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