Dave Dowson: Building More Than Homes

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When Dave Dowson retired and moved to the Lowell area in the spring of 2022, he was looking for something meaningful to do. He wanted to help people and get to know the neighbors in his new community. That search led him here, where his first assignment was working at Main Street Housing and building maintenance at FROM Headquarters.

Dave had volunteered with the Red Cross in Grand Rapids before, but FROM was closer to home, part of the community he now called his own.

Ask Dave what matters most about FROM’s values, and he doesn’t hesitate: Integrity and Dignity. “If we have Integrity, we have the trust of the community,” he says. “And Dignity is what this is all about. Giving people the opportunity to feel good about themselves, giving them some self-esteem.”

That belief came to life through his work at Main Street Housing. Dave says it’s the people, the fellow volunteers who became lasting friends, and the tenants they serve that truly make FROM’s work special.

For anyone considering volunteering at FROM, “Helping people feels good, in more ways than you’d expect, and the connections you make along the way are a huge bonus.” Dave says.

Interested in learning more about how you can volunteer at FROM? Connect online at fromlowell.org/volunteer. We’d love to welcome you.

How Much Should I Leave to Ministry? 3 Ways to Weave Giving into Your Will.

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3 Ways to Weave Giving into Your Will 

“How much should I leave to Flat River Outreach Ministries and the other ministries close to my heart?”

It’s a practical question asked by those who are working out the details of their wills or trusts.

Your best answer depends on your circumstances, objectives, and values. However, many families consider one of three giving models.

1. Percentage or Tithe. Many individuals allocate a certain percentage of their will toward Flat River Outreach Ministries and other causes. Some designate 10 percent to reinforce tithing to their families.

2. Child Named Charity. Some families choose to add a “child named Charity” to their wills. By this method, for example, if a couple had four children, each of the children would receive 1/5 of their estate, and the remaining 1/5 would go toward charity.

3. Gifts of Assets. People often designate real estate, business interests, retirement assets, machinery, or even personal collections as gifts to Flat River Outreach Ministries. There are several reasons people do this, whether it’s because the property has special meaning, their children have no further use for it, or because they wish to protect their families from unnecessary taxes.
What’s the right answer for you? It may be helpful to talk with a trusted ally who can help you sort through the options to determine the best fit for your goals and circumstances.

Through Flat River Outreach Ministries’ partnership with Barnabas Foundation, you have direct access to trusted planning support. At no cost to you, you can speak with a planner who will help you identify a plan that honors God, cares for your family, and supports your favorite ministries.

Learn more by calling Arianne Hall at 616.897.8260 x 135 or email arianneh@fromlowell.org.