All posts by Lafayette Urban Ministry

About Lafayette Urban Ministry

The Lafayette Urban Ministry (LUM) is an organization of more than 47 Christian churches that serves as a social safety net for Lafayette, Indiana's needy children and families.

LUM Receives $100,000 Matching Opportunity to Benefit 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program

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Richard C. and Betty M. Nelson

DRAFT – LONG VERSION – Website Post

The Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette announced a new gift matching opportunity to support the LUM 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program. Richard C. & Betty M. Nelson have generously offered to match dollar-for-dollar, gifts of $1,000 or greater for an endowment named in honor of the Nelsons. Gifts of $10,000 or greater qualify for a named endowment, i.e., Joan and James Smith Endowment for the 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program at Lafayette Urban Ministry. Gifts will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until matching funds are accounted for or, through July 15, 2023, whichever comes first.

To participate in this match opportunity, please email or call Candy Silver with The Foundation regarding the types of gifts that are eligible for this matching program (candy@inspiringgreater.org | 765-742-9078).

The Nelsons said,

“For the two of us, a favorite Biblical quote explains very well why we created an endowment to support the children of LUM: ‘We drink from wells we did not dig; we are warmed by fires we did not kindle.’ (Deut. 6.11) Even though Dick grew up poor and sixth of eight children, and Betty lost her father, the breadwinner of the family, at a young age, in our time on this earth, we both received vast unearned advantages. Others enriched and encouraged us, and shaped our young lives. We are thankful that now we can share some of our assets to benefit children of future generations.”

The LUM executive director, Wes Tillett said,

“The 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program is a game-changer. Rather than allowing summer to interrupt their development, children in the 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program are actively engaged all summer. Children benefit academically, socially, and psychologically. The Nelson’s endowment, and the gifts they will inspire, is such a blessing and will ensure that many children in Greater Lafayette will continue to have this life-enhancing, education-advancing resource available to them.” 

Established in 2011, the 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program is dedicated to closing the academic achievement gap for students who are struggling, and providing enrichment for students who are doing well for ages pre-kindergarten through 6th grade. The program is run by the LUM Youth Programs Director, trained personnel, and screened volunteer staff. Students participate in active learning activities based on Indiana academic standards in addition to fun crafts, recreation, and educational field trips. Students also receive free lunch and nutritional snacks while participating in the program. In 2022, 64 local children were enrolled.

The Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette, established in 1970, serves the Tippecanoe County area. Its mission is to inspire, nurture, and practice philanthropy, stewardship, and leadership in the communities served.

Lafayette Urban Ministry is an organization of more than 45 churches that serves as a social safety net for individuals, children and families in Tippecanoe County. For 50 years, LUM has worked to give back the hope, the future, and the self-respect to our neighbors in need. LUM takes an active role in trying to change social injustices and improve the quality of life for the individuals, children and families in our community.

Email or call Candy Silver with The Foundation regarding the types of gifts that are eligible for this matching program (candy@inspiringgreater.org | 765-742-9078).

DRAFT – SHORT VERSION – eNewsletter

The Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette announced a new gift matching opportunity to support the LUM 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program. Richard C. & Betty M. Nelson have generously offered to match dollar-for-dollar, gifts of $1,000 or greater for an endowment named in honor of the Nelsons. The Nelsons said, “Others enriched and encouraged us, and shaped our young lives. We are thankful that now we can share some of our assets to benefit children of future generations.”

This is an exciting opportunity to sustain one of the most important LUM programs for many, many years. Please consider investing in the success of local children by taking advantage of this match program for the LUM 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program. LUM is grateful to the Nelsons for their generosity and The Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette for their continued support of LUM.

Gifts will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until matching funds are accounted for or, through July 15, 2023, whichever comes first. Gifts of $10,000 or greater qualify for a named endowment. To participate in this match opportunity, please email or call Candy Silver with The Foundation (candy@inspiringgreater.org | 765-742-9078) regarding the types of gifts that are eligible for this matching program.

DRAFT – SHORTER VERSION – Social Media

MATCH ALERT! LUM is excited to announce a new match opportunity for the LUM 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program through The Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette. Gifts of $1,000 or greater will be matched up to $100,000 thanks to the generosity of Richard C. & Betty M. Nelson. Email or call Candy Silver for more information about qualified gifts for this endowment program (candy@inspiringgreater.org | 765.742.9078). Learn more: https://bit.ly/NelsonLUM5thQtr

Immigration Clinic – Match Alert

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Only Until August 15 – Double Your Donation

Until August 15, there is an opportunity for every dollar donated to the LUM Immigration Clinic to be doubled.  Several key donors have pledged $14,000 and are challenging the community to match that amount. Would you please consider a donation of $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000 or some other amount in support of the LUM Immigration Clinic? Thank you in advance for your strategic financial support.

