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 snartker@mmcaa.org.

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 homeless@mmcaa.org. 

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 vbohr@mmcaa.org.

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 contactus@mmcaa.org.

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

August is Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Action Month. LIHEAP funds weatherization to help make home energy costs affordable to stabilize housing for individuals and families, making is easier for them to stay in their homes.

Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA), a grantee of LIHEAP, utilizes the funding for energy education and to weatherize low-income homes. Weatherization helps households save money and improve comfort by installing insulation, repairing and replacing furnaces, and making other energy efficient improvements.

“The services we provide through LIHEAP 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 safer and more comfortable.”

Weatherization is available to low-income homeowners, renter, 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 contactus@mmcaa.org.

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), in partnership with United Way of Clare and Gladwin Counties, is hosting Fun Day in the Park Friday, July 16th, from 11 AM-2 PM at Emerald Isle Recreation Park in Clare.

Join us at this drive-through event for child-friendly construction-themed crafts and activities, community resources, and more!

Organizations in attendance will include Mid Michigan Community Action, Clare-Gladwin RESD, Early On, MSU Extension Office, Northern Michigan Alliance for Children, the Department of Health and Human Services, Ennis Center for Children, Community Mental Health for Central Michigan, Central Michigan District Health Department, MidMichigan Health, Peoplelink Staffing Solutions, and the Girl Scouts.

“After months of being apart, we are proud and excited to take this step back towards normalcy and host our Fun Day in the Park event,” said Sue Harvey, Early Childhood Services Director at Mid Michigan CAA. “We are thrilled to once again have the opportunity to work with our community partners to put on this event as well as provide resources for the children and families of our community.”

Contact Kristine at kshufelt@mmcaa.org or Rebecca at rryzyk@mmcaa.org with any questions or learn more here.

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

Community Action Month is a celebration of the accomplishments of Community Action Agencies (CAAs) across the country. CAAs are a robust state and local force, reaching individuals and families in 99 percent of America’s counties with life-changing services that create pathways to prosperity.

As part of the CAA network, Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) serves Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, Muskegon, Oceana, and Osceola Counties. Over the past year, our communities have faced unprecedented challenges including a pandemic and a 500 year flood event. In the face of these obstacles, Mid Michigan CAA has adapted to serving clients through largely virtual means while continuing to administer all programs and even adding additional services as new and increased needs arose.

Last year, Mid Michigan CAA distributed 48,441 food boxes or 750 tons of food. As a response to increased food insecurity due to the pandemic, they were able to distribute 55 more tons of food than the year before.

Despite swift changes to the programs, Mid Michigan CAA’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs served 533 children last year. These programs provide support for children and families. They use a curriculum that supports school readiness and coordinate with area public schools to facilitate smooth transitioning for each child.

In the 2019 income tax season, Mid Michigan CAA processed returns for 440 households, bringing $478,566 in returns back into Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, and Osceola Counties.

Last year, Mid Michigan CAA weatherized 44 homes through the Weatherization Assistance Program. An additional 23 households received roofing repair assistance through the Housing Preservation Grant. These services make homes safer, healthier, more comfortable, and more affordable for the residents.

In 2020, Mid Michigan CAA administered the Eviction Diversion program, helping residents in 180 households stay in their homes.
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“The last year brought changes and challenges we could never have imagined. In response, we were able to expand our services and add new programs to address the needs of our communities. We are energized at being asked to serve our communities in ways we’ve never done before,” said Jill Sutton, Executive Director of Mid Michigan Community Action. “And while there is still work to be done, we are proud to continue ‘helping people, changing lives.’”

Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) is now enrolling for Preschool. Preschool provides structured play time, activities, and learning opportunities for children from 3 through 5 and support for their families in Clare and Gladwin Counties.

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. Virtual and in-person class options are available. Technology is provided as needed.

“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. Now more than ever we can provide a warm blanket of support for our children and their families,” said Sue Harvey, Early Childhood Director at Mid Michigan CAA.

Mid Michigan CAA’s Preschool is enrolling now for the 2021-2022 school year. Children who will be 3 or 4 on September 1st, 2021 are eligible. To complete an application, call 989-386-8075 or apply online.

Learn more about all Mid Michigan CAA’s early childhood programs. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn at for news and updates.
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Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment.