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.