Lafayette
Urban Ministry
525 N. 4th Street
Lafayette IN
47901-1004

Tel:
(765) 423-2691

Fax:
(765) 423-2693

E-mail:
lum@
lafayetteurbanministry.org

Office Hours:
M-F 8:15am-4:30pm

Homeless Shelter:
Open every night.
Check-in from
9pm-10pm

Annual Report 2003

Contents
"LUM churches work in partnership" by Carolyn McGlone, President
Financial Report
2003 Programs and Services
Special Events
Other Hapennings
Board, Staff

LUM churches work in partnership... Carolyn McGlone, President

One of the most important and unique things about the Lafayette Urban Ministry is our partnership with our 47 member churches. Each church sends a representative to serve on the LUM board of directors and working together, they direct our ministry to needy children and families in our community. Through 25 programs of service and advocacy, staff and LUM board members are living examples of God's love shown by their enduring mission of compassion and justice to the poorest.

Our roots in the Greater Lafayette faith community run deep. In the early 1960's, Hope Chapel Presbyterian Church began an outreach to needy children on Lafayette's south side. That outreach became the Neighborhood Development Project, and in 1972 it became the Lafayette Urban Ministry. Presently, besides our 47 member churches, we have over 50 additional churches who willingly join with their help in our outreach. With 30 different faith traditions participating, LUM is a successful model for urban ministry that has received both regional and national recognition.

In LUM, churches find an opportunity to deepen their faith experience by serving the neediest. Through the sharing of time, talent, and gifts they know they are following Christ's mandate to love. And although LUM's member churches represent a great diversity of Christian experience, each of them share the core belief that Jesus calls his followers to love and serve. It's the glue that holds LUM together and keeps us moving forward.

The LUM partnership is important because it challenges churches and their members to interpret the difficult issues of our day in light of faith. By involving board members and church volunteers in our program LUM confronts our tendency to dismiss poverty simply as something the poor bring on themselves. It helps us to see the root causes, checks our instincts to blame the victim, and calls us toward a deeper understanding of our faith. Working in partnership through the Lafayette Urban Ministry, local churches and their members are living their faith by building a more just community. We are more than an effective service agency or trusted charity because we strive to show the example of Christ's compassionate love through our work and action in the lives we touch.

We are continually grateful for your generous support and friendship. Please take a few moments to review this annual report and all that was accomplished during the past year. If you or your church would like to find out more about the Lafayette Urban Ministry, contact us at 423-2691. We'd be happy to meet with you or the appropriate group at your church.

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.

2003 Lafayette Urban Ministry Programs and Services

The Emergency Homeless Shelter provided safety and warmth every night of the year
During 2003, overnight shelter, meals, showers, and a safe caring environment were provided to 506 homeless men, women, and children. They stayed with us a total of 14,095 bednights. Over 300 dedicated volunteers served in the shelter during 2003. More than 45 church and community groups provided meals for our shelter guests about 280 nights during the year.

Children in the Afterschool Program had many enriching experiences
LUM's Afterschool Program provided educational enrichment for 46 children of LUM's clients, after school while their parents were finishing their workday. The children are transported each day from their LSC elementary school to LUM where they receive a nutritious snack, homework support, religious education, arts, crafts, recreation and field trips. Andrea Penner, a certified elementary teacher, directs the program. Over 50 volunteers joined Andrea during 2003.

Emergency Assistance helped families out of a tight spot
A total of 1,742 families visited LUM a total of 3,170 times to receive emergency utility, rent, health care, transportation, and work related assistance through LUM during 2003, thanks to the dedicated work of 27 volunteer advocates. LUM's Emergency Assistance Program provides our community with a strong and viable social safety net.

The Centralized Emergency Fund provided resources to help families in a crunch
Providing the financial resources for LUM's Emergency Assistance Program, a total of $108,806 in direct financial assistance was shared with 1,563 families in 2003an average of $69.61 per family.

 

Lafayette Urban Ministry CENTRALIZED EMERGENCY FUND Jan. 1, 2002 to Dec. 31, 2003
Revenue
Gifts	$ 83,113
Churches	15,908
Emergency Shelter Grant	5,000
FEMA	13,432
Interest	75
Total Revenue	$117,527
Expense
Utilities	$49,043
Housing	36,647
Food	9,740
Health Care	8,413
Employment	3,466
Transportation	1,497
Total Expenses	$108,806

Jubilee Christmas provided holiday joy for many families
LUM's Jubilee Christmas, our community's largest Christmas assistance program, helped parents from 670 local families become heroes to their children at Christmas time! 1,671 children benefited this year. Thirty-one LUM member churches joined together to host 22 Jubilee Christmas Toy Shops where parents selected new toys, clothing, and gift certificates for their children. Over $125,000 worth of new toys and more than 1,000 volunteer Jubilee elves combined to warm hearts and bring smiles to everyone involved. (For more information on Jubilee Christmas 2003, click here.)

