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Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) will receive $1.67 million as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to Weatherize an additional 145 homes as well as $1.75 million as part 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.
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Trained weatherization professionals known as energy auditors use computerized energy audit software and advanced diagnostic equipment such as blower doors and infrared cameras to create a comprehensive energy analysis of the home. This analysis helps determine the most cost-effective measures to install in each home. The energy auditor creates a customized work order. Then trained contractors and crew members install the energy-efficient and health and safety measures, such as insulation, blower-door-guided air sealing of key leakage junctures, and installations such as lighting and water-saving measures.  

Health and safety issues such as elevated levels of carbon monoxide, moisture problems, mold, ventilation needs, and heating systems safety and efficiency are also addressed. There is growing evidence the program provides benefits beyond energy savings. Improved indoor air quality and appropriate ventilation strategies lead to healthier living conditions in weatherized homes, which often lead to improved health outcomes such as reduced asthma triggers and fewer doctor visits.  

“Especially during extreme high and low temperatures, affordable energy is critical,” said Justin Walls, Mid Michigan CAA Housing Director. “In addition to improving energy costs, Weatherization improves the comfort and safety of homes.”

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.

​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 giving voice to policy and supporting program operations.  

Preschool gives children a head start by supporting healthy physical, academic, and social-emotional development. 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.

“Children enrolled in a high-quality Preschool program transition to kindergarten ready and eager to learn. Our Preschool services include basic need support, education, and community resources to support children and families. The health and well-being of our children, families and staff is always our highest priority,” said Stephanie VanderElzen, Head Start Director at Mid Michigan CAA.

Early Head Start supports family-child relationships that encourage healthy growth and development for early learning and 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.

“Early Head Start services include basic needs support, early education, 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 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 at www.mmcaa.org/ecs. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn at @midmichigancommunityaction 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.

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.

​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 it 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. We help our neighbors stay safe and comfortable when we can provide energy-efficient solutions to lower those costs.”

Weatherization is available to low-income homeowners, renters, homes on land contracts, 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) is now enrolling for Early Head Start (EHS). EHS provides supportive services for those who are pregnant and children from birth through 3 in Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, and Osceola Counties.

EHS gives children and families the best start by supporting family-child relationships that encourage healthy growth and development for early learning and success. Services include weekly visits as well as playgroups and parent meetings. Families will receive supplies to support young learners and provide family fun. Families will also have access to activities including story time, recipes, crafts, and much more.

“Early Head Start provides families services including basic need support, early education and infant/toddler development, family support, and community resources. 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 families,” said Sue Harvey, Early Head Start and WIC Director at Mid Michigan CAA.

To complete an interest form for Early Head Start, call or text 1-877-386-4406 or visit www.mmcaa.org/ehs.

Learn more about all Mid Michigan CAA’s early childhood programs at www.mmcaa.org/ecs. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn at @midmichigancommunityaction for news and updates.
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) is now enrolling for Preschool. Preschool provides structured playtime, 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.

“We make partnering with families the heart of our approach to early learning and child development,” said Caron Stanton, Head Start Director at Mid Michigan CAA.

Mid Michigan CAA’s Preschool is enrolling now for the 2022-2023 school year. Children who will be 3 or 4 on September 1st, 2022 are eligible. To complete an application, call 989-386-8075 or visit www.claregladwinpreschool.org.

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

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.