LUMINA - Lancaster United Methodist Inner-City Alliance
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Mission Statement
LUMINA offers help to families who are struggling financially: A free business wear clothing bank for those coming out of prison, rehab, domestic violence shelter, or other challenging situation and in need of suitable clothing for interview or employment; free cooking/nutrition classes for adults who have low income or are food insecure; free, safe after school programs and summer camp scholarships for children living in poverty in Lancaster PA. Mission: Sharing God’s love in practical ways with people experiencing poverty and hardship, to empower them toward abundant life. Vision: All persons restored to the vitality which God intended.
About This Cause
LUMINA is a cooperative relief mission of the United Methodist Church and others, equipping and encouraging people who are struggling financially in Lancaster, PA. We are largely volunteer run, with only two paid part-time employees. We are funded entirely by donations from compassionate individuals and groups who invest in our work. For nearly twenty years, LUMINA has been ministering to the economically disadvantaged of Lancaster City and its surrounding communities. LUMINA has grown into a multifaceted non-profit incorporated organization which coordinates local mission work supported by the United Methodist churches of Eastern Pennsylvania, alongside many others outside the church. This local mission work focuses on equipping, empowering, and encouraging rather than providing handouts and fostering unhealthy dependence. Active LUMINA ministries cover three concerns: (1) food insecurity and health education, (2) clothing – business wear for job seekers and school uniforms for children, and (3) Christian education and character development for children and youth. LUMINA’s approach is a combination of programs, direct services, and community networking. Food Security and Health Education LUMINA offers free six-week nutritional education courses to family leaders who are financially stressed and living off food pantries. Classes include the newest nutritional guidelines, cooking skills, kitchen safety, and shopping tips. To encourage participation, each week LUMINA provides clients with incentive gifts of kitchen utensils, as well as the groceries needed to prepare the meal at home for their families. According to post-class surveys, these “Super Cupboard” courses are very effective: 98% of the participants make at least one dietary improvement, and many students testify to an increased feeling of self-esteem and self-reliance. Clothing LUMINA operates and supports two types of clothing services. The Professional Clothing Bank is geared toward adults who are working with social service agencies to secure employment. Donations of new or gently used business wear are solicited from individuals and companies. Clients are referred to us by case workers in post-incarceration restoration agencies, alcohol and addiction rehab facilities, domestic violence shelters, schools and career training services. Clients may choose free articles of clothing, belts, shoes, and accessories. The School Uniform Bank solicits donations of new and gently used uniforms as required by the School District of Lancaster for children in 8th grade and below. Over 85% of the families in this district live below the poverty line, and nearly 1000 are homeless. Students in need are referred to us by the school principal or guidance counselor. Students are each given two full uniforms, as long as supplies last. Children and Youth Ministries LUMINA coordinates the funds and human resources of local churches toward four programs for young people: (1) a week long summer Community Day Camp which combines Christian themes with science and includes a field trip, (2) a weekly Christian education and fellowship night where the focus is on practicing peace and kindness, (3) merit-based full scholarships and transportation to Gretna Glen United Methodist Camp in rural PA for a week in summer, and (4) free extracurricular nutrition/cooking classes for preteens. Most of the students served in these programs succeed in building positive relationships with LUMINA’s leaders, who are screened and trained. Local church groups take turns providing meals and coaching staff. They also collect and donate school supplies, warm clothing, Christmas gifts, and food to share with the children and their families. Statement of Inclusiveness and Purpose All LUMINA’s programs are open to all ethnicities, races, and genders. We offer opportunities for multicultural interaction and mutual respect. We provide stressed children with safe spaces, where they can enter into peaceful relationships with others, rather than perpetuate the cycle of violence which threatens them daily. We engage our participants in practicing forgiveness and kindness, in order to help grow just and healthy communities. We use our resources to inform and inspire, and to help break the cycle of poverty in our community.