUM, Doris Miner Hanstra (1910-2003) must be at the top of the list. Her husband, the Rev. Peter Hanstra became the pastor of Hope Chapel Presbyterian Church in 1957. Doris noticed immediately that there was a need to support the families and children in their new church neighborhood on the southside of downtown Lafayette. She took the lead, recruited church members and launched several after school and evening youth programs. These programs were successful, had a positive impact, and grew quickly, drawing the attention of Purdue University. Partnering with a student from Purdue, Doris started the Neighborhood Development Project in 1962, enhancing each youth program and adding a summer camp. She accomplished all of this while supporting her husband as pastor, playing organ at services, and raising her son & four daughters, one of whom was adopted. What started with a few small acts of kindness developed into a vision for supporting children and building stronger families in Lafayette. Doris created a movement that led to the formation of the NDP advisory board in 1966 and the incorporation of Lafayette Urban Ministry in 1972.

Stay tuned for the more about Doris, one of the most influential Women of LUM. A more detailed Story of Doris Miner Hanstra will be published in the April edition of the LUM Seed Newsletter.

Today, more than 25% of the LUM Member Churches are led by women. Compared to when LUM was incorporated in 1972, this is welcome change.

In the spirit of Women's History Month (March) and Celebrating the Women of LUM, today we put a spotlight on 11 women who currently lead a local church or religious community that is also a member of the LUM Board of Directors. Women, like Doris Miner Hanstra (see story above), have been a vital part of the formation and growth of Lafayette Urban Ministry for more than 59 years. The difference today is that these women by virtue of their positions within their church have the authority to make decisions and initiate change in our community.

LUM is grateful for their knowledge, expertise, experience and insight; and is thrilled that they are a part of the LUM leadership team as well. Join us in honoring these women religious leaders and ALL of the other women who have leadership roles in LUM Member Churches, by saying their names: Dr. Karen Atcheson, Rev. Ashley Bonnes, Rev. Dr. Hilary Cooke, Rev. Lisa Hood, Rev. Pamela Jones-Horne, Rev. Tracey Leslie, Rev. Dr. Rachel Methany, Rev. Rosemary Morrison, Rev. Dr. Gladys Nwabah, Rev. Lucia Oerter, and Rev. Stephanie Smith.

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. You may stay and serve the meal or drop it off in advance. No contact drop off is an option as well. Monthly meals are greatly appreciated.

MEALS NEEDED on the following days:

LUM has an opening for Office Manager overseeing the day-to-day operation of the LUM Office as well as the coordination and appreciation of volunteers. 

Please SHARE with qualified candidate. If interested, please Email, Mail or Drop-off a resume with cover letter to Wes Tillett, LUM Executive Director (careers@lumserve.org | 420 N 4th Street, Lafayette, IN 47901).

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