In this edition of Wes’s Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM Executive Director, tackles another common misconception in the Poverty Myth Busters series. In just 59 seconds, he challenges the myth that we succeed on our own and don't need anyone else. Watch, share, and join the conversation.

Because of generous supporters and faithful volunteers, Lafayette Urban Ministry

continues to be a place where neighbors find help, hope, and compassion. Every gift,

every hour served, and every act of kindness helps make this ministry possible.

One afternoon, the LUM Food Pantry had officially closed. Summer vacations had left

the pantry short-staffed, volunteers had served a steady stream of families, the doors

were locked, and food was being returned to the refrigerators and shelves when one

final client arrived. A gentleman using a wheelchair apologized repeatedly for being late.

It would have been easy and understandable to explain that the pantry was closed. Instead, one compassionate volunteer welcomed him inside. Our data entry team reopened the computer, volunteers returned food to the shelves, and he was able to choose the groceries that best met his needs.

The following week, another neighbor arrived just as the pantry was closing. She was a young mother who had missed the bus and feared she wouldn’t have food for her family. Once again, our volunteers chose compassion, reopening the pantry so she could shop with dignity and leave knowing her family would have meals for the days ahead.

In both moments, our volunteers could have pointed to the posted hours. Instead, they looked beyond the clock and saw people. They understood that living with a disability, relying on inconsistent transportation, or facing financial hardship can make even a simple trip to the pantry incredibly difficult.

Every day, LUM volunteers put their faith into action, living out the words of Matthew 25:40: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Together, your generosity and our volunteers’ compassion ensure that every neighbor who walks through our doors is met with more than food, they are met with dignity, grace, and hope. Thank you for making moments like these possible.

For more than 30 years, Hunger Hike has brought our community together around a common path, one that leads toward hope for our neighbors facing food insecurity. What began as a simple walk to fight hunger has grown into a powerful tradition of compassion and collaboration. Together, Food Finders Food Bank, Lafayette Urban Ministry, and St. Tom's Haiti Ministry have traveled this journey year after year, working side by side to ensure that families both here at home and abroad have access to nutritious food and the support they need to thrive.

This year, our commitment remains the same, but the journey will look a little different. Beginning August 3, we'll embark on a seven-week trek with one ambitious destination in mind: raising $110,000 to help fight hunger locally, regionally, and globally. We'll spend seven weeks climbing toward our goal together, celebrating every milestone, every donation, and every new supporter who joins us along the way. The journey doesn't end until September 20, when we'll celebrate what our community has accomplished together.

Over the coming weeks, we'll share stories from the trail, introduce fundraising opportunities, and celebrate the people who are helping move this mission forward. We hope you'll lace up your hiking boots, invite others to join the journey, and help us reach the summit together. Keep your eyes on the trail. More Hunger Hike information will be coming in the weeks ahead. We can't wait to take this journey with you.

Want to make an impact every time you shop for groceries? It’s easy:

1.Log in to your account at kroger.com or pay-less.com.

2.Go to My Account and select Community Rewards.

3.Click Enroll, search for Lafayette Urban Ministry or use organization number UQ050, and enroll.



It’s a simple, no-cost way to support our neighbors. Just by shopping where you already do. Thank you for being part of this community support!

published July 23, 2026