FROM’s Affordable Housing Continues to Expand with New Property Purchase

/in /by
We are so grateful to share some big news with you: Our affordable and supportive housing is expanding!
FROM has officially purchased the neighboring property of 504 Main St – 524 E Main Street. What started as one housing project has now grown into a vision for true community. The 2-unit home, former gas station, and additional land will provide space for supportive services, future housing, and new opportunities we couldn’t have possibly imagined this soon.
This was made possible through the generosity of our community, which allowed us to leverage funds that are separate from the capital campaign to purchase this property. It also involved divinely perfect timing and the guidance of Amanda Rogers – Realtor – Rogers Neighborhood Realty, whose care and expertise walked us through every step of this process.
In the coming months, there will be opportunities to welcome the public through volunteer opportunities – and to check out the completed sites. We are feeling filled with pure gratitude and excitement.

To sign up to help with the clean-up initiative for this property, visit fromlowell.org/524cleanup

Backpack Distribution Day: More Than Just School Supplies

/in /by

Backpack Distribution Day 2025 was about so much more than school supplies. Yes, 255 kids walked away with backpacks full of the tools they need for a great school year, but they also experienced the care and support of an entire community cheering them on.

The Lions Club of Alto offered free vision screenings, helping parents catch potential vision needs before the first day of school. Kent District Library sent each child home with a free book to inspire a love of reading. Empire Beauty School brought a little extra excitement by offering enter to win haircut vouchers, giving kids a chance to start the year feeling confident and ready.

Moments like these remind us that when our community comes together, we do more than meet needs. We help kids feel seen, valued, and hopeful about the year ahead. Thank you.

         

   

August Volunteer Spotlight: Cheryl C.

/in /by

Cheryl Clark has been volunteering at FROM for more than a decade, closer to 12 years! After retiring from full-time work, a friend from church invited her to help with the Lunch Buddies program. That simple invitation led to years of meaningful involvement in FROM’s mission. Over the years, Cheryl has worn many hats, leading financial literacy classes, screening clients for what would become the Connections program, and supporting the Backpack and Christmas Store programs. Currently, she stocks the thrift store Farm Market on Mondays, pricing items, packing eggs, restocking coolers and shelves, and assisting with Mobile Pantry registration when needed.

“I came because of an invitation, but I stayed because I saw how many ways I could be involved,” Cheryl shares. “Volunteering has helped me form relationships with people in our community; clients and volunteers alike. We have so much in common, and I see many of them at the store, church, and around town. It makes me feel like I’m part of something wonderful.”

What keeps her coming back?

“I really like everyone here; there will always be a way for me to invest in the ministry and mission.” Her advice for new volunteers is simple but powerful: “Any gift or talent can be used here. It’s a great way to meet people, make friends, and invest in your community. And the thrift store is the best!”

Welcome to FROM, Brandon Augustine!

/in /by

FROM is excited to introduce our new Volunteer Coordinator, Brandon Augustine!

Brandon Augustine comes to FROM after spending nearly 12 years at Goodwill. With over 20 years of experience in retail, his time at Goodwill cemented his passion for nonprofit work. Brandon’s early experiences in the foster care system gave him a personal appreciation for the difference a caring community can make. That perspective fuels his commitment to helping others feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Outside of work, Brandon is a proud nerd and creative tinkerer. He’s a PC gamer (Halo is his go-to), a 3D printing enthusiast (ask about the skull pen cup), and an unapologetic dog person; his Anatolian/Great Pyrenees mix and Chihuahua rule the house. He loves cooking, camping (though his vintage camper is still a work in progress), and getting his hands dirty with car repairs or any new project that sparks his curiosity.

Whether it’s helping someone find their footing or figuring out how to fix a jammed printer, Brandon shows up ready to learn, build, and make life a little better for everyone.

Be sure to introduce yourself when you see him. Welcome, Brandon!

From Shopper to Volunteer: Jenny’s Story

/in /by

 

Jenny caught the “thrifting bug” when her kids were little. At first, she shopped just for children’s items, but soon she began looking for treasures for herself as well.

Now that she’s approaching an “empty nest,” Jenny started looking for more ways to give back. Having shopped at the FROM Thrift Store for years, volunteering there felt like a natural fit. She loves how FROM supports adults in a dignified and meaningful way.

