The Cure for Your Real Estate Headaches

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Reduce Taxes and Burdens by Giving Property

Sometimes the cost and hassles of owning real estate outweigh the benefits that your property once offered.

Can you relate to any of these ownership headaches?

  • Managing repairs, finding tenants, and collecting delinquent payments for rental properties
  • Maintaining and paying the bills for a vacation home you seldom visit
  • Deciding what to do with farmland or commercial property that your heirs don’t want

If you have real estate that you no longer need or care to manage, you can reduce your costs and headaches by giving all or part of it to Flat River Outreach Ministries.

 

When you give real estate to Flat River Outreach Ministries, you will receive a charitable deduction at the time of the gift. You’ll also avoid the immediate tax bill on its sale.

Even better, there are ways to give real estate that will generate lifetime payments for you and your loved ones. Receive the steady income you need — without all the hassles! We’d love to show you how.

Is giving real estate a good option for you? Learn more by calling Arianne at 616.897.8260 x 135 or emailing arianneh@fromlowell.org

Promotions at FROM: Congrats Kelly & Lauren!

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We’re excited to announce two well-deserved promotions to team members here at FROM!

First is Kelly Glas, who is now our Program Manager! Kelly joined FROM in 2020 as our Healthy Food Program Coordinator and was recently promoted to Program Lead prior to this most recent promotion. During her time at FROM she has grown her impact in the Food Pantry, building on the strong foundation created by so many volunteers. She has built long-lasting partnerships to support the pantry, launched the Farm Market, and supported the development of the transportation program (Ride To & FROM). Last year she led the entire Christmas Distribution (Christmas Toy Store & Food Basket) for the first time. Kelly’s consistent leadership and dedication have clearly demonstrated her readiness for this next step. She also does an outstanding job representing FROM at the county level. Thank you, Kelly, for your continued dedication to our community!

 

 

 

 

Lauren Johnson is being promoted to Store Director. Lauren joined our FROMily in 2022 as Store Manager and has been instrumental in partnering with volunteers and staff to grow store sales more than $350,000! Over the past four years, she has brought structure, direction, and strong leadership to the store operation through collaboration with both volunteers and staff. As is often the case, great work leads to greater opportunities 😊. In addition to her current store responsibilities, Lauren will now oversee the Volunteer Coordinator role. This change creates natural synergy, as many of our volunteers support the store operation. We are excited to see Lauren continue to grow in this expanded leadership role.

Please congratulate both Kelly and Lauren on their promotions!

Livin’ on a Prayer: FROM Cuts the Ribbon on New Main Street Housing Campus

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Last week, we cut a ribbon ten years in the making.
More than 200 friends and neighbors joined us to celebrate the opening of new affordable and supportive housing right here in Lowell. It was the culmination of countless prayers, an unwavering community, and a whole lot of faith that the path forward would eventually become clear, even when it didn’t look like it would.

The Bon Jovi song “Livin’ on a Prayer” kept coming to mind while preparing remarks for the event. It fits. We prayed for the right partner, and found ICCF Community Homes, whose expertise in housing development filled the gap we couldn’t fill ourselves. ICCF connected us to Eastbrook Homes, who brought the designs to life. Layer by layer, the right people showed up.

Ray Duimstra of Mercantile Bank, who has walked this journey nearly from the beginning, said it well: “FROM didn’t have to do this. They could have ran into these obstacles and shrugged their shoulders… they were relentless.”

Senator Thomas Albert noted the project will help the area “one family at a time.” And Carly Swanson, representing the Governor’s Office, left us with a phrase worth keeping: it takes a village to build a village. Lowell has always been that kind of village.

In the coming weeks, families will move in, decorate, and start building memories. That’s what this was always about.
We prayed, we trusted, and God delivered. Thank you for being part of it.

Want to help welcome our new tenants home? We’re assembling welcome baskets and would love your help filling them. Check out our Amazon Wish List to get involved.

 

 

Lowell’s First Look: FROM Expands Food Pantry Services to Fill Community Gaps

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Neighbors to the west of Lowell are now eligible for food assistance from one of the community’s most charitable resources.

Flat River Outreach Ministries recently expanded its food pantry service area to serve families who may not have access to nutrition assistance elsewhere. All who reside in the 49331 area code as well as areas of Ada, Alto, and Forest Hills can now request to utilize FROM’s pantry twice a month.

Kelly Glas, FROM Program Lead, said the expansion was made as a result of gaps in the areas that local pantries were covering.

“There’s these areas that we call ‘dead zones.’ It just means that the folks living within that zone didn’t have a pantry to go to, and we felt that we had the bandwidth to expand a little bit outside of our area in order to have a quality pantry that people could (use),” Glas explained.

Though FROM is confident it has the space and staffing to accommodate the expansion, they still need support from the community for the food itself. FROM Executive Director Wendie Preiss said it may take a bit of time to make the new expansion area aware of their services and gain the needed support from local businesses and churches.

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Level Up: See You Later Christy!

