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Annual
Report  2002
Contents
"Of Call and Response" by Joe
Micon, Executive Director, Mission Statement, The Lum Partnership
2002 Programs and Services
30th Anniversary Events
Other Hapennings
Financial Reports
Of
Call and Response... Joe Micon, Executive Director
In the Old Testament, God's voice calls out
to Samuel three times in the night. Each time Samuel mistakenly
believes his mentor Eli is beckoning from the next room. Eli
tells Samuel to "go back to bed" but if he hears
the voice again to say "Speak Lord for your servant hears."
Samuel hears the voice again, finally understanding it is
God who's calling, and in faith does as God instructs him
to do.
The point of the story is that God is persistent,
and doesn't stop calling just because we don't tune in at
first.
The past year at LUM has been a lot like
the story of Samuel. God's call to us has been steadfast.
We've tried to listen in new ways to his voice, step out in
faith, and serve in great ways.
2002 started with a serious overcrowding
problem in LUM's homeless shelter. We held focus groups to
help us understand the problem. There were meetings with service
providers, shelter guests, local officials and neighbors to
help us gain insight. Stepping out in faith we expanded our
shelter from 36 to 46 beds.
We didn't know where the money would come
from, or exactly how the larger facility would be staffed
but with the onset of harsh weather we knew it was
the right thing to do. Imagine our surprise when an anonymous
donor also stepped forward with $10,000 to pay for the expansion,
and enough volunteers stepped forward to cover our staffing
needs. Since mid December, we've only been full two nights!
2002 was an especially difficult year for
working families in our community. Layoffs, and a sluggish
economy increased our emergency assistance caseload by about
5% to 1,738 families. Utility, rent, and medications were
the most frequent requests. Faced with the reality of higher
caseloads, and the prospect of decreased donations during
a recession, it might have been prudent to curtail LUM's Centralized
Emergency Fund spending.
But God's call was unfailing. Upon hearing the voice of a hungry
child, or that of an unemployed father desperate to provide
a home for his family, we decided instead to listen with new
ears. We spent a record $117,599 from CEF to assist families
experiencing financial hardship during 2002, but also received
a record $117,640 from our donors!
And throughout the 2002 session of the Indiana
General Assembly, LUM worked tirelessly to expand Indiana's
Earned Income Tax Credit for working families. When prevailing
wisdom said the state legislature would never act to help
low-income families during such difficult budgetary times,
LUM's Director of Social Justice Ministries Patti O'Callaghan
chose to listen to a different voice instead. She worked relentlessly
throughout the regular and special session to win $8.7 million
dollars to be credited or refunded directly to approximately
350,000 working Hoosier families in 2003. The EITC encourages
a strong work ethic and enhances the economic well-being low-income
families at the same time. A family earning $11,000 will receive
an EITC credit or refund of $240.48.
Right now LUM is alarmed by the 42% increase
over the last ten years in the number of children in our community
who are living in poverty. The numbers increased by 964 children
(2,289 to 3,253) enough to fill three entire elementary
schools! They're especially perplexing because during the
same period, the numbers of children living in poverty statewide
decreased by 7%!
During a decade when there was high prosperity
and unprecedented economic growth in Greater Lafayette, any
decline in the well being of children should be something
we worry about. If it happened when times were good, what's
going on now that the economy has slowed?
In the months ahead it's critical that LUM
takes painstaking effort to understand our local childhood
poverty numbers. It's even more critical that we listen for
God's voice and direction as we look for ways to bring those
numbers down.
On behalf of the board and staff of the
Lafayette Urban Ministry I'd like to thank you for your friendship
and support during the past year. Through LUM, your gifts
of service and financial support have provided a strong social
safety net for the needy children and their families in our
community. I'd like to invite you to listen with us in the
year ahead for God's call - and stand together with us when
the time comes to step out in faith and say "Hear I am
Lord, speak for your servant hears!"
Mission
Statement
Poverty is the greatest thief. More than depriving
a neighbor of food or shelter or warmth, it steals away hope.
