Rooted in Community, Reaching Further: Expanding Our Service Area

/in , , /by

FROM Expands Services to Reach More Neighbors

As our community grows, Flat River Outreach Ministries is expanding its reach to serve more households across the greater Lowell area.

FROM’s Food Pantry services are now available to additional neighbors to the west in the Ada, Forest Hills, and Alto communities.

To the east, all of our services have expanded to include all households within the Lowell 49331 zip code.

This expansion reflects FROM’s continued commitment to walk alongside families and individuals facing difficult seasons. Through more than a dozen programs and services, FROM helps meet essential needs, including healthy food access, family support, housing assistance, and connections to helpful community resources.

Every day, neighbors turn to FROM for support, encouragement, and practical help. By expanding service areas, even more families will be able to access the resources they need close to home.

If you or someone you know lives in one of these newly included areas and could benefit from support, FROM is here to help. Community members are encouraged to check if their address falls within the expanded service area and learn more about available programs.

Together, we continue building a community where neighbors care for neighbors.

Finding Purpose in a New Season: Mindy T.

/in /by

When Mindy’s kids left for college, the house felt a little quieter—for years, her time had been spent volunteering through the schools and staying deeply involved in her children’s world. As that chapter closed, she knew she still wanted to serve. She just needed to find where her time and heart could go next.

Having lived in Lowell her entire life, Mindy has always loved her city. Getting involved with Flat River Outreach Ministries felt like a natural next step. Of all the values that guide the work, Community means the most to her. She has seen firsthand what this program has done for Lowell and how neighbors step up for one another when it truly counts. Some of her favorite moments are simple but meaningful. Watching someone light up after finding a special treasure they needed. Seeing excitement and relief in those everyday interactions. Those small moments remind her why she shows up.

Volunteering has also opened her eyes to how many families quietly depend on the generosity of others during difficult seasons. Donations of time and resources are not extras. They are what help neighbors make ends meet.
What keeps Mindy coming back is the mission and the community’s commitment to sustaining its own care. Her encouragement to anyone considering getting involved is simple. Take a look at the many ways to serve. It does not require a huge commitment to make a real impact. Every bit helps a fellow neighbor, and along the way, it fills your own heart, too.

Save the Drama! | The Loving Gift of a Family Meeting

/in /by

It’s an unfortunate, far-too-common tale… 

A loved one passes away, and in the aftermath, family chaos ensues. Bickering. Drama. Hurt feelings. Broken relationships. Legal battles. 

In his book Splitting Heirs, Ron Blue suggests a simple but often neglected solution: a family meeting.  

 

A family meeting paves the way for healthy dialogue about your values, goals, and plans.  

To be most effective, a family meeting may involve help from a trusted advisor, attorney, or family friend as a conversation facilitator. Or, it may be as simple as sitting down with your adult children or other loved ones for an open, honest conversation.  

Through a family meeting, you can… 

  • Teach and explain. “The family meeting gives your heirs a chance to hear from you – your heart, your wishes,” writes Blue. “It also gives them the permission and opportunity to ask questions.” 
  • Share wisdom. Discuss important financial principles, such as budgeting, investing, saving and charitable giving. 
  • Unite family. Model your desire for the family to communicate openly and to be united rather than divided in difficult times.  
  • Manage expectations. Help everyone get on the same page to eliminate a “coping gap” (the difference between expectations and reality) for your heirs when they receive more or less from your plan than what they had expected.   

Admittedly, for many, the idea of holding a family meeting is awkward at best – terrifying at worst.  

But as Blue explains, it’s a key aspect of any effective estate plan. He writes, “You will have a family conference. It’s just a matter of whether you will be alive to attend. … Who can better discuss our motivations, hopes, desires, and blessings with your family: you, or your lawyer reading your will?” 

Ready to plan your family meeting? Request your free copy of “Sharing Your Plan with Your Loved Ones: A Guide for Your Family Meeting” by emailing arianneh@fromlowell.org or calling 616-897-8260. 

 

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

/in /by

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

/in /by

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

/in /by

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!

/in , /by

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

/in /by

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.”

