LUM History – Milestones
Milestones | Executive Directors | Board Presidents | Member Churches | Research, Articles
August 2023 – 40th Anniversary of the LUM Food Pantry & Food Programs
August 29 – September 3, 2023 – LUM Cooling Station opens
June 24, 2023 – LUM Gala of Hope – fundraising event for the LUM Immigration Clinic
April 15, 2023 – LUM We’ve Got Talent – Fundraising event for the LUM Good Samaritan Fund
May 2023 – 40th Anniversary of the LUM Social Justice Ministry
Lafayette Urban Ministry – 50th Anniversary – October 2022
September 28, 2022 – After 15 years at LUM, most recently as the Business Manager, Eileen Hession Weiss has decided to move on and dedicate her time and talent to her family, the City of Lafayette as a member of the City Council, and the many faith and community organizations, with which she is involved. Leanna Giltmier is now the LUM Finance Director.
April 8, 2022 – LUM celebrated its 50th anniversary at the LUM 50th Anniversary Celebration at the Long Center for the Performing Arts, Lafayette, IN
April 15, 2022 – To-Go Meals – Bagged lunches were provided in the LUM Office for anyone needing a meal.
July 15, 2021 – LUM Protein Food Pantry moved to St. John’s Episcopal Church, Lafayette, IN
June 11, 2021 – LUM introduces a new Brand, Logo and Colors at the LUM Logo Launch event at Connection Point Church, West Lafayette, IN. Learn more.
June 16, 2021 – LUM Ray Ewry Youth Center renamed LUM Ray Ewry Center
May 7, 2021 – LUM Westside Food Pantry opens at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tippecanoe County, West Lafayette, IN
March 25, 2021 – Christian Gallo named new Immigration Clinic director
December 2020 – LTHC & LUM Shelter Annex opened. To-Go Meals offered at the Annex day shelter.
November 2020 – The Thanksgiving free dinner event was renamed the Community Thanksgiving Feast
March 23, 2020 – COVID-19 Response
Fourth Executive Director – Rev. Wesley Tillett
April 1, 2020 – Wes Tillett becomes the fourth LUM Executive Director
March 31, 2020 – Joe Micon, LUM Executive Director retires
April 4, 2019 – LUM Protein Food Pantry opens in the Ray Ewry Youth Center
October 2018 – LUM Community Thanksgiving Celebration changed name to Greater Lafayette Interfaith Community Thanksgiving Celebration
October 2018 – LUM Solar Energy Project – New Steel Roof with Solar Panels – LUM Office Building
October 2018 – LUM Youth Programs move back to the LUM Ray Ewry Youth Center
June 2018 – LUM Video “Giving Help, Giving Hope” Premiered
January 2018 – – LUM Youth Programs moves to Central Presbyterian Church
May 2017 – LUM 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program moves to First Christian Church
May 5, 2017 – LUM celebrates 45th Anniversary
LUM celebrated its 45th Anniversary at the 6th annual LUM Good Samaritan Fund Follies at St. Andrew United Methodist Church with a dinner, talent show and silent auction.
January 2017 – Klinker-Alting Family Advocacy Internship started
To honor the contributions of Representative Sheila Klinker and Senator Ron Alting to issues of family advocacy in the State of Indiana, Lafayette Urban Ministry is establishing an internship in cooperation with Purdue University’s College of Liberal Arts. This merit-based internship will provide students with an interest in the political process a practical, hands-on learning opportunity. The internship includes a $500 stipend provided by LUM.
August 2016 – LUM After School Program moves to First Christian Church
July 2016 – LUM launches new Client Website – client.lumserve.org
December 2015 – The Mary Anderson Kick Start Fund established
Upon the retirement of Mary Anderson after 21 years of service to our community through her work at Lafayette Urban Ministry the LUM Board of Directors established the Mary Anderson Kickstart Fund. This will be a permanent account within the LUM Good Samaritan Fund that will allow up to $100 more than our usual assistance grant for those who have especially difficult utility or housing needs. To donate to the fund, please make check payable to Lafayette Urban Ministry and write “Kickstart” on memo line — or give online at lumserve.org/donate.
