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.”

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.”

FAQs – Ultimate Gifts.

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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

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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

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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.

Treasures’ $1 Million Year: Thank you.

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As we step into 2026, we are pausing to say thank you.
In 2025, Treasures Thrift Store reached $1,000,000 in sales, a milestone that represents the people, kindness, and a community that truly cares.
It reflects every donation given with love, every purchase made with purpose, every volunteer hour shared, and every staff member who showed up day after day. Because of you, Treasures continues to support the work of Flat River Outreach Ministries and the neighbors we serve.
We begin this new year feeling deeply grateful and incredibly hopeful. Thank you for being part of this story and cheers to another year!

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.

 

November 12th: Community Resource Open House

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Neighbors,

Several community members have reached out this week in need of assistance, and several others are asking how they can help. We want to give an update on available resources and the needs we have at this time.

Flat River Outreach Ministries (FROM) is available as a resource to anyone in need. Families can utilize both SNAP benefits and FROM available programming, including our Food Pantry, Mobile Food Pantry. You do not have to choose one or another.

To highlight and answer any questions around our programming, FROM will host a Community Resource Open House on Wednesday, November 12, from 2-4PM at our headquarters- 11535 Fulton St E, Lowell, MI 49331.

FROM staff will be on hand to answer any questions about available programs and resources, especially longstanding programming, including:

·Food Pantry: Shop twice a month (14 days in between) for fresh produce, protein, canned goods, and other pantry staples. The pantry is available Tuesday 2-4PM, Wednesday 5-7PM, and Friday 10AM-Noon. Program participants can use the food pantry and SNAP benefits – you don’t have to choose one or the other.

·Mobile Food Pantry: Provides primarily produce for families in a drive-through style food distribution in partnership with Feeding America of West Michigan. The next one is on December 6 from 9-11AM.

·Farm Market: Located in Treasures Thrift Store at FROM, anyone can shop for produce and other food staples 6 days a week, Monday-Friday 10AM-6PM, Saturday 10AM-2PM. A discount is available to families who qualify for FROM services.

·Resource Connection: FROM program staff provide warm hand-off resource connections for home repair, utility assistance, eviction prevention, employment, and insurance needs. Call our Connections Office at 616-897-8260 to schedule an appointment today.

·Financial Assistance: Financial assistance is available to program participants in need of assistance on rental deposits, eviction prevention, utility assistance, car repairs, and more. Learn more or schedule an appointment today at 616-897-8260.

Food resources will also be available to anyone needing them during the open house hours. All FROM programs are available to Lowell Area School residents making 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (based on self-declaration of need).

Family Size 1 2 3 4 5 6
300% FPL $46,950 $63,450 $79,950 $96,450 $112,950 $129,450

(Data from Department of Health and Human Services, 2025 Poverty Guidelines)

Any household meeting these qualifications – and especially families affected by the SNAP benefit reduction is encouraged to attend. If you live outside of the Lowell Area School District, we encourage you to call 2-1-1 or FROMs Connections Office to learn about resources available in your area.

We deeply appreciate the outpouring of support through food drop-offs, financial support and volunteering. Your support helps ensure every family utilizing the food program receives 3-5 days’ worth of nourishing food. If you can help during this time, please consider:

  • Volunteering: We need volunteers to stock our pantry and to pick up food orders. CLICK HERE to connect with our Volunteer Coordinator.
  • Host a food drive / collect personal care items: HERE is the most up-to-date list of items needed
  • Make a financial contribution: This allows us to purchase most most-needed items at this time. You can donate HERE.

To learn more about available resources or supporting FROM, please reach out. Call our Main Office at 616-897-8260.

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.