LUM Volunteer of the Month – Vicky Woeste
A Passion for Service
Lafayette Urban Ministry is proud to celebrate Vicky S. Woeste of West Lafayette as the LUM Volunteer of the Month for September 2025. Vicky has been a strong advocate for LUM since 2017, bringing her professional expertise, deep compassion, and tireless energy to both the Hunger Hike Steering Committee and the LUM Financial Assistance Program.
From Columbus to the Classroom
Vicky grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and went on to earn degrees from the University of Virginia (B.A., history and American Studies) and the University of California at Berkeley (M.A. and Ph.D., Jurisprudence and Social Policy). Over the course of her career, she taught at IU Indianapolis and Amherst College before joining the faculty of the American Bar Foundation in Chicago as a legal historian.
From Legal Historian to Community Advocate
After retiring in 2019 from the American Bar Foundation, where she served on the faculty as a legal historian, Vicky was searching for a way to make a more direct difference in people’s lives. Following a brief stint with the Fairfield Township Trustee’s office, she came to LUM — and quickly found her home in service.
“What I love most about what we do,” Vicky shared, “is that every day LUM writes checks for (just about) everyone who comes in. Every single person I meet is facing some variation on the ‘poverty tax’—the hidden costs of working minimum wage jobs while trying to support a family or being disabled. Through LUM, they can get help and access to resources that offer ongoing support.”
Bringing Empathy and Experience
Vicky’s dedication comes not only from her professional background but also from lived experience. As the parent of an adult with autism, Vicky understands firsthand the challenges that families face navigating systems like Social Security, Medicaid, and disability services. She often draws on this perspective to connect with LUM clients who are raising children with disabilities — offering empathy, encouragement, and practical insight.
Vicky also treasures the sense of community at LUM. She especially values the prayer time led by LUM Executive Director Wes Tillett, which she says makes her feel closer to fellow staff and volunteers.
A Full and Joyful Life
When she’s not serving at LUM, Vicky embraces a full and vibrant life. She and her husband, Keith, recently celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary. Keith is retiring this month after 26 years as a forestry scientist with the federal government. Together, they are the proud parents of four adult children (ages 25–30), three of whom are thriving in big cities while the youngest still lives at home.
Vicky is also a talented musician, playing both flute and piano with the Lafayette and Indianapolis Flute Choirs and singing alongside Keith in the choir at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Center at Purdue, where they are longtime members. Her creative side shines through quilting, knitting, crocheting, cooking, and even running a small alterations business. And when it’s game time, she’s a die-hard fan of Virginia and Purdue basketball — and of course, the Chicago Cubs.
Volunteering that Feeds the Soul
“Volunteering is always a soul-feeding experience,” Vicky reflects. “But at LUM it is especially true. I really enjoy getting a window into the lives of people I probably wouldn’t otherwise encounter in my privileged life. I see so much resilience in LUM clients, such determination to face forward despite what they’ve gone through.”
Thank You, Vicky
LUM is grateful for Vicky’s generosity, energy, and compassion. Volunteers like her make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless community members. Thank you, Vicky, for your years of service, your generous heart, and the impact you have been making on so many local families.
Be Inspired
If you are inspired by Vicky’s story and wish to volunteer with LUM, please check out all of the opportunities on the LUM website at LUMserve.org/volunteer. If you have questions or want to learn more, feel free to reach out to the LUM volunteer coordinator at volunteer@LUMserve.org or 765-423-2691.