Make a difference in your community by becoming a LUM tax volunteer. Volunteers are needed from January 29 through April 12 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 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.

If you are interested or need more information please click  HERE or call or email Ben Murphy (765-423-2691 |  [email protected]).

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 "s eeing 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, p laying 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.

Levy Restaurants at Purdue hosted the LUM After School Program families, LUM staff, ASP volunteers and LUM Board of Directors for a special holiday dinner.

The holiday feast included a full meal buffet, a carving station, a dessert bar and beverages. During dinner the Purdue Athletic Director, Mike Bobinski, offered thanks to Levy and to Lafayette Urban Ministry for all the good work done for the community. Bobinski also gave each family tickets to an upcoming Purdue Men's Basketball game. Santa Purdue Pete was also in attendance to the delight of the children as well as their parents.

Recently the Kindergarten classes at Burnett Creek Elementary School and the 4th & 5th grade classes at Battle Ground Elementary School made a donation of " needed items" to Lafayette Urban Ministry.

The Battle Ground students collected food, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene products, and a new coffee maker for the LUM Emergency Shelter. LUM shelter director, David Heckert, visited the students at their school to collect these much needed items.

The Kindergarten students from all six classes at Burnett Creek researched what is the "most needed item" by the homeless, and discovered that the answer is...SOCKS. They watched a segment of Kid President who shared his story of doing a sock drive — and their collection drive called "Joy of Socks" was launched. Jade Laux and her mom delivered the socks to LUM and presented them to LUM executive director, Joe Micon. {Pictured above is Jade Laux & Joe Micon.}

How very fortunate we are to have students and teachers who think of the less fortunate individuals in our county — and take action to make a positive difference in their lives. Thanks again to the wonderful students at both Battle Ground & Burnett Creek Elementary Schools (Tippecanoe School Corporation).

If you wish to sponsor a collect drive of needed items for LUM, check out our wish list, which has our most needed items as well as lists for each specific LUM program including the After School Program, Emergency Shelter, Food Pantry and more. To view the LUM Wish List, click the button below.

LUM has an immediate opening for a Teacher's Aide with the LUM After School Program. Please review the information below — and share with others. Applications will be reviewed as received.

Type: Part-time, paid;  Pay: $15.00 per hour

Hours: Monday-Friday; 2:15 - 6:15 p.m.; 20 hours per week; Schedule follows the Lafayette School Corporation calendar

Duties:

If interested—please Email, Mail or Drop-off a resume with cover letter to the LUM Youth Programs director, Amanda Bajzatt ( [email protected] | 420 N 4th Street, Lafayette, IN 47901).

This school year, the LUM After School Program expanded to serve 80 students from each school corporation in our area — SO — additional Bus Drivers are needed. Drivers transport children from their schools at dismissal time to the ASP site at Central Presbyterian Church, Lafayette, in one of LUM's 14 seat buses.

Please consider signing up NOW to become a Bus Driver  for this important ministry and make a difference in the lives of children. If interested please call or email the LUM Youth Programs director, Amanda Bajzatt (765-423-2691 |  [email protected]  ).