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.

Meet Debbie Bradley: Crafting Kindness in Lowell

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Debbie Bradley’s story at FROM started with a simple potluck and a neighborly nudge. In 2019, she found herself at FROM seeking assistance for her daughter, Kristin, and quickly discovered a community she wanted to be a part of. Now, you’ll find her happily crafting alongside Marilyn and Ellen.

“I just love what FROM does for Lowell,” Debbie says, her eyes lighting up. For her, it’s all about community. She remembers how Monica, FROM’s Program Manager, was a “guiding light” for Kristin, helping her find her own apartment and a job. And she smiles when she talks about Maureen, the cashier, who always makes Kristin feel seen and welcome.

Debbie’s journey is a reminder that sometimes, the best way to find community is to jump right in and lend a hand. And if you happen to see her, ask her about her favorite color – it’s a lovely sage green!

Educators Helping Educators

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Kim and Bev are the dynamic duo behind the Teacher Supply section at Treasures Thrift Store. They curate an inviting space that keeps customers coming back. Their goal is to create a sense of community where everyone feels welcome and can find what they need. They want children to be excited about reading and learning, believing that educated individuals make happier, better citizens.

The inspiration for the teacher supply section came from conversations with educators struggling to equip their classrooms on tight budgets. Kim and Bev recognized a need and filled it. Thanks to generous donations from current and former educators, the section has blossomed, providing a valuable resource for teachers. “What a blessing to grow as so many present and former educators have begun donating unused supplies thus finding a place to bless other educators,” they share. Ultimately, their efforts benefit the students, enriching their learning experience. Kim and Bev’s creation demonstrates how a simple act of service can have a ripple effect in the lives of others.


The Need for Affordable Housing in Lowell

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“Unstable housing causes increased stress and anxiety, high rates of absenteeism, difficulty completing homework, and difficulty focusing when in school,” said Nate Fowler, Lowell Area Schools Superintendent. We talked to Nate as a part of our Building Foundations, Building Hope campaign to bring affordable and supportive housing to the greater Lowell community. His words highlight the need for affordable housing in our community and how the housing scarcity is affecting students.

As we head into this public campaign it’s important to know the numbers that motivated us to help tackle the housing struggles in Lowell. According to recent survey of FROM program participated conducted by Datawise, one in three respondents had difficulty paying for housing in the past year, one in six selected housing instability as a top issue for their health, and 23% reported spending at least 50% of their income on housing. Additionally, MI School Data reported that Lowell Area Schools had 102 mobile students, many of whom were mobile because of eviction filings. Nate supported these findings by saying “Recent increases in housing costs have put a strain on many families’ budgets.”

 
(3d Renderings, not real homes…yet!)

Our plan for the Building Foundations, Building Hope campaign is to build three new buildings that can be rented at an affordable cost. These buildings will be located next to our current rental house at 504 Main Street. The goal for the new buildings is to be able to house up to 40 people at any given time across 17 units. These units are a combination of 1-, 2-, and 3-bedrooms which will housing a single person up to a family of four. The project requires us to raise $3.3 million to construct the three new buildings but the investment is well worth it to take the first steps in addressing this need in our community.
Nate stressed to us the positive change that could come about for students who can get stable housing from this campaign. “By having additional options for affordable housing, students who benefit may see consistent school attendance which allows students to participate fully in their education, a quiet place to study and complete homework, better physical and mental health, boosting their ability to learn, and more opportunities to build lasting friendships and community connections.”

To learn more about the Building Foundations, Building Hope campaign, visit fromlowell.org/buildinghope. If you are interested in making a contribution, reach out to our Development Director, Arianne Hall by phone (616.897.8260) or email (arianneh@fromlowell.org), or click here.

 

Volunteer Spotlight: Jayne M

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Jayne started shopping at the FROM thrift store years ago. “I LOVE shopping at FROM,” she excitedly explains, “I’ve gone to so many thrift stores in other Michigan cities and surrounding states. FROM is by far the best!”

When Jayne learned the thrift store was in need of volunteers, she stepped up. Soon, she began volunteering as a thrift store cashier. She shares, “I love working at the cash register because I get to talk to each of the people who comes my way. I want to make them feel special.”

Jayne delights in finding ways to connect with each customer. “Everyone has a story, and I love to hear them,” she says.

Jayne adds, “I’m so thankful that there is a place here in Lowell that helps other people in the community—many times very discreetly.” Jayne works as a substitute teacher in the Lowell School District, so she especially loves the backpack program FROM offers children at the beginning of each school year. “Many families are blessed by that program,” she says.

Main Street Housing: Mary

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Faced with an unsafe living situation and the threat of rising rent, Mary knew she had to do something.

“I was like ‘I’ve got to do something,’” she said. “I’m not getting [anywhere]. I’m not paying any bills. I’m not helping my credit. I’m just losing money and making myself depressed.”

She was paying $700 a month to rent a small room where she couldn’t open the windows or leave the room without fear of a dog attacking her or her cat.

Mary had applied to live at FROM’s Main Street Housing in the past, but the available unit wasn’t a good fit for her. She decided to apply again, and this time, she was able to move in.

Moving to Main Street Housing has had a positive impact on her financially, as well as helping improve her mental health, and stay more positive.

“I’m actually watching my credit go up, I’m getting everything paid off, I’m able to help my dad,” Mary said. “If I was still in that spot, I would not be able to help my dad…I wouldn’t be able to do everything an adult should be able to help their parents do.”

She’s thankful for the positive impact that stable and affordable housing has had on her life and the foundation she is building, living in the community where she has support.

“I’m doing it on my own. I’m here in Lowell, that’s all I wanted,” she said.

When asked about why affordable housing is so important to the Greater Lowell community, Mary was quick to share.

“People deserve [affordable housing]. They deserve the opportunity, that’s what they deserve.”


FROM’s Current Main Street Housing

Mary is a current Main Street Housing tenant. She shared her story to raise awareness of the need of affordable housing and to encourage anyone who needs help to talk to FROM.
Learn more about FROM’s solution to the growing housing shortage in Lowell at fromlowell.org/buildinghope/

Making Waves: Flat River Outreach Ministries’ 2024 Impact

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2024 was a year of significant growth and impact for Flat River Outreach Ministries. Thanks to the incredible support of our community, dedicated volunteers, and generous donors, we were able to make a real difference in the lives of families in Lowell.


We are incredibly grateful for the support of our community. Your contributions, both large and small, have made a lasting difference.