 [Farwell, MI—] Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) is celebrating Community Action Month by inviting community members, partners, and neighbors to its Shining Together Open House on May 22, 2025, from 2:00–4:00 PM at the agency’s administrative office, located at 1574 E. Washington Rd, Farwell, MI 48622.
This event offers guests an inside look at how Mid Michigan CAA works to empower individuals and strengthen communities across the region. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the agency’s new Executive Director, Mark Polega, in the Director’s corner, take guided tours of the facility and co-located Head Start classrooms, and visit the Weatherization on Wheels exhibit. “Our doors are open, and we’re excited to share the work we’re doing—and the people behind it,” said Polega. “We hope the community will join us to connect, celebrate, and learn how we’re supporting local families.” Guests can also participate in an interactive Q&A board, explore volunteer opportunities, and more. Light refreshments will be provided. The event is free and open to the public. No RSVP is required. For questions or more information, contact Coralie Kuziak at [email protected]. About Mid Michigan CAA: Mid Michigan CAA serves low-income people at Community Action Centers in Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, Muskegon, Oceana, and Osceola Counties. Key programs include Head Start, Weatherization, USDA Food Programs, and HUD-Certified Housing Counseling. For more information, visit www.mmcaa.org. Mid Michigan CAA guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment.
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Local Representative and State Senator Visit Mid Michigan Community Action Head Start Classrooms4/21/2025 Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) recently welcomed Representative Kunse and State Senator Hauck to our Head Start preschool classrooms for a special story time and a firsthand look at early childhood education in action. The visits took place at our Clare and Farwell sites on April 14th and 21st, where each had the opportunity to read to the children and talk with teachers and staff. These visits offered insight into how Head Start supports children and families through comprehensive early learning and family-focused services. “It meant so much to have State Senator Hauck and Representative Kunse spend time with our students,” said Stephanie VanderElzen, Head Start Director at Mid Michigan CAA. “The children were so excited to have special visitors read to them, and it’s always powerful when leaders in our community take time to see firsthand the joy, growth, and connection happening in our classrooms every day.” At Mid Michigan Community Action, we’re proud to serve 350 children and their families through our Head Start programs. With over 26 years of experience providing quality early learning, we’ve seen firsthand the long-term benefits—children who attend Head Start are more likely to graduate high school, pursue higher education, and build stability and long-term success. We also work closely with families, recognizing that parents are their child’s first and most important teachers. Our program helps remove barriers and support caregivers in creating positive, engaging home environments. Research shows that Head Start families are more likely to read together, continue their own education, and be more involved in their child’s learning journey. Mid Michigan CAA’s Head Start program provides no-cost preschool to eligible children ages 3 through 5, promoting school readiness through individualized learning, nutritious meals, and access to health and developmental services. For more information about Head Start or other early childhood programs, visit www.mmcaa.org or call 989-386-8075. Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment.
Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) releases the findings of its 2024 Community Needs Assessment (CNA), spotlighting the most critical challenges faced by low-income individuals and families across Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, Muskegon, Oceana, and Osceola counties. Mid Michigan CAA has a track record of results, built on innovative, responsive, and efficient programs that are uniquely tailored to meet local needs. By leveraging resources and partnerships, Community Action enhances local impact and strengthens economic mobility for families.
Empowering Communities Through Insight Conducted every three years, the Community Needs Assessment gathers vital data on economic conditions, social services, and resource gaps, ensuring Mid Michigan CAA’s programs are focused on the most urgent community needs. The 2024 assessment, enriched by feedback from over 1,000 local survey responses and 8 community focus groups, along with data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the KIDS COUNT Data Center, provides a robust foundation for action. Key Findings: Addressing Critical Challenges The 2024 CNA reveals significant hurdles impacting residents across Mid Michigan CAA’s service area:
Driving Impactful Change “These insights deepen our understanding of the barriers residents face and empower us to craft programs that deliver real solutions,” said Mark Polega, Executive Director at Mid Michigan CAA. “From housing and income stability to food security and digital access, this data enables us to advocate for and implement services that truly meet the needs of our communities.” To read the full report, download it today at www.mmcaa.org/cna. Discover more about our impactful programs and services at www.mmcaa.org, call or text 877-213-5948, or email [email protected]. Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education, and community enrichment. Mid Michigan Community Action Named Regional Hub for MITTEN Program to Expand Digital Access3/18/2025 Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) is proud to announce our selection as a regional hub for the Michigan Inclusive Training, Technology, and Equity Network (MITTEN) program. This initiative, led by the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI), aims to bridge the digital divide by providing essential digital resources and training to communities across Michigan.
