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​Mid Michigan Community Action has drafted the Fiscal Year 2025 Community Action Plan for review by officials and residents within our service area. The plan serves as a roadmap demonstrating how Mid Michigan Community Action plans to deliver Community Service Block Grant services in Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, Muskegon, Oceana, and Osceola Counties.
 
The Community Action Plan is available for public comments from August 15, 2024 to September 15, 2024. During this period, a copy of the plan can be accessed online at www.mmcaa.org or in person at any Mid Michigan Community Action Center during business hours. A copy of the plan can also be requested by emailing [email protected] or texting 989-386-3805. Comments must be submitted in writing to Eva Rohlman, Outreach & Opportunities Director by mail to PO Box 768, Farwell, MI 48622 or via email to [email protected] on or before September 15, 2024 to be considered.
 
The Community Action Plan identifies and assesses poverty-related needs and resources in the community and establishes a detailed plan, goals, and priorities for delivering those services to individuals and families affected by poverty.
 
​Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education, and community enrichment.

2024 marks the 60th year since the Community Action network was established to help American families and communities overcome obstacles to poverty. Over 1,000 agencies across the country are working every day to create opportunities and transform the lives of their neighbors, making communities stronger and helping families across the US thrive.

“Each May, during Community Action Month, we reflect on the impact Mid Michigan Community Action and our network has had on families,” said Jill Sutton, Executive Director of Mid Michigan Community Action. “Last year alone, we served 14,532 people from Muskegon to Bay City, and the network served over 15 million across the country with immediately needed services such as housing and food, and long-term solutions like weatherization and early childhood education.” 

Community Action Agencies serve America with life-changing services to help families achieve financial stability. All agencies are locally controlled and represented by the private, public, and low-income sectors of the community. “We are proud of our communities’ participation in the development and oversight of our programs,” said Sutton. “Their engagement helps us to be more effective in our approach by determining what our communities need.” 

To honor the commitment to community-led solutions, Mid Michigan Community Action is launching its triennial Community Needs Assessment. The assessment analyses Census data, labor statistics, and most importantly, community survey and focus group findings. To complete the Community Needs Assessment survey, visit www.mmcaa.org/cna. Details on the virtual and in-person focus groups are available through the survey, on the website, and across social media @MidMichiganCommunityAction. 
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Mid Michigan Community Action is a member of the National Community Action Partnership and the Community Action network, which was born out of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment.

On January 25th Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) will be completing the Point-in-Time (PIT) Count. The PIT Count is a federally mandated annual survey to count those experiencing homelessness in the Mid Michigan area.

Mid Michigan CAA is seeking to count individuals and families including those sleeping outdoors or other places not meant for human habitation such as cars or campers, those staying in shelters, and those who are housed with emergency motel stay vouchers.

“The PIT Count helps us better understand who is experiencing homelessness and how prevalent homelessness is in our communities so we can advocate for additional resources, provide high quality services, and end homelessness in our communities,” said Jennifer Rodgers, Homeless Program Manager at Mid Michigan CAA.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) uses the data collected to help determine distribution of resources to homeless services agencies, including Mid Michigan CAA. Mid Michigan CAA works with organizations including 211 Northeast Michigan, Good Samaritan Rescue Mission, Listening Ear, Michigan Balance of State Continuum of Care, New Dawn Shelter, Our Brothers Keeper Shelter, R.I.S.E., Shelterhouse, and WISE.

Residents of Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, and Osceola Counties who are experiencing homelessness can call or text 877-213-5955 or email [email protected].

For more information about the PIT Count, contact the PIT Coordinator, Jennifer Rodgers, at [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 Hosts Quarterly and Senior Food Distributions
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Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) now hosts commodities distributions for those in need of food in Muskegon and Oceana Counties.

“We are proud to begin providing this critical service in Muskegon and Oceana Counties,” said Eva Rohlman, Outreach Director at Mid Michigan CAA. “We have established a public distribution site at the Ladder Community Center in Shelby and are eager to expand our services to more locations across the two counties in the coming months.”

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) is for low-income seniors 60 and over and consists of two boxes distributed every other month. The next distribution is on January 30th at the Ladder Community Center in Shelby from 11:30 AM-12:30 PM.

“Senior food boxes contain USDA products aimed at filling nutrient gaps in seniors’ diets,” said Kristi Shakula, Commodities Manager at Mid Michigan CAA. “The boxes include items like canned fruits and vegetables, canned meats, cereals, grains, ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk, and cheese.”

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a quarterly distribution for individuals and families of all ages in need of emergency food. Quarterly distributions occur in March, May, September, and November. The next distribution is on March 27th at the Ladder Community Center in Shelby from 11:30 AM-12:30 PM.

“The quarterly food box contains products that vary from quarter to quarter. They are designed to distribute excess agricultural products to deliver food to people who can use it while minimizing food waste,” said Shakula.

To apply for either program, bring your ID to the next distribution near you. Muskegon County residents are invited to attend the Shelby distribution location.

For a complete calendar of senior distributions, visit www.mmcaa.org/seniors. For a complete calendar of quarterly distributions, visit www.mmcaa.org/economicsecurity.html#food. The calendars will be updated as new distribution sites are added. To learn more, call your local office: Muskegon County office at 231-557-7622 or Oceana County office at 231-923-3066.

