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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.

Clare County has been awarded $17,437, Gladwin County has been awarded $14,064, Mecosta County has been awarded $23,389, and Osceola County has been awarded $13,160 from the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program to supplement local emergency food and shelter programs.
 
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 Clare County will be distributed to local service agencies.
 
Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1) be a private non-profit or unit 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 or shelter programs, and 6) if they are a non-profit organization, have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.

Public or non-profit agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact their local board chair for an application.
 
Clare County: Cherri Swanstra, Clare County EFSP Board Chair, [email protected]
The deadline for applications to be received is March 1, 2024. The Local Board Meeting will be held virtually on March 5, 2024, at 2:00 PM.

Gladwin County: Cherri Swanstra, Gladwin County EFSP Board Chair, [email protected]
The deadline for applications to be received is March 1, 2024. The Local Board Meeting will be held virtually on March 5, 2024, at 1:00 PM.

Mecosta County: Diane Long, Mecosta County EFSP Board Co-Chair, [email protected]
The deadline for applications to be received is March 1, 2024. The Local Board Meeting will be held virtually on March 7, 2024, at 1:00 PM.

Osceola County: Malinda Coss, Osceola County EFSP Board Co-Chair, [email protected]
​The deadline for applications to be received is March 1, 2024. The Local Board Meeting will be held virtually on March 7, 2024, at 2:00 PM.

Attendance for applicants is required.
 

Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) is now enrolling for the 2023-2024 school year. Children who will be 3 or 4 on September 1st, 2023 are eligible.

Preschool provides learning opportunities, social emotional activities, and structured playtime for children ages 3 through 5 and support for their families in Clare and Gladwin Counties. Children enrolled in preschool 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 Stephanie VanderElzen, Head Start Director at Mid Michigan CAA.

To complete an application, call 989-386-8075, visit www.claregladwinpreschool.org, or attend one of our upcoming open houses:

• April 25th from 4-6 PM at Mid Michigan Community Action, 1302 Chatterton St, Gladwin
• April 26th from 4-6 PM at Gladwin Elementary School, Door 7, 600 W First St, Gladwin
• May 4th from 4-6 PM at Beaverton Activity Center, 106 Tonkin St, Beaverton
• May 9th from 5-7 PM at Mid Michigan Community Action, 1574 E Washington Rd, Farwell
• May 9th from 5-7 PM at Hillside Elementary, 201 N 4th St, Harrison
• May 10th from 5-7 PM at Clare Castle Preschool, 502 Beech St, Clare
• May 22nd from 4-6 PM at Farwell Elementary School, 268 Ohio St, Farwell

Please bring your child’s birth certificate, health insurance card, and immunization record; and your driver’s license or ID and income for the last 12 months (SSI, check stubs, child support, unemployment, 1040, or W2).

Clare and Gladwin Counties Quality Preschool Partnership is a collaboration of five local agencies and schools providing Head Start and Great Start Readiness Program services throughout Clare and Gladwin Counties. The Partnership is a workgroup of the Great Start Collaborative of Clare and Gladwin Counties.

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.

​Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) is now the Weatherization provider in Muskegon and Oceana Counties. Weatherization implements cost-effective energy solutions to reduce energy costs, increase safety in the home, and improve the health of the residents.   

During Weatherization, trained 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-efficiency 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. We are thrilled to begin offering this valuable service in Muskegon and Oceana Counties.”

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, Muskegon, Oceana, 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, 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].
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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 Will be Providing Volunteer Income Tax Assistance in 2023

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. Virtual and in-person return options are available.

“VITA provides high-quality tax preparation services with no costs or hidden fees meaning our clients receive their entire return,” said Cherri Swanstra, Mid Michigan CAA Outreach Assistant Director. “Last year we filed over 919 returns, bringing $862,744 back for our clients and into our communities.”

The VITA program serves Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, and Osceola Counties residents. 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, or Reed City: 231-791-7078. Mid Michigan CAA is scheduling appointments now.

To learn more about the tax preparation program, visit www.mmcaa.org/taxprep.
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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.

Clare County has been awarded $16,725, Gladwin County has been awarded $12,397, Mecosta County has been awarded $20,066, and Osceola County has been awarded $10,863 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 each 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 Osceola 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 contact 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 December 5, 2022. The Local Board Meeting will be held on December 6, 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 December 5, 2022. The Local Board Meeting will be held on December 6, 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 November 30, 2022. The Local Board Meeting will be held on December 1, 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 November 30, 2022. The Local Board Meeting will be held on December 1, 2022 at 2:00pm via Zoom.

Attendance for new applicants is required.

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.