In collaboration with our partner, Human-I-T, we will offer services including digital skills training, assistance in obtaining affordable internet access, distribution of refurbished devices to eligible individuals, and personalized support to help community members navigate online services such as job applications, telehealth, and virtual education. Human-I-T is a social enterprise dedicated to creating fair access to opportunity by providing devices, internet access, digital skills training, and tech support to communities affected by the digital divide. By diverting technology from landfills, Human-I-T not only expands digital access but also contributes to environmental sustainability. "Reliable internet access and digital skills are more important than ever," said Eva Rohlman, Outreach and Opportunities Director at Mid Michigan CAA. "Through the MITTEN program and our partnership with Human-I-T, we are working to ensure that more residents in our region have the tools and knowledge to stay connected, find opportunities, and access the services they need." The MITTEN program was developed based on community input from MIHI’s MI Connected Future listening tour and is a key part of Michigan’s Digital Equity Plan. The program will help bridge technology gaps by providing regional hubs like Mid Michigan CAA with the resources to equip local residents with the skills and tools needed to succeed in today’s digital world. For more information about the MITTEN program and the services available through Mid Michigan CAA, call or text your local office to get started:
Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment. Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) has been awarded the FY25 Michigan Veteran Homelessness Prevention Grant (MiVHPG) from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA). This $250,000 grant will expand support for veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness across Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Lake, Mecosta, Midland, Newaygo, Osceola, and Saginaw Counties through September 30, 2028.
The grant assists Mid Michigan CAA in continuing its work to end veteran homelessness by providing immediate relief, sustainable housing solutions, and comprehensive case management services to at-risk veterans. The grant will help Mid Michigan CAA provide:
“Stable housing is a foundation for overall well-being, and we are honored to expand our services to meet the needs of veterans facing housing insecurity,” said Eva Rohlman, Outreach and Opportunities Director of Mid Michigan CAA. “This grant allows us to increase our reach, ensuring that veterans who served our country are supported with respect and dignity in their times of need.” Mid Michigan CAA also creates personalized Housing Stability Plans with veterans to ensure lasting housing stability. The organization also leverages partnerships to make each dollar count, maximizing the impact of MVAA’s funding and ensuring that veterans receive holistic support. If you are a veteran experiencing housing insecurity, please call or text Mid Michigan CAA at 877-213-5955 or email [email protected]. Mid Michigan Community Action invests in local solutions for individuals and families to improve their quality of life and achieve self-sufficiency. The agency offers housing, education, food, and veteran-specific support to foster resilient and thriving communities. Learn more at www.mmcaa.org. Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education, and community enrichment.  Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) is proud to recognize Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Week, observed from March 16-22, and the essential role CACFP plays in ensuring children receive nutritious meals every day.