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

Proposed FY2023 Community Service Block Grant Plan
September 6, 2022, 10:00 AM

Mid Michigan Community Action is holding a public hearing to receive comments regarding the FY2023 CSBG Plan as required by DHHS.
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Location: MMCAA Administrative Office, 1574 E. Washington Rd, Farwell

The plan summary is as follows $1,331,769 will be utilized in Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, Muskegon, Oceana, and Osceola Counties to provide services to low-income households.  Persons who want to review the plan may contact Jill Sutton at 989-386-3805 between 8AM and 4PM, Monday through Friday.  Materials can be provided in alternative formats upon request.

Mid Michigan Community Action is accepting public comments as required by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services on the proposed Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) plan from February 21, 2022- March 21, 2022.
 
The CSBG Plan summary is as detailed below:
 
A total of $600,009 will be allocated for the provision of comprehensive planning and coordinated services to eligible low-income persons in Muskegon and Oceana Counties. Services will include but are not limited to housing stability, home loss prevention, employment support, and material assistance vouchers. Services are to be provided over the course of the contract starting March 1, 2022 and ending September 30, 2022.
 
Individuals or organizations wanting to comment on or review the proposed plan should email [email protected] or call Eva Rohlman at 989-386-3805 ext. 1033 no later than 4:30 PM on March 21st. Materials are available in alternative formats by calling 989-386-3805 ext. 1033 or emailing [email protected]

Clare County has been awarded $13,323, and an additional $41,178 by the American Rescue Plan Act; Gladwin County has been awarded $10,025, and an additional $30,986 by the American Rescue Plan Act; Mecosta County has been awarded $16,680, and an additional $51,553 by the American Rescue Plan Act; and Osceola County has been awarded $9,212, and an additional $28,473 by the American Recovery Plan Act, from the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county.

A Local Board is charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country. The Local Board will determine how the funds awarded to each county are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in the area.

Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary non-profits or units of government, 2) be eligible to receive Federal funds, 3) have an accounting system, 4) practice nondiscrimination, 5) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and 6) if they are a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.

Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must their local Board Chair.

Clare County: Cherri Swanstra, Clare County EFSP Board Chair, at [email protected] for an application. The deadline for applications to be received is February 28, 2022. The Local Board Meeting will be held on March 1, 2022 at 2:00pm via Zoom.

Gladwin County: Cherri Swanstra, Gladwin County EFSP Board Chair, at [email protected] for an application. The deadline for applications to be received is February 28, 2022. The Local Board Meeting will be held on March 1, 2022 at 1:00pm via Zoom.

Mecosta County: Diane Long, Mecosta County EFSP Board Co-Chair, at [email protected]. The deadline for applications to be received is February 28, 2022. The Local Board Meeting will be held on March 3, 2022 at 1:00pm via Zoom.

Osceola County: Malinda Coss, Osceola County EFSP Board Co-Chair, at [email protected]. The deadline for applications to be received is February 28, 2022. The Local Board Meeting will be held on March 3, 2022 at 2:00pm via Zoom.

Attendance for new applicants is required.

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.

Mid Michigan CAA will offer virtual and in-person return options. Social distancing practices will be required for in-person appointments.

“We are pleased to be able to offer households options for how they have their taxes prepared so we can assist the maximum number of filers,” said Eva Rohlman, Mid Michigan CAA Outreach Director. “Each year our volunteers help community members receive the most out of their returns including all credits without filing costs or hidden fees.”

The VITA program is currently scheduled to run from February 1st through April 18th, 2022, 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

​Mid Michigan CAA will begin scheduling appointments on January 24th.

Learn more about the tax preparation program here.

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

On January 26th Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) will be completing the Point-in-Time (PIT) Count. The PIT Count is a federally mandated annual survey to count those experiencing homelessness in the Mid Michigan area.

Mid Michigan CAA is seeking to count individuals and families including those sleeping outdoors or other places not meant for human habitation such as cars or campers, those staying in shelters, and those who are housed with emergency motel stay vouchers.

“The PIT Count helps us better understand who is experiencing homelessness and how prevalent homelessness is in our communities so we can advocate for additional resources, provide high quality services, and end homelessness in our communities,” said Jennifer Rodgers, Homeless Program Manager at Mid Michigan CAA. 

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) uses the data collected to help determine distribution of resources to homeless services agencies, including Mid Michigan CAA. Mid Michigan CAA works with organizations including 211, Michigan Balance of State Continuum of Care, and other local organizations.

Residents of Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, and Osceola Counties who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness can call or text 877-213-5955 or email [email protected].

For more information about the PIT Count, contact the PIT Coordinator for your area
—Arenac: Ron Tyll, [email protected]
—Bay: Kathryn DePrekel, [email protected]
—Clare and Gladwin: Erin Rubingh, [email protected]
—Mecosta and Osceola: Nicole Alexander, 231-629-8033 or [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 Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) has been granted $1.9 million for the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) as part of the American Rescue Plan.
LIHWAP can assist residents with water and sewer bills, shut-offs, and reconnection fees.

“Access to clean, running water and safe wastewater systems are critical for the health and wellbeing of our communities,” said Eva Rohlman, Mid Michigan CAA Outreach Director. “We are thrilled to be able to expand this vital service.”

Mid Michigan CAA expects to help more than 2,500 households over the next two years. LIHWAP will be available until September 30, 2023.

Residents of Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, Muskegon, Oceana, and Osceola Counties interested in water and sewer assistance 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, Hart at 231-923-3066, Midland at 989-832-7377, Muskegon at 231-557-7622 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.