LUM Volunteer of the Month – Susie Riley
LUM Volunteer of the Month – December 2023
Susie grew up in Hobart, Indiana, and now lives in Lafayette, Indiana, with her husband Mike. They have four adult children (three sons and a daughter) and four grandchildren, one who was just born this week — the best Christmas present ever. They are expecting another grandchild in May 2024.
Susie Riley has been actively involved with LUM for 18 years. As a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, she has been the LUM Jubilee Christmas coordinator since 2005 and a member of the LUM Board of Directors since 2010, serving as the treasurer on the LUM Executive Committee for a few of those years. She also consistently attends each LUM fundraising event, often with her husband, Mike, and participates in Hunger Hike each year with her church team. Today, Susie continues to serve as a member of the Board of Directors and Jubilee Christmas coordinator for Trinity United Methodist Church and just finished a term on the LUM Finance Team. Her passion for supporting LUM, especially with nurturing and supporting children, is unwavering. In addition to her work ethic and leadership, Susie exudes positivity and radiates cheerfulness. It is for these reasons and more that Susie is bestowed the well-deserved honor of LUM Volunteer of the Month.
When reflecting on “what gives her the most pride in volunteering with LUM,” she shared that,
“LUM is the embodiment of faith, hope, grace and goodwill in our community. It gives back pride, love and self-respect to the marginalized, often unseen, around us. It is inspiring to work with the staff, who are committed to the LUM mission and doing all this daily. I am proud and humbled by LUM’s service to others.”
Susie encourages others to get involved with LUM adding that,
“LUM makes it very easy to volunteer. Every program has one central goal, to empower people, make them feel valued and important in the community. LUM builds our community and makes it stronger. Who wouldn’t want to be a small part of that?”
Susie graduated from Hobart High School making her a “Brickie.” She has been at Group Homes for Children for 26 years as their office manager and also is the financial secretary for Trinity United Methodist Church. In addition to volunteering at LUM, Susie enjoys spending time with her family including camping AKA glamping. Her family has already been to all 50 states and loved the experience.
In closing, Susie shared that,
“I am impressed and humbled by the wonderful staff at LUM. God really takes care of LUM by sending people who are able to adopt the vision and carry LUM forward.”
Join us in congratulating Susie Riley for being selected the LUM Volunteer of the Month for December 2023. If you would like to volunteer with LUM, check out the LUM website or call or email the LUM volunteer coordinator, Terri Anderson (volunteer@LUMserve.org | 765-423-2691).