Meet Rob - LUM Volunteer of the Month |
|
Wes's Weekly Wrap Up - Celebrating 40 Years |
|
In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, celebrates the LUM 40th Anniversary of Food Pantries & Food Assistance by sharing the historical milestones and ways that YOU can get engaged today. Please take 59 seconds to watch the video and SHARE with others.
|
|
Rob Morgan - LUM Volunteer of the Month |
|
Passionate | Quiet Leader | Hard Working |
|
Rob Morgan is the LUM Volunteer of the Month for August. He is being honored this month for his volunteer work with the LUM Protein Food Pantry as well as volunteering with Jubilee Christmas, serving meals at the Emergency Shelter, and being a part of the kitchen team at the Community Thanksgiving Feast. Rob was selected for the LUM Volunteer of the Month for his exceptional dedication, quiet leadership, ability and willingness to fix anything, and letting LUM utilize his truck.
Rob encourages other retirees to volunteer with LUM because of not only what you are able to give your neighbors in need but also how much it enriches and give meaning to your own life. Rob stated, "Step out of your comfort zone. If you have been thinking about it, it is now time to sign up. Go with a friend. If you need help getting started, just let Nina and me know. The guests and participants are so grateful. Not just for the food but for you being there to listen and care."
Join us in congratulating Rob Morgan for being selected the LUM Volunteer of the Month for August 2023. If you would like to volunteer with LUM, check out the LUM website or call or email the LUM volunteer coordinator, Terri Anderson (volunteer@LUMserve.org | 765-423-2691).To read more about Rob, click HERE. If you wish to make a tribute gift in Rob's honor, click the button below.
|
|
How LUM Utilizes Data to Improve Lives |
|
Mentoring | Literacy | Hope | Empathy | |
|
As an organization committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and our community, LUM has recognized the pivotal role that research plays in driving positive change. Through our dedication to research, we are continuously evolving and refining the programs, ensuring that LUM makes a genuine difference in the lives of those we serve. Here are a few examples of research projects within LUM programs:
-
MENTORING - LUM After School Program
-
EMPATHY - LUM Financial Assistance Program
-
LITERACY - LUM 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program
-
HOPE - LUM Emergency Shelter
Details of each of the above research projects will be featured in an upcoming eNewsletter. Below is the second in the series – an overview of the After School Mentoring Program.
|
|
After School Program - Mentoring Program |
|
As a part of her Purdue internship, Jasmine Hsu observed the LUM After School Program students’ behavior over the course of three months to assess their social skills. Jasmine was curious to see how the pandemic and increased use of technology impacted students. Her objective was to develop practical mitigation strategies.
During the fall semester, Jasmine spent 40+ hours observing and interacting with children in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade sections of the LUM After School Program. She concluded that social development related to family life, including the presence of a father and number of siblings, was actually a more important determinant of social skills than the pandemic and technology. Jasmine recommended mentoring as a means of providing the children with additional healthy role models. For more details on the research conducted by Jasmine Hsu, click HERE.
|
|
This qualitative data will help shape and improve the LUM After School Program. This is one recent example of our dedication to research, which will remain unwavering, empowering us to transform lives and build a brighter future for our entire community.
|
|
Although the month of August is often referred to as the “dogs days of summer,” LUM is focused on “fall happenings.” Here are the highlights, month by month. For more details on upcoming events and programs, go to LUMserve.org.
|
|
 |
August
After School Program — The LUM child care center is now open. The curriculum includes age-appropriate activities, early literacy programs, and engaging extracurriculars to foster physical, emotional, and cognitive growth. It is more than just a child care center — it represents a beacon of hope for families in the community. By providing affordable, accessible, and high-quality child care services, it allows parents to focus on their careers without worrying about their children's well-being. As more children find a nurturing environment in which to thrive, the community as a whole can look forward to a brighter, more prosperous future.
September
Hunger Hike — The annual fundraiser is scheduled for Sunday, September 17 at 1 p.m. at Riehle Plaza, Lafayette, IN. Hunger Hike was born out of the belief that by joining forces and taking collective action, real change could be achieved. This year’s goal is to raise $110,000 to support food & nutrition programs through LUM, Food Finders & St. Thomas Aquinas. Take part in Hunger Hike and contribute to a brighter future for the most vulnerable — locally, regionally & globally.
|
|
|
|
October
Jubilee Christmas — Although Jubilee Christmas isn’t until December 9, the planning begins in October. Local families will be invited to register in October, and LUM will begin working with local churches to organize each host site. Jubilee Christmas was established with the belief that no one should have to choose between providing for their family’s basic needs and experiencing the magic of the holiday season. Each donation represents more than just a material gift; it is a message of love and compassion, reminding these families that their community cares about them and is there to support them during difficult times.
November
Community Thanksgiving Feast — As the season of gratitude and togetherness approaches, LUM is thrilled to announce the free Community Thanksgiving Feast. This cherished event is made possible by the incredible generosity of donors like you, who understand the significance of coming together to celebrate and share the spirit of Thanksgiving with everyone in our community.
Turkey Trot 5K Run — As we count our blessings and gather with loved ones on Thanksgiving morning, LUM invites you to be a part of a heartwarming tradition that brings together friends, families, and fitness enthusiasts - the Turkey Trot 5K Run! Lace up your running shoes and join us for a day filled with gratitude, fitness, and community support as we come together to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.
|
|
|
|
The Working Hungry - Screening & Discussion |
|
FREE | Thursday, August 31 | 6:30 p.m. |
|
Join us for a FREE screening of the Emmy-nominated documentary The Working Hungry. This 30-minute film tells the story of three Indiana families struggling with food insecurity and explains why systemic solutions are needed to make sure that no family experiences hunger in our community.
- Thursday, August 31
- 6:30 - 8 p.m. (Doors open at 6 p.m.)
- Long Center for the Performing Arts, 111 N 6th Street, Lafayette, IN
After the screening, stay for a conversation with community leaders about how to address food insecurity in our community through systemic change, and band together to urge our elected officials to take action. It’s important that there is a strong turnout to show the community power behind making change for hungry families. Commit to attending and register TODAY! Please share & consider attending with a group.
|
|
LUM Staff & Volunteers Cheer on the Indians |
|
LUM Social Gathering at Victory Field, Indianapolis |
|
Last week, LUM volunteers, board members and staff traveled to Victory Field to cheer on the Indianapolis Indians. It was a beautiful evening for a baseball game and a rare opportunity for some of the "heart & soul" of LUM to gather socially. Everyone in attendance had a wonderful time taking in all that is great about live baseball — and the Indianapolis Indians fought hard but were narrowly defeated by the Nashville Sounds. {Pictured is the LUM crew and their family members who attended.}
|
|
Financial Assistance Program |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
