Category Archives: Tax Assistance

Meet the LUM Interns – Spring 2019

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Evie Griffin 

Evie is a naturalized US citizen from Estonia, grew up in Marion County and now lives in Cutler, Indiana with her husband, Timothy, and their 20-month old son. After high school, Evie enlisted in the US Marine Corp and served for five years in various locations including southeast Asia. She earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from IUPUI and is currently enrolled in the Master of Social Work program at the Indiana University School of Social Work (Indianapolis).

At LUM, Evie is working as an intern with the LUM Tax Assistance Program.

Robert Krasa 

Rob is from Toledo, Ohio and now lives in Lafayette with his wife, Jessie, who also grew up in Toledo. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Toledo and and is currently enrolled in the Master of Social Work program at the Indiana University School of Social Work (Indianapolis). Rob also worked for nine years in community mental health counseling and group program development.

At LUM, Rob is an intern with the Campaign for Hoosier Families and the LUM Dream Team Fund.

John Schumann 

John is from Lafayette and now lives in West Lafayette with his wife, Karen. They have four grown children. He earned a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture from Purdue University and is currently enrolled in the Master of Social Work program at the Indiana University School of Social Work (Indianapolis). John is also the owner of Schumann Custom Building & Landscaping.
At LUM, John is an intern with the LUM Emergency Shelter and Winter Warming Station.

Angela Weaver

Angela grew up in Wheatfield, Indiana and now lives in West Lafayette with her husband, Kyle, and their beagle, Bailey. Angela & Kyle grew up together and are both students at Purdue University. She will complete her degree in three years this May with a bachelor’s in Law & Society.

At LUM, Angela is the LUM Klinker-Alting Family Advocacy Intern working with the Campaign for Hoosier Families.

LUM Tax Assistance Program Starts Soon

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Volunteers Are A Vital Part of LUM Tax Program

The LUM Tax Assistance Program will start on Saturday, February 2. Volunteers are an integral part of the LUM Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program also known as VITA. LUM would not be able to offer this service without the skilled, trained volunteers who make this vital LUM program such a success each year. Special thanks to ALL of the volunteers assisting with the LUM Tax Assistance Program this year.

Did you know?

  • At LUM, taxpayers get one-on-one help from IRS-certified volunteers who prepare their taxes for them at no charge
  • If your household earned less than $66,000 in 2018, you may file your taxes online for FREE

For more information on the LUM Tax Assistance Program or how YOU can volunteer, click HERE or call 765.423.2691.

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Volunteers Needed – Income Tax Assistance

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Volunteers Needed – LUM Income Tax Assistance Program

Make a difference in your community by becoming a LUM tax volunteer. Volunteers are needed from Saturday, February 2 through Thursday, April 4 for the LUM Tax Assistance Program.

No experience is necessary — and training is provided. You may even qualify for continuing education credits. There are a number of volunteer roles available — click HERE to see descriptions. For tax preparers, some accounting experience is desired. In all tax volunteer roles, individuals who are bilingual, multi-lingual, and have international experience are helpful. As a LUM tax assistance volunteer, you’ll join a program that’s helped millions of people file tax returns at no charge for more than 40 years.

LUM strengthens our community through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. VITA, a nationwide IRS program, secures greater financial stability and economic opportunity for working families — and directly impacts OUR community. Your help will make a difference — and have a significant positive impact. If you are interested or need more information please click HERE or call or email Josh Prokopy (765-423-2691 | taxes@lumserve.org).

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LUM Position – Immediate Opening – Program Director

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LUM has an immediate opening for the Tax Assistance Program Director. Please review the information below — and share with others. Applications will be reviewed as received.

position announcementsProgram Director – Tax Assistance Program

This is a half-time (20 hours per week), paid ($1,429 per month), temporary position, which ends on April 30, 2019. The individual selected will direct the program that provides free federal and state tax preparation for lower wage earners. Successful candidates must pass the online IRS tax preparation certification.

To view the position description, click HERE.

Please email your resume and cover letter to lum@lumserve.org by December 5, 2019.

Spotlight on Tax Assistance Volunteers

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The LUM Tax Assistance Program started this week and is in full swing! Volunteers are an integral part of the LUM Income Tax Assistance Program — and today we put a spotlight on our 2018 superstars — Front Row: Patti O’Callaghan, Ann Pellegrino, Connie Decker and Andrea Schmidt; Back: Rob and Ben Murphy, director.

LUM would not be able to offer this service without the skilled, trained volunteers who make this vital LUM program such a success each year. Special thanks to ALL of the volunteers assisting with the LUM Tax Assistance Program this year.

Did you know?

  • At LUM, taxpayers get one-on-one help from IRS-certified volunteers who prepare their taxes for them at no charge
  • You may also file your taxes online for FREE

For more information on the Tax Assistance Program or how YOU can volunteer, click HERE or call 765.423.2691.

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Tax Assistance Program

LUM Needs Tax Volunteers

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CALL to ACTION – New Year, Renewed Commitment

Tax Assistance Program

Ever thought about volunteering to help people with their tax returns? Don’t know that much about taxes? Don’t worry — you’ll get specialized training or you can choose a volunteer role that doesn’t require tax law certification.