Hunter & Callie: Supporting the Community Who Made us Who We Are

/in /by

My wife Callie and I have lived in Lowell practically our entire lives. We have seen firsthand how FROM (Flat River Outreach Ministries) changes lives through food security, community support, affordable housing, and so much more. We met when I moved to Lowell at six years old and grew up together in the First Baptist Church of Lowell, where we participated in Food Fight through our AWANA program and other fundraisers through the church. Our families volunteered over the years at FROM’s food pantry or Mobile Food Pantry. As we grew older, dated, and got married, we continued to become more involved with FROM. During medical school, I volunteered in FROM’s thrift store during breaks and was eventually invited to join the FROM Board of Directors. The more involved I became with FROM over the years, the more passionate I became about its impact within the greater Lowell community. And as Callie and I became blessed with a comfortable income after graduating from medical school, we made it a point to give back. We wanted to support the community that made us who we are and contributed to our growth together as a couple. We joined FROM as monthly partners to support the affordable and supportive housing program at FROM. FROM’s monthly giving program, the Firm Foundation, made our donation process convenient and automatic, allowing us to routinely contribute with ease and consistency. And continuing to work with and donate to FROM has only increased my passion for the organization as I witness real-world stories of lives changed because of FROM. To me, the construction of new affordable housing units has been one of the greatest testaments to FROM’s impact in the community, and it is incredibly rewarding to Callie and me that we can play a small part in that impact. We invite you to learn more about the Firm Foundation Monthly Giving Club and consider joining us to make an even bigger impact on our community!

FAQs – Ultimate Gifts.

/in /by

Q: What are a few benefits of having a will?  

A: A will (or trust) is your final act of stewardship and care. Through it, you can take care of your loved ones, model a legacy of generosity, and ensure your favorite ministries continue to make a difference well beyond your lifetime.  

Additionally, having a will may help you to…  

  • Save taxes 
  • Minimize family disputes 
  • Determine a guardian for minor children 
  • Provide for a family member with special needs 
  • Transfer a family farm or business 
  • Avoid probate expenses and delay  

Almost no other action you take will speak as powerfully to future generations about what matters most to you! 

To learn more about making a gift in your will and other smart and powerful giving options, contact Arianne Hall at Flat River Outreach Ministries at 616-897-8260 or arianneh@fromlowell.org. 

 

Q:  My children have varying degrees of financial need, and some are better at handling money than others. How do I create a will that’s helpful and fair? 

A:  Estate plans based on equal shares can lead to results that are not helpful, and in some cases, do more harm than good.  

One child may be able to handle money responsibly. Another finds it irresistible to waste or give it all away. Your children may be far apart in age or at different life stages. Perhaps some of your kids require extra assistance for educational expenses, raising young families, health issues, or other special needs. Some families face the added challenge of handing down a business or farm where the continued operation requires significant skill, expertise, and capital.  

Dividing an estate among children is a complex issue – and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. That’s why it’s important to discuss all of your planning options with a trusted advisor who can help you find solutions that fit your circumstances and goals. 

     Through Flat River Outreach Ministries’ partnership with Barnabas Foundation, you can have a complimentary, confidential conversation with a trusted planner who shares your values. To learn more, call Arianne Hall at 616-897-8260 ext. 135 or email arianneh@fromlowell.org. 

 

Q: It’s been a while since I completed my power of attorney documents. Do they need an update?  

A:  Your power of attorney documents specify who can make critical decisions while you are still living, but are physically or mentally unable to do so for yourself.  

There are several reasons why these critical documents may need revisions: 

  • The people you named are no longer able or trusted to make your decisions.  
  • You’ve moved across state lines. 
  • State laws have changed.  
  • Your family dynamics have evolved. 
  • Your wishes regarding your care have changed. 
  • Your property has changed in value or composition. 

For example, in recent years, many states have updated their laws around “power of attorney” and “power of attorney for healthcare” forms. The specific names of these documents vary from state to state, and recent changes include new requirements, as well as additional provisions that can be included in your plans. 

Bottom line, if it’s been a while since your power of attorney documents were prepared, it’s worth calling your lawyer to see if an update is needed.  

Who are the other people in your plan, and what should you look for when filling these roles? Request your free copy of “The People in Your Plan” by calling Arianne Hall at 616-897-8260 oremailing arianneh@fromlowell.org. 

