Meet Linda Hicks | Grace In Action | 15+ Years
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A Letter from Joe Micon, LUM Executive Director
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As I look at my life, I would prefer: to err on the side of GRACE rather than judgment, to love too much rather than too little, to believe in my sisters and brothers too much rather than not enough, to believe the best and be wrong rather than believe the worst and be right.
~
Author unknown
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Each time I read these words, I can’t help but smile and think of
Linda Hicks,
the LUM
Good Samaritan Program
director.
Linda has been on staff since 2004, but it has been just 2 ½ years since she assumed the responsibility of directing
the LUM
Good Samaritan Program
.
During that time, more than
5,000 cases
have crossed Linda’s desk. She has provided
more than $300,000
in direct
Good Samaritan Fund
aid.
Whether it is a family threatened with eviction because of mom’s job loss, a senior facing a utility disconnect, or a woman trying to escape domestic violence in need of a bus ticket to safety, Linda has worked directly with each case. And while every situation is unique, Linda’s response is always the same – the generous sharing of both
grace and concrete action
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I remember Linda working with
JULIE
. Julie’s back injury was so severe that it prevented her from hugging her two little children. Julie’s husband has a job that includes health insurance, but coverage wasn’t enough to pay all the costs of Julie’s doctor bills and physical therapy costs. A check to their landlord from
the LUM
Good Samaritan Fund
is the only thing that kept a roof over her family’s heads during their time of greatest need.
I remember Linda working patiently over the phone with
TAMMY
, who was at home recovering from brain surgery. Tammy will work again
someday
, but for now, she has no income. An online payment to Tammy’s utility company from the
Good Samaritan Fund
was the only thing keeping her air conditioner running during the heat of last summer.
I think of Linda working on Jeff’s behalf. A single dad caring for two special needs children,
JEFF
couldn’t return to work for several weeks until his children were approved to begin receiving supportive services. Checks from the LUM
Good Samaritan Fund
paid for Jeff’s back rent and overdue heating bill.
Jesus said,
“Come & inherit the kingdom
…
for
I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink,
I was a stranger and you welcomed me
....
”
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Linda Hicks and her staff of volunteer caseworkers, follow Jesus’s call every day. Their work is made possible because people like you give generously to the
Good Samaritan Fund
. I hope you will continue to give, so that our community's most important financial safety net can continue.
Your contribution of $50, $100, $250, $500 or $1,000 will allow the LUM
Good Samaritan Fund
to be here for all the families, many with children, who call upon us for help.
And remember, not a single dollar of what you give is ever used for administrative overhead or staff costs. Gifts to the
Good Samaritan Fund
are spent exclusively for food, shelter, health care or transportation assistance for someone in need.
Linda Hicks always does her job with grace rather than judgment. She believes in those she helps too much, rather than not enough - and she provides the care and encouragement they need to overcome difficulties. She is a blessing to each person she meets. Please, won’t you be a blessing too? Share a generous gift today with the LUM
Good Samaritan Fund
.
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Bending Toward Justice - 40 Years of Influence
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Presentation by Joe Micon, LUM Executive Director
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Mark your
calendar
for this special presentation by
Joe Micon
, executive director of Lafayette Urban Ministry, on Thursday,
November 14
at Noon
at the LUM Ray Ewry Center (525 N 4th Street, Lafayette, IN). Bring your own lunch and join us as Joe Micon reflects on the impact LUM has had,
over the decades,
working toward social justice and advocacy on behalf of families. The presentation is entitled,
Bending Toward Justice; LUM's Forty Years of Influence in the Public Square
.
Save the date
.
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Neil Klemme Insurance $3,000 Match Program
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Donations in November - Matched Up to $3,000
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During the month of November, take advantage of the
Klemme Insurance $3,000 Match Program
and double your donation to LUM, increasing your impact on strengthening local families thanks to the generosity of Neil Klemme State Farm Insurance
Agency of West Lafayette.
It's simple
— click the "
Make A Donation" button below, make a donation by November 30, and Neil Klemme Insurance Agency will match all donations, up to $3,000. All money will benefit local children & families through the
LUM
Jubilee Christmas program. This year,
617 local families are registered for
Jubilee Christmas, impacting
1,766 children.
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Interfaith Community Thanksgiving Celebration
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Donate Food & Supplies | Volunteer | Attend
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More than 800 people will be served this Thanksgiving at the LUM Greater Lafayette Interfaith
Community Thanksgiving Celebration
, and we'd love to have you get involved in some way.
You may bake pies, prepare casseroles,
donate money
, volunteer and donate other food items and supplies.
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Thanksgiving Day
, Thursday,
November 28
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Noon to 2 p.m.
Central Presbyterian Church, 31 N 7th St., Lafayette, IN
FREE
- All are welcome
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Holy Trinity Presents Two Upcoming Events
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Topic:
Medicare Overview
- THIS Wednesday, November 13 at 11:30 a.m.
- Speaker: John Williams, Medicare Specialist, State Help Insurance Assistance Program
Topic: Social Security Retirement & Online Services
- THIS Friday, November 15 at 11:30 a.m.
- Speaker: J. Winters, Social Security Office Manager, Lafayette, IN
Both events are
FREE and open to the public; and take place at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1005 N 21st Street, Lafayette, IN.
For more information, please go to
htlcweb.org or call 765-447-4205. All are welcome.
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