Blessing Other Through the Blessings They’ve Been Given: Bruce & Linda

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For Bruce and Linda, giving back is a way of sharing what God has blessed them with.

“God made me for a purpose…and that purpose is to love God and serve Him and to love people and serve them,” Bruce said.

Over their 13 years of marriage, they’ve lived out that purpose as active volunteers in their church and local nonprofits, caring for their family, and fostering community through Bruce’s music and Linda’s piano teaching.

For a season before Bruce and Linda married more than 13 years ago, Linda was a single mom. She utilized thrift stores to stretch her dollar and purchase clothing for her and her three daughters, first learning about FROM during this time.

“Through the love and support of others you get through those times,” Linda said. She said you never forgot those times, and she’s thankful to be a blessing to others going through difficult seasons like she did.

Bruce learned about FROM at his church, nearly two decades ago, and has partnered with us as a volunteer and financially over the years since.

“The faith-based community service efforts that were going on just spoke to my heart,” Bruce said.

They both appreciate how FROM meets needs like housing, food, clothing and other basic needs right here in our community.

“When our basic needs are met, then we can become who we’re meant to be, who we’re created to be,” Linda said.

When FROM launched our affordable and supportive housing project, they joined as monthly givers. Giving monthly, they shared, is an opportunity for them to be consistent and give more because they can spread it out.

“By us being consistent, [FROM] can make future plans and rely on an income,” Linda shares.

Giving back helps support work being done to meet basic needs in the community and make a difference to others.

“If Lowell is a community that gives to its citizens to meet their basic needs, what better thing can we do? Our community is better for it,” Linda said.

Susan B: Sharing Her Light in Lowell

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Sometimes the path to volunteering starts with something simple. For
Susan, it began with a love of treasure hunting at Treasures Thrift Store.
After filling out a volunteer form, she learned the greatest need at the time
was in the food pantry. January 2025 marked the start of her Tuesdays with
FROM, perfectly timed with her recent retirement from education and a
desire to use her time in a meaningful way.

The FROM value that stands out most to Susan is Welcome. Each week,
creating an organized and inviting food pantry is more than a task; it is an
act of care. Service, helping others, and problem-solving have always been
her passions, and the food pantry offers all three. Along the way, something
unexpected happened…gratitude flowed both ways. Thank yous, shared
stories, small tokens, and even recipe ideas from neighbors became
moments of connection that continue to inspire her.

Through volunteering, Susan has seen the depth and strength of the
programs serving the Lowell community and reflected on how powerful it is
when neighbors have access to support and resources. What keeps her
coming back is the people. A Tuesday food pantry team that works well
together, celebrates their impact, and shows up for one another. What
began as an individual act of service has grown into belonging.
Susan’s message for anyone considering volunteering or giving is simple.

“Go for it. There are so many ways to get involved, and there is a right
fit waiting for you.”

Dawn & Dan: Giving Feels Good

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For Dan and Dawn Carter, monthly giving is a quiet way to say thank you.
They have been part of the Flat River Outreach Ministries community for years. While they can’t recall exactly what first drew them in, they know why they continue. Lowell has been good to their family, and supporting FROM is their way of saying thank you.
“Our family has been very fortunate,” Dan shared. “Giving just makes me feel good. It’s a way of expressing my thanks for the good fortune we have experienced.”
The Carters give small amounts each month, knowing that even modest gifts, added together, make a big difference. They don’t just hope their giving helps…they know it does, alongside the many other volunteers and donors who lift up neighbors in need, and that inspires them to continue giving month after month.
To anyone considering becoming a monthly donor, Dan offers this encouragement: Caring for and supporting others not only strengthens the community, but it has a way of strengthening your own life, too.

Welcome, Heather!

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Please help us give a big, warm FROM welcome to Heather! 🎉

Heather is joining the FROM team as our Internal Operations Manager, where she will help lead HR, IT, and other essential internal functions that support our staff and mission every day.

Born and raised in rural Alaska, Heather brings a wide range of life experience and heart to her work. Before moving to Lowell 11 years ago, she lived and worked in Montana and Washington state, building a career that includes roles as a paralegal, bookkeeper, and personal trainer, along with 12 years as a stay-at-home mom to her two children.

When she is not at work, you will likely find Heather outside hiking, camping, or spending time on the water. And a fun fact we absolutely love, she was once a boxing trainer and even worked the corner for a title fight at Madison Square Garden.

Welcome, Heather! We are so excited to have you on the team!

4 Wills That Won’t Help

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Don’t Make these Mistakes with Your Estate Plan!

Your will is one of the most powerful documents you will ever create! Through it, you can proactively care for your loved ones AND determine who will become the next stewards of your God-given resources.

A properly executed will can help you…

  • Minimize family disputes.
  • Protect your loved ones from excessive taxes and legal fees.
  • Establish guardianship for minor children.
  • Provide for children or loved ones with special needs.
  • Give in a profound way to Flat River Outreach Ministries and the other charities close to your heart.

However, there are four types of wills that are not effective.

The Non-Existent Will

Don’t assume you don’t need a will because you don’t have “enough,” or because you’ve already vocalized your desires. A completed will is the only way to ensure your wishes are met and your resources (home, business, personal collections, finances, etc.) are quickly and smoothly passed to your chosen people and charitable causes.

The Incomplete Will

Meeting with an advisor, discussing your plans with loved ones, and documenting your intentions are all important steps toward completing your will. But until you have a properly written and signed will that meets your state’s legal requirements, your plan is just a concept or piece of paper with no legal bearing.

The Lost Will
An estate plan does no good if your loved ones don’t know it exists or where to find it. Once you have a completed will, make sure to communicate important details to your family, such as the location of where it’s stored and any password or keys they will need to access it.

The Out-of-Date Will

Things change over time — and so should your plans. Key life transitions that warrant an update include children moving out of the house, retirement, marriages, births or adoptions, deaths, changes in financial situations, and more.

Not sure where to begin with your plans?
Call us at 616-897-8260 or email arianneh@fromlowell.org to request your complimentary copy of “The Roadmap to Your Completed Will.”