Donate – Immigration Clinic Match

What the LUM Immigration Clinic offers means various things to various clients:

  • Re-unification with loved ones
  • Belonging and legal status
  • Proper documentation for employment or schooling
  • Safety from domestic violence and/or forms of persecution
  • Secure refuge in the midst of political upheaval
  • Hope   

So many of our neighbors need the help and hope channeled through the LUM Immigration Clinic. Take advantage of this remarkable opportunity to “double your donation” to LUM and increase your impact on recent refugees and our immigrant neighbors. Thank you in advance for your strategic financial support.

Donate – Immigration Clinic Match

$50,000 for 50 Years Campaign

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84% Raised So Far – For Families In Need

The LUM 50th Anniversary Celebration continues with the goal of raising at least $50,000 — representing $1,000 per year — for the LUM Good Samaritan Fund.

As of today, 84% or $41,772 has been raised toward the $50,000 goal announced at the LUM 50th Anniversary Celebration event in April. Two notable gifts have come from the Purdue Crew Team ($8,732) and a gift from the Glick Community Foundation ($7,500).  

Please join the celebration, help LUM reach this goal, and honor LUM’s 50 years of service to our community. To make an online donation, go to LUMserve.org/donate-online.

The LUM Good Samaritan Fund provides local individuals, families and children with a financial safety net when in crisis – and is not used for any administrative expenses. No operating expenses are taken out of the Good Samaritan Fund — 100% of all donations go to help those in need. In 2021, the Good Samaritan Fund helped 1,309 local families; providing financial assistance in averting eviction, utility disconnects and other crises 2,018 times; and distributed $196,198.

50th Anniversary – Good Samaritan Fund Donation

LUM Offers a Summer of Enrichment & Joy

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LUM Summer Youth Programs Sharpen Skills

During the summer months, LUM youth programming focuses on providing enrichment and joy for local children. Research warns that children suffer from the Summer Slide — the tendency for students, especially those from low-income families, to lose some of the achievement gains they made during the previous school year. That’s why Lafayette Urban Ministry is so passionate about the 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program and LUM Camp. LUM consciously creates learning opportunities throughout the summer to keep LUM students’ academic skills sharp.

5th Quarter Summer Learning Program – Recap

The LUM 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program offers children the chance to keep pace academically with their peers. It has been offered each weekday during the summer.

Sixty-four students were enrolled and, in addition to being served a nutritious breakfast, lunch and snack, they have been engaged each day in a mix of learning, reading, excursions, and recreation. This included trips to the park, local pool and library as well as guest presenters who ignited their excitement in science, fitness, and reading. Special excursions included a visit to Prophetstown State Park, Wolf Park and Imagination Station.

Donate – LUM 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program

LUM “Culinary” Camp – Recap

LUM Camp is the best week of the summer for 76 local children (8-9-10 year olds), and this year was special. Campers experienced campfires, skits, horseback riding, s’mores, swimming, wall climbing, ziplining, pizza pudgy pies, giant swing, creek exploring, kickball, and fishing (catch & release) — often for the first time. 

This year’s theme was LUM Culinary Camp. Special theme-related events included movie night feature Ratatouille, cooking demonstrations led by Purdue Extension, and a chance to be Pastry Chefs in the LUM Sweet Shoppe and create their own gourmet desserts. LUM friends were invited to camp one evening. They attended the camp meeting, sang camp songs, joined the campers for an indoor cook-out, and enjoyed informal interactions with the LUM Campers. It was a wonderful evening, and LUM is grateful for their support.

Donate – LUM Camp
PHOTOS – LUM Camp

Your donations made it possible to continue these two important youth programs.

It was well worth it!

LUM students and campers made new friends and made great memories, while having a blast, learning new things and discovering themselves. Truly life-changing.

Supporting the 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program and LUM Camp gives children a chance for academic success and a better future. If you wish to make a donation, click the button below.