November 10, 2016 – LUM Immigration Clinic sponsors first Port of Hope Fundraising event
November 24, 2016 – LUM hosts first Turkey Trot 5K Walk/Run
November 15, 2015 – Winter Warming Station is started
The LUM Winter Warming Station complements the services of the LUM Emergency Shelter. The Winter Warming Station is located in the LUM Office building (420 N 4th Street, Lafayette) and is open from midnight to 7 a.m. from November 15 to April. It is used by individuals needing a place in the evening to “warm up.” All are welcome, including those who are not eligible to stay at the LUM emergency shelter. It offers an option to be in a safe, secure indoor Warming Station. It also gives individuals an opportunity to learn about other services offered by LUM or other local agencies for which they may be eligible.
October 2015 – Citizenship Classes started
Citizenship Classes were offered by the LUM Immigration Clinic in partnership with the Lafayette Adult Resource Academy. There were ten (10) classes, two per week for five weeks, offered in the series. The classes were free and open to the public. The curriculum focused on preparing permanent residents for the naturalization exam and learning more about United States history and government.
September 2015 – Hunger Hike launches newly designed website – hungerhike.org
February 11, 2015 – Spanish Conversation Tables started
The LUM Immigration Clinic and Ayuda y Aprende, the Spanish Language Service Learning Program at Purdue, teamed up to offer weekly Spanish Conversation Tables. The program is free and open to the public — with the hope that staff, volunteers and congregants from member churches will take advantage of these sessions. The program is offered for 11 weeks starting in February and again in September.
February 2015 – LUM launches newly designed Website – LUMserve.org
January 2015 – Dream Team Research Fund established
August 19, 2014 – LUM Immigration Clinic opens
The Grand Opening of the new LUM Immigration Clinic was hosted by Joe Micon, LUM executive director, and featured remarks from various individuals engaged in immigration work, the unveiling of the Immigration Clinic logo, and a reception with cake, refreshments, and fellowship. Among the speakers were Timothy Doherty, Bishop, Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana; Jeffrey Newell, President, Tippecanoe Bar Association; Sisters Joan Scheller and Karen Sue Durliat, Guadalupe Center in Huntingburg; Pastor Zach Szmara, Director of the Immigration Clinic, Bridge Christian Church, Logansport; and Trish Maxwell, Executive Director, Lafayette Area Reading Academy.
The LUM Immigration Clinic will be located in the LUM Office (420 N 4th Street, Lafayette). Consultations began on September 17, 2014.
Lafayette Urban Ministry – 40th Anniversary – October 2012
October 26, 2012 – Social Media Launched
LUM celebrated its 40th anniversary with the launch of a Facebook page, Twitter account, Google+ page, and Linked In group and company.
September 15, 2012 – HH5K Run – Hunger Hike adds new event, the HH5K Run
April 27, 2012 – First Annual LUM Follies
LUM celebrated its 40th Anniversary with the 40th Anniversary LUM Follies at St. Andrew United Methodist Church with a dinner, talent show and silent auction. Benefitted the LUM Good Samaritan Fund.
August 19, 2011 – Youth Program Center named in honor of Ray Ewry
Olympic gold medalist and native of Lafayette Ray Ewry is a former Purdue University athlete who accumulated his record total of 10 gold medals in four Olympiads. He won three gold medals apiece in 1900 and 1904 and two each in 1906 and 1908.
2011 – Asset Building Classes started
In 2011, Twenty-two households were provided classroom education in personal finance and home ownership.
2011 – Good Samaritan Program renamed from Emergency Fund Assistance Program
Emergency Fund Assistance Program which was established in the mid 1970’s was renamed Good Samaritan Program.
May 2011 – 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program started
In 2011, 39 children participated in LUM’s new summer learning retention program. Significant increases in reading comprehension and math computation skills were documented.
