From Cashier to Christmas to Community Builder: Amy Bell’s FROM Journey

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Many volunteers come to FROM through a friend, and for Amy Bell, that friend was former board member Annie Link. Annie’s passion for the mission inspired Amy to start as a cashier in Treasures Thrift Store, a role she immediately enjoyed. From there, her involvement grew. In 2020, she helped lead the Christmas Toy Room during the height of the pandemic and has continued each year. She has supported backpack distribution, the mobile food pantry, and joined the Board of Directors in 2021.

Amy says Community is the FROM value that stands out to her the most. She loves how people feel connected when they serve here and how the organization has become a trusted part of the Lowell area. Watching neighbors work together on major projects, like the affordable housing initiative, reminds Amy of the power of shared purpose.

Amy Bell doing some heavy lifting at our Mobile Pantry

Her favorite memories come from the relationships she has built. Working in the medical field, she often meets people she first connected with at FROM events. Seeing kids from backpack distribution or families from Christmas programs out in the community fills her with joy. She also treasures the way her church has rallied to support FROM, creating a sense of togetherness she finds really special.

Amy’s advice for anyone thinking about giving or volunteering is simple. Do it. Time spent serving others always matters. It feels good to be part of something that makes a lasting difference.

In her words, come join us.

Exciting Progress at 504 E Main Street

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Big things are happening at FROM’s future Main Street Housing site on 504 E Main Street, and we’re thrilled to share the latest updates with our Lowell community. The duplex is really taking shape with newly added steps, fresh siding, and the start of beautiful stone accents that bring the building to life. Outside, pavement is going down and the parking lot is being formed, giving us a clear picture of how the space will look when finished.

With so much exterior progress underway, crews will soon shift their focus inside all three buildings to begin the next phase of construction. Each update marks real, tangible movement toward providing safe and stable housing for our neighbors. We’re grateful to share this journey with the community as the project continues to take shape.

4 Reasons to Give from Your IRA

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Smart, Convenient Giving for Supporters Over 70½

 

Here’s an insider tip…

More and more supporters are giving to Flat River Outreach Ministries

directly from their retirement accounts through what’s known as a “qualified charitable distribution” (often referred to as a “QCD”).

For those ages 70 ½ and older who qualify, these gifts offer a convenient, cost-effective, and powerful way to share your heart with the community.

What makes a qualified charitable distribution so appealing?

1. If you don’t need the income, you can give directly from your IRA to Flat River Outreach Ministries. It’s a simple way to meet all or part of your required minimum distributions and provide meaningful support!

2. Qualified charitable distributions reduce your taxable income. This is advantageous even if you don’t itemize deductions on your tax return.

3. Gifts from your IRA can be used to fulfill any charitable giving pledges you have made.

4. Any IRA distributions you make to charity will not be taxed. The entirety of your gift will go toward FROM!

Is giving from your IRA the right solution for you? To learn more about this and other convenient and cost-effective ways to support Flat River Outreach Ministries, call Arianne at 616.897.8260 x 135 or email arianneh@fromlowell.org.

 

November 12th: Community Resource Open House

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Neighbors,

Several community members have reached out this week in need of assistance, and several others are asking how they can help. We want to give an update on available resources and the needs we have at this time.

Flat River Outreach Ministries (FROM) is available as a resource to anyone in need. Families can utilize both SNAP benefits and FROM available programming, including our Food Pantry, Mobile Food Pantry. You do not have to choose one or another.

To highlight and answer any questions around our programming, FROM will host a Community Resource Open House on Wednesday, November 12, from 2-4PM at our headquarters- 11535 Fulton St E, Lowell, MI 49331.

FROM staff will be on hand to answer any questions about available programs and resources, especially longstanding programming, including:

·Food Pantry: Shop twice a month (14 days in between) for fresh produce, protein, canned goods, and other pantry staples. The pantry is available Tuesday 2-4PM, Wednesday 5-7PM, and Friday 10AM-Noon. Program participants can use the food pantry and SNAP benefits – you don’t have to choose one or the other.

·Mobile Food Pantry: Provides primarily produce for families in a drive-through style food distribution in partnership with Feeding America of West Michigan. The next one is on December 6 from 9-11AM.

·Farm Market: Located in Treasures Thrift Store at FROM, anyone can shop for produce and other food staples 6 days a week, Monday-Friday 10AM-6PM, Saturday 10AM-2PM. A discount is available to families who qualify for FROM services.

