Normally, each year at this time, the LUM Youth Programs director, Kristi Hogue, is beginning the transition from after-school to full-day child care. But this year, nothing is “normal.”
The LUM Youth Center has been empty since March, but 40 students returned on May 26 for the LUM 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program. In preparation, Kristi (pictured) has been planning for weeks — studying CDC & State guidelines, ordering supplies, developing new health & safety protocols and hiring and training teachers.
On average, students’ achievement scores decline over summer vacation by one month’s worth of school-year learning, referred to as an “academic achievement gap.” This year due to COVID-19, the “gap” is wider since schools have been closed since March. The LUM 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program is dedicated to closing the academic achievement gap for local students. When the school year begins in the Fall, these students who typically struggle academically will be better prepared than their peers because of the enriched and experiential learning offered by the LUM 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program.
LUM is Grateful for Support
in this Time of Crisis
COVID-19 has upended life, and it’s hard not to become overwhelmed. Find your peace, be still, and use this time to reconnect to that part of yourself that is the calm amid the storm.
During times of crisis, the best of humanity comes out.
There is a greater sense of connection and belonging to something bigger when contributing to the whole. If this calls to you, Lafayette Urban Ministry welcomes you. LUM has remained open — serving families in need of food and financial assistance as well as individuals experiencing homelessness.
Lafayette Urban Ministry has recently been the grateful recipient of stimulus funds from individuals “paying it sideways.”
One family from West Lafayette, who wish to remain anonymous, decided to donate their entire Economic Impact Payment to LUM. They shared, “We knew that our family did not need the stimulus money and wanted to donate it. Since moving to the community 18 months ago, we have heard many good things about the work done at LUM. We wanted the money to benefit our new community and knew that LUM was a good place to give. Our family is happy to support LUM, and would encourage others to do the same.”
LUM continues to be right on the front lines of this crisis, helping local families with emergency financial assistance & nutritious food, and safe shelter for individuals in need. If you have decided to use your stimulus money to help others less fortunate and don’t know how, LUM is a great option. LUM enables YOU to give anonymously and with the peace of mind that your gift will be well-utilized to quickly help people in our local community.
