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Empowering Central Illinois Today, For a Better Tomorrow
Our Mission
The Lumina Project intends to address medical disparities within the community we call home and abroad. We commit to providing our direct services to any member of the community, but cater our outreach, especially to those who are unhoused, low-income, and physically/mentally impaired.
Our daily operations are guided by four core principles as detailed below.
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Transparency
An honest evaluation of the impact our organization can have, how we operate, and where we're headed is informed by a direct assessment of community needs and growth-limiting factors.
Community Outreach
Our dedication to our constituents and daily function is defined by the intimate connections and support system we strive to establish with local organizations and the community at large.
Integrity
We maintain that 100% of charitable funding (donations, grants, and income) will be allocated to serve the community. The upholding of this standard is achieved through the oversight of internal operations, as committed to by each LP board member.
Sustainability
The Lumina Project commits to the continual growth and expansion of its member/donor base, network of affiliate organizations, and the scope of services it provides.
Meet Our Committee Board
One advantage of a local, small-scale nonprofit like LP is the intimate connections and hands-on contributions facilitated by our tight-knit group of constituents. Each dedicated member of our executive team is a Central-Illinois native, eager to lend a helping hand to those in need. Read below to learn a little more about each founder, what values unite us, and what sets us apart!
Quentin Irwin
Co-Founder, Committee Board Member
Quentin is a graduate of The University of Iowa and 1st year medical student at the University of Illinois College of Medicine (Peoria). He previously worked as a Medical Assistant at Illinois Cancer Care, and devotes his time to Bible Study Fellowship, volunteering, and independent research projects. In his free time, he enjoys exercise, discovering new music, and conversation with friends.
Parker Newton
Co-Founder, Committee Board Member
Parker is a student at Illinois State University. As an aspiring healthcare practitioner, he was inspired to address health disparities in his community using his limited knowledge/capabilities. In his free time, he works as an EMT and enjoys playing golf and spending time with family/friends. He's excited to see where his journey with Lumina Project takes him!
Drew Hinderer
Co-Founder, Committee Board Member
Drew is a recent graduate of Illinois State University. After developing a passion for volunteerism and community service, he co-founded Lumina Project to further his dedication to the community, which he was born and raised in. In his free time, he's an active member of his local church and enjoys watching football with his father and playing pick-up basketball with friends.
Evan Irwin
Co-Founder, Committee Board Member
Evan is recent graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University with plans to pursue medical school. He served in the US Air Force and has an extensive background in volunteerism and community service. He also works as an EMT and personal trainer. He enjoys being outdoors, lifting weights, and playing guitar in his free time.
Nick Husarik
Committee Board Member
Nick is a recent graduate of Iowa State University, majoring in Biochemistry on a pre dental track. He decided to join Lumina because of the real impact and his love of giving back to those underserved in his community. Serving alongside LP has allowed him to connect directly with individuals experiencing homelessness and medical hardship, offering time and conversation over just physical supplies. In the future, he hopes to continue serving those communities as a healthcare professional. In his free time, he also likes playing guitar and playing pickup basketball with his friends.
Meet Our LP Members
As LP continues to expand and future outreach demands more hands on deck, we seek to recognize the new faces and perspectives that make it possible. Read below to learn a little more about each member and what they bring to the Lumina Project team!
Lucas Hurd
Lumina Project Member
Lucas enjoys spending time with family, friends, leading a children’s ministry group, and activities like playing the guitar and hiking. He got involved with the Lumina Project because of the impact being made and the selflessness of LP’s mission. He was also looking for a solid group of pre-med focused students that could help him grow as a person and a future applicant. Lucas hopes to be involved in immunology research and pursue medical school.
Martin Kocian
Lumina Project Member
Martin is a current student at Illinois State University studying kinesiology and pursuing a career in healthcare. With a passion for aiding individuals in need, he allocates time and resources to those who might benefit from it. He believes that the Lumina Project is a great way to directly address medical disparities in the community. Outside of all these activities, Martin likes to go out on runs and bike rides as well as spend time with friends.
Cody Kurcab
Lumina Project Member
Cody is a recent graduate of Illinois State University, studying Exercise Science with plans to pursue a career as a physician assistant. He became involved with The Lumina Project to give back to the community by helping provide essential food and supplies to individuals in need, with the goal of making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Jack Gentes
Lumina Project Member
Jack is a sophomore at Illinois Wesleyan University pursuing a degree in biology on a pre-medical track. In his free time, he serves as the president of the Golf Club at IWU and works as a medical scribe at Carle MCO, as well as a caregiver with Synergy Home Care. Most importantly, his Christian faith guides his desire to serve others, help those in need, and show love to people who need it most. Seeing the meaningful impact of the Lumina Project inspired him to join the organization, as it aligns closely with his values. His long-term goal is to become an orthopedic surgeon.