In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, shares a "Mission Moment" demonstrating, through an actual client story, the impact of the LUM Good Samaritan Fund and the importance of the We’ve Got Talent event THIS Saturday Please take 55 seconds to watch the video and SHARE with others. See below for more stories and the details about the We’ve Got Talent event.

Join us for We’ve Got Talent — an amateur talent competition judged by a panel of local experts. The event features a live show plus refreshments & other surprises. Details are as follows:

If you aren’t able to attend We’ve Got Talent but wish to make a donation to the LUM Good Samaritan Fund — click the button below.

LUM is excited to announce the line up of “talent” for We’ve Got Talent THIS Saturday.

There is also one SURPRISE duo performing that you just have to show and see in person. Guaranteed to fill you with joy! To read more about the We’ve Got Talent performers, click HERE. If you aren’t able to attend We’ve Got Talent but wish to make a donation to the LUM Good Samaritan Fund — click the button below.

The best part of We’ve Got Talent is that 100% of the proceeds from this event go to the LUM Good Samaritan Fund. This fund is the primary source of income used in the LUM Financial Assistance Program that provides a strong and reliable safety net to our community’s families and children. Here are some real-life, local stories you’re invited to imagine yourself in:

Again, these are NOT made-up scenarios. There are precious local people in these precarious situations that have come through our door, seeking financial assistance from the LUM Good Samaritan Fund. Because of empathetic donors such as YOU, LUM has been able to give financial assistance – and with it, emotional support and hope – thousands of times. There is no better reason to attend We’ve Got Talent THIS Saturday.

LUM is excited to about the panel of judges for the We’ve Got Talent event THIS Saturday, April 15. The panel of judges includes:

First Farmers Bank & Trust is the Presenting Sponsor of the LUM We’ve Got Talent event. Pictured are Scott Douglass, new Downtown Lafayette branch manager, and Todd White, Business Development, regional manager & AVP, presenting Josh Prokopy, LUM We’ve Got Talent director, and Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, with a “big” check for $5,000. Join us in thanking the team at the First Farmer’s Bank & Trust for their support of the LUM We’ve Got Talent event and the LUM Good Samaritan Fund.

The LUM We’ve Got Talent planning team would also like to thank Lafayette Brewing Co. for providing refreshments and St. Andrew United Methodist Church for hosting the event. Stop by the First Farmers Bank & Trust-Lafayette location, Lafayette Brewing Co. and St. Andrew and say “thanks.”

During the winter months, one would assume that LUM staff members get weary, but the opposite is true. Through freezing temperatures and gray skies, LUM brings a ray of sunshine to local individuals, families and children. LUM programs do not change much in the winter except for bringing that sunshine. Clients can expect the LUM staff & volunteers to be present and friendly by listening to their needs and offering them help and hope. Two programs that are unique to the winter months are the LUM Winter Warming Station and Tax Assistance Program. Both programs meet the important needs of our community each winter with great success.

Beginning November 15, the Winter Warming Station was open each night from midnight to 7 a.m. for individuals needing a safe, warm space. Each night, each guest is provided with a mat on which to sleep, and in the morning, with coffee, water, and a bagged meal to take with them. This winter, the Winter Warming Station served 360 individuals for 1,755 bed-nights.

Thanks to the shelter staff members and overnight volunteers as well as the families, groups, individuals, businesses, and churches who provided meals this winter for the Emergency Shelter and the Winter Warming Station.

The LUM Emergency Shelter needs overnight volunteers 365 nights a year from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. or 8 p.m. to midnight. Very little training is needed, but volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Duties include checking in guests, serving dinner, distributing toiletries and creating a welcoming, safe & clean space.

By giving your time (and smile), you would be making a tremendous positive impact. Think about committing to volunteer once a month all year. Not only will you be helping LUM operate the shelter but you will also be giving joy, hope, and a smile to others who need it the most. Thanks to the members of Grace Lutheran Church (pictured) for volunteering last Friday. If you have any questions, please email Jeffrey Auguste, LUM shelter director, at jauguste@lumserve.org.