Focused on Supporting Families & Children
Wes's Weekly Wrap Up: "Pursuing Justice"
In this edition of  Wes's Weekly Wrap Up , Wes, LUM executive director, reflects on pursuing Justice, Equality & Equity . Please take  70 seconds  to watch the video. Feel free to  SHARE .
LUM Receives $65,000 for COVID-19 Relief
Tippecanoe COVID-19 Response Fund
Lafayette Urban Ministry has been awarded an additional $30,000 from the Tippecanoe COVID-19 Response Fund — making the total received so far $65,000  ($15,000 in March, $20,000 in May & $30,000 in July). The Tippecanoe COVID-19 Response Fund, created by United Way of Greater Lafayette, The Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette and Greater Lafayette Commerce, to bring relief to the area’s most vulnerable individuals and families. LUM is a funded partner agency and continues to serve those experiencing the short-term and long-term impacts of the coronavirus outbreak. 

The monies have been rapidly distributed through the LUM Good Samaritan Program to seniors, children and low-income families to help with recovery, including housing and utility expenses. The fund is also helping with prescription medication assistance, access to childcare for families effected by closures, and services and shelter for people experiencing homelessness who lack the resources to stay safe.

Thank you to United Way of Greater Lafayette, The Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette, and Greater Lafayette Commerce for their continued support and designating LUM a partner in the important initiative.
LUM Camp 2020 Needs YOU This Summer
Only 19 Days Until LUM Camp Days (July 28-31)
LUM Camp 2020 is only 19 days away, and there is a part for everyone to get engaged to make it a life-changing experience for nearly 65 local children from low-income families.

LUM Camp  is one of the finest overnight summer camp programs available to children anywhere. It  is a scholarship-based camp, meaning LUM only invites children whose parents are not able to pay for the  $150 per child  cost of camp. The campers’ parents pay only $5 per child, and generous LUM donors cover the rest. If you wish to sponsor a camper, click the link below. Would you please invest in both their long-term life skills and their short-term fun by offering them the gift of  LUM Camp ?
Thanks to the Rotary Club of Lafayette, who presented their gift of $300 for two camperships to Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, at their monthly meeting this past Tuesday.

Thank you also to Laura's Kids for their generous gift of $1,500 for 10 camperships. Laura’s Kids is a nonprofit created in memory of Laura Williams by her sister and brother-in-law, Nancy & Greg Emig, owners of Lafayette Brewing Company .

On behalf of the 2020 LUM Campers, thank you to everyone who has donated so far this year. If you wish to sponsor a camper, click the link above.
Would you, or someone you know, love being a volunteer  LUM Camp Counselor?

LUM Camp is a week-long, over-night camp program for low-income children from 8 to 10 years old. Volunteer camp counselors must be 18 years old, enjoy working with children and be able to spend the entire week at camp (11 a.m. Monday, July 27 to 4 p.m. Friday, July 31 ). For additional information, click  HERE . PLEASE SHARE.
LUM Solar Project – 2020 Savings So Far
Energy Saving - First Six Months of 2020
As you probably are aware, LUM launched a Solar Energy Initiative  last year, and the savings have been impressive. In the first six months of 2020, the LUM Office building has generated more than $2,356 worth of electricity , the equivalent of 17.05 megawatts of solar energy.
Thanks to LUM,  76,356 pounds of carbon dioxide were NOT emitted , the equivalent of  1,896 trees  being planted.

In addition to the environmental benefits of going solar, the savings to LUM should be more than  $5,000 per year . These savings include a reduction in energy needed as well as revenue from trading Solar Renewable Energy Credits. This money will be reinvested in LUM programs & services in support of local families and children. Hopefully there will be sunny winter days, and the amount of energy generated daily will be substantial. Stay tuned for more updates in the future.
New Proposed Rule Places US Asylum at Risk
Comment | Take the Pledge | Write a Letter
The LUM Immigration Clinic & Greater Lafayette Immigrant Allies are asking individuals and organizations in the Greater Lafayette area to send comments to the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice requesting that the proposed rules restricting asylum either be rescinded or that the comment period be extended 60 days.  Comments & letters are being accepted until 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2020. To take the pledge or write a personal letter, click HERE . To submit an online comment , click HERE .

On June 15, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security and the Executive Office for Immigration Review issued a  NPRM  attempting to eliminate asylum for the most vulnerable of asylum seekers. This massive rule would essentially abolish the asylum system in violation of international and domestic law. The rule would:
  • Violate asylum seekers’ due process rights
  • Heighten the credible fear standard for most
  • Foreclose asylum for those fleeing gender- and gang-based violence
  • Give asylum adjudicators unfettered discretion to deny asylum applications

Interfaith teachings recognize the dignity and sanctity of every human being. This rule would discard those who need hospitality and protection the most. This is a moment of crisis and calling for people of faith. Asylum seekers need you to raise your voice now.  To submit an online comment , click HERE .