family support programs
Families come in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes just need a little extra help to meet needs. FROM Family Support programs are here when you need them. Whether you need a little help with school supplies, medical equipment loan, Christmas presents, or a variety of other things, we're here.
Our Backpack Program takes place each August, just in time for a fresh start to the new school year! Come with your kids to pick out a backpack and receive school supplies tailored to your students’ grade and school, at no cost to your family. Registration is required. Sign-ups begin in June.
Christmas Toy Store is a free event for parents/guardians to shop for Christmas gifts for their children, newborn-18. The Christmas Food Basket is offered with this program and provides a Christmas dinner with all the fixings for families to cook at home. Registration is required. Sign-ups begin in October.
Medical equipment can be a large and unexpected expense for many people, especially if insurance doesn’t cover the items needed. At Medical Equipment Loan Closet, you can pick up medical equipment and borrow it for as long as you need.
The Medical Equipment Loan Closet is open weekly, Monday–Thursday, 10AM – 4PM.
Our Medical Equipment Loan Closet is open to anyone who needs it. If you or someone you love could use a little extra support while healing or managing day to day, we’re glad to help.
Need a ride in the Lowell area?
FROM offers a friendly transportation service!
You can get a ride Monday through Thursday, between 10 AM and 4 PM. Transportation to and from our pantry is available: Tuesday (2-4PM), Wednesday (5-7PM), and Friday (10AM-Noon).
Just remember to book your ride a week in advance so we can schedule our volunteer drivers!
Rides to and FROM is here for neighbors who live in our service area and have a household income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level. If you’re not sure whether that’s you, give us a call. Additional requirements may apply, and we’d be glad to talk it through together.
Income Tax Assistance
Partnered with United Way and the IRS, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program is an easy way to have your taxes e-filed for free by IRS-trained volunteers at FROM's Main Office
Kent County residents who meet the income guidelines can schedule an appointment to have their taxes e-filed by calling 2-1-1.
Appointments will open late January/early February.
Neighbors living in Kent County with an annual income of $70,000 or less are welcome to sign up for free tax help through the VITA Program, which we’re proud to host with Heart of West Michigan United Way. Questions are always welcome, and you can learn more at www.hwmuw.org/taxhelp.
Repair & Restore program provides free/low cost home repairs and weatherization assistance for homeowners in the Greater Lowell community. If you have a home repair need, give our Connections Office a call at 616-897-8260 ext. 120.
Repair & Restore is available to neighbors living in our service area whose household income falls at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level. Every home and every situation is different, so if you’re unsure, we’d love to hear from you.
FROM's service income limit is 300% or less of the federal poverty level relative to your household size.
