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.