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Head Start Awareness Month is an opportunity to celebrate the numerous benefits of Head Start. Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) operates a Head Start program which includes Preschool for children from 3 through 5, Early Head Start for those who are pregnant and children from birth through 3, as well as Policy Council for parents of currently enrolled children to work with staff on program decisions.

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. Mid Michigan CAA’s Preschool program provides structured play time, activities, and learning opportunities for children from 3 through 5 and support for their families in Clare and Gladwin Counties.

“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,” said Caron Stanton, Head Start Director at Mid Michigan CAA.

Early Head Start gives children and families the best start by supporting healthy development and building school readiness for early learning and future success​. Mid Michigan CAA’s Early Head Start program provides supportive services for those who are pregnant and children from birth through 3 in Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, and Osceola Counties.

“During this pandemic we have continued to provide Early Head Start services including basic needs support, early education and infant/toddler development, family support, and community resources. 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 Head Start and WIC Director at Mid Michigan CAA.

Policy Council gives parents of enrolled children the opportunity to work with program staff to communicate ideas and contribute to program decisions to ensure children receive the best education and experience possible.

Mid Michigan CAA’s Preschool Head Start is enrolling 3 and 4-year-olds in Clare and Gladwin Counties now. To complete an application, call 989-386-8075 or visit www.claregladwinpreschool.org.

Mid Michigan CAA’s Early Head Start is enrolling now for those who are pregnant or have a child from birth through 3 in Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, and Osceola Counties. To complete an interest form, call or text us at 1-877-386-4406 or visit www.mmcaa.org/ehs.

Parents of enrolled children interested in joining Policy Council should contact Vicki Bohr at 989-426-2801 or [email protected].

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

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

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the Weatherization Assistance Program. Weatherization implements cost-effective energy solutions to reduce energy costs, increase safety in the home, and improve the health of the residents.

Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA), a Weatherization Assistance Program provider, helps households save money and improve comfort with measures including wall and attic insulation, duct sealing, furnace repair and replacement, and other energy efficient initiatives.

“The Weatherization services we provide help residents save as much as 50% on their energy bills,” said Justin Walls, Mid Michigan CAA Housing Director. “Affordable energy is a critical resource, especially during extreme high and low temperatures. When we can provide energy efficiency solutions to lower those costs, we help make sure our neighbors are safer and more comfortable.”

Weatherization is available to low-income homeowners, renters, homes on land contract, and landlords with multi-unit housing.

​Residents of Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland and Osceola Counties interested in Weatherization should contact the Mid Michigan CAA office nearest them: 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, or Reed City at 231-791-7078. or email us at [email protected].

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