In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap-Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, reflects on insights gained through his involvement in recent community conversations addressing the local housing crisis. LUM invites you to take just 58 seconds to watch the video—and please consider sharing it with others.

Originally from Indianapolis, Dlina Gebre is a senior at Purdue University, graduating in May 2025 with a degree in Developmental and Family Sciences. She is passionate about community service and supporting under-resourced families.

For the past three months, Dlina has interned with the LUM Financial Assistance Program and supported the LUM Tax Assistance Program, assisting Tippecanoe County residents and learning about local resources. “I hope to engage with diverse community members and connect them with the support they need,” she shares. Dlina values working alongside LUM compassionate staff and volunteers, noting, “LUM strives to assist individuals beyond its own services by linking them to broader community resources.” She plans to pursue a career in case management, focusing on under-resourced families in Indianapolis.

Outside of her professional interests, Dlina enjoys spending time with family and friends, nature walks, and watching soccer. She co-leads a small group with Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship. Her Eritrean heritage is an important part of her identity, as both of her parents were born in Eritrea. Dlina has an older brother, an older sister, and two pet budgies (birds).

LUM is grateful for Dlina's hard work, thoughtful approach and fresh ideas. To read more about Dlina, click HERE.

Now through April 30, your gift to the LUM Immigration Clinic will go twice as far. Thanks to the generosity of local business partners, every dollar you donate will be matched—up to $16,000—as part of our IC Match Campaign.

This is a powerful opportunity to amplify your support for our immigrant neighbors. Your matched donation will help provide critical legal services, advocacy, and hope to individuals and families striving for a better future.

Your gift matters. And right now, it matters more than ever. Please join us in making a lasting impact. Give today. Double your impact. Change lives. Thank you for your continued generosity and commitment to justice.

As a special thank-you, donors who contribute $500 or more to the IC Match Campaign will receive two exclusive tickets to the IC Match Celebration—a one-of-a-kind evening on Thursday, May 15, at Lafayette Brewing Company. Enjoy craft brews, delicious bites, and great company as we raise a glass to our shared impact and highlight the life-changing work of the LUM Immigration Clinic. This intimate event is our way of honoring your generosity and giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how your support is transforming lives. Space is limited—make your gift today and secure your spot at this meaningful (and fun!) celebration.

Last Friday, LUM proudly hosted the sold-out We've Got Talent showcase. The evening featured an incredible lineup of amateur performers judged by esteemed local experts, with a packed audience responding with enthusiastic cheers, laughter, and standing ovations.

The top honor went to Sharon McKnight, along with Neelu Chawla, Noemi Ybarra, and Christine Schertz, who delivered a heartfelt and humorous tribute to State Representative Sheila Klinker. Sharon, who wrote the original song “Sheila Can’t Stay Home,” led the quartet in celebrating Klinker’s Lafayette-wide superpower of being everywhere at once — and the sold-out We've Got Talent audience heard it first. This world premiere will be remembered in LUM history as the song lives on.

Desmine Robinson was named runner-up for his powerful, original spoken-word  poem entitled, What Will You Do With Your Freedom Of Speech?. Attendees also voted for the following Audience Choice Awards: Most Entertaining – Rob Ford, Most Inspiring – Onyx Uzomah, and Most Creative – The Lafayette Flute Choir.

Beyond the applause, the evening made a real impact—raising close to $20,000 for the LUM Good Samaritan Fund, which provides emergency financial assistance to local families in need. Missed the event? You can still support the cause. Click below to donate or view event photos (courtesy of Brent Russell Photography).

This season—recognized across many faith traditions as a time of reflection, generosity, and meaningful action—invites us to consider how our values might shape the world beyond our lifetime. As Passover continues and Lent gives way to Easter, it is a meaningful time to reflect on legacy.

Lafayette Urban Ministry invites you to consider including LUM in your will or estate plan. A planned gift ensures that the work of LUM to support families and promote justice continues for generations. Legacy gifts—such as cash, securities, retirement assets, real estate, or life insurance—support the LUM long-term mission while gaining estate planning benefits for you.

Individuals are encouraged to consult with a financial or legal advisor. When ready, email Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, at wtillett@LUMserve.org or visit LUMserve.org/donate.

This year, the LUM Tax Assistance Program served 30% more clients, filing 881 tax returns and helping our neighbors claim $895,142 in refunds, including $292,502 in Earned Income Credit. With a median adjusted gross income of just $22,509, these refunds make a critical difference for local families—and provide a meaningful boost to our local economy, as much of this money is likely spent right here in Greater Lafayette.

LUM is proud to offer this free, high-quality service to those who need it most. Together, we’re building a stronger, more equitable community.

LUM is immensely proud of the dedicated team of staff and volunteers whose efforts made this year’s expansion possible. Special thanks to Dan Guckien for his leadership and commitment. LUM is also deeply grateful to this year's extraordinary volunteers:

LUM Tax Assistance Volunteer Preparers & Greeters

Adriana Baez, Amanda Bettag, Joe Braun (pictured - above left), Xi Chen, Jessica Day (pictured - above right), Connie Decker, Emily Farley, Dlina Gebre, Stacey Hosler, Patty Huesca, Bev Larson, Ai Ai Lau, Karen Lohmeyer, Joan Marshall, Araceli Martinez, Patti O'Callaghan, Deb Parent, Rob Patrick, Paul Preckel, Andrea Schmidt, Tricia Sembroski, Ron Smith, Barb Sperry, Mike Tripodi, Stephanie Vanderkar, and Janet Winters.

LUM Tax Assistance Appointment Makers

Chad Coats, Ann Cripe, Ginny Dienhart, Jayne Feathers, Mary Kay McCauley, Nina Morgan, Cristy Perez, Ellen Poquette, Carol Robicheaux, and Missy Watts.