In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap-Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, chats with Liam and Landon, two enthusiastic LUM Campers. They share their favorite moments from LUM Camp—and a few surprises too! LUM invites you to take just 59 seconds to watch the video and encourages you to share it with friends and family. See below for more LUM Camp information, including how to sponsor a LUM Camper and be a LUM Camp counselor.

Lafayette Urban Ministry is proud to shine this month’s Intern Spotlight on Marina Shano, our dedicated Human Resources Intern.

Originally from Pogradec, Albania, Marina now lives in West Lafayette and is completing her final semester at Purdue University. She is majoring in Human Resource Development with a minor in Human Resource Management and is graduating this weekend. She plans to pursue a graduate degree in HR Management.

Over the past four months, Marina has made a meaningful impact at LUM, working with a passionate team to support people through some of life’s most difficult moments. As she shares, “I enjoy the people I work with. I enjoy helping make a positive impact on my community. I enjoy contributing to an organization that is there to support people through their most difficult days."

Outside of LUM, Marina enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her cat Tosho. She also likes going on walks and trying new food recipes.

Thank you, Marina, for your heart, dedication, and all you have brought to LUM.

To read more about Marina, click HERE.

This July, Janaleesa will attend her third and final LUM Camp. For months, she’s been bubbling with excitement, reminding me how much she looks forward to it. The joy, adventure, and wonder she experiences at LUM Camp are undeniable. Now, consider that her story represents just one camper—this year, we will have 84 campers, each with their own story like hers. It’s a reminder that the impact of your support is multiplied 84 times.

LUM Camp is a world-class, overnight summer camp for local children ages 8–10. It takes place July 29 - August 1 in Warren County, Indiana. Campers enjoy swimming, canoeing, horseback riding, arts and crafts, chapel around a campfire, and much more. They are cared for by a diverse team of nurturing counselors and participate in activities that build confidence, creativity, motor skills, and social-emotional growth. Campers come from families served year-round by Lafayette Urban Ministry and pay just $5 to attend — thanks to generous donors who cover the remaining cost.

It’s my favorite week of the year, because LUM Camp is more than fun — it’s transformative. For many children, it’s the most enriching experience of their summer. And it’s a key part of LUM Youth Programs, which also include the After School Program and the 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program. I love LUM Camp because it provides both immediate joy and lifelong impact. Janaleesa’s story is just one of 84. {To read the entire letter, click HERE.}

LUM Camp is only possible because of generous individuals like you. Each year, Lafayette Urban Ministry provides this extraordinary camp experience to 84 children, asking families to pay just $5 per camper—while the true cost exceeds $300 per child. The remaining expenses are covered through the kindness of donors.

{Janaleesa and a LUM Camp cabinmate}

Your contribution helps provide:

• Transportation to and from camp
• Room and board
• Nutritious meals and snacks
• Camp activities and educational programs
• All necessary supplies

{Wes Tillett, executive director, and Janaleesa}

Would you consider supporting a child’s life-changing week at LUM Camp?

• $300 sponsors one LUM camper
• $600 sponsors two LUM campers
• $150 provides a half sponsorship
• Any amount supports LUM Youth Programs

You can make your gift online at LUMserve.org/giv-now or by mailing your donation. Janaleesa and 83 other children are eagerly anticipating a week of fun, friendship, and growth at LUM Camp. Your support makes this possible. Please invest in their future — one camper at a time.

The Purdue Crew Team raised $13,505 for the LUM Good Samaritan Fund through the annual Row-A-Thon event which took place February. At the Purdue Crew Spring Banquet, Benjamin Schultz, treasurer, and John Lucas, president, presented a "big" check to Wes Tillett, LUM executive 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 2024, the LUM Good Samaritan Fund provided financial assistance for essential needs which includes averting eviction, utility disconnects and other crises to 1,168 households, 1,780 times, totaling $115,301.35.

LUM Camp 2025 is happening July 29-August 1, and LUM is looking for YOU! Are you ready to make an impact while having the time of your life? LUM is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help local children from low-income families experience an unforgettable week (July 28-August 1, including one training day & four-day camp).

What’s in it for YOU, the Counselors? 

As a counselor, you’ll enjoy activities like swimming, zip-lining, wall-climbing, horseback riding, and more. You’ll earn 100 volunteer hours, enjoy free meals, and make a lasting difference in a child’s life.

What’s in it for the Campers? 

A week they’ll remember forever, boosting their confidence, social skills, curiosity, and sense of self. It’s a week that ripples through their lives for years to come. LUM Camp is an amazing experience – come be part of it! 

Questions? Email Wes Tillett, lead counselor (wtillett@LUMserve.org). Can’t attend but want to make a difference? You can sponsor a camper. Don’t wait – share this and apply today.

Looking for meaningful work where you can make a real difference every day? LUM offers opportunities to turn compassion into action. Whether you're welcoming guests at the front desk or coordinating impactful events, each role at LUM plays a part in strengthening families, uplifting neighbors, and building a more caring community. Explore the current openings below — if you're passionate about service, LUM encourages you to apply and share with others.

Receptionist / Administrative Assistant 

| Part-time, Possible Full Time | $17.50/hour | 22.5 hours/week minimum | Daytime Shift | Paid Time Off |

As the welcoming face of LUM, the receptionist sets the tone for the LUM mission by ensuring a professional, inclusive environment for guests, clients, donors, and volunteers. This bilingual (English/Spanish) role demands exceptional hospitality, precision in multitasking, and a proactive approach to operational support, from managing inquiries and donations to coordinating office logistics and training volunteers. This is a part-time job (7:30 a.m. – Noon) with a possibility of up to full-time hours, depending on the candidate’s qualifications and availability. Apply online HERE.

Development & Events Coordinator

| Full-time | $25.13/hour | 37.5 hours/week | Flexible Schedule | Paid Time Off | Professional Development Assistance |

The Development and Events coordinator partners with the LUM Development Director to elevate the LUM mission through fundraising, events, and community engagement. The coordinator will lead seasonal campaigns like Hunger Hike and Turkey Trot 5K Run, manage grant research/application processes, and drive donor outreach through mailings, digital communication, and events. The role ensures seamless event execution, volunteer coordination, and strategic alignment with LUM goals, while fostering donor relationships and tracking impact. Apply online HERE.