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Community Action Month is a celebration of the accomplishments of Community Action Agencies (CAAs) across the country. CAAs are a robust state and local force, reaching individuals and families in 99 percent of America’s counties with life-changing services that create pathways to prosperity.

As part of the CAA network, Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) serves Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, Muskegon, Oceana, and Osceola Counties. Over the past year, our communities have faced unprecedented challenges including a pandemic and a 500 year flood event. In the face of these obstacles, Mid Michigan CAA has adapted to serving clients through largely virtual means while continuing to administer all programs and even adding additional services as new and increased needs arose.

Last year, Mid Michigan CAA distributed 48,441 food boxes or 750 tons of food. As a response to increased food insecurity due to the pandemic, they were able to distribute 55 more tons of food than the year before.

Despite swift changes to the programs, Mid Michigan CAA’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs served 533 children last year. These programs provide support for children and families. They use a curriculum that supports school readiness and coordinate with area public schools to facilitate smooth transitioning for each child.

In the 2019 income tax season, Mid Michigan CAA processed returns for 440 households, bringing $478,566 in returns back into Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, and Osceola Counties.

Last year, Mid Michigan CAA weatherized 44 homes through the Weatherization Assistance Program. An additional 23 households received roofing repair assistance through the Housing Preservation Grant. These services make homes safer, healthier, more comfortable, and more affordable for the residents.

In 2020, Mid Michigan CAA administered the Eviction Diversion program, helping residents in 180 households stay in their homes.
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“The last year brought changes and challenges we could never have imagined. In response, we were able to expand our services and add new programs to address the needs of our communities. We are energized at being asked to serve our communities in ways we’ve never done before,” said Jill Sutton, Executive Director of Mid Michigan Community Action. “And while there is still work to be done, we are proud to continue ‘helping people, changing lives.’”

Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) is now enrolling for Preschool. Preschool provides structured play time, activities, and learning opportunities for children from 3 through 5 and support for their families in Clare and Gladwin Counties.

Preschool gives children a head start by supporting healthy physical, academic, and social-emotional development so they transition to kindergarten ready and eager to learn. Virtual and in-person class options are available. Technology is provided as needed.

“We continue to provide Preschool services including basic need support, education, and community resources to support our children and families through the unprecedented challenges of this pandemic. Staff receive emergency preparedness and infectious disease management training to ensure the safety of the children as well as themselves. The health and well-being of the children, families and staff is always our highest priority. Now more than ever we can provide a warm blanket of support for our children and their families,” said Sue Harvey, Early Childhood Director at Mid Michigan CAA.

Mid Michigan CAA’s Preschool is enrolling now for the 2021-2022 school year. Children who will be 3 or 4 on September 1st, 2021 are eligible. To complete an application, call 989-386-8075 or apply online.

Learn more about all Mid Michigan CAA’s early childhood programs. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn at for news and updates.
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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 conducting a comprehensive Community Needs Assessment (CNA) to determine how best to help low-income individuals and families.

The CNA examines where a community is at present and projects what needs it will have for the next three years. It helps Mid Michigan CAA decide what programs are needed and if any new programs may be needed in the future. As a grantee of the Community Services Block Grant, Mid Michigan CAA is required to perform a CNA every three years.

“After the rapid-fire changes of the last year including the pandemic, the flooding, and remote working, in addition to the regular evolution of our communities, the CNA will provide an invaluable insight into the needs of those we serve,” said Jill Sutton, Executive Director of Mid Michigan CAA. “We ask everyone who is able to complete the survey as the more comprehensive view we have, the more effective we can be.”

The CNA uses current census data, labor statistics, health survey data and most importantly, a community survey. Altogether this year’s CNA should be the most robust assessment conducted in several years. To complete the CNA survey, visit www.mmcaa.org/cna. The survey will be available until June 30th, 2021.

“Using the data we gather, we will be able to examine both which needs are a priority for local residents as well as why those needs exist to address them as efficiently as possible, furthering our goal to empower neighborhoods and eliminate poverty,” said Sutton.
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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 received $5,039,855 through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) for COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) in Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, and Osceola Counties.

