Teaming Up to Aid Ukraine

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Currently in our Medical Equipment Loan Closet, the regular team of volunteers who clean our donated equipment, are collecting items to be sent to Ukraine.

FROM periodically receives items that we are not able to use, so these items will be shared with communities who most need them.   

“Life is so difficult there right now and we want to do our part to help,” lead medical loan volunteer, Denise, said.  “We don’t want any of our donations to go to waste, so we are sending the items FROM is unable to distribute to Ukraine.”   

Denise is working with St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church in Grand Rapids to get supplies to Chicago, where it will be sent out to Poland, to care for the injured Ukrainian refugees and to be dispersed into Ukraine.   

The items being collected include unused ace bandage wraps, gauze, suture kits, and bandages. If you have items you’d like to donate to this cause specifically, please bring them to our front office, and Denise and her team will make sure it’s included.  

Our goal is to use your gifts to cause the maximum amount of good in not only our community, but also the world at large. 

Learning Something New – Cooking Classes at FROM

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Mid-February we hosted our second Healthy Cooking Class! Led by MSU Extension, the evening was filled with a fun environment to learn cooking skills and be hands on in the cooking process.

 

Nearly a dozen people came to the event to learn knife skills to cut different vegetables, all of helped build the meal. The best part? Enjoying a delicious chicken stir-fry dinner at the end!

 

“It was a fun way for my family to do something together and to enjoy a fresh meal,” one attendee shared.

 

The Healthy Cooking classes were launched Fall 2021 to encourage community members to cook at home with fresher, healthier, and more nutrient dense ingredients.

 

“These classes are also to empower individuals to grow their skills and knowledge in order to feel confident in the kitchen,” Kelly Glas, FROM Healthy Food Program Coordinator shared. “I love being able to take part in these classes and learn something new during each one!”

 

Healthy Cooking Classes are open to the public and will be offered all throughout 2022! Be sure to watch Facebook, or join the FROM email list to hear about the next event coming in May!

Bob Shares his Mobile Food Pantry Experience

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When I volunteer at FROM’s Mobile Food Pantry, I see myself in every vehicle that pulls up, pops their trunk and leaves with a few boxes of food.

In the Fall of 2001, I stood in line at the Kent County Youth Fair Grounds with a couple of bags under my arm waiting for the doors at Flat River Outreach Ministries (FROM) Mobile Food Pantry to open.

I had been let go from a well-paying job and found myself on unemployment just 12 months after purchasing a new home in downtown Lowell and a new car.

I quickly burnt through my savings and lived off from a part-time job and unemployment checks. I took a second part-time job selling Christmas trees at a local farm stand because I didn’t want to live off from just unemployment… and, I couldn’t. I was required to claim that income which dramatically reduced my unemployment benefits.

With a lot of budgeting, coupon cutting and food from FROM, I was able to make ends meet until I landed my current job that following summer.

Our neighbors who utilize FROM’s Mobile Food Pantry (and more than a dozen other programs at FROM) have found themselves in a situation where they’ve realized they need a little help.

For most of us it takes a lot to ask, show up and receive help. It sure was for me.

I remember seeing people I knew handing me food. I felt ashamed and embarrassed at first, but then I could see their compassion in their eyes, love in their smiles and generosity in their hands. They were there to help unconditionally, no matter what.

If you need help, you can come to FROM. And if you want to help others, the answer is the same: you can come to FROM to volunteer, drop off your unwanted treasures to the thrift store or donate your financial blessings generously.

Welcome, Pastor Nate!

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Welcome Pastor Nate Gray to the FROM Board of Directors!  

What drew you to FROM and how did you get connected?  

We have been in the community for twelve years now and from the beginning I wanted to personally, and lead my church, to be a part of where God was at work in the community.  It didn’t take long to realize FROM was engaging in Kingdom work!  I wish I had taken more of a hands-on approach long ago, but we have been part of FROM initiatives for years.  Lately, the opportunity to serve by being a part of the board presented itself and I sensed God’s leading.  I also recognized how much I could learn and grow by rubbing shoulders with the great people involved at FROM.  I also wholeheartedly agree with FROM’s guiding beliefs and core values.  I appreciate an organization that desires to come alongside others, to equip, empower and help people experience wholeness and health.

What are you most excited about as you begin your role on FROMs board? 

I am excited to learn and grow!  I am excited to add my voice, passions, gifts and service!  I also look forward to living into my unique role as providing a pastoral presence and spiritual guidance in any way I can on the board and to those in the FROM network.  I love to walk with people on their journeys and listen to their heart’s cries, questions and passions.  It is a privilege to be able to walk in these sacred ways. God is always present and at work and we get to join him! 

