Celebrating Mary & Women’s History Month

Mary Anderson, Executive Director Emerita

It is March — and LUM is celebrating Women’s History Month by spotlighting Mary Anderson. Mary started at LUM in 1994, was the interim executive director from 2004 – 2008, and served as the director of the Financial Assistance Program from 1998 to her retirement in 2015.

As Mary reflects on the LUM 50th Anniversary, she shares that,

“LUM has been able to put a face on the issues of homelessness and poverty. LUM volunteers and donors see first hand how individuals and families struggle — and become more connected to the community and more empathetic to their neighbors in need.”

As she looks toward the next 50 years for LUM, Mary says,

“The community will always need LUM because there will always be people in need. LUM offers a faith-based approach to assistance — giving help and giving hope. It gave me a perspective that changed me for the better.“

During her time at LUM, Mary created the ID Clinic and was instrumental in raising the funds to acquire the current LUM Office building. In honor of her 21 years at LUM, the Board of Directors named Mary an executive director emerita and established the Mary Anderson Kickstart Fund, which allows the Financial Assistance Program to give up to $100 more than the usual grant for those who have especially difficult financial needs. A mentor to many and an inspiration to all, Mary has always been, and continues to be, kind, helpful, wise and generous — and a gift to LUM. To read more about Mary Anderson, click HERE.