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.

 

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.