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Keep up to date on our program and agency updates

Mid Michigan Community Action Releases 2024 Community Needs Assessment

3/25/2025

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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:
  • Housing Instability: 31% of survey respondents struggle to afford or maintain stable housing, and 42% of renters spend more than 30% of their income on rent. Youth homelessness is higher than state and national averages, affecting 2% of students.
  • Income and Employment Challenges: 14% of the population (about 70,300 people) live below the federal poverty level. Median household incomes are lower than state and national averages, with Clare County having the lowest at $47,793. Nearly half of survey respondents have less than $100 in their bank account.
  • Childcare and Education Barriers: Preschool enrollment is declining in some counties, and special education needs are rising. Additionally, 8% of adults lack a high school diploma, limiting their job opportunities.
  • Healthcare and Mental Health Access: The region has fewer primary care providers per capita than the state average. One in five Michigan adults report frequent mental distress, with many unable to seek care due to financial barriers.
  • Food Security: 50% of survey respondents have used a food pantry in the past two years. Muskegon County has the highest rate of food insecurity, with 45% of low-income residents lacking access to grocery stores.
  • Transportation Challenges: One in five survey respondents have missed work due to a lack of transportation. Car ownership is unaffordable for many low-income families, limiting their access to jobs and healthcare.
  • Community Connections and Social Networks: Limited economic connectedness and social capital hinder financial advancement, leaving some communities with fewer opportunities to thrive and grow.
  • Digital Access: 15,000 households lack a digital device, and nearly one-third of low-income residents do not have home internet access, limiting their access to jobs, education, and telehealth services.

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.
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Mid Michigan Community Action Named Regional Hub for MITTEN Program to Expand Digital Access

3/18/2025

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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.​
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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:
  • Bay City: 989-894-9060
  • Big Rapids: 231-660-0271
  • Farwell: 989-386-3805
  • Gladwin: 989-426-2801
  • Midland: 989-832-7377
  • Muskegon: 231-557-7622
  • Reed City: 231-791-7078
  • Shelby: 231-923-3066
  • Call Toll-Free: 1-877-213-5948
  • Email us at [email protected]

Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment.
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Mid Michigan Community Action Receives $250,000 to Prevent Veteran Homelessness

3/12/2025

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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.
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The grant will help Mid Michigan CAA provide:
  • Rental Assistance: Financial help for rent, security deposits, and overdue rent to keep veterans in their homes.
  • Emergency Housing Assistance: Short-term housing for veterans, including motel stays, while finding stable housing.
  • Landlord Incentives: Incentives to encourage landlords to lease to veterans, expediting access to permanent housing.

“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.
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Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education, and community enrichment.
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Mid Michigan Community Action Celebrates CACFP Week and the Impact of Nutritious Meals for Preschoolers

3/6/2025

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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.
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Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment.
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Hours

Monday-Thursday from 8 AM-4:30 PM
Friday from 8 AM-4 PM
​Closed daily from 12-1 PM

Locations

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 USDA civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the state or local agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
  1. mail:
    U.S. Department of Agriculture
    Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
    1400 Independence Avenue, SW
    Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
  2. fax:
    (202) 690-7442; or
  3. email:
    [email protected]​

https://www.fns.usda.gov/civil-rights/nds

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

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
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