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 2004

Contents
"Looking back with gratitude, looking forward with hope and promise" by Mary Anderson, Interim Executive Director
2004 Programs and Services
Special Events
Financial Report
Board, Staff

Looking back with gratitude, looking forward with hope and promise
Mary Anderson, Interim Executive Director

I never know whether the start of the new year is time for looking backward or forward. TV and radio stations, magazines and newspapers all do "year in review" features and "the best and the worst" lists. Advertisers tell us it's the time to eat healthier, exercise more and organize our living spaces. Resolutions abound, and a few people actually bother to look back to see the status of their resolutions from the previous year! I want to take this opportunity to do a little of both--looking backward and forward in this annual report of 2004.

2004 was a very good year at Lafayette Urban Ministry. Our programs ran smoothly-- a record number of children and families were served by one or more of our 25 programs. Our staff worked diligently to serve all those people with dignity and respect. Our volunteers literally kept the doors open and those programs running-- the staff could not do it alone. Our donors were generous, with income exceeding last year's. Our 47 member churches supported us with board representatives, donations and program support. While we wish that the need for LUM services would decrease, we rejoice that the community's response rose to meet the increasing needs that we saw in 2004.

2005 will be a very good year at Lafayette Urban Ministry. There are some changes-- Joe Micon, who was elected in November to the Indiana House District 26 seat, now serves as LUM's Development Director and I am the Interim Executive Director. The Board has looked at these and other staffing changes carefully, and we have every confidence that the operation of LUM will continue smoothly. I will learn more about insurance and investments, and Joe will write more grants and work to assure LUM's financial health.

In 2005, we will undoubtedly see an increasing caseload--the economic "upswing" has yet to reach low-income families--and we will assist those families and individuals with financial assistance, afterschool care, shelter, food and support. We will provide tax assistance and take children to camp. We will track legislation and distribute new clothing. We will mentor teenage girls and hike to end hunger. We will make the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays brighter for hundreds of families.

Our resolution for 2005 is, plainly and simply, to help God's children in need. I know that, with your support and prayers, we will look back on this resolution in January of 2006 and say that it was a resolution fulfilled!

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.

Member Churches
Is your church a part of the Lafayette Urban Ministry? Membership is open to all whose faith leads to ministry among the poor.

2004 LUM Programs and Activities

In 2004, LUM served the needs of nearly 4,000 low-income children, families and individuals in the Lafayette area community through many well-established and highly respected programs as well a brand new inititative

The Emergency Homeless Shelter provided safety and warmth every night of the year During 2004, overnight shelter, meals, showers, and a safe, caring environment were provided to 504 homeless men, women, and children. They stayed with us a total of 13,766 bednights. Over 300 dedicated volunteers served in the shelter during 2004. More than 60 church and community groups provided meals for our shelter guests about 288 nights during the year.

With a new director, the Afterschool Program continued LUM's tradition of high quality care for children
LUM's Afterschool Program provided educational enrichment for 41 children of LUM clients, after school while their parents were finishing their workday. The children are transported each day from their LSC elementary schools to LUM where they receive a nutritious snack, homework support, religious education, arts, crafts, recreation and field trips. Rita Tillett joined the staff as Program Director in the fall of 2004. Over 50 volunteers helped with the children during 2004.

 

Lafayette Urban Ministry CENTRALIZED EMERGENCY FUND Jan. 1, 2004 to Dec. 31, 2004
Revenue
Gifts	$ 68,948
Churches	16,131
Emergency Shelter Grant	5,000
FEMA	12,750
Interest	63
Total Revenue	$102,892
Expense
Utilities	$46,943
Housing	40,174
Food	10,007
Health Care	11,226
Employment	5,340
Transportation	1,435
Total Expenses	$115,125

Emergency Financial Assistance helped families out of a tight spot
We served 1,778 families who visited LUM a total of 3,330 times to receive emergency utility, rent, health care, transportation, and work related assistance thanks to the dedicated work of 25 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 crisis
Providing the financial resources for LUM's Emergency Assistance Program, a total of $115,125 in direct financial assistance was shared with 1,665 families in 2004an average of $69.14 per family.