While other thieves may take away the past, poverty steals
the future and self-respect. The Lafayette Urban Ministry
is in the business of restoring human dignity. Through voluntary
efforts and contributions we give back the hope, the future,
the self-respect, which all God's people need and deserve.
Ours is a Christian ministry that welcomes congregations and
people of all faiths. We give witness to God's saving love
and prophetic power by
- loving neighbors,
- seeking justice,
- empowering the least among us,
- renewing the Church's social ministry.
The
LUM Partnership
The Lafayette Urban Ministry is the Church
in service to others. 46 congregations from 20 different faith
traditions work together to bring compassion and justice to
Lafayette's needy children and families.
LUM is controlled by a Board of Directors,
one representative from each member church. Last year 2,000
volunteers donated over 36,000 hours of help through LUM's
varied programs and services. A staff of five full-time and
13 part-time LUM employees recruit, train and coordinate this
great treasure of volunteer talent.
2002
Lafayette Urban Ministry Programs and Services
Emergency
Assistance
A total of 1,738 local families received
emergency rent, utility, health care, transportation, and
work related assistance through LUM during 2002, thanks to
the dedicated work of 22 volunteer advocates. LUM's Emergency
Assistance Program provides our community with a strong and
viable social safety net.
Centralized
Emergency Fund
Providing the financial resources for LUM's Emergency Assistance
Program, a total of $117,599 in direct financial assistance
was shared with 1,658 families in 2002 an average of
$70.95 per family.
Emergency
Homeless Shelter
During 2002, overnight shelter, meals, showers, and a safe
caring environment were provided to 495 homeless men, women,
and children. They stayed with us a total of 12,302 bednights.
Over 300 dedicated volunteers served in the shelter during
2002. Twenty-six church and community groups provided meals
for shelter guests 335 nights during the year.
Afterschool
Program
Now in its 4th year, the LUM Afterschool Program provides
educational enrichment for children of LUM's clients, while
enabling their parents to finish their afternoon at work knowing
their children are in a safe and stimulating environment.
The children are transported each day from their LSC elementary
schools to LUM where they receive a nutritious snack, help
with homework, religious education, arts, crafts, recreation
and field trips. The program is staffed by Andrea Penner,
a certified elementary teacher, and Melissa Heide, a 3rd year
elementary education major at Purdue. Over 20 Purdue and community
volunteers join Andrea and Melissa.
Jubilee
Christmas
LUM's Jubilee Christmas, our community's
largest Christmas assistance program, helped parents from
675 local families to be heroes with their children at Christmastime!
1,655 children benefited this year. Thirty-four LUM member
churches joined together to host 22 separate Jubilee Christmas
toy shop sites where parents selected new toys, clothing,
canned hams, food and gift certificates for their children.
Over $125,000 in gifts, and over 1,000 volunteers combined
to warm the hearts and bring smiles to the faces of children
and parents alike!
LUM
Camp 2002
Camp was held the week of June 16th at Pine Creek United Methodist
Camp near Pine Village in Warren County. Our theme this year
was "The Excitement of Engineering"! 84 boys and
girls, ages 8 to 10, enjoyed one of the most memorable weeks
of their lives in one of the finest overnight camping programs
in Indiana. 30 volunteer camp counselors and 25 activity leaders,
along with the LUM and Pine Creek staff, made it possible
for the children to swim, hike, create crafts, ride horses,
learn new skills, and grow in confidence and self esteem.
St.
John's/LUM Food Pantry
The largest volume food pantry in west central Indiana, the
St.John's/LUM Food Pantry provides emergency food to approximately
2,000 individuals each month. Over 60 volunteers staff the
pantry, purchase and transport food, and keep the facility
stocked and clean.
Let's
Do Lunch
Completing its 10th season, LUM's Let's Do Lunch Program daily
provided over 70 nutritious lunches free of charge during
the months of June, July, and August, to children living at
Bridgeway Apartments in Lafayette. IU Social Work intern Megan
Ulrich, and Summer Company interns Becky Swanson, Jonathan
Nolte, and Sara Bensinger, not only prepared and served over
2,000 lunches during the summer, but they also engaged the
children in all kinds of fun recreational activities.