 What’s a random fact about yourself?  

I grew up doing lumberjack contests with my dad and brother and still enjoy those to this day.  However, I also love to sit in a coffee shop and discuss deep things!  I have varying interests and hobbies and l think it allows me to meet and get to know people from all different walks of life!  

Pastor Nate will be another valuable asset to FROM, and we look forward to the new progress we will be able to make with him on our team! 

Welcome, Dolores!

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As we continue to welcome Dolores to the Treasures Thrift Store team, we conducted an interview to get to know her a little better.  

 Dolores found FROM as a volunteer in November 2019, after defeating cancer and losing her mother and husband earlier that year.  

 “This was something I needed to fill my time, and everyone was so welcoming,” she said. “This filled a void.” 

 Seeing and connecting with new people in the Thrift Store and at the Front Desk is part of why she loves FROM so much. “I’ve always had the gift to gab,” Dolores says. 

 Dolores transitioned from a volunteer to a staff member in late 2021 to help fill gaps at Treasures Thrift Store. 

 “I’m so excited to have this position which, along with our amazing volunteers, will give us the opportunity to provide the necessary coverage to help fill our gaps as well as help us provide the best shopping experience for our customers,” Laura, Thrift Store Manager, said. 

 Here are a couple fun facts about Dolores as well… 

  • She spends her Monday’s dog sitting her granddaughters golden retriever puppy.  
  • She and her husband lived on a golf course for 20 years and loved to golf together! 

 Dolores has already been a valuable addition to the FROM team in aiding to resolve the cashiering schedule issues.  

 Welcome, Dolores, we are so glad you’re here! 

Addressing the Cashier Challenge through a New Position

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We’ve got some exciting things happening in Treasures Thrift Store!

At FROM (Flat River Outreach Ministries) we are blessed with an incredible group of volunteers who help keep our thrift store running smoothly and efficiently. Volunteers touch every aspect of the store – from when items are donated until they are purchased!

Over the last several years, keeping our cashier position filled for all shifts has proved to be a consistent challenge. Due to limited volunteers available for key time frames (evenings and weekends) we’ve had to make the difficult decision to limit our open hours, and periodically have to close the store early. We know that disappoints our shoppers, and it impacts our ability to serve families in need in our community

Thrift Store Manager and Thrift Store Coordinator positions have not been able to address the cashier gap due to other needs throughout the store.

With this consistent challenge, we’ve decided to create a Cashier Lead position. This approximately 20 hour a week staff position will start as a 6-month pilot position. We are excited to welcome Dolores Bell into this role!

Dolores has worked with us both as a volunteer and through a program with AARP both as a receptionist and in the thrift store. Her warm and friendly personality has welcomed countless visitors through our front door, and we know she will help us create a welcoming experience for our customers and volunteers.

She’ll be working alongside Laura, Thrift Store Manager, and Tarin, Thrift Store Coordinator, to help:

  • Provide stability in the Cashier Schedule to ensure we don’t have to close early.
  • Work evenings and weekends and fill in where volunteers are not available.
  • Allow us to participate in special events and stay open later to provide a better customer experience!
  • Help open and close the register and train other cashiers!

FROM learned about the Cashier Lead position while investigating best practices other West Michigan thrift stores. We learned that one thrift store uses all paid staff at the register while another uses a combination of paid staff and volunteers at the register. The one using a combination utilizes several managers, assistant managers and a Cashier Lead role to fill in the volunteer gaps in the schedule.

“I’m so excited to have this position which, along with our amazing volunteers, will give us the opportunity to provide the necessary coverage to help fill our gaps as well as help us provide the best shopping experience for our customers,” Laura, Thrift Store Manager, said.

We are so thankful for all of our volunteers who work so hard in the thrift store to help us make a difference in the lives of families in need in our community. We’re excited to see how this position will come alongside volunteers and make an even greater impact in our community.

Please join us in welcoming Dolores to the FROM team!

 

Get to Know our Thrift Store Manager Laura!

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Laura, our Thrift Store Manager, has been on staff for just over a month! To celebrate, we’ve invited her to answer a few questions so we can all get to know her better! Enjoy!

Tell us a little about yourself!

I moved to the Lowell area with my husband and two daughters, a little over a year ago from Battle Creek to be closer to my parents. I grew up in the Grand Rapids area, so it’s been fun to re-explore the area and familiarize myself with all the outdoor recreational opportunities that Lowell has to offer. I enjoy spending time with my family traveling, cooking, and playing pickle ball.

What drew you to FROM?

