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.

 

A Community Bright and Cheerful

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Alecia’s earliest memories of FROM were from long ago, visiting Treasures Thrift Store in its earliest days to find needs and wants.

In 2012, Alecia was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. With all that comes with a life altering diagnosis, Alecia found herself in need of some help.

She still isn’t sure who requested help for her through the Repair & Restore (formerly Neighbor to Neighbor), a FROM program that provides weatherization and small home repairs, but help was there.

“The next thing I knew I had a whole group of people at my home, putting new floors and repairing a few doors,” Alecia shared. She felt seen and cared for. Her understanding of what FROM could do in a time of needed expanded as well.

Along with Repair & Restore, and Treasures Thrift Store, Alecia has also taken part in the FROM Christmas Food Basket & Toy Store programs. She loved that she was able to pick out special gifts for her children.

A sense of community blossomed for Alecia. Over the years, she has continued to frequent Treasures Thrift Store. So much so; she finally became a volunteer, serving as a cashier, and in the book department.

Today Alecia’s life is full and busy. With her cancer in remission, she fills her time with family, volunteering, and her favorite pastime, reading! She has seven bookshelves of books!

“I’m lucky compared to so many other people out there, I have fantastic kids and a wonderful husband,” she said. “There will always be something on the horizon that would be nice to have but what I have now is quite lovely.

Alecia complimented the people who make FROM, FROM, saying they are, “bright and cheerful.” We think she’s one of them.

Inspiring the Next Generation in Giving Back

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Now a FROM staff member, McKenzie’s first days here at FROM were as a volunteer. At an early age she and her sister would come along with her grandmother, Sylvia, to volunteer.

McKenzie (L) and Sylvia (R) pose for a photo together. Sylvia get McKenzie involved volunteering nearly 20 years ago.

Sylvia, now a committee member working diligently on our housing capital campaign, has been our Interim Director, Food Pantry manager, and a board member throughout our history. She would bring the sisters along for volunteering. From serving in the food pantry to a spring cleanup, the girls got hands-on experience of being part of a community that helps one another.

One of McKenzie’s favorite memories volunteering as a child was for a spring cleanup

“This year in particular there was a lot of flooding, and I remember being in the basement of this home pulling out rotted baseboards, broken shelving, and building materials.” She went on to say the impact that day left on her, “it was a group of people, not just myself or my family. A group. A collective. A community coming together to help their neighbors.”

While reflecting on her journey with community service and family connections, McKenzie shared, “It has truly been a full circle moment for me, to see what it was like as a young volunteer now being an adult staff member. Without my grandmother as an inspiration and mentor I would not be the woman I am today, nor would I know anything about FROM.”

Sylvia shared her heart from serving came from her family.
“I believe as a Christian and a family that has been very blessed, serving is not only a duty but also a great benefit to myself,” Sylvia shared. “Many times, I have been as blessed with the experience of service as I feel I have contributed by serving.”

FROM is certainly blessed for the heart and hands of Sylvia, her foundation of giving and her teaching of service and her granddaughter, McKenzie.

John Joins FROM as Client Services Coordinator

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John, our client services coordinator, stands by trees at FROM.

John, FROM Client Services Coordinator

In September we welcomed John to the FROM staff as the Client Services Coordinator! He works directly with FROM program participants, working to connect families in our need with resources both within and outside our community, and share more about what we do here. To welcome him, we asked him a few questions. The questions and responses are listed below: 

 

Share a bit about your background 

John: I spent several decades in the military, returning to Michigan in 2019.  Prior to joining the team at FROM, I taught high school psychology and physical education in Grand Rapids.

 

Share a bit about family 

John: My wife is originally from Lowell, which is why we chose to move here post-military. We’re proud of our three adult children and our grandchild.

 

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time/hobbies?

John: I enjoy trail running and hiking and landscaping projects.  We also enjoy socializing with family and friends in the Lowell area.

 

Share a fun fact about yourself

John: My go-to karaoke song is “My Way”.

 

What are you most looking forward to at FROM?

John: Being part of a positive team that provides so much for the community.

 

Please join us in welcoming John to the team! We are excited for him to join us.

Food Fight: Kids fired up to feed our community!

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Lowell High School Students helped unload items donated at FROM.

When Shelli Otten retired as a principal at Cherry Creek Elementary School, she still wanted to be involved with the schools, and give back to the community she loved so much. She remembers her experiences with Food Fight as a school administrator as a fun event that helped the greater Lowell community!

Shelli, who serves a the Board Chair at FROM (Flat River Outreach Ministries), said It felt natural  to step in as the Food Fight school liaison. To her, seeing students want to make a difference is an inspiration.

“Principals and counselors have shared stories about students who ask for birthday gifts of food or money so they can contribute to Food Fight,” Shelli said. “That type of thing really shows that kids care and want to make a difference!”

She said it’s the student council and Early Act groups that encourage the elementary school to “get fired up” for Food Fight.

“It’s neat to see everyone working together,” Shelli said.

Shelli went on to share her appreciation for the Lowell Area School staff who make a grand effort to motivate and excite the students to participate and to understand the difference they’re truly making in our community.

Together, the Lowell Area Schools raised more than $6,700 and collect almost 10,000! They led the charge in collect food items for Food Fight. The total Food Fight campaign raised nearly $145,000 and collected more than 12,000 food items. FROM is so thankful for the contribution of food, and most of that food was distributed and utilized during June and early July already.

“We are proud of Lowell School staff and students for collecting about 90% of this year’s food items, and for setting new records for monetary donations,” Shell said, reflecting on the 2024 Food Fight. “I’m looking forward to working with Lowell Area Schools next year; we will be changing our collection drive dates so that we kick off Food Fight in April! This change will hopefully result in even greater amounts given.”

There is a growing need for the FROM Food pantry. In the last two years the number of shopping trips have more than doubled. In 2023, FROM provided more than 2,700 shopping trips in the food pantry, up from 1,300 in 2021.

Elementary students stand in front of a loading van where they loaded up food items for FROM.

Big thanks to elementary students who helped load up the van to bring donations to FROM!

“There is a need in the community and Food Fight helps!” Shelli concluded.

FROM is always in need of food donations to the Food Pantry, and all food programs. Please be sure to check for Meijer Simply Give double match days (coming up Saturday, August 17 and Saturday September 14), drop off extras from your garden, or encourage your church, business, community group, family and friends to host a food drive! For more information, reach out to Arianne Hall, our Development Director, by email (arianneh@fromlowell.org) or by phone (616-897-8260 ext. 135).