The LUM Tax Assistance Programoffers flexible hours, the training is free and the time commitment is up to you. Choose your role – and get a chance to touch many lives.

 

If you’re interested or need more information, click HERE. If you need further information, please call or email Ben Murphy (765.423.2691 | bmurphy@lumserve.org).

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volunteer opportunities

LUM Needs You! Here are the CURRENT LUM Volunteer Needs:

There are many different opportunities for volunteering, from working one-on-one with a child to helping run the homeless shelter. Also, there are opportunities to fit every schedule, from regular long-term commitments to one time work with an event. Some volunteer positions require training while others require only a willing heart and a helping hand. READ BELOW for more detailed information on current volunteer opportunities. To view all LUM Volunteer Opportunities, click HERE.

LUM Events

Sign up online to volunteer at LUM Events like LUM Follies, Hunger Hike, Port of Hope, Thanksgiving Celebration, Turkey Trot 5K & Jubilee Christmas. Online Volunteer Sign Up Sheets, click HERE.

Group Opportunities

If your group would like to volunteer with LUM, sign up for a LUM Event online — or please email or call for more information (lum@lumserve.org | 765.423.2691).

Volunteer Opportunities

  • To view all LUM Volunteer Opportunities, click HERE.
  • SIGN UP ONLINE — Sign up to volunteer with LUM online. It’s quick & easy and you’ll get email reminders.

Many more Volunteer Opportunities may be found HERE.

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Merry Christmas From Lafayette Urban Ministry

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On behalf of each child and family served by the Lafayette Urban Ministry, please accept our heartfelt thanks and our wish for a joyous Christmas season.

Consider a Gift to LUM This Christmas Season

Little Mandy and her Ma, ‘S porest folks you ever saw! —
Lived in porest house in town, Where the fence ‘uz all tore down.

December 2017

Dear Friend,

The 1899 Christmas classic Little Mandy’s Christmas Tree, by Hoosier poet James Whitcomb Riley, is as much a social commentary as a holiday poem.

Written from the perspective of a child who accompanies her mother on a charity visit to a family in need, Riley, in his typical Midwestern cadence, shares the story of little Mandy, the terminally ill child who resides in the house.

Each stanza is filled with startling and vivid imagery about the family’s predicament and the community’s response. The images speak to Riley’s vision of how church and community members ought to relate to and be respectful toward the least among us.

It is a vision we work hard to make real each and every day at the Lafayette Urban Ministry. An organization of 47 local churches, LUM serves as a social safety net for children and families in our community who are experiencing difficult times.

During the past year, the Lafayette Urban Ministry served more than 5,200 families through one or another of our 20 programs.

  • Two-hundred and fifteen at-risk youth learned and grew because of LUM’s 5th Quarter, LUM Camp and Enhanced Afterschool Programs.
  • LUM’s Overnight Shelter continues to compassionately serve the chronically homeless in our community.  LUM’s shelter and overnight winter warming station will serve more than 800 homeless individuals during 2017.
  • LUM’s Tax Preparation Program served 929 low-income workers, returning to them more than $1.4 million in tax credits and refunds.
  • LUM’s Good Samaritan Program serves up to twelve families each day – families that are in the throes of eviction, utility disconnects, health care or transportation emergencies.  LUM has aided more than 2,200 such families so far this year.
  • More than, 2,900 individuals received emergency food from our  St. John’s/LUM Food Pantry.
  • The Community Thanksgiving Meal served 900 individuals, LUM’s ID Clinic served more than 200 clients, our Legal Immigration Program served 39 individuals, and of course Jubilee Christmas –  1,909 children!

Perhaps Riley’s most powerful stanza in Little Mandy depicts the sharing of cash:

Nen my Ma she gived her Ma
Somepin’ ‘at I never saw,
And say ‘at she must take it, and,
She ist maked her keep it in her hand.

In the spirit of this Christmas season I hope that you will share a gift of cash with the children and families served by the Lafayette Urban Ministry.  Your gift of $50, $100, $250, $500, or $1,000 will be used right here in our community to support LUM’s important work.

Place a copy of James Whitcomb Riley’s poem Little Mandy’s Christmas Tree on your own Christmas tree as a reminder of the kindness and generosity you’ve shown toward those in our community who are suffering through a difficult time.

On behalf of each child and family served by the Lafayette Urban Ministry, please accept my heartfelt thanks and my wish for a joyous Christmas season.

Merry Christmas,

Joe Micon
Executive Director

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Ben Murphy Returns to Seasonal Position

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LUM Tax Assistance Director Starts Second Year

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The director of the LUM Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program is a seasonal, part-time position. Ben Murphy returned to the role for his second year.

Originally from Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, Ben now lives in West Lafayette with his wife, Alison, and son, Oliver. Ben earned a BS in Computer Graphics Technology and Management, both from Purdue University. At LUM, Ben also directed the 2016 Turkey Trot 5K Run. He also coordinates the Financial Peace University classes at St. Thomas Aquinas Center and is a Financial Coach.