2010 – LUM Office building opens at 420 N 4th Street, Lafayette, IN
2010 – Achieve! Stay-in-School Program started
In 2011, 35 teens at-risk of dropping out of school were provided academic, social, life-skills and emotional support. The last students in the program graduated in Spring of 2016.
2010 – New Opportunity Fund established
In 2011, five individuals were helped from this special merit-based fund designed to help LUM shelter guests move into a home of their own.
2009 – Playground added to the LUM Program Center (525 N 4th Street, Lafayette)
2009 – ID Clinic program started
Individuals received help in cutting through the red tape associated with re-establishing their legal identities.
2009 – Campaign for the Future (fundraising campaign) launched
After a comprehensive strategic planning process in 2008 the LUM board commissioned a $2.8 million dollar Campaign for The Future that will position the ministry on the cutting edge of services to our community’s needy children and working families well into the coming decade. Through a combination of new program initiatives and capital improvements, the Lafayette Urban Ministry will help those it serves to escape poverty. At-risk children will learn to achieve more in school. Low-income parents will be offered the tools to become more self-sufficient. More than $2,781,646 was raised in gifts and multi-year pledges from 650 donors. Over 150 volunteers were involved in this two year campaign.
2006 – Case Management started
LUM emergency shelter guests are offered help in moving off the street, out of LUM’s shelter and into a home of their own.
2004-2008 – Mary M. Anderson serves as Interim Executive Director while Joe Micon serves as Indiana State Representative
Lafayette Urban Ministry – 30th Anniversary – October 2002
February 2002 – Income Tax Assistance Program started
Working families are served. Millions in refunds and tax credits are secured annually.
August 1999 – After School Program started
The Enhanced After School Program is housed in the LUM Ray Ewry Youth Center. Children are provided academic support and education enrichment in a fun environment each day after school.
1998 – RESPECT Program started
RESPECT Program started and continued through 2008. RESPECT stands for Reducing Early Sex and Pregnancy by Educating Children and Teens.
1995 – New Program Center Opens – LUM builds at 525 N 4th Street — houses LUM Office & Emergency Shelter
The shelter was housed on the second floor of LUM’s 8th street office and was moved to St. Boniface Church in 1987. In 1995, the shelter was included in the main LUM building when it was built at 525 N. 4th Street. Each year, the LUM emergency shelter provides overnight shelter to hundreds of individuals who stay an average of 20 nights. Bishop Higi helps LUM dedicate new Program Center and Shelter at 525 N 4th Street, Lafayette
1993 – LUM Food Pantry merges with St. John’s Food Pantry
The St. John’s/LUM Food Pantry accommodates thousands of household visits for emergency food aid each year. The St. John’s/LUM Food Pantry is one of the largest volume food pantry in west central Indiana. Open four weekday mornings a week and each Saturday afternoon, the pantry provides emergency food to hungry children and adults. Volunteers staff the pantry, purchase food, and keep the facility stocked and clean.
Lafayette Urban Ministry – 20th Anniversary – October 1992
September 1992 – Hunger Hike started
Evolving from the Hike for Hunger and the Crop Walk, LUM’s Hunger Hike started in September 1992. In 2010, Hunger Hike added a 5K run. In September 2014, over 900 participants of Hunger Hike raised over $95,000.
Third Executive Director – Joe Micon
October 15, 1990 – Joseph “Joe” Micon appointed Executive Director
On October 10, 1990 Joseph Micon received a final interview by the LUM Board and was appointed as LUM’s third Executive Director with duties to begin October 15,1990. A Roman Catholic, Micon was a product of Catholic education. He received his Master’s Degree in Social Work from Indiana University in 1983 with a special training in the administration of Not-for-Profit organizations. He had served various LUM staff capacities since 1980. Like LUM’s previous directors, Micon also shares a strong commitment to integrating the charitable components of social ministry with the social justice components. A special emphasis on the problems of children and families in poverty helps direct the program. Let’s Do Lunch, the CCHIP, childhood hunger study, and a babysitting room for LUM clients were new additions to LUM’s program. In addition, LUM’s food pantry, homeless shelter and centralized emergency fund were all expanded. New advisory councils for pastors as well as LUM clients were added by the Board.
