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.

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.”

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.

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.

Small Acts, Big Difference: How One Couple Brings Hope to Families

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“Being able to give our time and care reminds us that even small acts can make a big difference,” say Paul and Laura V., who have been sharing their hearts with FROM since 2023. They first got involved through their church’s Mobile Food Pantry and, as a retired couple, wanted to give back together, bringing hope and kindness to their community.

Their volunteering touches many areas, from organizing the Food Pantry stock room and stocking shelves to filling commodity boxes, pricing items for the Farm Market, packing school backpacks, and helping with Christmas Distribution gift bundles. Even behind the scenes, they take joy in making sure every family feels welcomed and cared for.

Some of their most treasured moments come from handing out school backpacks and witnessing the joy, excitement, and relief on the faces of children and parents. They also cherish serving at the Mobile Food Pantry, standing side by side with fellow volunteers in all kinds of weather, from hot summer days to chilly mornings, united in service and kindness.

Paul and Laura hope their journey of giving inspires others to step forward, sharing their time, talents, and care to brighten the lives of families who need a little extra hope and support.

 

When Life Gave Her Battles, Val Chose to Serve

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Val David has been a devoted volunteer at FROM for over a decade, going way back to when FROM was on Main Street. In 2015, her husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She used FROM’s medical equipment loan program to help care for him while continuing to volunteer. When her husband tragically passed from cancer in 2017, Val’s commitment to serving others never wavered. She used her grief as fuel to serve.

Years later, Val received her own terminal cancer diagnosis. Many would choose to step back, but she persists, bringing her unique spark and dedication to Treasures Thrift Store in areas like Christmas items, media, and games. Every day, she shows up despite her illness, embodying resilience and generosity.

Val inspires those around her, including her children, whom she brought to volunteer in the food pantry with her to learn compassion firsthand. She says bearing witness to service made quite an impact on her children’s lives. When asked what advice she would give someone considering volunteering, she says, “Like the Nike ad: Just do it. When you see the families we help and lives changing because someone cared, that is why I keep going. That is my reason for being here.”

She is a beautiful example that even when life is uncertain, strength, community, and kindness can fill up our spirit and carry us forward.

August Volunteer Spotlight: Cheryl C.

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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!”

From Shopper to Volunteer: Jenny’s Story

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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.”

From Boy Scout Project to FROM Rockstar: Meet Fulton Poelma

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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!

Sandy O: Healing and Giving Back

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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

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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.

A Lowell Treasure: Theresa’s Quarter-Century of Service

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Imagine a friendly face, always ready to lend a hand. That’s Theresa Mundt, a true gem of Lowell, who’s been brightening lives at FROM for 25 years. Since 1998, she’s been a steady force, making sure kids have clothes and seniors get their essentials.

Why does she do it? “I just love helping people,” she says, a simple answer that speaks volumes. She adds, “And I’m retired, so I have the time to give back!”

For Theresa, it’s all about community. She lights up talking about the folks she’s met, the old friends she’s reconnected with. “It’s the people,” she says, “that’s what makes it so special.” She treasures the feeling of belonging, of making a real difference right here in Lowell.

“Volunteering is so rewarding,” she shares. “It’s fun, too! You get to meet wonderful people and really feel like you’re making a difference.”

Her dedication reveals that the community thrives on connection and that even the smallest acts of kindness can create a lasting ripple effect.