LUM Summer of Service – Spotlight on Three
#1 – Ben Franklin Transatlantic Fellows
Recently, more than 50 “transatlantic fellows” & staff from the Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellows Summer Institute at Purdue spent the morning learning about and volunteering at Lafayette Urban Ministry.
On BFTF Institute Summer of Service day, the students learned about the history, programs & services offered by LUM and engaged in various projects to clean and enhance LUM inside and outside of LUM buildings & grounds and the Historic Centennial Neighborhood.
The BFTF Institute (June 24-July 22) brings together a group of diverse and intellectually curious students from Europe and the United States aged 16 to 18 to participate in an intensive exchange program. Thanks to all of the BFTF Institute fellows & staff, especially Professor Anatoli Rappaport, for their interest in and service to Lafayette Urban Ministry. To view more PHOTOS from their LUM Summer of Service day, click HERE.
#2 – Mandela Washington Fellowship Program
Five participants in the Mandela Washington Fellowship Program (June 22-July 30) at Purdue recently engaged with the students enrolled in the LUM 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program. MWFP is the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Institute. The fellows used fun & interactive techniques to teach the students about their countries in Africa. This is just one example of the “enhanced learning” offered by LUM each summer.
Thanks to the five fellows and the Purdue team especially, Gary Burniske, Lonni Kucik & Sarah Juffer, for engaging the LUM students in a lively and meaningful way. The five fellows are Gislaine Matiedje Nkenmayi from Cameroon, Christian Agbalekpor from Ghana, Terese Shadrach Akpem from Nigeria, Natasha Mwansa from Zambia, and Osato Omo-Osemwingie from Nigeria. To view more PHOTOS from their LUM Summer of Service day, click HERE.
3 – Caterpillar Team Volunteers at LUM Homes
Recently, the Caterpillar LPSD Cooling & Lube Systems team participated in a LUM Summer of Service day. The volunteers spent the afternoon “clearing the brush” at one of the LUM Isaiah 32 Project houses.
Despite the heat & humidity, the Cat team mastered the task with ease. Pictured with their “post-brush-pile” are Doug Davis, Brian Underwood, Craig Szymanski, Swapan Dara, and Steve Ramey.
Thanks to Caterpillar and these five hardworking volunteers for creating a beautiful landscape for the LUM family at this home. To view more PHOTOS from their LUM Summer of Service day, click HERE.
If you or your group would like to sign up for one of the monthly LUM Deep Cleaning Days, click HERE.
The LUM Summer of Service offers volunteer opportunities that are a perfect fit for YOU. Some require training, but most just a willing heart and a helping hand. Here are a few suggestions:
- SHELTER – Prepare & serve a meal, assist with check-in and/or overnight supervision
- CHILD CARE – Tutor students and/or supervise trips
- FOOD PANTRY – Check in and assist participants, sort pantry items & more
- OFFICE – Prepare mailings or serve as the afternoon receptionist
- CAMP – Serve on the LUM Camp team as a volunteer camp counselor
- IMMIGRATION CLINIC – Assist with case management
- GROUPS – Sign up your group or business to participate in one of the monthly LUM Deep Cleaning Days of the LUM Ray Ewry Center. Learn more.
If you wish to get engaged in the LUM Summer of Service, it’s not too late. Choose an opportunity above, check out out the LUM volunteer webpage, or email LUM (volunteer@LUMserve.org) to find something that is a perfect fit for your availability and expertise. Please share with others.
For more information, go to LUMserve.org/volunteer; or email or call Terri Anderson, the LUM volunteer coordinator (volunteer@LUMserve.org | 765-423-2691).