1990 – Jo Johannsen served as Interim Executive Director
1990 – Rev. Jud Dolphin retires as second LUM Executive Director
1988 – Indiana Welfare Watch established
After a year-long evaluation in 1988 the Poor Relief Task Force was reorganized into Indiana Welfare Watch. Still active in policy concerns of needy Hoosiers, the program grew to include a Board controlled by the welfare recipients and a more comprehensive issue agenda. 1988 also saw the formation of Local Government Watch, a community based organization of 200 LUM clients seeking to influence reforms in the administration of poor relief in Fairfield Township.
1987 – LUM Shelter moved to St. Boniface Church
The shelter was housed on the second floor of LUM’s 8th street office and was moved to St. Boniface Church in 1987. In 1995, the shelter was included in the main LUM building when it was built at 525 N. 4th Street. Each year, the LUM emergency shelter provides overnight shelter to hundreds of individuals who stay an average of 20 nights.
1986 – LUM Grow-A-Row program started
November 27, 1986 – Thanksgiving Celebration started
The LUM Community Thanksgiving Celebration serves approximately 800 individuals each year at Central Presbyterian Church on Thanksgiving Day.
1984 – LUM & St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Center establish Lafayette’s first Emergency Shelter
In 1984 LUM and St. Thomas Aquinas established Lafayette’s first emergency shelter for the homeless. The shelter was housed on the second floor of LUM’s 8th street office.
1983 – Food Pantry, Community Gardens and more — started by LUM
By 1983 LUM’s self-help programming had grown to include several community gardens, gardening assistance, and food buying clubs. The host/hostess program was bringing hundreds of church members to LUM each year as ministers of hospitality. And a food pantry had established itself in LUM’s basement as an outgrowth of the advocate program.
1983 – Social Justice Ministry started
Lafayette Urban Ministry – 10th Anniversary – October 1982
December 1980 – Jubilee Christmas started
Jubilee Christmas started in December 1980 serving 50 families at Central Presbyterian Church. Children received gifts of new toys and clothing on Christmas morning from their parents or legal guardian. Each year over 575 families and close to 1900 children are served.
1979 – SEED Newsletter — First issue published
In March of 1979 the first issue of the SEED newsletter was published. It was targeted at LUM supporters and those in member congregations who shared a special call to social ministry. Rev. Dolphin made himself available to preach in LUM member churches and began to strengthen strong ties with local media. News coverage of LUM program and issues facing low-income families identified LUM as a strong advocate for the poor in our community.
1978 – Advocate Program adopted by LUM Board
In August of 1978, the LUM Board voted to adopt the Advocate Program. It had been housed in LUM as an independent program since the mid-seventies under the direction of Joan Hawbaker. In 1979 permanent staff was hired to direct the program. Caseloads increased, due in part to a growing national recession, and by the end of 1980 the program was serving over 100 families each month.
Second Executive Director – Rev. Jud Dolphin
1978 – Rev. Jud Dolphin appointed new & second LUM Executive Director
1978 – Rev. Kurt Kremlick served as Interim LUM Executive Director
1978 – Rev. Ron Elly retires as first LUM Executive Director
November 20, 1976 – LUM offices move
On Sunday, November 21, 1976, LUM executive director hosted an open house in the new LUM Office at 12 N 8th Street, Lafayette.
1975 – Emergency Fund established
LUM’s early programming was organized around three general issue areas: community development, youth, and aging. A Spanish-speaking and revenue sharing task force were started. The centralized emergency fund also began with the financial support of 13 churches. Seventy-two people were helped in 1975. Adventure clubs and summer camp continued for youth. Good friends and volunteer transportation programs were geared toward the low-income aged.
