40th Anniversary of LUM Homeless Services
LUM Celebrated 40 Years of Transformative Service
During National Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week, Lafayette Urban Ministry commemorated four decades of dedicated service to the community through its homeless services. The 40th Anniversary Celebration, held at the Ray Ewry Center, was a truly exceptional event, deeply meaningful not only to those directly involved with LUM but also to the broader community. It brought together donors, volunteers, staff (past and present), community partners, and government officials—all united by a shared mission to serve those in need. This milestone provided a powerful moment of reflection, gratitude, and pride, recognizing the profound impact LUM has made over the decades. It was a celebration of the countless lives changed and the strength of the community’s collective commitment to supporting its most vulnerable members.
A Night of Reflection and Recognition
The event opened with tours of the shelter, followed by a formal program filled with poignant reflections on the LUM journey. Keynotes from past and current leaders—Joe Micon, Mary Anderson, Wes Tillett, and Mason McConnell Curry—offered a narrative of growth of LUM from its early days of funding temporary hotel stays to becoming a vital community resource providing comprehensive services to those in need.
- “The Beginning” by Joe Micon,
- “The Transformation” by Mary Anderson,
- “The Present” by Wes Tillett, and
- “The Future” by Mason McConnell Curry.
Celebrating Leadership & Community Partners
A special thank you to our community partners who attended, including . , whose dedication to LUM’s mission helps keep us on course.
- Mayor Tony Roswarski, City of Lafayette;
- State Representative Sheila Klinker;
- Brent Clemenz, Senior Director of Clinical Services, Valley Oaks Health; and
- Steve Flowers, executive director of Greater Lafayette Family Shelter
Their collaboration and support have helped make the work LUM does possible. LUM also extend our gratitude to the leadership of our past and current executive director and homeless services directors:
- Joe Micon, executive director emeritus;
- Wes Tillett, executive director;
- Mary Anderson, Former Financial Assistance Director, Shelter Director & Interim Executive Director;
- Paul Shireman, Homeless Services – Liaison from St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Center
- Deb Parent, Former Board President & Shelter Case Manager
- Mason McConnell Curry, Homeless Services director
- Rachel Shook, former Homeless Services director
- Jeffrey Auguste, former Homeless Services director
- Briton Weise, former Homeless Services director
A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated shelter staff, whose hard work and commitment are the backbone of our services.
- Lee Blackman, Shift Supervisor
- Donna Casey, Intake
- Orion Dean,
- Gema Garcia,
- Oneal Grissett,
- David Montes,
- Anthony Trent, and
- Melissa Weisgerber
Mayor Tony Roswarski and State Representative Sheila Klinker delivered heartfelt remarks honoring the legacy of LUM. Mayor Roswarski presented a plaque celebrating LUM’s four decades of service, highlighting its role as a cornerstone of the community’s efforts to address homelessness. Representative Klinker awarded a proclamation from the state, emphasizing the organization’s profound impact on Indiana and its residents. Their recognition underscored the vital partnership between LUM and local leaders in addressing critical social challenges.
The program also celebrated the contributions of key LUM supporters, including staff, board members, and community partners, whose dedication has made the LUM mission possible. The night’s fundraising efforts culminated in an impressive achievement, with nearly $60,000 raised this quarter to support LUM Homeless Services, a testament to the strength and generosity of the community. Special thanks to the Purdue FIJI members for their volunteer support and for sponsoring the “Run the Ball” event, which raised funds for LUM Homeless Services.
The evening closed with a toast to the accomplishments of LUM and a reaffirmation of its mission led by Lee Blackman, Rachel Shook, Jeffrey Auguste, and Deb Parent. While celebrating its legacy, the LUM leadership emphasized the need to push forward toward long-term solutions, envisioning a future where stable housing replaces emergency shelters.
Looking to the Future
The 40th Anniversary Celebration was not merely a celebration; it marked a pivotal moment in the history of LUM, one that both honored past achievements and laid the foundation for future progress. It reaffirmed our collective commitment to supporting those in need and underscored the transformative power of community. This event served as a reminder that our efforts extend beyond addressing immediate needs; we are also fortifying the very fabric of our city and establishing a lasting legacy of compassion and hope.
This milestone was a celebration of all that we have accomplished together, but it also reminded us that our work is far from complete. Our success is the result of a collective effort, and we are strengthened by the unwavering support and dedication of every individual and partner who shares in our mission. We are grateful to all who contributed to making this event a memorable occasion. As we look to the future, we will continue to build upon this legacy, ensuring that the work of LUM and the impact of our community will endure for years to come.
As we look ahead, LUM continues to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors, and the support of the community is more crucial than ever. If you wish to continue supporting LUM Homeless Services, you can make a donation, volunteer, prepare a meal, or donate needed items. Your continued engagement is essential to ensuring the ongoing success of our mission and the positive change we strive to create.
MILESTONES – LUM Homeless Services – 1984-2024
Major milestones include the launch of case management in 2006, the creation of the New Opportunity Fund in 2010, and the establishment of the Winter Warming Station in 2015, ensuring a safe, warm place for anyone needing shelter during the coldest months. In 2021, LUM introduced the Healthy Shelter Initiative, improving health, cleanliness, and safety for guests. LUM expanded capacity to 48 guests, adding new outdoor lockers and upgraded the security system, bunk beds and bedding, floors, and office space.
Why Your Support Matters:
The LUM Emergency Shelter provides essential services 365 nights a year, offering guests a warm bed, meals, and connections to vital resources. Last year, LUM helped more than 818 unhoused individuals. As operational costs rise, LUM needs continued support to meet the growing need.
Your generosity has been instrumental in helping LUM reach this milestone, and LUM would be honored to have you at this celebration. LUM looks forward to celebrating with you!
Stay tuned for inspiring stories and exciting plans leading up to the anniversary celebration. Each newsletter will bring you closer to the heart of our mission and the impact we’ve made together. Thank you for your ongoing support. Let’s make the 40th anniversary celebration a memorable one!
