Wes's Weekly Wrap Up: We Make a Great Team!
LUM Grateful for Support in a Time of Crisis
Find Peace & Reconnect to Something Bigger
COVID-19 has upended life, and it’s hard not to become overwhelmed. Find your peace , be still , and use this time to reconnect to that part of yourself that is the calm amid the storm .

During times of crisis, the best of humanity comes out. There is a greater sense of connection and belonging to something bigger when contributing to the whole. If this calls to you, Lafayette Urban Ministry welcomes you. LUM has remained open — serving families in need of food and financial assistance as well as individuals experiencing homelessness. At Lafayette Urban Ministry , there is a part for everyone to play.
A Fortunate Few Donate Stimulus to LUM
"Paying It Sideways" - Donating Stimulus Check
Lafayette Urban Ministry has recently been the grateful recipient of stimulus funds from individuals " paying it sideways ." One family from West Lafayette, who wish to remain anonymous, decided to donate their entire Economic Impact Payment to LUM. They shared, "We knew that our family did not need the stimulus money and wanted to donate it. Since moving to the community 18 months ago, we have heard many good things about the work done at LUM. We wanted the money to benefit our new community and knew that LUM was a good place to give. Our family is happy to support LUM, and would encourage others to do the same. "

LUM continues to be right on the front lines of this crisis, helping local families with emergency  financial assistance & nutritious food,  and  safe shelter for individuals in need. If you have decided to use your stimulus money to help others less fortunate and don't know how, LUM is a great option. LUM enables YOU to give anonymously and with the peace of mind that your gift will be well-utilized to  quickly help people in our local community.
LUM Participating in #GivingTuesdayNow
May 5 - Give to LUM - #GivingTuesdayNow
On Tuesday, May 5, Lafayette Urban Ministry will be participating in #GivingTuesdayNow, a worldwide day of giving and unity in response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. This crisis has placed a sudden and immediate financial burden on our community, our nation and our world. Not everyone is in a position to make a contribution right now, but for those of you who have asked, "What can I do?" you can be a part of this important movement by making a gift to Lafayette Urban Ministry THIS Tuesday, May 5.

Your generosity will help support LUM assistance programs and homeless services, help maintain our properties, help support the LUM staff, and prepare for the day LUM is able to reopen our youth programs, including LUM Camp and 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program, and the Immigration Clinic. Please support LUM on #GivingTuesdayNow NEXT Tuesday.
LUM's COVID-19 Response & Social Distancing
Social 'Distance Learning' & Staff Meetings
During this crisis, the LUM Staff members have been meeting more frequently — using video conferencing (pictured) .

LUM is determined to remain open to support local families in need and individuals experiencing homelessness.
To do this and maintain a safe & healthy environment, LUM staff members communicate regularly, adapt to the ever-changing situation, support each other and practice self-care — physically, spiritually and emotionally.
During the Indiana Stay-At-Home Order, the LUM Immigration Clinic staff members and volunteers are spending this time to take advantage of advanced training on immigration and naturalization issues, ethics, legal issues and best practices.

They have been participating as a group in a series of webinars sponsored by the Catholic Legal Immigration Network , Inc. (pictured). These online training programs are part of the resources available to LUM as an affiliate member of CLINIC. The Immigration Clinic staff and volunteers found the webinar timely and informative.
The staff members of the LUM Emergency Shelter are truly on the front line of this crisis. A small but dedicated team make it possible to offer a safe & caring place to one of the most vulnerable populations in our community — individuals experiencing homelessness. The LUM Emergency Shelter staff recently participated in a video conference meeting to receive new information, give feedback on how things are going, and meet the LUM executive director, Wes Tillett. The meeting was upbeat, collaborative and productive (pictured). The staff members left the meeting better prepared for another night at the LUM Emergency Shelter .
The LUM Protein Food Pantry remains open with strict protocols to keep everyone safe. The LUM Good Samaritan Program (emergency financial assistance) and Immigration Clinic are serving clients using online forms, email and the phone.

Please remember LUM during this difficult time. Your gifts of cash donations ($5, $10, $50, $100 or $500), needed items (cleaning supplies, food pantry items & shelter meals), and time ( volunteer at the shelter or food pantry) are GREATLY appreciated and needed.
Double Your Donation to LUM TODAY
COVID-19 Corporate Match Gift Programs
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, many businesses have begun to offer Matching Gift programs. Through these match programs, corporations agree to financially match the donations their employees make to nonprofit organizations like Lafayette Urban Ministry . Corporations implementing these programs are able to give back to their communities, specifically to the organizations which their employees care about the most. Check with your HR department and see if they are participating in a Match Program. Make a donation to LUM and double your donation and double your impact. Because we are, " Stronger Together (but six feet apart)."