Hunger
Hike
Proceeds from this annual 7-K walk provide important financial
support for LUM's anti-hunger programs, Food Finders Food
Bank, and hunger relief in Haiti. Over $30,281 was raised
this year. More than 450 participants and the Purdue Crew
Team, serving as Grand Marshals, made this the best Hunger
Hike ever!
LUM
Open Golf Tournament
The all new 7th annual LUM Open Golf Tournament took place
on September 7th at the Coyote Crossing Golf Course in West
Lafayette. Seventy-two golfers spent a picture perfect afternoon
enjoying great food, spirited competition, and the satisfaction
of knowing their efforts would support the LUM shelter and
its 518 guests. The foursome from St. Mary Cathedral, which
included Chip Gull, Butch, Tom and Paul Meyers, won the traveling
LUM Cup Trophy with a 21 under par score of 51! Over $2,500
was raised for the shelter. The 2003 LUM Cup Tournament will
be held on Saturday, September 13, at 12:30pm at Coyote Crossing.
Mark your calendars!
Community
Thanksgiving Celebration
Held again this year at Central Presbyterian Church, this
popular Greater Lafayette holiday tradition served 755 turkey
meals with all the fixings! Over 150 volunteers helped decorate,
prepare the food, serve, and clean up afterwards. This was
LUM's 16th annual Community Thanksgiving Celebration.
Baked
Goods Distribution
Day-old bakery and produce items provide an abundant variety
of foods to an average of 90 families each week. This LUM
program takes place each week at three sites: First Baptist
Church, Fowler House Apartments, and Bridgeway Apartments.
Food Finders Food Bank provides the baked goods, while LUM
volunteers load, haul, unload, and distribute the items.
Case
Management
Three interns from the Indiana University School of Social
Work provided case management services to 45 LUM shelter guests.
Short-term attainable goals were set and guests were supported
as they worked to achieve self-sufficiency.
Shelter
Garden
Under the watchful eye of volunteer Carolyn Kessler, fresh
produce was organically grown for use in LUM's shelter and
in the St. John's/LUM Food Pantry.
Social
Justice Ministries
The Lafayette Urban Ministry does more than provide vital
services and help needy individuals to become self-sufficient.
We also work to build a more just society for those we serve.
During 2002 LUM was successful in helping to expand Indiana's
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for working families by $8.7
million. Indiana's EITC encourages work, and provides additional
revenue for families struggling to pay the basics of food,
shelter, or health care. Our Director of Social Justice Ministries,
Patti O'Callaghan is actively involved in research, public
education, and legislative advocacy that helps to strengthen
Hoosier families and provide brighter futures for our children.
Legislative
Forum
During recessionary times it is more important than ever to
be strong policy advocates for vulnerable populations. Local
state legislators came to LUM on November 21st to meet with
area human service providers to learn about and discuss issues
important to those we serve. The event was held as part of
Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week in Tippecanoe County.
Community
Involvement
LUM staff members help further many other important community
organizations and programs by contributing of their time,
energy, and expertise Tippecanoe County Ministerial Association,
Historic Centennial Neighborhood Association, Homelessness
Prevention Network, Indiana Catholic Conference, Indiana Coalition
for Human Services, Vision 2020, Tippecanoe Child Abuse Prevention
Council (T-CAP), Hartford House, the CASA for Kids Fund, Rotary,
and the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce.
Legal
Assistance
Local attorney Robert Poynter, offered pro bono services to
15 clients on an as needed basis. Mr. Poynter works with families
on landlord-tenant and public assistance issues.
RESPECT
(Reducing Early Sex and Pregnancy by Educating Chihldren &
Teens)
By working intensively with six teenaged girls who are at
high risk of becoming teen moms, LUM hopes to reduce the incidence
of teen pregnancy and provide the girls with brighter futures.