Dignity-U-Wear served clothing needs of low-income families
In partnership with Stein Mart, LUM helped to distribute new clothing to 87 families four times during the year. 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.

LUM clients and volunteers share some thoughts.... "I really appreciate your help with my medication. Since my car wreck where I spent three months in a nursing home, I was not able to pay for all my meds. You really helped me out a lot." -- T.S., Advocate client "The Afterschool Program is cost-effective and I like that it is a ministry. It was divine intervention that brought my family here." --Penny, Afterschool Program parent   "Sometimes people make those of us they are helping feel inferior and ashamed of our situation. You didn't make me feel that way. Thank you for the gentle way you helped me!" -- K.C., Advocate client "Thank you for enabling me to give my children what I could not have otherwise. I was blessed by the generosity of this community and look forward to the day when I can contribute, rather than receive." --C.R., Jubilee Parent   "Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sponsoring such a wonderful program, Jubilee Christmas. It showed me that there is still good in people." --J.B., Jubilee Parent   "I will remember the children, some open and happy, and some quiet, withdrawn and sad eyed, already hardened by their short life's experience. Their faces will remain with me for a long time." --D.W., LUM Camp counselor

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 served 20,036 people in 2004, filling 6,651 requests from 2,166 households. Over 60 volunteers staff the pantry, purchase and transport food, and keep the facility stocked and cleaned.

Jubilee Christmas provided holiday joy for many families
LUM's Jubilee Christmas, our community's largest Christmas assistance program, helped parents from 730 local families become heroes to their children at Christmas time! 1,793 children benefited this year. Thirty-two LUM member churches joined together to host 23 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.

Many thanks to Jubilee's major corporate sponsors:

• Bison Financial Group/Dave Vorbeck
• The Flower Mill/Jim Mailloux
• Haan & Associates, Advertising Inc/Robert Dearing
• Salin Bank & Trust Company/Bill Powers
• Tippecanoe Animal Hospital/Dr. Roger Reiger
• Wal-mart Store #01-1547/Diane Powell
• WKHY/WXXB/Ernie Caldemone

LUM Summer Camp gave children a memorable week of nature and creativity
With the theme "Where Creativity Runs Wild," LUM Camp 2004 was held the week of June 14th at Pine Creek United Methodist Camp near Pine Village in Warren County. In addition to traditional outdoor activities such as morning chapel, horseback-riding, swimming, and campfires, there were many outstanding enrichment sessions centered on the visual and performing arts. Sixty-four campers, ages 8-10, enjoyed painting, dancing, music, and theater, and even created a mural that was displayed at the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette. Twenty-five volunteer camp counselors, 30 program leaders, and the LUM and Pine Creek staff worked to make this a memorable week and positive experience for each of the children.

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, Rita Tillett, 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, and decision making are shared and discussed.

Campaign for Hoosier Families continued its advocacy work
Established in 2003, this faith-based initiative is building a statewide constituency to advocate the concerns of working families and their children in Indiana. Patti O'Callaghan is active in research, education, networking, and legislative advocacy to help strengthen Hoosier families and build brighter futures for their children. Over 100 individuals, churches and organizations have signed on.

NEW IN 2004! LUM offered free tax assistance for low-income families
In 2004, LUM started an outreach campaign to make eligible people aware of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a special tax benefit for low-income working people. LUM partnered with certified volunteer tax preparers from Bison Financial Group to offer free tax preparation at LUM. In this first year of the program, LUM helped 159 families to file their taxes and claim over $100,000 in EITC.

But that's not all -- other LUM programs in 2004 included:

• Free Baked Goods Distribution
• Case Management for the Homeless helped 48 people
• Free legal assistance
• The Seed Newsletter-- 6 issues reaching over 3300 households
• Information and Referral
• Staff participation in community projects and boards

2004 LUM Special Events

Throughout the year, LUM sponsored special events to increase awareness, raise funds, and involve and serve the community.