 

Q: How can I give to multiple ministries in my will? 

A: One easy way to accomplish this is by giving through our trusted partner, Barnabas Foundation. Once you’ve designated Barnabas Foundation as the beneficiary in your legal documents, you can then tell them how funds should be distributed to Flat River Outreach Ministries and the other ministries close to your heart. What’s more, you can easily update your designation form with Barnabas Foundation at any time, without all of the costs and hassles of having to modify your will.  

Through Flat River Outreach Ministries’ partnership with Barnabas Foundation, you also have complimentary access to trusted planning support from a Christian perspective. To learn more, email Arianne Hall at arianneh@fromlowell.org or call 616-897-8260. 

 

Q: How much should I leave to my children and to charity in my will?  

A: One helpful tool many families use in this important decision is adding “a child named Charity” to their will or trust. For example, if a couple had four children, each of the children would receive 1/5 of their estate. The remaining 1/5 would go toward their “child named Charity.” In other words, 20 percent of their belongings will be gifted to their favorite charitable causes.  

This process ensures that families not only care for the long-term needs of their loved ones, it also provides funding for causes that are close to their heart — well beyond their lifetimes.  

“A child named Charity” is just one of several ways that families choose to give to Flat River Outreach Ministries through their wills. What’s the right giving method for you? Request your free copy of “Leaving a Legacy: 3 Ways to Support Flat River Outreach Ministries in Your Will” for helpful ideas on how to incorporate charitable giving into your estate plan. 

Seeing the Vision Take Shape on Main Street

/in , /by

There are moments in a project when progress feels especially meaningful. Right now, Main Street Housing is in one of those moments.

Siding is going up and nearly complete at 504 E Main, bringing a finished look to a building that not long ago existed only as drawings and discussions. Sidewalks are now connecting the 504 and 524 properties, physically linking spaces that will soon function as one welcoming campus. With these connections in place, we are beginning to see the full vision come into focus, including the future parking lot that will serve residents and visitors alike.

Inside the building, the next phase is right around the corner. Drywall installation in the multifamily units will begin soon, marking another major step toward spaces that will soon feel like home.

What once lived on paper is steadily becoming a place where neighbors will live, gather, and belong. Each milestone brings us closer to creating stable housing and a stronger sense of community right in the heart of Lowell.

Thank you for following along, cheering on the progress, and believing in what this space will mean for our neighbors. We are grateful to share this journey with you and look forward to the milestones still ahead.

                             

2025 Year in Review: Thanks to You, Our Community Thrives

/in , , /by

As we begin 2026, we are filled with gratitude for the hundreds of volunteers and generous donors who made 2025 possible. Because of your support, Flat River Outreach Ministries reached 1,059 unique households through our programs last year, creating meaningful impact in our community.

Here’s a look at what we accomplished together:

 

Food Pantry

  • Averaged 297 shopping trips per month, a 14% increase over 2024
  • Served 413 unique households, including 54 new families

Mobile Pantry

  • Reached 88 households per month
  • Provided groceries to 282 unique households

Farm Market

  • Generated $99,407.24 in sales through 17,814 transactions
  • Sold 47,599 items, with eggs and apples as the top favorites
  • Supported 54 unique clients with extra discount purchases (391 transactions)

Connections

  • Held 317 appointments and answered 773 calls or emails
  • Provided financial assistance to 86 households

Transportation

  • Gave 414 rides to clients
  • Drove 2,211.6 miles to ensure everyone could reach their appointments, pantry visits, and more

Medical Loan Closet

  • Facilitated 540 loans for 703 pieces of medical equipment.

Backpack Distribution

  • Supported 133 households and 258 children with school supplies.

Christmas Program

  • Served 123 households with food only
  • Served 168 households with toys and food
  • Provided 410 children with gifts for a joyful holiday

Every number tells a story of neighbors helping neighbors, of children going to school prepared, of families enjoying meals, and
holidays with dignity, and of community members getting the resources they need to thrive.


Thank You.
None of this would be possible without you—our volunteers, donors, and community partners. Your time, generosity, and heart make a real difference every day.

As we step into 2026, we hope you’ll continue this journey with us, side by side, creating a stronger, kinder, and more connected community.