·Resource Connection: FROM program staff provide warm hand-off resource connections for home repair, utility assistance, eviction prevention, employment, and insurance needs. Call our Connections Office at 616-897-8260 to schedule an appointment today.

·Financial Assistance: Financial assistance is available to program participants in need of assistance on rental deposits, eviction prevention, utility assistance, car repairs, and more. Learn more or schedule an appointment today at 616-897-8260.

Food resources will also be available to anyone needing them during the open house hours. All FROM programs are available to Lowell Area School residents making 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (based on self-declaration of need).

Family Size 1 2 3 4 5 6
300% FPL $46,950 $63,450 $79,950 $96,450 $112,950 $129,450

(Data from Department of Health and Human Services, 2025 Poverty Guidelines)

Any household meeting these qualifications – and especially families affected by the SNAP benefit reduction is encouraged to attend. If you live outside of the Lowell Area School District, we encourage you to call 2-1-1 or FROMs Connections Office to learn about resources available in your area.

We deeply appreciate the outpouring of support through food drop-offs, financial support and volunteering. Your support helps ensure every family utilizing the food program receives 3-5 days’ worth of nourishing food. If you can help during this time, please consider:

  • Volunteering: We need volunteers to stock our pantry and to pick up food orders. CLICK HERE to connect with our Volunteer Coordinator.
  • Host a food drive / collect personal care items: HERE is the most up-to-date list of items needed
  • Make a financial contribution: This allows us to purchase most most-needed items at this time. You can donate HERE.

To learn more about available resources or supporting FROM, please reach out. Call our Main Office at 616-897-8260.

Arianne Joins GR SavvySeniors for Antique Roadshow Panel!

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Arianne Hall

 

 

 

Our very own Arianne, FROM’s Development Director, recently joined the GR SavvySeniors “Antique Roadshow” panel to talk about the stories behind our “stuff” and how to let go without the stress.

She shared helpful insights on what might be valuable, what’s just taking up space, and offered guidance on what Treasures Thrift Store can and cannot accept as donations. It was a great conversation for anyone looking to declutter, downsize, or simply make more space for what matters most.

Faith Over Fear

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Rex has been a part of the Lowell community for over 20 years, and recently he found himself facing both financial and personal challenges that he never could’ve expected. In these difficult times, he was able to lean on his neighbors, and FROM, to help him find a path forward. After tallying up his budget every month, Rex is able to pay his bills, but doesn’t quite have enough to make all the ends meet. On top of that, he also lost his vehicle, so saving up to get his own transportation is crucial. When he began looking for help, he learned that he didn’t qualify for many senior assistance programs due to his social security being too high. One day, his neighbor told him about FROM, and he couldn’t be more appreciative of the help he’s received ever since.

Rex routinely utilizes our Rides to and FROM transportation service in order to get to the Food Pantry every two weeks. He picks up necessary food items like meat, milk, fruits, and more.

“I needed help, but I was afraid to ask. I had a friend across the street who told me about the food pantry down the road, and now I am so appreciative of everything FROM’s done to help me out. I thank God every day for everyone at FROM who has helped me.”

Rex is looking forward to the day when he has his own vehicle and can come and volunteer at FROM to give back to the place that has given him so much.

Small Acts, Big Difference: How One Couple Brings Hope to Families

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“Being able to give our time and care reminds us that even small acts can make a big difference,” say Paul and Laura V., who have been sharing their hearts with FROM since 2023. They first got involved through their church’s Mobile Food Pantry and, as a retired couple, wanted to give back together, bringing hope and kindness to their community.

Their volunteering touches many areas, from organizing the Food Pantry stock room and stocking shelves to filling commodity boxes, pricing items for the Farm Market, packing school backpacks, and helping with Christmas Distribution gift bundles. Even behind the scenes, they take joy in making sure every family feels welcomed and cared for.

Some of their most treasured moments come from handing out school backpacks and witnessing the joy, excitement, and relief on the faces of children and parents. They also cherish serving at the Mobile Food Pantry, standing side by side with fellow volunteers in all kinds of weather, from hot summer days to chilly mornings, united in service and kindness.

Paul and Laura hope their journey of giving inspires others to step forward, sharing their time, talents, and care to brighten the lives of families who need a little extra hope and support.