Each year, CACFP provides federal funding to facilities including licensed childcare centers, Head Start programs, public and private schools, after-school care programs, and emergency shelters to offer healthy meals and snacks. In Michigan alone, CACFP supports the distribution of more than 6.2 million breakfasts, 7.3 million lunches, 12 million snacks, and 5.4 million suppers annually to children and adults in care. Mid Michigan CAA is proud to participate in this program, making it possible for our 12 Preschool classrooms in Clare and Gladwin Counties to serve more than 40,000 meals and snacks so far during the 2024-2025 program year. A total of 215 children in our program have received CACFP-funded meals, ensuring they have access to nutritious, balanced meals that support their growth and learning. Through CACFP funding, we purchase fresh, healthy foods from local stores and vendors to provide high-quality meals to the children in our care. "Proper nutrition is critical for young children’s growth, learning, and overall well-being," said Stephanie VanderElzen, Head Start Director at Mid Michigan CAA. "CACFP makes it possible for us to provide high-quality meals and snacks to the children in our program, ensuring they have the fuel they need to thrive in the classroom." Preschool Enrollment is Open! Mid Michigan CAA is currently accepting applications for its Preschool program which serves children from three through five in Clare and Gladwin Counties. Children enrolled in preschool build kindergarten readiness skills, engage in classroom activities, and enjoy nutritious meals and snacks at no cost to eligible families. Families interested in Preschool can apply online at www.mmcaa.org/preschool or call (989) 386-8075 for more information. To learn more about all of our early childhood programs, visit www.mmcaa.org/childrenandfamilies or call or text 989-386-3805. Mid Michigan Community Action is committed to providing children with high-quality education, nutritious meals, and the resources they need to succeed. As we celebrate CACFP Week, we recognize the impact this program has on the children we serve and our ability to continue supporting local families. Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment.
Mid Michigan Community Action (Mid Michigan CAA) is honored to celebrate the remarkable career of our Executive Director, Jill Edwards-Sutton, as she prepares for a well-earned retirement after more than 36 years of dedicated service. Jill’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping Mid Michigan CAA into the organization it is today: expanding our reach, strengthening our programs, and ensuring countless individuals and families have access to essential services.
Throughout her tenure, Jill’s vision and commitment have driven transformative initiatives, including the development of ClareCastle—a 24-unit senior living complex in downtown Clare—and expanding and adding programs to address housing, food security, early childhood education, and energy assistance. Her impact on the organization and the community will be felt for years to come. "Jill's leadership has been truly extraordinary," said Bill Reder, Board Chairperson. "Her unwavering dedication has strengthened our ability to serve and uplift our communities. We are deeply grateful for her years of service and the legacy she leaves behind." As we celebrate Jill’s contributions, we are also thrilled to welcome Mark Polega as our new Executive Director. Mark, a dedicated leader at Mid Michigan CAA for 17 years, has grown within the organization from intern to Operations Director. With a Master’s degree in Public Administration and certification as a Community Action Professional (CCAP), Mark brings experience, passion, and a deep understanding of our mission. "It is an incredible honor to follow in Jill’s footsteps and continue the work of empowering individuals and strengthening communities," said Mark Polega. "Mid Michigan CAA has a rich history of service, and I look forward to building on that foundation as we move into the future." As Mid Michigan CAA embarks on this transition, we remain committed to our mission of guiding individuals and families on their path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education, and community enrichment. Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) is excited to announce the relocation of our Mecosta, Midland, and Oceana County Community Action Centers to new locations, allowing us to better serve our neighbors by bringing services together in more accessible spaces.
For over 50 years, Mid Michigan CAA has worked to connect individuals and families with essential resources and opportunities, helping them achieve stability and self-sufficiency. By moving these offices, we continue our mission of making support services more accessible and responsive to the needs of our communities. Excitement for the Future Community Empowerment Director Cherri Swanstra shared, “We’re thrilled to bring our services together in these new locations. This allows us to better serve our neighbors by making our programs more accessible and connected. We look forward to continuing our mission and strengthening the communities we serve.” Early Head Start and WIC Director Amyee Carson added, “These moves allow us to enhance the services we provide for families. We’re excited to welcome our neighbors to these new spaces and continue supporting them with all of our amazing programs.” Outreach and Opportunities Director Eva Rohlman, who oversees homeless and veteran programs, emphasized, “By consolidating our services in these locations, we can better coordinate and deliver resources to those who need them most. This move strengthens our ability to provide comprehensive support to individuals and families.” Each of our Community Action Centers has a Resource Navigator on-site to help residents navigate the services available, answer questions about eligibility, and guide individuals through the application process. New Locations
