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.

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.”

Dawn & Dan: Giving Feels Good

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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!

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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.”