I was inspired by FROM’s mission to be the community hub for hope, resources and gifts.  I saw the FROM Store Manager position as an opportunity for me to leverage my experience in the Retail Industry in a non-profit setting and give back to the community in which I live.

What did you do prior to joining the FROM staff?

I have worked in the Retail/Clothing Industry throughout my career in various capacities, from Sales Manager/Assistant Store Manager, Merchandise Manager, Operations Manager, Product Analyst, Human Resources Manager to Business Administration Manager and was most recently employed by Macy’s for the past 11 years. I enjoy Retail, most especially working with people, and saw the Thrift Store Manager role as a rewarding opportunity to put my experience to work in a non-profit setting.

What have you enjoyed the most in your first month as the Thrift Store Manager?

My favorite part of the job is working with such a talented team of staff and volunteers whose mission is to provide resources for the Lowell community.  I have been very impressed by the dedication, passion and commitment of the volunteers and staff to make FROM a success. I am excited to be part of this organization and their mission to support the Lowell community.

Which of FROMs values sticks out to you the most / what makes you most passionate about being part of the FROM team?

I am aligned with FROM’s values….most especially, “Equity” in achieving our mission for all people. I saw the FROM Store Manager position as an opportunity for me to make a positive impact on the community by leveraging my experience in the Retail Industry to help achieve equal access and opportunities to help meet the needs of the community.

What’s a random fact about yourself?

I love to travel and my goal is to visit all 50 states….I have 4 more states to visit in order to hit 50 – Mississippi, Louisiana, Idaho, and Alaska!!

 

Lasting Legacy & Affordable Housing

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The “fun” uncle. Great conversationalist. Frugal. Friend of FROM (Flat River Outreach Ministries). These all describe Phil Rice, who passed away at the end of 2020.

Through Phil, FROM was blessed to receive a generous estate gift that will be used to help families in need in our community access safe and affordable housing.

“The generous gift of Phil Rice will help Flat River Outreach Ministries continue pursuing affordable housing solutions right here in our community,” Wendie Preiss Executive Director shared.

Kathy Brady, Phil’s niece, said he was drawn to FROM because of the way FROM serves families and individuals in need. He worried about people who were in need and didn’t know where to go. He wanted to ensure they were taken care of.

Phil and his wife of sixty-four years, Donna Mae, were generous to many organizations over the years. FROM and the Humane Society were among the organizations that worked to address causes that were near and dear to them

We are so thankful for the generosity from Phil and Donna Mae and for their lasting impact on our community.

From Darkness to Joyfulness

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When Sable Choals found herself volunteering in 2016, she was in a dark place.

 

Her mom had recently passed away, as well as her best friend. Around the same time, a traffic stop led to losing her license, which took away her ability to care for her ailing step-father and needing to complete community service.

 

She started coming in at 7:30 AM, after getting off work as a chemist, to clean and vacuum – and anything else she could help with.

 

“I was welcomed, I never felt judged,” Sable said.

 

Along the way, she met and befriended other volunteers who offered listening ears and encouragement to her – without judgement.

 

“If it had not been for Marcia [Kapolka] and me having that outlet to listen and not judge me, I really don’t know where I would have went,” Sable said. “She just lifted me up and told me everything was going to be OK.”

Sable finished her community service early, and continued volunteering at FROM. More than 5 years and nearly 2,100 volunteer hours later, Sable now helps out creating displays on her days off.

 

“I really did come out on the other side here,” she said. “I met a lot of other great people”

 

She said the reasons she continues to volunteer is because of friendships, giving back, the customers and the stories. “At some point I was like, ‘I am never leaving FROM again,’” she said.

 

She loves putting together displays so regular customers can see something different and loves chatting with customers about their purchases because you learn so much about them.

 

“To hear stories of the customers, it’s so enlightening,” she shared and continued on to say she constantly tries to remind herself what FROM is here for, and why she volunteers – to help other families and neighbors in need in the Greater Lowell Community.

 

Reflecting back on the last 5 years of volunteering and the growth she’s seen in herself as a person, Sable said, “I don’t think anyone should think a mistake should define you.”

 

“I want everyone to feel welcome and accepted,” Sable said. “I want to be able to help.”

 

Sable is one of more than 460 active volunteers at FROM. Volunteers touch every aspect of our organization – from setting our vision on the Board of Directors to serving in our programs and everywhere in between.

Farm Market Update! 3 Months In

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It’s been just over three months since the launch of our newest program – Farm Market – and it’s been a huge success!

“The demand for the Farm Market has exceeded our initial expectations,” Kelly Glas, Healthy Food Coordinator, said. “We’re overwhelmed by the amount of support and items purchased over the last few months. It’s been amazing to meet and work with local farmers.”

