In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, shares his excitement for the new LUM member churches and explains the role of member churches with LUM governance and services. Please take 59 seconds to watch the video and SHARE with others. See below for more information on the new LUM member churches.

Lafayette Urban Ministry proudly announces the addition of several new member churches to its network, enhancing its mission as a social safety net for local children and families. With more than 52 years of service, LUM has been offering help and hope in Greater Lafayette, providing support to those in need.

The inclusion of Broken Chains Biker Ministries, Crestview Community Church, Greater Lafayette Chinese Alliance Church, Northview Church, Purdue Christian Campus House, Riverside Covenant Church, and St. James Lutheran Church underscores a commitment to diversity and collaboration in addressing social injustices and improving lives.

Each new member brings unique perspectives and resources, enriching LUM's ability to make a positive impact. Together, these churches share a dedication to serving marginalized communities. Recognizing the power of collective action, LUM welcomes these new churches to the Board of Directors, fostering collaboration in the fight against poverty and inequality. With their support, LUM will continue its mission of restoring hope and dignity to those in need.

The Purdue Crew Team raised $10,485.50 for the LUM Good Samaritan Fund through the annual Row-A-Thon event which took place February. At the Purdue Crew Spring Banquet, Julia Hopper, treasurer, and Kara Benbow, president, presented a “big” check to Angel Valentín, LUM Financial Assistance Program director (pictured).

Each year, the Purdue Crew student athletes solicit donations for Row-A-Thon from their family and friends, mostly from outside of this community; and this donation each year is the single largest gift to the LUM Good Samaritan Fund from any group or individual. LUM is grateful for the continued support over the years from the leadership, athletes and coaches of the Purdue Crew Team. Boiler Up!

The LUM Good Samaritan Fund is an emergency financial assistance program which provides our neighbors in need with a strong and reliable safety net. Help is offered for utility bills, rent, and prescription medications. In 2023, the LUM Good Samaritan Fund provided assistance 2,016 times to 1,398 households and $135,498 was shared.

LUM Day for Dads is an annual event designed to encourage and celebrate fathers who are engaged with their children and families. Seventy individuals from close to 20 families will participate in an afternoon at the Lafayette Aviators baseball game at Loeb Stadium on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 16.

Each dad and their family members receive for FREE — a LUM Day for Dads T-shirt, game ticket, food & drink vouchers, and an Aviators baseball cap. Highlights of the event are LUM appearing on the jumbotron and hearing the announcer thank the LUM Dads for “their important role in their children’s lives.“ The participating fathers (and relevant father figures) are grateful for the LUM Day for Dads and the chance to be with their children on Father’s Day.

If you wish to invest in LUM Day for Dads, please consider a donation or become an event sponsor. Click the button below or email lum@LUMserve.org for more information.