In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, shares a LUM mission moment featuring Amy & Shawn, whose lives were changed by the LUM Good Samaritan Fund, supported by donors like you. They faced a child's medical bills, missed work, job loss, and more; and LUM was there to help. Please take 59 seconds to watch the video and SHARE with others. See below for more details.

I see many people in Greater Lafayette following John the Baptist’s guidance by directly helping their neighbors through the LUM Good Samaritan Fund.

anyone who has food should do the same.

Maybe you are one of those who are opening your hands to share with others. When you share, you help neighbors like Lilly and Brian, who are struggling with health issues and financial hardships. Lilly, suffering from diabetes, is unemployed and has applied for disability, while Brian, battling stage 4 prostate cancer, works despite undergoing treatments. They couldn't pay their rent, but the LUM Good Samaritan Fund, supported by generous people like you, filled the gap.

You also help neighbors like Amy and Shawn, whose baby was born with a cleft lip and palate. Amy stayed home to care for their son, and Shawn lost his job after missing work due to illness and their son's surgery. Though they quickly found new jobs, they couldn't pay their rent. The LUM Good Samaritan Fund stepped in, thanks to contributions from people like you. Will you please open your hand again and offer hope to your neighbors by donating to the LUM Good Samaritan Fund today? Thank you for caring and sharing.

LUM Camp, a key part of LUM Youth Programs along with the After School Program and 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program, offers local children aged 8-10 a premier camp experience.

With the "Animals" theme in 2024 and annual activities like swimming, horseback riding, arts, and chapel, guided by caring counselors, LUM Camp provides a transformative week of fun and growth.

Your support is essential to making LUM Camp a reality. Would you consider sponsoring a child to attend? A donation of $300 sponsors one LUM Camper, $600 sponsors two, or $150 covers half a sponsorship. Since the 1960s, LUM Camp has been changing lives with countless stories of impact and with scientific research affirming its long-term benefits. This July 23-26, LUM hosts another unforgettable experience at the beautiful Hanging Rock Christian Camp, aiming to benefit 90 children. Your contribution, beyond the $5 parent contribution, covers transportation, food, lodging, camp activities, and supplies. Your investment will provide short-term fun and long-term life skills and memories for these children. Will you join us in offering the gift of LUM Camp to local children eagerly awaiting their chance to attend?

Every weekday, the LUM Financial Assistance Program relies on the LUM Good Samaritan Fund to directly help our neighbors prevent evictions, utility disconnections, or lapses in prescription medications. Every dollar given to the LUM Good Samaritan Fund goes directly to assist a local family in need, with no administrative overhead. In 2023, LUM disbursed $135,498 through the LUM Good Samaritan Fund, aiding 1,398 households. With your help, we aim to assist approximately 1,400 families this year. The need continues, and every day, many neighbors face financial crises. On their behalf, I ask you to contribute to the LUM Good Samaritan Fund to maintain this vital safety net.

LUM relies on donations to support the LUM Good Samaritan Fund. This past winter, limited funds forced us to cut back on the number of households that LUM was able to help. A summer outpouring of generosity will ensure the LUM does not have to cut back again. For example, $70 provides the average GSF disbursement to one household, $200 supports one household for a year, $560 funds a day’s disbursements, and $2,800 covers a week’s worth. Even modest financial assistance can have a significant positive impact. Please consider donating or setting up a legacy gift to support this empowering hand of hope in times of crisis.

As you enjoy the holiday and soak up the summer sun, remember that the local unhoused community needs your help! Join us for the LUM Summer of Services and spice up your summer by preparing and serving meals. Whether it's whipping up shelter meals, crafting daytime to-go sack lunches, packing summer snacks for the youth, or stocking up our food pantry, LUM has plenty of ways for you to get involved and make a difference.

LUM has some HOT NEEDS for shelter meals: July 6, 7, 10, 21 and 29; plus August 4, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 20, 21, 26, 30 and 31. To learn more, click HERE.

Giving back feels good, and the more the merrier — sign up for the LUM Summer of Services today and spread the word! Your support means the world to us.

Happy Independence Day from your friends at Lafayette Urban Ministry.