CERA replaces the Eviction Diversion Program (EDP). CERA can assist tenants facing eviction or behind on rent and/or utility payments. Either tenants or landlords may initiate the CERA application process.

Renters who are making 80% or less than the area median income are eligible. Applicants must show documentation of pandemic-related financial hardships, which can include unemployment, reduction of income, and increased expenses, to qualify.

“CERA will provide millions of dollars in assistance to low-income renters impacted by COVID-19. At a time when those in our communities are facing unprecedented financial hardships, we are so proud to be offering this program,” said Jill Sutton, Executive Director of Mid Michigan Community Action.

To apply, renters and landlords should visit www.michigan.gov/cera to complete their application and gather their documents. Applications and supporting documents can then be submitted via email to CERA@mmcaa.org, fax to 989-386-3277, or mail to Mid Michigan Community Action, ATTN: CERA, PO Box 768, Farwell, MI 48622.

For services in other counties, use the CERA Contact List on www.michigan.gov/cera to find the agency for each county.

Contact us at CERA@mmcaa.org or 877-213-5955 with any questions. To learn more about our agency, visit www.mmcaa.org.
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Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment.

About: On December 29, 2020, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Public Act 257 of 2020, providing $2.5 million to GSRP, Head Start, special education for individuals aged 18-26 and adult education teachers who teach in a school district or nonprofit nonpublic school.

This program provides grants to eligible GSRP, head start, adult education, young adult special education classroom teachers in a district or nonprofit nonpublic school spent outside of normal working hours and additional costs classroom teachers have incurred or experienced to provide a continuity of learning during the period of school closure in 2019-2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A max of $500 may be received under this program.

Eligibility:

• Head Start:  Lead teachers & Associate Teachers
• Great Start Readiness Program:  Lead teachers & Associate Teachers
• Substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, support staff, administrators, HS/EHS Directors, fiscal staff, management staff, child & family service staff, child development specialists, home-based visitors, home-based visitor supervisors, coaches and teacher consultants ARE NOT ELIGIBLE under this grant program.
• Prior to April 2, 2020 at least 75% of workload must have been performed onsite.
• After April 2, 2020, the teacher developed tools and methods to deliver remote learning.
• Teacher must have worked additional time spent outside of normal working hours, experienced hazardous conditions, or incurred additional costs related to ensuring students could effectively participate in their school's continuity of learning plan.

​What's Next:

• If identified as eligible you will receive a notification as well as the Michigan Department of Treasury Teacher Certification Form.
• You must return the completed form to contactus@mmcaa.org no later than April 9th to be included in the grant submission process.  Mid Michigan CAA will submit to the Department of Treasury.
• DO NOT submit your form direct to the State of Michigan.
• Checks are anticipated being disbursed by the state on or about June 4, 2021.
• If you feel you qualify but did not receive the certification form, please contact Sue Harvey (sharvey@mmcaa.org).

Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) is now enrolling for the Early Head Start (EHS) program. EHS provides supportive services for those who are pregnant and children from birth through 3 in Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, and Osceola Counties.

EHS gives children and families the best start by supporting healthy development and building school readiness for early learning and future success​. Services are currently provided in a safe, virtual environment. Virtual services include weekly Zoom meetings in place of in-person visits and virtual playgroups and parent meetings. Technology is provided as needed. Families will receive supply totes via contactless drop-offs, filled with items to support young learners and provide family fun. Families will also have access to video activities including story time, recipes, crafts, and much more.

“During this pandemic we have continued to provide Early Head Start services including families basic need support, early education and infant/toddler development, family support, and community resources. The health and well-being of the children, families and staff is always our highest priority, and during this pandemic we are committed to our families. Now more than ever we can provide a warm blanket of support for our new families and young children,” said Sue Harvey, Early Childhood Director at Mid Michigan CAA.

Mid Michigan CAA’s Early Head Start is enrolling now for those who are pregnant or have a child from birth through 3. Contact us at 1-877-386-4406 or complete an interest form online.