 

Sharing Hope 2025: Building Hope and Homes Together

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Sharing Hope 2025 was a truly inspiring evening. Our community came together to celebrate the power of hope and the importance of having a safe, stable place to call home. Surrounded by friends, laughter, and heartfelt stories, we were reminded that hope grows strongest when we build it together.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of everyone who attended, we surpassed our fundraising goal of $25,000 by more than $10,000. These funds will support FROM’s affordable housing efforts, helping more neighbors find security, dignity, and a sense of belonging through safe and stable housing.

The night was filled with meaningful moments, from shared meals and warm conversations to stories that showed how a home can change a life. It was a celebration of what’s possible when compassion meets action.

Thank you. fromlowell.org/sharinghope

When Life Gave Her Battles, Val Chose to Serve

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Val David has been a devoted volunteer at FROM for over a decade, going way back to when FROM was on Main Street. In 2015, her husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She used FROM’s medical equipment loan program to help care for him while continuing to volunteer. When her husband tragically passed from cancer in 2017, Val’s commitment to serving others never wavered. She used her grief as fuel to serve.

Years later, Val received her own terminal cancer diagnosis. Many would choose to step back, but she persists, bringing her unique spark and dedication to Treasures Thrift Store in areas like Christmas items, media, and games. Every day, she shows up despite her illness, embodying resilience and generosity.

Val inspires those around her, including her children, whom she brought to volunteer in the food pantry with her to learn compassion firsthand. She says bearing witness to service made quite an impact on her children’s lives. When asked what advice she would give someone considering volunteering, she says, “Like the Nike ad: Just do it. When you see the families we help and lives changing because someone cared, that is why I keep going. That is my reason for being here.”

She is a beautiful example that even when life is uncertain, strength, community, and kindness can fill up our spirit and carry us forward.

Meeting More Than Tangible Needs: Peggy.

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“I started using the food pantry on a regular basis, and that has been such a blessing,” Peggy said. “It stretches my food dollar and frees me up to pay other bills because things are really tight, especially these days.”

Peggy, an active volunteer at FROM, has served in nearly every area of the organization over the last 30 years—long before FROM was officially FROM. Although she qualified for FROM programs, she didn’t use them for a long time. It was a conversation several years ago with a fellow volunteer that changed her mind.

“She encouraged me, saying, ‘No, you qualify, so let us help you,’” Peggy said. “There was so much acceptance there.”

Today, the food programs help her do what she needs to do—like keep and maintain her home. Her house, which once belonged to her parents, has become a sanctuary, surrounded by peaceful woods and a river. She maintains a walking path she uses throughout the year and tends a flower garden filled with perennials.

Her experience volunteering and being involved at FROM over the past three decades, alongside a wide variety of people and learning new skills, has helped her grow personally as well. She has developed her communication skills and feels more confident expressing herself.

“I feel like I’ve had the opportunity to work with good people who have been accepting and willing to help me learn and grow along the way,” she said. “And that has been tremendous.”

 

FROM’s Affordable Housing Continues to Expand with New Property Purchase

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We are so grateful to share some big news with you: Our affordable and supportive housing is expanding!
FROM has officially purchased the neighboring property of 504 Main St – 524 E Main Street. What started as one housing project has now grown into a vision for true community. The 2-unit home, former gas station, and additional land will provide space for supportive services, future housing, and new opportunities we couldn’t have possibly imagined this soon.
This was made possible through the generosity of our community, which allowed us to leverage funds that are separate from the capital campaign to purchase this property. It also involved divinely perfect timing and the guidance of Amanda Rogers – Realtor – Rogers Neighborhood Realty, whose care and expertise walked us through every step of this process.
In the coming months, there will be opportunities to welcome the public through volunteer opportunities – and to check out the completed sites. We are feeling filled with pure gratitude and excitement.

To sign up to help with the clean-up initiative for this property, visit fromlowell.org/524cleanup

Backpack Distribution Day: More Than Just School Supplies

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Backpack Distribution Day 2025 was about so much more than school supplies. Yes, 255 kids walked away with backpacks full of the tools they need for a great school year, but they also experienced the care and support of an entire community cheering them on.

The Lions Club of Alto offered free vision screenings, helping parents catch potential vision needs before the first day of school. Kent District Library sent each child home with a free book to inspire a love of reading. Empire Beauty School brought a little extra excitement by offering enter to win haircut vouchers, giving kids a chance to start the year feeling confident and ready.

Moments like these remind us that when our community comes together, we do more than meet needs. We help kids feel seen, valued, and hopeful about the year ahead. Thank you.