LUM Summer Camp gave children a memorable week of nature and nurture
Camp was held the week of June 15th at Pine Creek United Methodist Camp near Pine village in Warren county. Our theme this year was "All About Ag!" Seventy-five 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. Twenty-eight volunteer camp counselors and 25 activity leaders, along with the LUM and Pine Creek staff, made it possible for the children to swim, hike, ride horses, create crafts, learn new skills, and grow in confidence and self-esteem.

The St. John's/LUM Food Pantry worked to ensure that none go hungry
The largest volume food pantry in west central Indiana, the St. John's/LUM Food Pantry filled 6,478 requests from 2,115 households during 2003. Over 60 volunteers staff the pantry, purchase and transport food, and keep the facility stocked and cleaned.

LUM's Summer Lunch program provided meals for many low-income children
During the months of June, July, and August LUM's Summer Lunch Program provided 2,545 meals to 176 children living at Bridgeway Apartments in Lafayette. Program Coordinator Jeanette Jaques supervised volunteers as they prepared the meals and engaged the children in fun recreational activities.

RESPECT helped teen girls make healthy decisions
RESPECT (Reducing Early Sex and Pregnancy by Educating Children and Teens) helps teens develop the self-esteem and life skills they need to be successful in school, work, family, dating, and other relationships. The group's leader, Andrea Penner, convenes the group bi-weekly. RESPECT is an abstinence-based program that provides a safe forum where information about human sexuality, drugs, alcohol, tobacco use, communication and decision making skills is shared and discussed.

NEW IN 2003!

Dignity-U-Wear program served clothing needs of low-income families
Worn, wrong-sized, and hand me down clothing can have a drastic effect upon a child's self-esteem. Something as basic as a new set of clothes can have a dramatic impact upon a child's ability to do well in school and build a brighter future. That's why in mid-September LUM partnered with Steinmart to pilot the Dignity-U-Wear program. Fourteen participant families placed orders for new clothing items - provided for them at no cost. The clothing is collected from manufacturers, retail, and wholesale distributors across America, then distributed to helping agencies like LUM, who work directly with children and adults who have need. A second Dignity-U-Wear distribution will happen in early 2004.

LUM started the Campaign for Hoosier Families, a new advocacy initiative
This faith-based initiative is building a statewide constituency to advocate the concerns of working families and their children in Indiana. Patti O'Callaghan and the Rev. Gary Forbes are active in the research, education, networking, and legislative advocacy that strengthens Hoosier families and builds brighter futures for their children.

And that's not all! Other LUM programs in 2003 included:

• Free Baked Goods Distribution
• Case Management for the Homeless
• Free legal assistance
• The Seed Newsletter
• Information and Referral
• Staff participation in community projects and boards

2003 LUM Special Events

Hundreds of hikers raised record proceeds in 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 - $32,215 was raised. Major sponsors for the September 21 hike included Bison Financial, Tate and Lyle, and Sam's Club. More than 450 participants and the Purdue Crew Team, serving as Grand Marshalls, made this the most successful Hunger Hike ever!

The Community Thanksgiving Celebration offered fellowship and food for the community
Held annually at Central Presbyterian Church, this Greater Lafayette holiday tradition provides warm fellowship, turkey, and all the fixins' for over 700 individuals. Over 150 volunteers decorated, cooked, served, and cleaned up at the 2003 event on Thanksgiving Day, November 27. This was LUM's 17th annual Community Thanksgiving Celebration!

LUM Open Golf Tournament raised funds for the Homeless Shelter
Held on September 19 at Coyote Crossing Golf Course in West Lafayette, the event raised $2,500 for the Lafayette Urban Ministry Emergency Shelter for the Homeless. Seventy-two golfers spent a crisp autumn afternoon enjoying great food, spirited competition, and the satisfaction of knowing their efforts would support the LUM shelter and its 506 guests. The prestigious LUM Cup Trophy was won this year by the foursome from St. Thomas Aquinas Center ­ Chuck Anderson, Bruce Graves, Terry Lucterhand and Scott Barnard.

Legislative Forum raised awareness about important issues
Advocates for vulnerable populations must develop the skills and knowledge base to effectively represent their clients in the public arena. LUM's Director of Social Justice Ministries, Patti O'Callaghan led a very well-received workshop on November 20 about current issues facing those in our state who are disadvantaged. The event was held as part of Homelessness Awareness Week in Tippecanoe County.

