Lafayette Urban Ministry (LUM) is officially solar powered thanks in part to a $10,000 EnviroWatts grant. On Jan. 14, Lafayette Urban Ministry held a “Flip the Switch” ceremony celebrating the completion of its solar power project.
LUM Executive Director Joe Micon said the new solar array will potentially save thousands of dollars in energy costs. Those savings combined with revenue from trading Renewable Energy Certificates will be reinvested into the more than 40 churches and 15 programs that serve as a social safety net for Lafayette children and families.
"They saw a neat, educational component in this where they could pass on to the next generation their own passion for renewable energy,” Micon said.
Each extra penny per kilowatt-hour goes into the EnviroWatts Trust Fund overseen by a board of volunteer Tipmont members that distributes grants to not-for-profit organizations in the Tipmont service area. EnviroWatts has contributed over $709,000 in environmental grants since 2003.
Rob Ford is Tipmont and Wintek's communication director, a role he's held since 2015.
Rob has a bachelor's and a master's in Communication from Purdue University. He lives in West Lafayette with his wife and three children and has a life-sized Yoda statue in his office. Away from the office, you’ll find Rob working on his golf swing, jump shot, or hope for a Purdue basketball national title – all futile endeavors.