A Letter from Joe Micon, LUM Executive Director

As I look at my life, I would prefer: to err on the side of GRACE rather than judgment, to love too much rather than too little, to believe in my sisters and brothers too much rather than not enough, to believe the best and be wrong rather than believe the worst and be right. ~Author unknown

Each time I read these words, I can’t help but smile and think of Linda Hicks, the LUM Good Samaritan Program director. 

Linda has been on staff since 2004, but it has been just 2 ½ years since she assumed the responsibility of directing the LUM Good Samaritan Program. During that time, more than 5,000 cases have crossed Linda’s desk. She has provided more than $300,000 in direct Good Samaritan Fund aid. 

Whether it is a family threatened with eviction because of mom’s job loss, a senior facing a utility disconnect, or a woman trying to escape domestic violence in need of a bus ticket to safety, Linda has worked directly with each case. And while every situation is unique, Linda’s response is always the same – the generous sharing of both grace and concrete action.

I remember Linda working with JULIE. Julie’s back injury was so severe that it prevented her from hugging her two little children. Julie’s husband has a job that includes health insurance, but coverage wasn’t enough to pay all the costs of Julie’s doctor bills and physical therapy costs. A check to their landlord from the LUM Good Samaritan Fund is the only thing that kept a roof over her family’s heads during their time of greatest need.

I remember Linda working patiently over the phone with TAMMY, who was at home recovering from brain surgery. Tammy will work again someday, but for now, she has no income. An online payment to Tammy’s utility company from the Good Samaritan Fund was the only thing keeping her air conditioner running during the heat of last summer. 

I think of Linda working on Jeff’s behalf. A single dad caring for two special needs children, JEFF couldn’t return to work for several weeks until his children were approved to begin receiving supportive services. Checks from the LUM Good Samaritan Fund paid for Jeff’s back rent and overdue heating bill.

Your contribution of $50, $100, $250, $500 or $1,000 will allow the LUM Good Samaritan Fund to be here for all the families, many with children, who call upon us for help. And remember, not a single dollar of what you give is ever used for administrative overhead or staff costs. Gifts to the Good Samaritan Fund are spent exclusively for food, shelter, health care or transportation assistance for someone in need. 

Jesus said, “Come & inherit the kingdom…for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink,I was a stranger and you welcomed me….”

Linda Hicks and her staff of volunteer caseworkers, follow Jesus’s call every day. Their work is made possible because people like you give generously to the Good Samaritan Fund. I hope you will continue to give, so that our community’s most important financial safety net can continue. 

Linda Hicks always does her job with grace rather than judgment. She believes in those she helps too much, rather than not enough – and she provides the care and encouragement they need to overcome difficulties. She is a blessing to each person she meets. Please, won’t you be a blessing too? Share a generous gift today with the LUM Good Samaritan Fund.