LUM Immigration Clinic Team Expands |
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Wes's Weekly Wrap Up - Celebrating Peacemakers |
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In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, celebrates the "peacemakers." He attended last night's monthly LUM Board of Directors meeting and reflected on all of the individuals engaged with LUM who have chosen PEACE in the service of their neighbors – day after day, year after year, decade after decade. Please take 58 seconds to watch the video and SHARE with others.
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Meet & Welcome Yanina Gomez Szyszko |
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Yanina - Immigration Clinic Assistant Director |
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Yanina Gomez Szyszko is the new Assistant Director of the LUM Immigration Clinic. She grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, has lived in Copenhagen, Denmark and Valencia, Spain, and currently lives in Lafayette, Indiana.
Yanina has studied Sociology and Anthropology at the University of Buenos Aires; and is currently enrolled at the International University of Valencia pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Her goal is to complete a Master of Clinical Psychology by 2025. Yanina speaks both English and Spanish.
Yanina is inspired by the Bible passage, "Let everything you do be done in love," 1 Corinthians 16:14. She is also driven by the courage and determination of her Polish ancestors who migrated to Argentina during the interwar period -- especially her great-grandmother, Melanja. She shared that, "I hope in my new role with LUM to use my skills and experience to help in all aspects of the Immigration Clinic. It will be personally enriching to have a positive impact on the immigrant families in our community." Yanina is excited to "be a part of a team with passionate, determined people who have a great love for others."
In her free time, Yanina enjoys travelling and exploring other cultures; has studied new languages, most recently Polish, Danish and French; is an administrator with the Polish Genealogy Group in Argentina; and the organizer of an international book club hosted in four cities: Buenos Aires, Copenhagen, Warsaw, and Barcelona.
LUM is fortunate to have someone with Yanina's experience and passion join the Immigration Clinic staff. Join us in welcoming her.
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Meet the LUM After School Program Team |
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62 Students| K - 8th Grade | 3 Hours Per Day |
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LUM is thrilled to introduce the LUM After School Program team. What a talented and caring team! Led by Kristi Hogue, LUM Youth Programs director, the LUM teachers are assisted each afternoon by volunteers.
Kristi Hogue – Kristi grew up in Logansport and currently lives in Lafayette with Jeff, her husband of 27 years, and their children, Jaedren (14) and Maekenna (9). Her oldest daughter, Taelynn (21), also lives and works in the Lafayette area, and has volunteered, sharing art ideas and homework help. Jaedren & Maekenna have been enrolled in the LUM after school & summer programs for the past few years, and Maekenna continues to attend. Kristi graduated from Logansport High School, earned a BS in Child Development & Family Studies from Purdue University, and is a member of the National After School Association. She has worked with children and families as a career for nearly 30 years, and enjoys continuing to learn and grow with LUM Youth Programs.
Carleigh Bennett – Carleigh grew up and still lives in Lafayette. She currently lives with her sister and newborn niece. She graduated from Jefferson High School, and plans to begin taking classes at Ivy Tech Community College soon.
Mady Lester – Mady grew up and still lives in Lafayette with her husband. She graduated from Jefferson High School, earned her associates degree in Human Services at Ivy Tech Community College, and earned a BSW with distinction from IUPUI in May 2021. Mady is currently working on her MSW at the IU School of School Work, and is interning at the Lafayette School Corporation.
Breanne Stewart - Breanne grew up and still lives in Lafayette with her two children, Faythe (first year in high school) and Gabriel (Kindergarten). She graduated from Faith Christian High School and earned her associates degree in Human Services at Ivy Tech Community College in May 2021.
Tabatha Volpi – Tabby grew up and still lives in Lafayette with her husband, Matthew, and their two children, ages 7 & 9. She graduated from Jefferson High School and earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Purdue University. During the school year, Tabby also works for the Lafayette School Corporation.
In 2020, 83 children were enrolled in the LUM After School Program, and 62 students are enrolled this fall. Please consider investing in or volunteering with the LUM After School Program – the LUM students need you.
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Mission Moment - The Story of Beth's Journey |
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As Told by Linda Hicks, LUM Program Director |
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Beth came to the LUM Office seeking assistance with the LUM Good Samaritan Program. She needed help with the deposit on her new apartment. Over the past five years Beth needed financial assistance twice, the LUM Emergency Shelter several times, and used the LUM food pantries regularly up through 2019. Beth wore a baseball cap tilted down to cover part of her face and hide the scars, both physical and emotional. Connie, the LUM receptionist, greeted her and soon learned that Beth had escaped an abusive relationship; and as a result of the abuse, had lost sight in one eye. She was having trouble finding permanent housing and difficulty finding employment. Beth felt that employers were hesitant to hire her because one of her eyes was white in color.
Beth now has a prosthetic eye and receives monthly disability payments, but is still emotionally fragile and managing her funds is a challenge. Just as she was about to secure housing, she panicked that it wouldn't work out and she'd be homeless once again. She was in need of funding; but more than that, Beth needed compassion and understanding and a safe place. In tears (with her mask on), Beth sat in the LUM lobby telling Connie, of her fears. Connie listened (also masked), held her arms open and said, “Now come here.” Beth dropped into her arms and sobbed. The tears eventually stopped, Beth took a breath, gathered up her courage and was on her way.
She returned later that day with a smile on her face because she signed a lease for an apartment! Beth was relieved and grateful, not only for the funding, but also for the kindness. It was a day to be reminded of the magic that a hug and an open heart can hold. We all matter in the world no matter what our station in life.
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Hunger Hike - Join the Fight Against Hunger |
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Start a Team - Start Raising Funds - Why Wait? |
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The need is as great as ever, and YOU can be part of the solution. Sign up now, and HELP FIGHT HUNGER! Let’s beat last year’s record and raise $125,000 for the hunger relief efforts locally, regionally & globally. Hunger Hike details are as follows:
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Challenge Week - September 12 to September 19
- Set a personal challenge and share it with your supporters: walk 100 steps, bike 100 miles, fast for 2 days, go without meat for a week, or
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SNAP Challenge - Take the SNAP Challenge and try to feed your family on the average SNAP benefit of $30 a person for the week.
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Kick Off Event - Sunday, September 19 at 1 p.m. join us in Riehle Plaza for our annual celebration and 3K walk. Enjoy:
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Live MUSIC from Briton Wiese, former LUM shelter director
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ZUMBA with Studio b, clowns, face painting, balloon animals, massages, and a hotdog picnic
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And NEW this year, pose for photos with our three costumed princesses
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Three Easy Ways to sign up:
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go to hungerhike.org | Click HERE | Text HHIKE to 71777
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