Newsroom
Stay informed with the latest updates from Mid Michigan Community Action. From new programs to agency announcements, this is where we share our most recent news.
|
[Farwell, MI—] Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) is now scheduling appointments for free income tax preparation services in Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, and Osceola Counties. In-person and drop-off options are available.
Mid Michigan CAA’s IRS-trained and certified volunteers will help filers complete and submit federal and state tax returns and any available credits safely and accurately. “We know tax season can feel stressful, and we want individuals and families to know they don’t have to do it alone,” said Cherri Swanstra, Community Impact Director at Mid Michigan CAA. “Our trained volunteers are here to help our neighbors file their taxes with confidence and make sure they have the support they need throughout the process.” What Mid Michigan CAA can help file: Tax preparation assistance may be available for people who:
Mid Michigan Community Action is not able to prepare returns that include self-employment or business income, including farm income. Individuals and families should bring all tax documents that apply to their situation, including photo identification and Social Security cards for all household members. Having all required forms ready helps ensure appointments go smoothly and returns can be filed accurately. How to schedule an appointment To schedule a tax preparation appointment, individuals can call or text the office nearest them:
More information is available at: www.mmcaa.org/taxprep Mid Michigan Community Action Agency guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment. In the News Gladwin County Record and Beaverton Clarion: Mid Michigan Community Action now scheduling free tax preparation appointments, Published January 28, 2026 Midland Daily News: Free Tax prep Offered to Low- to Moderate-Income Filers, January 29, 2026 Big Rapids Pioneer: Free tax prep offered to low- to moderate-income filers, Published January 29, 2026
0 Comments
A recent announcement from Consumers Energy shares that they are committing $5 million to help customers across Michigan with energy bills and other needs—funds that will be distributed through partnerships with local organizations, including Mid Michigan Community Action.
We’re honored to be included as a partner in this initiative and proud to work alongside Consumers Energy to connect neighbors with the resources they need. To learn more about the announcement and all the partners involved, you can read the full release on the Consumers Energy website: Consumers Energy Stands with Customers on Energy Costs, Continues Its Commitment, Provides $5 Million to Lower Bills In the News Clare County Cleaver: Consumers Energy Stands with Customers on Energy Costs, Continues Its Commitment, Provides $5 Million to Lower Bills, Published January 12, 2026 WNEM5: Consumers Energy to invest $5M to help customers manage energy costs, Published January 12, 2026 WILX10: Consumers Energy to invest $5M to help customers manage energy costs, Published January 12, 2026 PR Newswire: Consumers Energy Stands with Customers on Energy Costs, Continues Its Commitment, Provides $5 Million to Lower Bills, Published January 12, 2026 Stock Titan: Consumers Energy Stands with Customers on Energy Costs, Continues Its Commitment, Provides $5 Million to Lower Bills, Published January 12, 2026 The Malaysian Reserve: Consumers Energy Stands with Customers on Energy Costs, Continues Its Commitment, Provides $5 Million to Lower Bills, Published January 12, 2026 Michigan Chronicle: Consumers Energy Invests $5 Million to Help Michigan Families Manage Rising Energy Costs, Published January 14, 2026 WHMI: Consumers Energy Provides $5 Million To Help Lower Bills For Customers, Published January 16, 2025 These articles highlight Consumers Energy’s announcement of a $5 million investment to help Michigan customers manage energy costs in 2026, including partnerships with local agencies like Mid Michigan Community Action to support direct assistance, community programs, and neighbor‑to‑neighbor resources. Mid Michigan Community Action to Participate in Annual Point-in-Time Count
On January 28, 2026, Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) will take part across the country in the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, a nationwide effort to count people who are experiencing homelessness on a single night. The PIT Count helps identify needs in local communities and connects those experiencing homelessness with housing support and other critical resources. Mid Michigan CAA will be participating in the count across Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, and Osceola Counties. The agency provides services for individuals, families, youth, and veterans experiencing housing insecurity in those counties, as well as for veterans and their families in Lake, Midland, Newaygo, and Saginaw Counties. “The PIT Count is about more than numbers,” said Jenn Rodgers, Homeless Programs Manager at Mid Michigan CAA. “It gives us a chance to reach people who may not yet be connected to help. Being counted can be the first step toward stable housing.” To help ensure everyone is counted, Mid Michigan CAA is asking for help from the community. If you know of a place where someone may be staying without stable housing, such as outside, in a vehicle, or in an abandoned building, please call or text 877‑213‑5955 or email [email protected]. Sharing locations helps outreach teams include people in the count and offer support. The PIT Count is part of a national initiative led by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The information collected helps guide funding decisions, improve services, and strengthen housing solutions for people facing homelessness. To learn more about local housing programs and the PIT Count, visit www.mmcaa.org/homeless-solutions. About Mid Michigan Community Action Agency Mid Michigan CAA has been serving our communities since 1966. Our programs address a wide range of needs, including housing support, early childhood education, food access, energy assistance, and more. We serve a core region of eight counties: Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, Muskegon, Oceana, and Osceola. In addition, some of our programs, like homeless services, extend beyond these counties to meet specific community needs. This broader reach helps us connect more people with meaningful resources and support for long-term stability. To learn more about our programs, visit www.mmcaa.org. Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education, and community enrichment. In the News Clare County Cleaver: Helping Our Neighbors Starts with Understanding, Published 12, 2026 Gladwin County Record and Beaverton Clarion: Mid Michigan Community Action to participate in annual Point-in-Time Count, Published January 14, 2026 This article showcases our highlights our efforts for the Point-in-Time Count across region. Recent articles in the Big Rapids Pioneer and Midland Daily News celebrate the incredible service of MaryJo Barnes, a longtime advocate for veterans and a dedicated staff member at Mid Michigan Community Action. MaryJo has spent years supporting veterans through our Veteran Housing Support program, helping individuals and families find stable housing, avoid homelessness, and connect with community and veteran resources.
The article also highlights MaryJo’s work beyond the agency. She volunteers with the annual Midland Project Community Connect resource fair, as well as being involved with the Midland Wellbeing Coalition and Great Lakes Bay Veterans Coalition. She also helps bring food boxes to veterans from the food pantry when needed. Her commitment goes far beyond her job title—she’s a tireless advocate, a connector, and a steady presence in the lives of many local veterans. Through Mid Michigan Community Action, MaryJo supports veterans and their families across our service area. Learn more about how Mid Michigan Community Action supports veteran housing here. In the News
This article honors MaryJo Barnes’ years of commitment to veterans, both through Mid Michigan Community Action and her independent volunteer efforts, highlighting the value of strong community partnerships and persistent compassion. |
Archives
January 2026
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed
Community Action Center Hours
Monday-Thursday from 8 AM-4:30 PM
Friday from 8 AM-4 PM
Closed daily from 12-1 PM
Friday from 8 AM-4 PM
Closed daily from 12-1 PM
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