Donate – LUM Youth Programs

Support the LUM Food Pantries This Summer

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Monetary Gifts | Garden Veggies | Needed Items

The LUM Food Pantries (Downtown Lafayette & West Lafayette, IN) need your support this summer. The pandemic and the cost of food and fuel are impacting local families. Below are a few ways YOU can help the LUM Food Pantries continue to meet the growing demand for basic food, paper products and personal hygiene items. Monetary donations to the LUM Food Pantries are ideal because it gives LUM the ability to use the money where it is needed the most. But if you are looking for other ways to the LUM Food Pantries — see below.

GIVING GARDENERS – The LUM Food Pantries welcome donations from “Giving Gardeners.” If you “grow a row” in your garden for LUM or simply wish to donate some of the fresh vegetables, herbs and fruit from your garden, simply drop off your items when the LUM Food Pantries are open (Thursday & Friday mornings). Learn more.

NEEDED ITEMS – LUM Food Pantries distribute “food plus more.” In addition to food, families need paper products, cleaning supplies, infant products and personal hygiene items. One way that the LUM Food Pantries keep expenditures down is by asking for donations of these “needed items” from the LUM Wish List. You may even purchase the needed items online and have them shipped. Plus, if you use Amazon Smile, LUM gets a percentage of your purchase. Go to smile.amazon.com, select “Lafayette Urban Ministry,” order needed items for the LUM Food Pantries, and LUM will get 0.5% of your eligible purchase. Learn more.

HOST A DRIVE – Coordinate a “drive” for the LUM Food Pantries at your church, organization or business — or at your next event, like a birthday party or business meeting/social. Check the LUM Wish List and keep it simple. For example, sponsor a Toilet Paper Drive or ask your guests to bring items needed for the LUM Food Pantries (dish soap, canned fish, canned meat, deodorant, diapers, feminine products).

For more information, email foodpantry@LUMserve.org or go to LUMserve.org/food-pantry. To invest in the LUM Food Pantries, make an online donation by clicking the button below.

Donate – LUM Food Pantries
LUM Wish List

Immigration Clinic – Match Alert

Immigration Clinic, Lafayette Urban Ministry, LUM, ,

Only Until August 15 – Double Your Donation

Until August 15, there is an opportunity for every dollar donated to the LUM Immigration Clinic to be doubled.  Several key donors have pledged $14,000 and are challenging the community to match that amount. Would you please consider a donation of $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000 or some other amount in support of the LUM Immigration Clinic? Thank you in advance for your strategic financial support.

Donate – Immigration Clinic Match

What the LUM Immigration Clinic offers means various things to various clients:

  • Re-unification with loved ones
  • Belonging and legal status
  • Proper documentation for employment or schooling
  • Safety from domestic violence and/or forms of persecution
  • Secure refuge in the midst of political upheaval
  • Hope   

So many of our neighbors need the help and hope channeled through the LUM Immigration Clinic. Take advantage of this remarkable opportunity to “double your donation” to LUM and increase your impact on recent refugees and our immigrant neighbors. Thank you in advance for your strategic financial support.

Donate – Immigration Clinic Match

Be A Part of the LUM Summer of Service

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Great LUM Volunteer Opportunities Available

Be a part of LUM Summer of Service. Summer is an especially good time to get involved in something worthwhile — like LUM — because the needs are great and the opportunities are exciting. LUM SOS gives you the chance to make a positive difference in your community, meet an immediate need, and see the impact of your efforts. Starting this month LUM has several exciting opportunities to serve those less fortunate.

Child Care — Teacher’s Aides
Starting August 11, volunteers are needed each weekday from 2 – 6 p.m. Help children with homework, snack and recreation. Training provided.

Afternoon Receptionist
Needed each weekday afternoon from noon to 4:30 p.m. It’s a recurring, daytime service opportunity, typically one afternoon every two weeks. Greet guests, answer phones & complete general clerical duties. Training provided

Shelter — Volunteers
Needed each evening from 8 p.m. – 7 a.m. or 8 p.m. – midnight. Check-in guests, serve meals and distribute bedding & shower items. Training is provided.

Shelter — Provide Meals
A simple meal for 44 shelter guests is needed each evening at 8 p.m. Planning and preparing a meal is a great activity for groups. You may stay and serve the meal or drop it off in advance. Meals needed August 6, 15, 17, 18, 22 & 30.

Hunger Hike — Event Volunteers
Dozens of volunteers are needed for the Hunger Hike on Sunday, September 18. Great event for groups. Please consider becoming a Hunger Hike volunteer as well as a Hunger Hike fundraiser.