St. Elizabeth honored for service to LUM Shelter
In appreciation for ten years of service to the homeless in our community, the Lafayette Urban Ministry Board of Directors took time away from its October 15 meeting to present a plaque to the administration and staff of the St. Elizabeth Hospital Laundry. The plaque quotes Matt: 25 (for I was a stranger, and you welcomed me) Last year 12,302 sets of sheets (fitted, flat, pillowcase and blanket) were provided by the hospital, free of charge, for use in LUM's Emergency Shelter. Over the past ten years, an estimated 100,000 sets of sheets have been provided by the laundryan in-kind gift to LUM in excess of $20,000. The LUM Board also provided a continental breakfast to the St. Elizabeth Laundry employees.

Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon honored LUM's "backbone"
Over 2,000 volunteers serve needy families and children in our community through a Lafayette Urban Ministry program. They are the backbone of LUM. Our 2003 Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon was held on April 24 at Christ United Methodist Church in Lafayette. Dick Jaeger provided musical entertainment. As always the event was filled with fun, laughter, and a generous helping of gratitude to LUM's hardworking volunteers.

 

My parents, teachers, and spiritual leaders taught me that the world has problems ­ and that I can solve them. I was taught that the intellectual and material gifts that I possess have brought me the privilege and responsibility of sharing with others who are less fortunate. I was taught that service is the rent each of us must pay for living on this planet. Service is the very purpose of life, not something you do in your spare time, or after you have reached your personal goals. —Marion Wright Edelman, Children's Defense Fund

Jubilee Christmas 2003 — many hands helped with LUM's annual holiday happening!

Lafayette Urban Ministry and our member churches continued two decades of Christmas celebrations, hosting our 23rd Jubilee Christmas, the community's largest Christmas assistance program for low-income families.

On December 13, thirty-one LUM member churches hosted twenty-two Jubilee Christmas "shopping" sites. And after Jubilee day, other families were able to "shop" from extra gifts and late donations. In total, parents of 1,670 children from 670 low-income families selected free toys and gifts for their children, and were able to take their gifts home for a family celebration on Christmas day.

But Jubilee Christmas does not just happen. It takes:

• 31 participating churches
• 45 site coordinators and partner coordinators
• Hundreds of Jubilee day volunteers
• Over $125,000 worth of new toys
• 1.5 TONS of canned hams
• Over 100 individuals and groups who donated toys directly to LUM
• Hundreds of congregational members who donated toys directly to their site

Major corporate sponsors:

• Haan & Assoc., Advertising Inc.
• Bison Financial Group/Dave Vorbeck
• Lafayette Venetian Blind/Dennis Morgan
• State Farm Insurance/Jim Slaven
• The Flower Mill/Jim Mailloux
• Tippecanoe Animal Hospital/Dr. Roger Reiger
• Twin City Collision Repair/Mike Molter

The real success of Jubilee Christmas is measured in more than just toys and dollars. The true effect of Jubilee is reflected in the faces and thankful words of our guests. The smiles and hugs, the relief and the gratitude are visible signs of their appreciation for all the hard work and generosity of this community.

LUM 2004: Executive Council, Staff Members, Board of Directors

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

Carolyn McGlone President
Joanne Thomson Vice President
Joe Wippel Treasurer
Loni Kucik Secretary
Mike Madson Program & Planning
Doug Christiansen Personnel
Dale Bough Facilities

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Spencer Bower Lewis Beeler Rae Brandt Harry Brown Doug Christiansen Russ Clark Ross Douglas Jean Dumas Richard A. Emery Marge Fitzgerald Harrison Flint Maria Genaris

Mary Ann Halsema Jane Hand Judy Haverkamp Peggy Hoover David Hovde Mary Ella King Kaye Kleine-Ahlbrandt Kevin Maynard Harry Meyers Beth Misner Miguel Ortiz

Brett Peden John Rohrer Carl Schwamberger Jerry Shipp Sharon Stavnheim Rose Styles Mark Thomas Tom Topping Janice Weedon Geneva Werner Charlene Williams

STAFF MEMBERS

• Mary Anderson Acting Executive Director
• Joe Micon Operations Manager
• Patti O'Callaghan Director, Social Justice Ministries
• Andrea Penner Director, Youth Programs
• Joyce Boehm Director, LUM Emergency Shelter
• Amy Borland Afterschool Program Assistant
• Smokey Mason Afterschool Van Driver
• Michael Williams Afterschool Van Driver
• Steve Ball Shelter Coordinator
• Eric Sherer Shelter Coordinator
• Violet Rockenbaugh Shelter Coordinator
• Julie Mason Shelter Coordinator
• Christine Egolf Shelter Coordinator
• Amanda Piegza Shelter Coordinator
• Sayone Thihalolipavan Shelter Coordinator
• Ron Langdon Case Manager
• Laurie Graefnitz IU School of Social Work Intern
• Buck Black IU School of Social Work Intern
• Dan Keen Shelter Security
• Jo Johannsen Business Manager
• Kaye McSpadden Office Manager
• Nancy Muller Receptionist
• Tom Jaques Maintenance Director