Summer at LUM – Faces & Stories
August 2015
How grateful I am for all that you make possible here at LUM.
For the accomplishments that are common and routine — but especially for the faces and stories that express God’s Grace.
Hello Friends,
Joe Micon, LUM Executive Director
For me, summer has so far meant, purchasing & helping to install new computers for staff, helping to transfer our databases to an online host, installing security cameras at the shelter, and making sure LUM’s programs continue to run smoothly through a heavy schedule of staff summer vacations.
There has been the parking lot sealing and line painting project, several church youth groups involved in service projects, repair of an A/C unit, new seals on the shelter’s commercial refrigerator and our maintenance director’s safe removal of three large ornamental pear trees from the LUM property (whew!).
Speaking engagements at LUM—as well as member churches and local civic organizations who have served us this summer have been numerous. And of course there are the fundraising responsibilities required of an organization the size and scope of LUM.
As you read this, I will be just finishing up directing LUM Camp 2015 at the beautiful Hanging Rock Camp in Warren County—enjoying the company of 85 energetic campers and a staff of 30 dedicated counselors.
Even in the summer, when the livin’ is supposed to be easy, LUM moves forward at a sure and steady pace. Through it all though, it remains the Faces and Stories of LUM that, for me, are the most important part of this summer.
The Faces & Stories – Summer 2015
- One recent morning, the LUM Good Samaritan Program fund paid for a bus ticket for a terminally ill man who needed to go to Oklahoma to spend his final weeks in the care of his brother.
- A LUM staff member reports that our new legal Immigration Clinic has successfully navigated the federal bureaucracy on behalf of a woman seeking US citizenship. She is scheduled to take her citizenship oath next month!
- LUM’s Executive Council recently toured our 5th Quarter Summer Learning Retention Program. How impressed they were to see our young students so engaged with their teachers and using LUM’s new Chromebooks and online educational software as learning tools.
- The LUM Emergency Shelter has been utilized more than usual this summer because of heavy rains and flooding. How grateful each guest has been to have a safe and dry place to spend the night and to get cleaned up.
- Locally grown, summer produce has started to arrive at the St. John’s/LUM Food Pantry. Fresh and healthful vegetables are such a blessing for those who don’t always know from where their next meal is coming.
- LUM ID Clinic—After weeks of navigating bureaucratic red tape, documents finally arrived at LUM that will allow a LUM shelter guest to receive her photo ID. She is overjoyed to finally be able to apply for work and look forward to a home of her own!