Learn more about all Mid Michigan CAA’s early childhood programs. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn for news and updates.

Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) will be providing free income tax preparation services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

VITA is an IRS program managed by partners all over the country, including Community Action Agencies. IRS trained and certified volunteers work with community members to prepare their taxes safely, confidentially, and at no cost to the community members.

To allow for ongoing social distancing measures, VITA appointments will be low-contact with most aspects of the tax return process being conducted virtually, by phone, and/or by mail. Due to the Stay Home order in March of 2020 and the tax program closing early, Mid Michigan CAA will be able to process 2019 tax returns in addition to 2020 tax returns.

“Each year our volunteers work throughout the tax season to help as many households as possible claim their maximum refund including all credits without filing costs or hidden fees,” said Outreach Director Eva Rohlman. “Though this year is going to look a little different, the high-quality tax preparation service we can provide to our communities will remain the same.”

The VITA program will run from February 1st through April 15th, 2021, serving residents of Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, and Osceola Counties. Those interested in having their taxes prepared at no cost to them should contact call nearest office:

Big Rapids: 231-660-0271
Farwell: 989-386-3805
Gladwin: 989-426-2801
Reed City: 231-791-7078.

Those interested in volunteering should contact Sheri Nartker at 989-386-3805 ext. 1024 or snartker@mmcaa.org as soon as possible.

Learn more about our tax prep program.

[Farwell, MI—] Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) is participating in the statewide Water Repair Assistance Program through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) as part of Michigan Coronavirus Relief Funding.

The Water Repair Assistance Program will ensure low-income households have access to hot and cold water, a toilet, a tub or shower, a kitchen faucet, and a laundry tub. To meet these needs, the program will provide a variety of plumbing, hot water heater, well, and septic repairs. The program will only run until December 30, 2020. It is important for residents to apply soon to access this program.

“We are eager to begin work on this program,” said Justin Walls, Housing Director at Mid Michigan CAA, “as having access to clean, running water is critical to the health and well-being of every household, especially as we work to reduce the spread of COVID-19.”

Residents in Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, Muskegon, Oceana, and Osceola Counties who do not have access to water in their homes or need plumbing repair should contact the Mid Michigan CAA office nearest them in Bay City at 989-894-9060, Big Rapids at 231-660-0271, Farwell at 989-386-3805, Gladwin at 989-426-2801, Midland at 989-832-7377, Muskegon at 231-557-7622, or Reed City at 231-791-7078.
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Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment.

Gladwin Long Term Disaster Recovery Group is hosting a drive-through volunteer sign-up event on September 11th, 2020 to observe the National Day of Service and Remembrance.

The Volunteer Committee will be at the Gladwin Fire Department at 701 E Cedar Ave, Gladwin, MI 48624 from 11AM-4PM on Friday, September 11th to sign up prospective volunteers from the safety of their vehicles to maintain social distancing. A multitude of volunteer opportunities are available rebuild homes affected by the May flooding.

“September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance gives us a chance to reflect on and honor the victims, first responders, and citizens involved in and affected by the national tragedy,” said Eva Rohlman, Outreach Services Director at Mid Michigan Community Action serving as the Long Term Recovery coordinating agency. “We do our best to pay tribute to them through our own acts of services and volunteering.”

Volunteers can also register anytime on the Gladwin County flood recovery volunteer website here: https://michiganredi.galaxydigital.com/. Needs across the community are being assessed daily, so volunteer opportunities are updated regularly.

“The process of recovery, especially in a disaster as widespread as this, is a long-term effort. It is the daily decision to come together and raise our hands to help our neighbors,” said Rohlman. “We have been extremely moved by the willingness of our community members to step up and help in all stages of recovery thus far, and we are hopeful that we will have the privilege to continue to work with such dedicated and selfless volunteers as we continue down this path.”
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Residents who have been impacted by the flood and are seeking assistance can speak with Carla Long, the Disaster Case Manager, at 989-598-4315.