RESPECT helps the girls develop the self-esteem and life skills
they need to be successful in school, work, family, dating,
and other relationships. Andrea Penner, LUM's RESPECT Program
Director convenes the group bi-weekly. This abstinence-based
program provides a safe forum where values information about
human sexuality, drugs, alcohol, tobacco use, communication
and decision-making skills can be shared and discussed.
I&R
(Information and Referral)
Over 50 times per day LUM staff and volunteers provide up
to date information to individuals calling in with urgent
questions about where to find and how to access emergency
assistance or other vital human services in our community.
Volunteer
Appreciation Luncheon
Volunteers are the backbone of the Lafayette Urban Ministry.
The 2002 LUM Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon was held on April
23rd at Faith Presbyterian Church in West Lafayette. As always,
the event was filled with fun, laughter, and a generous serving
of gratitude to LUM's hardworking volunteers.
The
SEED
The Seed was published seven times in 2002, informing
over 3,300 friends of LUM about events, programs, issues,
and interpreting our work in light of Christian faith. Twenty
outstanding volunteers help stuff, seal, stamp, and prepare
the Seed for bulk mailing.
Also
in 2002... 30th Anniversary Events!
New
Shelter Kitchen
LUM's 30th anniversary year kicked off with a special dedication
and meal on January 16th 2002. After six years and 131,000
meals, the well-worn kitchen was remodeled late in 2001. The
new kitchen is commercial grade and was paid for by a gift
from the estate of Esther R. Austin, mother of Della Willmann,
a long-time friend of LUM. The Catholic Foundation of Indiana
also contributed to the project through gifts from the Bishop's
Fund for the Future, and the Sharing with the Poor Fund. LUM
is grateful for the generosity of these kind donors who paid
for the $50,000 cost of the project. Interested in using our
new kitchen to prepare meals for our homeless guests? Contact
Joyce Boehm at 423-2691.
Doing
Justice, Loving Kindness: LUM's 30-Year Walk with Greater
Lafayette
The Lafayette Urban Ministry continued its 30th anniversary
celebration on April 17th by bringing together the four co-authors
of LUM's "Green Book" an early LUM model
and evaluation, funded by the Lilly Endowment and published
in 1976. Those authors (Jim Davidson, Ron Elly, Don Nead,
and Tom Hull) reflected upon LUM's formation, its roots in
the ecumenical movement, and the challenges it faces in the
future. About 60 LUM board members, staff, and friends gathered
at Hope Chapel Presbyterian Church for the event, which included
great food, warm fellowship, and much good humor. An hour-long
videotape of the evening's program is available by calling
LUM at 423-2691. It's a great documentation of LUM's history
and spirit!
30th
Anniversary Worship Celebration
On November 20th, almost 300 people gathered at the magnificent
St. Mary Cathedral to worship God and celebrate 30 years of
LUM's service to our community. The celebration began with
a large "Procession of LUM Programs" including 40
staff and board members, volunteers and clients. An inspirational
50 member ecumenical choir directed by the talented Brad Bodine
of St. Tom's led the congregation in song. The service also
included a special musical presentation of "Because I
have Been Given Much" by choir members from the Lafayette
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Mayor Sonya Margerum
of West Lafayette was guest homilist sharing reflections on
1 John 3:11-20 (But if anyone has the world's goods and
sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him,
how does God's love abide in him?). A reception followed
in St. Mary's Bishop's Hall. The staff and board of the Lafayette
Urban Ministry are grateful to each person who has made LUM's
30 years of service to the needy in Greater Lafayette possible!
Other
Happenings
Annual
Fund Campaign
A record $61,076 was raised during LUM's 2002 Annual Fund
Campaign for use in Lafayette Urban Ministry programs. The
effort was the most successful Annual Fund Campaign ever for
LUM both in terms of the dollars pledged and given, and the
numbers of individuals contributing. We're grateful to those
who worked so hard on the committee: Mary Anderson, Lynn
Griffin, John Bodle, Jo Johannsen, Ken Ewing, Joe Micon, Don
Ferris, Lorraine Rund, Ruth Ann Ferris, Janice Weedon, Bill
Gettings, Jr., Bill & Mary Beth Whalen.
