Newsroom

Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) hosts commodities distributions for those in need of emergency food.

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) is a monthly distribution for low-income seniors 60 and over.

“Senior food boxes contain USDA products aimed at filling nutrient gaps in seniors’ diets,” said Jennifer Raymond, Food 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.”

To apply for CSFP, bring your ID to the next distribution near you. For a complete calendar of senior distributions, visit www.mmcaa.org/seniors or call 989-386-6849 for a recording of times and dates

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, June, September, and December.

“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 Raymond.

To apply for TEFAP, attend the next distribution near you. ​For a complete calendar of quarterly distributions, visit www.mmcaa.org/economicsecurity.html#food. 

Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) is seeking volunteers for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

Tax preparation and greeter positions are available with opportunities in Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, and Osceola Counties. No experience is necessary. Volunteers will receive free training and mileage reimbursements for travel to and from sites.

Mid Michigan CAA will offer virtual and in-person return options. Volunteers will be able to choose if they would like to work in an office setting or remotely. Social distancing practices will be required for in-person appointments.

“Each year our VITA volunteers help hundreds of households claim their maximum refund including all credits without filing costs or hidden fees,” said Eva Rohlman, Mid Michigan CAA Outreach Director. “Last year they filed 691 returns, and their hard work brought $576,712 back into our communities.”

Volunteer training will begin in January 2022 and tax preparation will run from February through April of 2022.

Those interested in volunteering should contact Sheri Nartker at 989-386-3805 ext. 1024 or [email protected].

Learn more about our tax preparation program here.

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) helps those experiencing housing insecurity with services ranging from temporary shelter to rental assistance.

Services are available for those who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless, including those who are in danger of losing their primary residence, fleeing domestic violence, staying with friends or family, living in a place considered uninhabitable, staying in a shelter, lacking a fixed residence, and more.

“Safe and affordable housing is a basic quality of life component,” said Eva Rohlman, Mid Michigan CAA Outreach Director. “With funding available to help in more circumstances than ever, we are proud to offer assistance to those experiencing housing insecurity to help them find a safe, stable place to call home.”

Over the last year, Mid Michigan CAA assisted 255 households who were unhoused or at risk of becoming homeless.

Residents of Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, and Osceola Counties and veterans in Lake, Newaygo, Midland, and Saginaw Counties experiencing or at risk of homelessness can call or text 877-213-5955 or email [email protected]. 

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.

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 [email protected], 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 [email protected] 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.

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 [email protected] 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. 

Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) is working closely with the Gladwin Community Foundation, Gladwin Emergency Response Team, and other local organizations to administer services to help residents that have faced the May flooding in Gladwin County.

Residents who have been impacted by the flood and are seeking assistance should first call 2-1-1. Flood damage needs to be reported and registered with 2-1-1 for potential assistance. Callers should specify whether the residence is a primary residence or seasonal home.

Mid Michigan CAA is receiving federal emergency disaster funds to help repair homes and related needs for income-eligible residents as well as directing funds raised through the Gladwin Community Foundation.

“We are moving quickly and working with our partner organizations in the community to help residents find the assistance they need as soon as possible,” said Executive Director Jill Sutton.

Mid Michigan CAA is a non-profit that has been serving central Michigan communities since 1966. The organization’s mission is to guide local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment.

Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA), is expanding services to low-income individuals and families in Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, and Osceola Counties with programs aimed at giving households a hand up toward self-sufficiency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mid Michigan CAA is a non-profit that has been serving central Michigan communities since 1966. The organization’s mission is to guide local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment.

Services will initially include housing stability support, food assistance, and critical needs assistance.  Eligible households may receive help with past-due mortgage payments, late property taxes, food vouchers, water shut-offs, and other household emergencies.

The goal is to help alleviate a household crisis while also identifying a path toward self-sufficiency.

"We are eager to begin offering critical services during an unprecedented crisis. We are looking forward to working with our community partner organizations to help meet the needs of low-income households," said Executive Director Jill Sutton.

To speak with staff about assistance available, email us at [email protected] or call the office nearest you: Bay City: 989-894-9060, Big Rapids: 231-660-0271, Farwell: 989-386-3805, Gladwin: 989-426-2801, Midland: 989-832-7377, or Reed City: 231-791-7078. Due to ongoing social distancing measures appointments may be taken over the phone.

“For now, we will provide most services remotely. It’s a challenging time, but we feel strongly that making services available as soon as we can will help local residents toward recovery from the pandemic challenges,” Sutton added.