Food Pantries
Needed Thursdays & Fridays from 7 a.m. – noon. Check-in clients, enter data, pick up food, assist clients in shopping & organize pantry.

Follow your passion, find something that excites you and convince a friend or two to join you. Make this your LUM Summer of Service.

Volunteer – LUM Summer of Service

For more information, go to LUMserve.org/volunteer; or email or call Terri Anderson, the LUM volunteer coordinator (volunteer@LUMserve.org | 765-423-2691).

Another LUM Client Becomes US Citizen

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LUM Immigration Clinic Client – Hermès D.

Recently, another LUM Immigration Clinic client, Hermès D., became a US citizen. He & his wife moved to Indiana from Mexico in 2015, leaving his two grown children behind. His goal is to reunite his family; and after meeting with the LUM Immigration Clinic, he decided to apply to become a US citizen.

After more than eight months, LUM is thrilled to announce that Hermès was sworn in as a US citizen with his family (pictured) in attendance at a ceremony in Indianapolis. All of his hard work and the assistance from LUM paid off. Hermès is grateful to LUM and will continue to work with the LUM Immigration Clinic to reunite his family. {Please note that this story is true but the names have been changed out of respect for the entire family.}

Currently, Christian Gallo, LUM Immigration Clinic director, is working with more individuals who hope to become US citizens soon. For more information or to make a donation, go to LUMserve.org/immigration-clinic or email immigration@LUMserve.org.

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Immigration Clinic

Shelter Meals Needed

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Be A Part of LUM Summer of Service

Each night of the year, a simple meal is provided at the LUM Emergency Shelter. Planning and preparing a meal is a great activity for families, church groups, campus organizations and civic groups. You may stay and serve the meal or drop it off in advance. No contact drop off is an option as well. Monthly meals are greatly appreciated.

MEALS NEEDED on the following days: August 6, 15, 17, 18, 22 & 30.  To SIGN UP, click each month you’d like to prepare & serve meals to our shelter guests: | August | September | October | November | December | January | February | March | April | May | June |
| July |.

Prepare enough sandwiches or soup, stew or chili for 30-40 people. No side dishes or desserts are needed. Drinks are optional. Please SHARE with others, and THANKS.

Donate – LUM Shelter
Prepare a Shelter MEAL
¿Habla Español? Love Helping Others?
Sign up to Volunteer with LUM!

Please share with others.

Support the LUM Food Pantries This Summer

Food Pantry, Giving, Lafayette Urban Ministry, LUM, , ,

Monetary Gifts | Garden Veggies | Needed Items

The LUM Food Pantries (Downtown Lafayette & West Lafayette, IN) need your support this summer. The pandemic and the cost of food and fuel are impacting local families. Below are a few ways YOU can help the LUM Food Pantries continue to meet the growing demand for basic food, paper products and personal hygiene items. Monetary donations to the LUM Food Pantries are ideal because it gives LUM the ability to use the money where it is needed the most. But if you are looking for other ways to the LUM Food Pantries — see below.

GIVING GARDENERS – The LUM Food Pantries welcome donations from “Giving Gardeners.” If you “grow a row” in your garden for LUM or simply wish to donate some of the fresh vegetables, herbs and fruit from your garden, simply drop off your items when the LUM Food Pantries are open (Thursday & Friday mornings). Learn more.

NEEDED ITEMS – LUM Food Pantries distribute “food plus more.” In addition to food, families need paper products, cleaning supplies, infant products and personal hygiene items. One way that the LUM Food Pantries keep expenditures down is by asking for donations of these “needed items” from the LUM Wish List. You may even purchase the needed items online and have them shipped. Plus, if you use Amazon Smile, LUM gets a percentage of your purchase. Go to smile.amazon.com, select “Lafayette Urban Ministry,” order needed items for the LUM Food Pantries, and LUM will get 0.5% of your eligible purchase. Learn more.

HOST A DRIVE – Coordinate a “drive” for the LUM Food Pantries at your church, organization or business — or at your next event, like a birthday party or business meeting/social. Check the LUM Wish List and keep it simple. For example, sponsor a Toilet Paper Drive or ask your guests to bring items needed for the LUM Food Pantries (dish soap, canned fish, canned meat, deodorant, diapers, feminine products).

For more information, email foodpantry@LUMserve.org or go to LUMserve.org/food-pantry. To invest in the LUM Food Pantries, make an online donation by clicking the button below.

Donate – LUM Food Pantries
LUM Wish List