Reflecting on a Summer Focused on Families |
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Wes's Weekly Wrap Up - Summer Highlights |
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In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, reflects on the summer youth programs and shares two highlights — #1 - all of our students gained knowledge this summer; #2 - the new endowment for LUM 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program. Please take 59 seconds to watch the video and SHARE with others. Please see below for more details on the assessment and the endowment.
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Summer Family Focus - LUM Youth Programs |
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5th Quarter Summer Learning & LUM Camp |
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The focus of summer youth programs at LUM is to prepare local children for success, especially when they return to school next week. During the summer months, LUM programming focuses on providing enrichment and joy for our students. Lafayette Urban Ministry is passionate about these programs because of the positive impact they have on local children, local families and the future of our community.
The LUM 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program offers children the chance to keep pace academically with their peers. It has been offered each weekday during the summer. Seventy-one students were enrolled and, in addition to being served a nutritious breakfast, lunch and snack, they have been engaged each day in a mix of learning, reading, excursions, and recreation. This included trips to the park, pool, library, special excursions, and guest presenters who ignited their excitement for science, fitness, and reading.
Your support of the 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program has shown our students that they are cherished and deserving of every opportunity. Thank you for believing in LUM and investing in the potential of our students. Together we are changing lives and shaping a brighter tomorrow for all. Thank you.
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How LUM Utilizes Data to Improve Lives |
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Literacy | Empathy | Mentoring | Hope |
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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:
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LITERACY - LUM 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program
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EMPATHY - LUM Financial Assistance Program
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MENTORING - LUM After School Program
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HOPE - LUM Emergency Shelter
Details of each of the above research projects will be featured in an upcoming eNewsletter. Below is the first in the series – an overview of the Summer Literacy Assessment.
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LUM Summer Students & the "Literacy" Assessment |
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The summer break poses a unique challenge for low-income families, as the "summer slide" phenomenon (loss of knowledge) can disproportionately affect children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
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This summer, LUM conducted pretest and posttest assessments of literacy with the Pre-K through 5th grade students enrolled in the LUM 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program. Education professionals administered the pretest in the first week and in the final week, administered the posttest and conducted one-on-one interviews. The preliminary results show that LUM 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program successfully prevented the summer slide with all of the students tested .
The education professional who administered this assessment concluded that the data shows that each student tested gained knowledge this summer. For the grade level for which this assessment is designed (1st through 5th grade), the students scored 9.6% higher in the posttest suggesting a significant increase in their literacy proficiency. LUM also administered the assessment with the pre-K and Kindergarten grade level students even though they were not expected to possess proficiency with literacy. The results not only showed proficiency but also indicated that the students gained knowledge this summer.
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Here are more interesting results and observations: |
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1st - 5th Grade Students
- All students gained knowledge
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9.6% was the average increase in test scores
These students will be at the same or (mostly likely) a higher level of knowledge than their peers as they begin school this week.
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Pre-K & Kindergarten Students
- All students gained knowledge
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11.5% was the average increase in test scores
These students will have an advantage and be on pace with their peers as they begin Kindergarten and 1st grade respectively this week.
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This comparison of the two tests has quantitatively and qualitatively measured the prevention of the "summer slide," and the progress made during the summer, particularly with respect to literacy. The overall data will help shape and improve the program in the future, and the individual results of each child will be shared with parents. 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.
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Thanks to Dick & Betty Nelson - Tree Planters |
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$200,000 Endowment for Summer Learning at LUM |
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The Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette completed a gift matching opportunity to support the 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program at Lafayette Urban Ministry, which was announced in the summer of 2022. Richard C. & Betty M. Nelson inspired this matching campaign through their generous offer to match gifts dollar-for-dollar up to $100,000, for a total impact of $200,000. In total, five new endowments were established by the below donors for the LUM 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program:
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- Richard C. & Betty M. Nelson
- Dennis & Jeanne Gernhardt
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Jim Leslie in honor of Diana Sue Leslie
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- Dennis & Sharon Schlott
- Anne & Kumares Sinha
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The LUM 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program is dedicated to closing the academic achievement gap for students who are struggling, and providing summer enrichment for students who are doing well for ages pre-kindergarten through 6th grade. The Nelsons said of the accomplishment, “Blessed are they who plant trees under whose shade they will never sit (Indian proverb that dates to the 1860s). This states succinctly the reason for our gift for the LUM 5th Quarter through the Community Foundation. In different ways we, as children, were the beneficiaries of tree planters in our communities in Massachusetts and West Virginia – it was time for us to find Lafayette arborists who would join this effort to create shade for the next generation. And we did, and we are grateful to all!”
LUM executive director, Wes Tillet said, "I am overjoyed about the visionary generosity of Dick & Betty Nelson and all those inspired to give due to their generosity. This endowment is uplifting for multiple groups of people. It uplifts the children who participate in the LUM 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program. It uplifts the families who benefit from the costs of 5th Quarter remaining low. It uplifts all of the LUM staff and board, as we embrace such generosity as a vote of confidence in the work we are doing. It uplifts future children, families, LUM staff and board members who will continue to receive this generosity long after we are gone."
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The Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette, established in 1970, serves the Tippecanoe County area. Its mission is to inspire, nurture, and practice philanthropy, stewardship, and leadership in the communities served. |
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Here are the 40th Anniversary reception details:
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DATE - Thursday, August 17 | TIME - 9 a.m. to noon
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PLACE - LUM Protein Food Pantry (6th Street between North & Ferry Streets, Lafayette, IN. Enter Red Door under Green Awning.)
The 40th Anniversary reception will offer refreshments, brief remarks, and tours of the Protein Food Pantry during operating hours. Please join us for this historic milestone of LUM empowering our neighbors in need and advocating to end hunger.
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If you wish to volunteer at this event, click HERE to find out more & sign up today. |
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Volunteers Needed - Weekday Opportunities |
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LUM Summer of Service - Find Your Fit |
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Check out these two volunteer opportunities and find your fit!
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Weekday Mornings - Weekly
The LUM Financial Assistance Program is looking for a few volunteers who are interested in serving one morning each week. Volunteers provide emergency financial assistance to local families facing eviction, utility disconnects and other financial emergencies. Volunteers are needed each weekday from 8:30 to 10 a.m. They meet with clients, do a simple intake and help to assess the client’s emergency needs. Training is provided. More.
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Weekday Afternoons - Biweekly
If you’re interested in a recurring, daytime service opportunity, consider becoming a LUM Volunteer Afternoon Receptionist. Coverage is needed each weekday from noon to 4:30 p.m. — and some weekday mornings. Receptionists typically work every two weeks on the same day of the week. They greet guests, answer phones and complete general clerical duties in the LUM main office (420 N 4th Street, Lafayette, IN). Training is provided. More.
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LUM Summer of Service gives you the chance to make a difference in your community, meet an immediate need, and see the impact of your efforts. So, follow your passion, find something that excites you and convince a friend or two to join you. For more information, go to LUMserve.org/volunteer; or email or call Terri Anderson, the LUM volunteer coordinator (volunteer@LUMserve.org | 765-423-2691). Please SHARE.
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LUM is Hiring - Child Care Aides |
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Financial Assistance Program |
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