Ben shares that “as a Financial Coach my goal in life is to serve people who have a desire to change their habits. By teaching people how to establish a budget, pay off debts, and change their spending behavior they can learn to save and invest in their future.” Ben is excited to return as the LUM Volunteer Income Tax Assistance director because he works with a wonderful team of volunteers who are committed to working with individuals in successfully filing their income tax returns. He stated that his goal is to “bring back as much tax relief as possible to the community — and give hope to people by showing them that they can change their lives starting today. One step at a time moves us toward a new future.”

He draws inspiration from the outdoors sharing that “seeing the beauty in nature reminds me of God’s presence in our world and revitalizes my spirit, mind, and body.” Ben enjoys hanging out with his family, playing and listening to music, reading self improvement books, listening to education podcast, watching movies, and running.

LUM is fortunate to have someone with Ben’s skills in charge of the LUM VITA program. If you wish to invest in the program or become a tax assistance volunteer, click the appropriate button below.

If you wish to volunteer with the LUM Tax Assistance program, click HERE.

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Tax Assistance Program

Become a Tax Volunteer—Make a Difference

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Make a difference in your communitax assistancety by becoming a LUM tax volunteer. Volunteers are needed from mid-January through April 2018 for the LUM Tax Assistance Program.

No experience is necessary — and training is provided. You may even qualify for continuing education credits. There are a number of volunteer roles available — click HERE to see descriptions. For tax preparers, some accounting experience is desired.

In all tax volunteer roles, individuals who are bilingual, multi-lingual, and have international experience are helpful. As a LUM tax assistance volunteer, you’ll join a program that’s helped millions of people file tax returns at no charge for more than 40 years. Your help will make a difference—and have a significant positive impact.

LUM strengthens our community through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. VITA, a nationwide IRS program, secures greater financial stability and economic opportunity for working families — and directly impacts OUR community.

If you are interested or need more information please click HERE, or
please call or email Ben Murphy (765-423-2691 | bmurphy@lumserve.org).

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Tax Assistance Program

Merry Christmas From Lafayette Urban Ministry

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Share a Gift to LUM This Christmas Season

Little Mandy and her Ma,
‘S porest folks you ever saw! —
Lived in porest house in town,
Where the fence ‘uz all tore down.

{Read Little Mandy’s Christmas Tree HERE.}

December 2017

Dear Friend,

The 1899 Christmas classic Little Mandy’s Christmas Tree, by Hoosier poet James Whitcomb Riley, is as much a social commentary as a holiday poem.

Written from the perspective of a child who accompanies her mother on a charity visit to a family in need, Riley, in his typical Midwestern cadence, shares the story of little Mandy, the terminally ill child who resides in the house.

Each stanza is filled with startling and vivid imagery about the family’s predicament and the community’s response. The images speak to Riley’s vision of how church and community members ought to relate to and be respectful toward the least among us.

It is a vision we work hard to make real each and every day at the Lafayette Urban Ministry. An organization of 47 local churches, LUM serves as a social safety net for children and families in our community who are experiencing difficult times.

During the past year, the Lafayette Urban Ministry served more than 5,200 families through one or another of our 20 programs.

  • Two-hundred and fifteen at-risk youth learned and grew because of LUM’s 5th Quarter, LUM Camp and Enhanced Afterschool Programs.
  • LUM’s Overnight Shelter continues to compassionately serve the chronically homeless in our community.  LUM’s shelter and overnight winter warming station will serve more than 800 homeless individuals during 2017.
  • LUM’s Tax Preparation Program served 929 low-income workers, returning to them more than $1.4 million in tax credits and refunds.
  • LUM’s Good Samaritan Program serves up to twelve families each day – families that are in the throes of eviction, utility disconnects, health care or transportation emergencies.  LUM has aided more than 2,200 such families so far this year.
  • More than, 2,900 individuals received emergency food from our  St. John’s/LUM Food Pantry.
  • The Community Thanksgiving Meal served 900 individuals, LUM’s ID Clinic served more than 200 clients, our Legal Immigration Program served 39 individuals, and of course Jubilee Christmas –  1,909 children!

Perhaps Riley’s most powerful stanza in Little Mandy depicts the sharing of cash:

Nen my Ma she gived her Ma
Somepin’ ‘at I never saw,
And say ‘at she must take it, and,
She ist maked her keep it in her hand.

In the spirit of this Christmas season I hope that you will share a gift of cash with the children and families served by the Lafayette Urban Ministry.  Your gift of $50, $100, $250, $500, or $1,000 will be used right here in our community to support LUM’s important work.

Place a copy of James Whitcomb Riley’s poem Little Mandy’s Christmas Tree on your own Christmas tree as a reminder of the kindness and generosity you’ve shown toward those in our community who are suffering through a difficult time.

On behalf of each child and family served by the Lafayette Urban Ministry, please accept my heartfelt thanks and my wish for a joyous Christmas season.

Merry Christmas,

Joe Micon
Executive Director

PS – Please, place your generous Christmas Season gift to LUM in the enclosed envelope, or give online at www.lumserve.org

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