More than 6,100 items sold in September, October and November with apples and eggs being the most popular items (with 767 apples and 324 dozen eggs being sold in our first two months).

Kelly shared that part of the program’s success, in additional to the cost, is that families can purchased items based on needs and family size. Food is priced either by item or pound, making it accessible to families no matter the size.

“People have shared that they’re thankful to be able to purchase just one potato, or apple, instead of multiple pounds,” Kelly said.

The Farm Market is located in Treasures Thrift Store and is open during the same hours as the store (Tuesday – Friday 10 AM-6PM and Saturday 10 AM – 2PM). The Farm Market is focused on making locally sourced produce accessible to families in the Greater Lowell Community who are earning less than 300% of the federal poverty guidelines. Families and individuals above this income level are welcome to shop as well! Purchasing produce will help ensure the long-term sustainability of the program.

Want to get involved? We are always looking for new partnerships with local farmers, as well as volunteers to help with stocking throughout the week. Please give us a call at 616.897.8260 if you want to get involved!

Farm Market Launches

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FROM (Flat River Outreach Ministries) is launching a new food program September 9th! The program, called the Farm Market, will offer locally sourced fresh produce along with pantry staples, including milk, honey, and eggs.

For many years FROM participants have expressed the difficulty in affording fresh fruits and vegetables. This paid model program will help ensure families have access to healthy produce at affordable prices. This is similar to how the Food Pantry helps current participants access healthy food, as one food pantry participants shared, “the [Food] Pantry helps me eat better and be able to direct my fixed income toward necessary expenses.”

The Farm Market will be located in the FROM Treasure’s Thrift Shop and the produce will be sourced from their partnering local farmers. This program follows in the footsteps of other local nonprofits including North Kent Connect and UCOM (United Church Outreach Ministries) who launched similar programs nearly 5 years ago.

The Farm Market is focusing on making sure locally sourced produce is accessible to families in the Greater Lowell Community who are earning less than 300% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Families and individuals above this income level are welcome to shop as well! Purchasing produce will help ensure the long-term sustainability of the program.

“Although we have many farms surrounding Lowell, it can be hard to get that produce into the hands of families in our community who need it most,” Kelly Glas, FROM Healthy Food Program Coordinator, said. “By working directly with local farmers, we have the opportunity to bring fresh produce to a community hub location. This also gives us the opportunity to sell the produce at affordable prices so that those in our community who don’t have access to, or can’t typically afford healthy fresh produce, can come and purchase quality items for their families.”

Do you want to help make the Farm Market thrive? You can also show your support for the new program by volunteering at the Farm Market visiting the market, purchasing items, and spreading the word.

This program wouldn’t be possible without your support and support from King Milling Co. and Lowell Area Community Fund who have helped launch the Farm Market.

The Farm Market will be open during Treasures Thrift Store hours (Tuesday – Friday 10 AM – 6 PM and Saturday 10 AM – 4 PM). For more information, or to sign up to volunteer please visit www.fromlowell.org or reach out to FROM directly at info@fromlowell.org or (616) 897-8260.

2021 Food Fight Campaign Results

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Throughout the month of May we held our annual friendly but fierce competition – that’s right – our annual Food Fight!

This once-a-year fundraising campaign splits the Lowell Area School District by M/21 / Fulton Street into the North Team and South Team. The campaign helps stock the food pantry, and raises funds to support all of the programs at FROM (we have more than a dozen!). Teams collect 1 point for each dollar or food item donated to FROM.

The team with the most points at the end is crowned the winner.

Together the teams raised more than 137,800 points this year – the most ever!

Generous matching sponsors helped provide a $31,750 match base that matched every financial gift until the match was completed.

We were blown away by the kindness of our community; the match was fulfilled before we were halfway through the fundraiser!

We celebrate the South Team for winning the 2021 Food Fight and tieing the teams for total overall wins to 6-6.

We are so thankful for each and every one of you who participated in Food Fight 2021. Because of you, we were able to touch the lives of families right here in our community.

Families like one of our food pantry participants who recently shared the impact the food pantry made in the lives of them and their family.

“When my husband lost his job we had to utilize the food pantry because we couldn’t afford food and was denied financial assistance through the federal government,” FROM participant shared. “Without the generosity of FROM my kids may have went hungry.”

Thank you to all our donors, including our Matching Sponsors (listed below) and Head Coach business spsonsors: Dery Physical Therapy Serivces, Chimera Design, McDonald’s, Metric Manufacturing, Timpson Transport, Canfield Plumbing & Heating, Doughtery Farms, Ada Bible Church and Lowell Area Schools.