LUMF Welcomes You
Hope Is Where the Heart Is
Our
Story
Get to Know Us
In 1962, Luther and Urith McKenzie embarked on a journey in Kingston, Jamaica. Both of them grew up facing adversity, but their experiences inspired them to dedicate their lives to serving their community and church in Miami, Florida. For over four decades, they worked tirelessly to make a difference. On December 20th, 2023, the Luther and Urith McKenzie Foundation, also known as LUMF, was established with a clear mission: to provide essential support to underprivileged children who have faced neglect, abuse, or abandonment. Our goal is to offer these children access to vital resources that can help improve their quality of life. Our primary aim is to assist in the development of these children into productive, healthy adults. We are committed to ensuring they receive the appropriate care and support, including access to education, healthcare, and other essential provisions. At LUMF, we believe that every child deserves a chance to thrive, and we are proud to contribute to this noble cause.
"Whatever you did for the least of these, you did it unto me." - Matthew 25:40
Child Abuse and Neglect Facts
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that child abuse or neglect affects at least one in seven children in the United States annually. Still, this figure is likely underestimated due to underreporting. Tragically, in 2020, 1,750 children in the United States lost their lives due to abuse and neglect.
Families living in poverty may experience significant stress, which can increase the risk of child abuse and neglect. Children from low socioeconomic status households are five times more likely to experience abuse or neglect.
The lifetime economic burden of child abuse and neglect in the United States was approximately $592 billion in 2018, similar in magnitude to other major public health issues such as heart disease and diabetes.
Bullying is defined as unwanted and aggressive behavior among school-aged children. This behavior typically involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the individuals involved. It can take various forms, including physical aggression, verbal harassment, social exclusion, or cyberbullying, and often occurs repeatedly or has the potential to do so. The dynamics of bullying create an environment of fear and anxiety that has a significant impact on both the victims and the aggressors.
The consequences of bullying are extensive and can have lasting effects on everyone involved. Victims of bullying may experience emotional distress, decreased self-esteem, and a range of mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Conversely, children who engage in bullying behaviors may struggle with their emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships, leading to serious challenges later in life.
Bullying should never be tolerated in any context, as it affects not only individual children but also the overall school climate and community. Research indicates that children who bully others during their school years are more likely to continue these hostile behaviors into adulthood, often repeating these patterns in workplace settings. In contrast, children who endure bullying may internalize their experiences and either become bullies themselves or develop maladaptive coping strategies in their adult lives. It is essential to recognize and address bullying to foster a safe and supportive environment for all children.
Services
Florida Residents Only
We offer aid for unforeseen expenses of up to $200 per household, encompassing the following necessities: The support covers essential items such as medication for uninsured individuals, electricity and water bills, clothing and footwear, car repairs, hair braiding for African American children, wigs for children with cancer, alopecia, HIV, or severe scalp issues, and travel expenses for the well-being of children.
We are also pleased to offer financial assistance of up to $125 per year to four households to cover expenses related to food, grooming, or vaccinations for their family pets.
Our program is designed to provide financial assistance to eligible households for their apartment-related expenses. We offer up to $100 to cover the application fees required to apply for an apartment and up to $300 to help with the initial costs of moving into a new apartment, which includes the first month's rent, the last month's rent, and security deposits.
In addition, we provide up to $500 to help qualifying households with monthly rent payments. We aim to alleviate financial burdens and ensure that families can maintain stable housing. We understand the importance of having a safe and comfortable home, and our program is designed to help households achieve this goal.
Our scholarship program is designed to provide comprehensive financial support for students who face challenges in accessing education due to economic hardship. We offer scholarships up to $500 that cover tuition and school fees, books, supplies, and uniforms, ensuring that students have everything they need for a quality education. We aim to remove the financial burden that often prevents students from pursuing their academic dreams. Every student deserves a chance to succeed, regardless of their economic background, and we are committed to providing equal opportunities for education to all eligible candidates.
Emergency Community Resources
Explore various forms of emergency assistance and resources available in Florida to support your needs. Whether you're looking for emergency assistance, children's services, health services, financial assistance, food assistance, or education resources, there are numerous options to help you access what you need.
Florida Abuse Hotline (Child and Adult) - operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to receive reports of known or suspected child abuse, neglect, or abandonment, along with reports of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults. If you believe a child or adult is in immediate danger, please call 911.
(800) 962-2873
988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline - serves individuals experiencing crises, connecting them to the nearest crisis center within a comprehensive national network. This invaluable service is designed to provide immediate and compassionate support through crisis counseling, ensuring that those in need are not alone during their most challenging moments.
Call or Text 988
Teen Line - offers crucial support, resources, and hope to young individuals facing mental health challenges. It runs a hotline with trained counselors who provide confidential assistance. Additionally, outreach programs aim to de-stigmatize mental health discussions and raise awareness in schools and communities, fostering a safe environment for youth to seek help and realize they are not alone in their struggles.
(800) 852-8336
Domestic Violence Hotline -
provides vital resources to empower victims to attain safety and live a life free from violence. Their services include:
- 24-Hour Hotline
- Temporary Emergency Shelter
- Safety Planning
- Information and Referrals
- Counseling and Case Management
- Nonresidential Outreach Services
- Training for Law Enforcement Personnel
- Needs Assessments and Referrals for Resident Children
- Educational Programs to Enhance Community Awareness of Domestic Violence and Available Resources for Survivors
(800) 500-1119
National Sexual Assault Hotline - RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is devoted to providing comprehensive support for survivors of sexual violence.
(800) 656-HOPE 4673
Posion Control - provides expert assistance over the phone through local poison centers. When you call, you'll speak with a pharmacist, nurse, doctor, or another poison specialist. Each of these professionals has undergone specialized training to effectively manage poison emergencies. Furthermore, the individual answering your call will have expertise tailored to address the specific concerns of your community.
(800) 222-1222
Meet the Team
LUMF holds significant meaning in my life, primarily because my beloved grandparents, Luther and Urith McKenzie, are its founders. They were exceptional individuals who devoted their lives to nurturing and supporting our family and community. Their unwavering love and dedication provided us with a strong foundation filled with warmth and security.
Growing up, we spent countless hours engaged in community service alongside them, whether volunteering at our local church, assisting neighbors in need, or participating in various charitable events. My grandparents passionately believed in the importance of giving back, instilling those values in us from a young age. They made it a priority to ensure our safety and well-being in every situation. Every day after school, they would arrive promptly to pick us up, eager to share stories about their day and check in on how we were doing. They took meticulous care of our needs, ensuring that we had not only the essentials but also the emotional support necessary for us to thrive.
Their protective nature stemmed from their own harrowing experiences with abuse and neglect during childhood. Unable to bear the thought of us facing similar hardships, they were especially vigilant about our safety. Trust was a significant concern for them; they relied solely on themselves to care for us and were hesitant to trust even extended family, fearing that the cycle of trauma might repeat itself.
My life has been profoundly enriched due to their love and guidance. Their resilience and commitment to bettering the lives of others inspired the establishment of LUMF. The organization serves as a testament to my grandparents’ dedication to assisting children and families facing adversity. Having experienced the pain of abandonment and hardship, they worked tirelessly to create a haven where every child could find support, love, and a sense of belonging. Through LUMF, their legacy continues to positively impact many lives, ensuring that no child has to endure the struggles they once faced.
Charmaine Peart, CCWPI
President
