In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, gives his "elevator pitch." An elevator pitch is a brief way of introducing yourself, getting across a key point or two, and making a connection with someone. It’s called an elevator pitch because it takes roughly the amount of time you’d spend riding an elevator with someone. Please take 59 seconds to watch Wes's "LUM elevator pitch" video and SHARE with others.

Chad E. Coats began volunteering at LUM approximately five months ago and has swiftly made a notable difference. Serving as an afternoon receptionist and overseeing food donations, including the To-Go Meals distributed daily at the LUM office and nightly at the Winter Warming Station, his contributions are invaluable. What sets Chad apart is his eagerness to assist with any task, no matter how unexpected. From assembling new shelter equipment to mounting a TV in the youth center and constructing shelves for the food programs, he showcases his versatility and willingness to lend a hand. His talents are evident, and he graciously shares them with joy and humility, which makes him the perfect recipient of the LUM Volunteer of the Month honor.

When reflecting on his involvement with LUM, Chad shares that, “This experience is truly special. It is humbling (and at times, heart-wrenching) to see the scale and variety of the human needs that exist within this community. It is truly amazing how LUM is committed to easing those tremendous community needs. And these wonderful people at LUM do all of this while treating those in need in a very compassionate and dignified way. I benefit so much more from volunteering with LUM than I can possibly provide in return in the hours that I spend as a volunteer.” 

Join us in congratulating Chad Coats for being selected the LUM Volunteer of the Month for February 2024. If you would like to volunteer with LUM, check out the LUM website or call or email the LUM volunteer coordinator, Terri Anderson (volunteer@LUMserve.org | 765-423-2691).

In a heartwarming display of generosity and compassion, students from Lafayette Christian School and Burnett Creek Elementary School independently made a significant donation to LUM.

The fifth graders at Lafayette Christian School took the initiative to organize a food drive, rallying their classmates, families, and teachers to collect donations. Astoundingly, their efforts resulted in close to 1,500 pounds of food plus lots of paper products being donated to the LUM Food Pantries.

Meanwhile, the third graders at Burnett Creek Elementary School (pictured) took on a different but equally important task. They assembled and donated 160 To-Go Meals for the Winter Warming Station, providing meals to individuals experiencing homelessness during the cold winter nights.

If you or your group wishes to initiate a similar project, please check out the LUM website or call or email the LUM volunteer coordinator, Terri Anderson (volunteer@LUMserve.org | 765-423-2691).

A host of local businesses and individuals have come together to pledge $16,500 to the LUM Immigration Clinic! Thanks to their generosity, for the next six weeks, every donation you make to the LUM Immigration Clinic will be matched dollar-for-dollar. Please give now and support this important work.

The Immigration Clinic is the only resource in a seven county area for immigrants who need free or very low cost help to navigate our country's complex immigration system. In 2023 alone, the LUM Immigration Clinic provided hundreds of consultations, dispensing free legal advice, and helped:

This is a massive undertaking and the LUM Immigration Clinic needs YOUR help to keep it going! Please give today. With your support, the LUM Immigration Clinic will be able to continue helping local immigrants gain their citizenship, obtain green cards, get work permits, secure Temporary Protected Status, and pursue the American dream.

Every donor who gives $500 or more will be invited to attend our Campaign Reception on Thursday, May 2 at 5:30 p.m. at Lafayette Brewing Company (2nd floor event space). This reception will provide good food and drinks with a chance to mingle with other Immigration Clinic supporters and learn more about what the Immigration Clinic is doing.

Think you know a lot about immigration? Take our Immigration quiz now and be entered to win a prize!