Hundreds of hikers raised record amounts in Hunger Hike 2004 presented by Bison Financial Group
Over $41,000 was raised in this annual 7-K walk, providing important financial support for LUM's anti hunger programs, Food Finders Food Bank, and St. Tom's hunger relief in Haiti. Major sponsors for the September 19 hike included Lafayette Community Bank, Tate and Lyle, and Vectren. 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 750 individuals. Over 150 volunteers decorated, cooked, served, and cleaned up at the 2004 event on Thanksgiving Day, November 25. This was LUM's 18th annual Community Thanksgiving Celebration!

Legislative Forum raised awareness about important issues
Advocates for vulnerable populations must develop the skills and knowledge 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 17 about current issues facing those in our state who are disadvantaged. The event was held as part of Homelessness Awareness Week in Tippecanoe County.

Plan Your 2005 Giving
The Lafayette Urban Ministry is the most important part of our community's social safety net. When layoffs occur or unexpected housing, utility, or health care expenses arise, LUM is often the only thing standing between a family and financial disaster. Through over 20 different programs of service, self help, and social justice ministry, the Lafayette Urban Ministry is both first resort and last recourse for thousands of families in our community each year.

LUM's important work draws heavily upon the support of over 3,500 individual friends and donors. Through general contributions or targeted gifts to specific programs, LUM's donors feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, nurture needy children, and advocate for a more just society. During 2005 the Lafayette Urban Ministry will ask for your support of our

• Annual Fund Campaign--March 1
• LUM Camp--May 15
• Centralized Emergency Fund--August 1, November 1
• Christmas Season Campaign--December 1

In addition to the above giving opportunities, LUM encourages your consideration of our Jubilee Christmas, Afterschool, and Community Thanksgiving programs. Gifts can be made by sending a check directly to LUM, through pre-authorized monthly withdrawals from your personal checking account, or by Visa or Mastercard payments through the mail or online at www.lafayetteurbanministry.org.

The Lafayette Urban Ministry is one of our community's most established and well-respected charities. Your tax-deductible gift has an immediate positive impact upon the life of a local family or child that is going through a difficult time. As you plan your 2005 charitable giving, please generously consider the important work of the Lafayette Urban Ministry.

LUM 2005: Executive Council, Staff Members, Board of Directors

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Joanne Thomson, President
Mary Ella King, Vice President
Joe Wippel, Treasurer
Mark Thomas, Secretary
Lewis Beeler, Program & Planning
Kaye Kleine-Ahlbrandt, Personnel
Dale Bough, Facilities

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Janet L. Broyles Doug Christiansen Russ Clark Phyllis Day Ross Douglas Jean Dumas Kirk Eicher-Miller Marge Fitzgerald Harrison Flint Maria Genaris Mary Ann Halsema Jane Hand Judy Haverkamp Peggy Hoover Tom Housley David Hovde

Deanna Johnson Nell Kretzschmar Mike Madson Kevin Maynard Ann McKenzie Harry Meyers Beth Misner Miguel Ortiz Brett Peden Carl Schwamberger Jerry Shipp Barb Small Connie Standiford Rose Styles Tom Topping Janice Weedon Charlene Williams

STAFF MEMBERS

Interim Executive Director	Mary Anderson
Development Director	Joe Micon
Director, Social Justice Ministries	Patti O'Callaghan
Director, Youth programs	Rita Tillett
Director, LUM Emergency Shelter	Joyce Boehm
Afterschool Program Assistant	Wes Tillett
Shelter Coordinator	Steve Ball
Shelter Security	Dan Keen
Business Manager	Jo Johannsen
Office Manager	Kaye McSpadden
Receptionist	Nancy Muller
Maintenance Director	Tom Jaques
Shelter Coordinators	Steve Ball, Eric Sherer, Jeff Goodspeed