Office Hours & Contact Information All Community Action Centers are open:
For more information, call or text any of our Community Action Centers:
Visit: mmcaa.org Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube Mid Michigan Community Action is committed to guiding local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education, and community enrichment. We look forward to serving our neighbors from our new locations and continuing to make a positive impact in the communities we call home. Mid Michigan Community Action (Mid Michigan CAA) is now accepting appointments for free income tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
VITA is a nationwide IRS program, supported by Community Action Agencies and other partner organizations, where IRS-trained and certified volunteers provide tax preparation services at no cost to eligible individuals and families. The program offers both virtual and in-person appointments to ensure flexibility for customers. “We’re excited to help households prepare their taxes and claim any available credits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Home Heating Credit,” said Cherri Swanstra, Community Empowerment Director at Mid Michigan CAA. “Last year, we helped bring over $790,000 in refunds back to our communities, and we look forward to doing the same this year.” The VITA program serves Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, and Osceola Counties. Customers will need to bring relevant documents, such as wage statements (W2 or 1099), health insurance forms (1095s), heating costs, and other required items for tax filing. For a full list of documents, visit: https://www.mmcaa.org/taxpreparationassistance.html. Tax preparation appointments are now open, and residents can secure their spot by emailing [email protected] or calling or texting the office nearest to them:
“We’re committed to ensuring that tax preparation is accessible, easy, and free for our local families,” added Swanstra. “Whether you choose a virtual or in-person appointment, we’re here to help you file safely and confidently.” Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment. On January 29, Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) will conduct the local annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count. This survey, required by the federal government, counts how many people are homeless on a single night. This includes those sleeping outside, in places not meant for living, in shelters, or using emergency motel vouchers.
“The PIT Count is essential for understanding homelessness in our communities,” said Jennifer Rodgers, Homeless Program Manager at Mid Michigan CAA. “The data helps us get more resources, improve our services, and work towards ending homelessness.” The data from the PIT Count is used by the Michigan Balance of State Continuum of Care and HUD to distribute funding and resources to homeless service agencies, including Mid Michigan CAA. Locally, the agency works with organizations like 2-1-1, Good Samaritan Rescue Mission in Bay City, Our Brother’s Keeper shelter in Big Rapids, New Dawn Shelter in Gladwin, Listening Ear, Youth Attention Center, RISE, Shelterhouse, and WISE. How You Can Help: If you know of camps or people who are homeless, call or text 877-213-5955 to share their location so they can be counted. People in Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, and Osceola Counties who are homeless can also call or text 877-213-5955 or email [email protected] for help. Services are also available for veterans in Lake, Newaygo, Midland, and Saginaw Counties. For more information about the PIT Count, contact Jennifer Rodgers at [email protected]. Mid Michigan Community Action helps local residents become self-sufficient through empowerment, education, and community support. |
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CLARE COUNTY
Administrative Office 1574 E Washington Road PO Box 768 Farwell, MI 48622 Phone 989-386-3805 Toll-Free 1-877-213-5948 Fax 989-386-3277 [email protected] FOOD WAREHOUSE 2300 E Ludington Drive Clare, MI 48617 989-229-0849 [email protected] |
BAY COUNTY
114 South Washington Avenue Bay City, MI 48708 Phone: 989-894-9060 [email protected] GLADWIN COUNTY 1302 Chatterton Street Gladwin, MI 48624 Phone: 989-426-2801 [email protected] MECOSTA COUNTY 706 Maple Street Big Rapids, MI 49307 Phone: 231-660-0271 [email protected] MIDLAND COUNTY 1717 Ridgewood Drive, Suite 103 Midland, MI 48642 Phone: 989-832-7310 [email protected] |
MUSKEGON COUNTY
878 Jefferson Street, Suite 2 Muskegon, MI 49440 Phone: 231-557-7622 [email protected] OCEANA COUNTY 195 N Michigan Ave Shelby, MI 49455 Phone: 231-923-3066 [email protected] OSCEOLA COUNTY 240 E Church Street Reed City, MI 49677 Phone: 231-791-7078 [email protected] |
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
- mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or - fax:
(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or - email:
[email protected]
This website is supported by Grant Number 05CH012316 and 05CH011635 from the Office of Head Start within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of Mid Michigan Community Action Agency and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Head Start.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider