In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM Executive Director, reflects on the growing need this summer, urges you to help our neighbors in need, and shares the proverb, "The one who refreshes others will be refreshed."  Please take 59 seconds to watch the video and SHARE it with others.

During the summer months, Lafayette Urban Ministry focuses on providing enrichment and joy for local children. Research cautions that children may suffer from the "Summer Slide"—the tendency for students, especially those from low-income families, to lose some of the reading and mathematics competency gained during the previous school year. To combat this, LUM passionately supports the 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program and LUM Camp, intentionally creating learning opportunities throughout the summer to keep LUM students' academic skills sharp.

Each week day this summer, the 74 students enrolled in the LUM 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program engaged in a mix of learning, reading, and activities supplemented with nutritious meals and snacks. The curriculum ensured that the students kept pace academically with their peers.



The activities included trips to the park, local pool, and library; and guest presenters who sparked excitement in science, fitness, and reading. Special excursions included Prophetstown State Park, Imagination Station, and Wolf Park.

LUM Camp was the highlight of the summer for 83 local children. It offered lots of activities including nature hikes, boating, swimming, arts & crafts, movie night, wall climbing and zip-lining. Each day began with morning campfires and included nutritious meals, snacks & s'mores. With the exciting theme of Animals!, the LUM Campers learned about animal care and interact with animals in various educational sessions, experienced the world of service & support animals, and enjoyed an agility demonstration with trained dogs. 

Your donations made it possible to continue these two important LUM youth programs. LUM students and campers made new friends and great memories while having a blast, learning new things, and discovering new things about themselves. These are truly life-changing experiences.



Supporting the LUM 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program and LUM Camp gives children a chance for academic success and a brighter future. If you wish to make a donation, please visit LUMserve.org/donate or click the button below.

During a recent celebration during the 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, recognized Candy Silver & Liz Wetli from The Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette (pictured). LUM received an $8,580 grant from the foundation to purchase 36 new Chromebooks to be used with educational software. This grant has significantly contributed to the students' achievement gains. Candy & Liz were thrilled to see the immediate impact their grant had on the students.

To succeed in school and life, children need ongoing opportunities to learn and practice essential skills, especially during the summer months. For many children, summer is a carefree, happy time with family vacations, trips to museums, parks, and libraries. However, for others, educational opportunities end, along with basic needs such as healthy meals. These are the children being reached through 5th Quarter.

The goal is to strengthen their reading and math skills for August. Instead of focusing on individual scores, the program uses basic metrics to measure success. Testing shows the program is on track, with significant improvements compared to low-income students who didn't participate in the LUM 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program.

The Community Foundation’s support has been instrumental in making this possible, ensuring that more children have the resources they need to succeed.

Save the date! Hunger Hike 2024 is happening on Sunday, September 22, and you won’t want to miss it. Join us in the afternoon for a fun-filled event with a powerful mission: fighting hunger locally and globally. Here’s what you need to know to get involved and start raising money

• Date: Sunday, September 22
• Time: 1 p.m. – Event begins; 2 p.m. – Hike starts
• Location: Riehle Plaza, Lafayette, IN

Whether you’re participating on your own or with a team from your church, school, civic group, or family, Hunger Hike is your chance to make a real difference. Form a team, start fundraising with our easy online platform, or get creative with your own fundraising ideas. Every step and dollar counts in the fight against hunger.

Get started today—click the button below to begin fundraising, make a donation, or learn more. Together, we can turn our passion into action and create real change! We can’t wait to see you there, ready to hike, raise funds, and support this amazing cause!

The LUM After School Program is all about providing a safe, fun, and enriching space for local students from kindergarten to 8th grade. The LUM Youth Programs team look after up to 70 children each weekday afternoon giving their parents a chance to finish their workday worry-free.

School just started yesterday, so now’s the perfect time to get involved! Here are three ways YOU can make a difference with the LUM After School Program TODAY:

• Make a Monetary DONATION – Every bit helps! Click HERE
• VOLUNTEER your time – LUM needs you! Click  HERE
• Give NEEDED ITEMS, – Snacks are needed every day! Click HERE

LUM is looking for VOLUNTEERS from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. every weekday. Your presence, tutoring, and guidance can make a significant impact on a student’s life. Ready to help out? Sign up TODAY by clicking HERE.

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