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Last weekend, Flat River Outreach Ministries gathered to celebrate and send off one of our own: Christy Baldwin, who has given five incredible years of service to this community.
Christy and her husband are heading north to Gaylord, MI, where he has an exciting opportunity to work closely with Habitat for Humanity.
While we are thrilled for them and the lives they will impact in their new chapter, saying goodbye was not easy.
To honor Christy the way she deserved, we threw a Super Mario Bros-themed “See You Later” party, and it did not disappoint.
Wendie pulled off the surprise of the afternoon, showing up in a full Mario costume that had everyone laughing.
And she was not alone, as several other volunteers arrived sporting Mario mustaches in solidarity.

Christy, thank you for five years of showing up, serving well, and pouring your heart into this ministry.
Your dedication has left a mark on this organization and on the people we serve together.
You will be deeply missed in these halls, but we know the road ahead of you is full of purpose.
This is not goodbye. It is “see you later.”
Level up!

Heads up for our neighbors: Secure your SNAP benefits: New work requirements

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If you receive SNAP food benefits in Michigan, you may need to meet new work requirements — known as Time Limited Food Assistance, or TLFA — to keep receiving your food assistance.

If you do not meet the requirements or qualify for an exemption, your SNAP benefits may be limited to three months every three years.

You may receive a letter from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) about TLFA.
Don’t panic — this does not mean you will immediately lose SNAP benefits.
Help is available to walk you through the process and see if you meet an exemption.

What are the new requirements?

 Adults ages 18–64 may need to work or take part in training or volunteering to keep their food benefits. If you are not exempt, you must fulfill one of the following:

  • Work at least 20 hours per week
  • Participate in an approved job training or workfare program through Michigan Works!
  • Volunteer with a nonprofit organization (visit the Time Limited Community Service Activity page on MiBridges to see approved organizations: michigan.gov/MIBridges)

Who is exempt?

Many people will not need to fulfill these work requirements, including those who:

  • Are under age 18 or 65+
  • Live in an exempt city or county (see list below)
  • Are in a SNAP group that includes an individual under age 14
  • Are responsible for the care of a child younger than age 6, or another person who needs help caring for themselves
  • Already work at least 30 hours a week or earn weekly wages of at least $217.50
  • Receive unemployment benefits; have applied for unemployment benefits (including those appealing a denial); or receive disability benefits (unable to work for more than 20 hours per week)
  • Are unable to work because of a physical or mental health reason (note: verification from a physician or mental health professional may be needed)
  • Attend college or a training program at least half time (note: college students are subject to other eligibility rules)
  • Meet work requirements for another program, like the Family Independence Program (FIP)
  • Are in an inpatient or outpatient drug or alcohol addiction treatment program
  • Are pregnant
  • Are Native American/Indigenous

Exempt counties: Alcona, Alger, Arenac, Cheboygan, Iosco, Iron, Luce, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oceana, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Schoolcraft

Exempt cities: Bay City, Detroit, Eastpointe, Flint, Jackson, Saginaw

What to do next…

Contact MDHHS to learn more about work requirements and to determine whether you qualify for an exemption. They can walk you through the process for meeting work requirements in Michigan. Also, visit michigan.gov/MIBridges and call your local MDHHS office to make sure your address and information are up to date.

Not sure if you meet an exemption? Call your local MDHHS office as soon as possible.

Call MDHHS today: 1-844-464-3447

Food & other resources helpline: 1-888-544-8773

Download this information

Volunteer Appreciation 2026: FROM is so blessed!

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Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Volunteer Appreciation event on Saturday, April 18! It was truly inspiring to see nearly 70 volunteers gathered together – sharing a meal, laughter, and genuine connection. Moments like these remind us just how special the FROM community is.

From the Culver’s custard to the excitement of the prizes, there was plenty to celebrate—but what stood out most was the joy of simply being together. Whether it was the fun of The Preiss Is Right or the anticipation of Bingo, the afternoon was filled with smiles and camaraderie that made it unforgettable.

More than anything, we want you to know how deeply grateful we are. Your dedication, your time, and your heart for serving others make a lasting difference in this community every single day. The board and I are continually inspired by your commitment and generosity.

Please know that each one of you is valued more than words can express. Thank you for being the heart of this mission – we are so grateful to serve alongside you.

 

“Even after stepping away, she felt called back.”, Kathy’s FROM Journey.

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After retiring in 2009, Kathy discovered FROM through a church bulletin and began volunteering as a cashier in 2010. What started as one day a week quickly grew into something more. From stocking shelves to serving as thrift store coordinator, Kathy found a place where her time and talents truly mattered.

Even after stepping away, she felt called back. Something was missing, and she knew it was the people and the purpose.

To Kathy, FROM is rooted in dignity and community. She sees it every day in the way neighbors are welcomed and supported, no matter their circumstances. Over the years, she has built lasting friendships with fellow volunteers and customers alike, greeting familiar faces and first-time visitors with the same care.

Her perspective deepened during COVID-19, when the store closed, but the need did not. Watching the team come together to provide food for the community reminded her just how important this work is.

Kathy continues to volunteer simply because it matters. For the people, the friendships, and the shared mission of caring for our neighbors.

She knows there is a place for everyone at FROM, and that even a small step to serve can make a meaningful difference.

Rooted in Community, Reaching Further: Expanding Our Service Area

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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.

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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

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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

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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.