In the summer of 2024, Jenny began running the cash register on Friday afternoons at the FROM Thrift Store. Still working full time as a math teacher, she appreciates the flexible schedule volunteering offers. “I can sign up week to week as I’m available,” Jenny says. “By Friday, I’m tired—physically and mentally—teaching takes a lot! I’m always amazed when I arrive [at the thrift store] because it’s energizing. That’s been a nice surprise!”

Jenny encourages anyone considering volunteering to give it a try. She finds it rewarding to know her time makes a difference. “In hindsight, I wish I would’ve started a couple summers ago,” she admits. “Even a little bit is worthwhile.”

Food Fight 2025: Congratulations Team South!

/in , /by

That’s a wrap on Food Fight 2025!

The final results are in…
🏆 South Team takes the win with 95,894 points!
👏 North Team gave a strong fight with 64,760 points!

Congratulations, Team South!!

All together, we raised $150,961 and collected 9,693+ food items to support reliable access to nutritious food for everyone in Lowell.
A special shoutout to the Lowell Post Office for going above and beyond—collecting 6,293 items during their Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, smashing their previous year’s record by over 1,100!

Another incredible year, with our always incredible community. THANK YOU!


Our friends from Lowell Post Office

Rookies

Red Barn Mercantile

Fish & Finn Outfitters

Ground Broken, Dreams Building!

/in , /by

May 22nd, 2025, marked a monumental moment for our Lowell community. After years of dedicated planning and unwavering community support, we officially broke ground on FROM’s new affordable housing units right here in our city. This wasn’t just about construction – it was about creating hope and opportunity for families who deserve a safe, stable place to call home. We know that having secure housing changes everything: it gives children a consistent address for school, parents peace of mind, and families the foundation they need to thrive and build their futures. Every shovel of dirt turned represented countless hours of collaboration, advocacy, and belief in what’s possible when a community comes together. To every neighbor, supporter, and partner who made this vision a reality – THANK YOU.

Here’s to the families who will soon have keys in their hands and hope in their hearts. Home isn’t just four walls and a roof – it’s where dreams take root and families flourish.

From Boy Scout Project to FROM Rockstar: Meet Fulton Poelma

/in /by

Meet our rockstar Volunteer of the Month: Fulton Poelma. He’s been volunteering with FROM since August 2023, and you can usually find him making our spaces spick-and-span with a vacuum.

Fulton’s journey with FROM began after a meaningful project with his Boy Scouts troop sparked a desire to contribute to the community in even more ways. We think that’s pretty awesome!

When we asked him what FROM value he likes the most, he picked Community, saying it’s important “when everyone feels like they belong.” We totally agree!

Already a super helpful volunteer, Fulton’s also an 8th-grade track star! Keep up the great work, Fulton!

A Big FROM Welcome to Walter Jones!

/in , /by

We’re thrilled to welcome Walter Jones as our new Program Manager at Flat River Outreach Ministries!

Walter comes to us with a background in pastoral ministry, residential behavioral health, and workforce development through Job Corps.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Cornerstone University and is passionate about serving others with compassion and integrity.

Walter and his wife, Jazhmin, have three boys. In his free time, he enjoys the peace and quiet of fishing.


Walter will be taking Monica Light’s place as she plans to retire later in May 2025 after 6.5 years of service in the role.

We’re excited for the experience and heart Walter brings to FROM—please help us give him a warm welcome!

Sandy O: Healing and Giving Back

/in /by

Joining as a cashier in 2023, Sandy was drawn to FROM through recommendations from friends in a grief support group. She sought both to contribute and to find a sense of belonging.
Sandy appreciates the respectful and friendly atmosphere in Treasures Thrift Store, where both volunteers and those served feel valued. “I wanted to be part of a group with similar values, and FROM does just that….I am provided with a wonderful sense of community. It also feels good to give back to the community I have lived in since the early 90’s!”
Her favorite memories volunteering are centered on the relationships she’s formed. From being invited to join a book club to connecting with others who share similar life experiences, Sandy has experienced the transformative power in both healing and giving back.

Pat: The Medical Loan Sisterhood

/in /by

Pat Grooters found more than a volunteer opportunity at FROM; she found a sisterhood.
“All of FROM’s values fit the community; it is hard to pick one!” she says. However, one aspect particularly stood out: the welcoming and supportive environment within the Medical Loan program.

Pat has found deep connections, especially within her team. “The ladies in Medical Loan welcomed me into the fold, and now I feel like I have a sisterhood, one that I didn’t have before,” she says. “[They are] not only a sisterhood, but I feel like they truly care about my wellbeing.” For Pat, FROM is a place where connection, joy, and empowerment come to life.