New
Client Database
LUM staff members have just begun using a new client database
that will result in better service to the families and children
served by LUM. The database was designed by LUM's business
Manager Jo Johannsen. It will allow us to better direct individuals
to LUM services for which they may be eligible. It will also
provide more reliable information for grants, reports, and
audits, and it will make that information easier to access,
saving valuable staff time.
Financial
Reports
Things
you should know about
LUM:
- LUM is a not-for-profit corporation organized under Article
501(c)(3) of the International Revenue Code. Contributions
to LUM are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
A detailed audit of LUM's finances is available at the LUM
office (525 N. 4th Street, Lafayette, IN 47901) and available
for your review during regular business hours (8:15am-4:30pm,
M-F).
- The Lafayette Urban Ministry is an ecumenical partnership
of churches and people of faith. In 2002, LUM received financial
support from four judicatories, 36 member churches, 17 non-member
churches, 77 civic organizations, 99 local businesses, and
1,202 individual contributors.
- LUM
is grateful for state and local funding for its homeless
shelter. In 2002, the Indiana Family and Social Service
Administration granted $23,250.32; the City of Lafayette
Community Development Block Grant Program granted $21,441;
the City of West Lafayette Community Development Block Grant
Program granted $6,522.89, and the Federal Emergency Management
Agency contributed $2,500.00.
- During
2002, approximately 2,000 Lafayette Urban Ministry volunteers
contributed 36,000 hours of service. At a rate of $6/hour,
that adds up to $216,000 worth of in-kind service!
- Did
you know that contributions to LUM's programs may now be
transferred directly from your checking account to LUM each
month? Several LUM donors have found this an easy and convenient
way to give. Call Jo Johannsen at 423-2691 and ask for a
Pre-Authorized Monthly Payment (PAMP) form.
Things
you should know about the Centralized Emergency Fund:
- Every dollar contributed to the Centralized Emergency
Fund goes directly to a child or family in need. There is
no administrative overhead taken from what you give. In
2002, 1,658 families received a total of $117,599 in direct
financial assistance. The average household received $70.95.
Utilities, housing, and prescription medications were the
needs most frequently presented to us by families.
- A
family found eligible for CEF assistance may receive up
to $150 per calendar year. They must demonstrate emergency
need and have income less than 150% of the federal OMB poverty
threshold. CEF eligibility criteria are set by the LUM Board
of Directors and administered by the LUM staff. A copy of
those criteria is available by contacting the LUM office
at 423-2691.
- During
2002, 615 gifts totaling $70,922 were made to the Centralized
Emergency Fund by individuals, churches, clubs, and local
businesses. Also in 2002, a grant of $11,175 was made to
CEF by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA).
- $8,710
was expended from CEF to pay half the cost of food distributed
from the St. John's/LUM Food Pantry. St. John's Episcopal
Church paid the other half. St. John's/LUM remained the
highest volume food pantry in west central Indiana serving
an average 1,644 adults and children each month during 2002.
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The
Endowment for LUM Programs
At the end of 2002 the endowment
balance stood at $50,403. A total of $4,313 was
disbursed to LUMÕs programs from the endowment during
2002. Gifts made to the Endowment for Lafayette
Urban Ministry Programs are held in perpetuity while
income is disbursed directly to programs. During
estate planning, why not consider a gift to The
Endowment for LUM Programs? For more information,
please contact LUM at 423-2691.
RESPECT
Scholarship Fund
Upon graduation from high school
every girl who successfully completes LUMÕs RESPECT
Program becomes eligible for a scholarship to the
university, college, or trade school of her choice.
LUM expects to award its first RESPECT Scholarship
during 2004. At the end of 2002 the fund balance
stood at $17,049.
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