Lafayette Urban Ministry – Era Begins – October 1972
October 26, 1972 – Articles of Incorporation for Lafayette Urban Ministry — Approved & Filed
The Lafayette Urban Ministry was officially incorporated as an Indiana Not-For-Profit Corporation on October 26, 1972. Seven churches were represented as charter members: Covenant Presbyterian, St. Andrew United Methodist, First United Methodist, Central Presbyterian, Dayton Presbyterian, Hope Chapel, and Bethany Presbyterian.
1972 – LUM offices given space by Central Presbyterian Church
LUM In Development – Rev. Ron Elly
LUM offices were located in the Education Building of Central Presbyterian Church – 31 N 7th Street, Lafayette.
December 1971 – Neighborhood Development Project reorganized as the Lafayette Urban Ministry
The effort to bring about a full-time “urban ministry” proceeded quickly in 1971. The December Board minutes included the final action in the emergence of LUM:
“Mrs. Dee Tritchler moved and Les Gaylor seconded to change the name of the Neighborhood Development Project to Lafayette Urban Ministry, passing all the assets and liabilities of the one to the other. This was passed unanimously by all present. Rev. Beswick moved and Les Gaylor seconded to ask Central Presbyterian Church for office space in 1972. This passed unanimously.”
December 1970 – NDP sets goals to establish “Urban Ministry” in 1971
By December of 1970, the vision of a broader ecumenical urban ministry began to take form. The NDP Board minutes for that month include the following entry:
“Rev. Elly, having decided that this should be the last year he serves as both pastor of Hope Chapel Presbyterian Church and Coordinator of Neighborhood Development Project, considered the important objectives of 1971 should be to:
- Get Lafayette churches to contribute funds of approximately $10,000 for the salary and housing of a full-time director of NDP
- Receive approval from the Presbytery of the terms of a call to that position
- Seek the cooperation of the United Methodist church and the Roman Catholic Church in obtaining a second staff member for this urban ministry. The Presbyterian churches will need to approach other churches with a fairly definite plan and the question of whether they want to be included”
September 1969 – NDP Expansion
By September 1969, Covenant, Bethany, and Faith Presbyterian churches joined Neighborhood Development Project making it a multi-church ministry. A small amount of funding and some guidance was received from the Presbytery of Crawfordsville’s National Missions Committee. By the end of the year, NDP had its own constitution, by-laws, and articles of incorporation. Rev. Elly continued to be very active in NDP serving as its coordinator.
1967 – Hope Chapel called the Rev. Ron Elly as its new pastor
After the retirement of the Hanstras in 1966, Hope Chapel Presbyterian Church called the Rev. Ron Elly (and his partner, Ellen Elly) as its new pastor. Rev Elly was installed in June 1967. He began his ministry with a commitment to blending the spiritual dimension of faith with the social dimensions. He saw his call as an opportunity for parish, pastoral, and community outreach ministry.
Neighborhood Development Project – Rev. Peter & Doris Hanstra
1966 – Advisory Board created
During the fall of 1966, an advisory board was created to watch over Neighborhood Development Project and its use of Hope Chapel Presbyterian Church facilities.
July 1965 – NDP Summer Camp started
Approximately 85 campers participate each year in a week-long, overnight camp. NDP and then LUM has sponsored summer camp every year since 1965.
1962 – Neighborhood Development Project started
Although the Lafayette Urban Ministry was officially incorporated in 1972, its roots go back to 1962 and the work of the Neighborhood Development Project. NDP was started by a Purdue University student along with Doris Hanstra, wife of Hope Chapel Presbyterian Church pastor Rev. Peter Hanstra. NDP offered crafts and camp programs which attracted mostly southside neighborhood youngsters.
1960 – Doris Miner Hanstra began operating youth programs in Hope Chapel Presbyterian Church
1957 – The Rev. Peter Hanstra became pastor of Hope Chapel Presbyterian Church on S 5th Street, Lafayette, IN.