[DONATE] This episode of The Collective US podcast by Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency focuses on the importance of wills, trusts, and estate planning for individuals at any stage of life, regardless of income. Hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck speak with Melissa Thompson, NMCAA’s engagement manager, and attorney Mary Ann Wehr, founder of Great Lakes Center for Estate Planning.

The discussion covers the basics of wills—as “maps” through probate—and trusts, which can help avoid probate and keep matters private. Mary Ann Wehr emphasizes simplicity, communicating wishes clearly, and the role of wills in naming guardians for children, which can prevent them from entering foster care if parents die unexpectedly. For older adults, planning can address long-term care costs, Medicaid eligibility, and asset protection. The conversation also explores common reasons people delay estate planning, such as procrastination and the belief they’re too young, and stresses updating documents after life changes.

Guests highlight that legacy giving, such as leaving a percentage of an estate to nonprofits like NMCAA, can significantly support community programs like Meals on Wheels, particularly during the ongoing “great wealth transfer” from the baby boomer generation. They share stories of impactful bequests, creative non-cash gifts, and the benefits of unrestricted donations.

Mary Ann Wehr shares a deeply personal story about losing her son, a firefighter, during the COVID-19 pandemic and how that inspired her to focus on estate planning to help families avoid unnecessary hardship. The episode closes with resources, advice to “just do it” when it comes to planning, and reminders that it’s about creating a roadmap for loved ones, not just preparing for death, but also leaving a meaningful legacy.

[DONATE] This episode of The Collective US podcast from Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency focuses on the devastating March 2025 ice storms in Northern Michigan and the community’s response. Hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck speak with Emmet County Emergency Management Coordinator Matt Blythe, Emmet County Recycling’s Lindsay Walker, and NMCAA Housing & Energy Efficiency Services Director Tish Stave.

The guests describe how advance warnings from the National Weather Service prompted limited pre-storm coordination with partners like the Red Cross, Salvation Army, and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. The first wave seemed typical, but a second wave brought heavy ice, high winds, massive tree loss (millions in Emmet County), widespread power outages, and dangerous road conditions. Nearly 88% of roads closed, critical facilities like hospitals and jails lost generator power, and fuel shortages forced emergency vehicles to refuel far from the county.

Response efforts included opening 11 shelters (including the casino), conducting wellness checks, clearing roads for medical transport, and coordinating food and water distribution. Volunteer amateur radio operators provided field reports when other communications failed. Walker’s role focused on debris management, securing contractors to process wood waste for biomass energy, and exploring better food waste recovery methods. Stave described flexible local grant funds that helped residents with uninsured or underinsured losses, from roof and window repairs to replacing a broken well pump or car windshield.

Long-term recovery needs include homeowner debris removal support, better generator access for critical facilities, stronger communication systems, and planning for food preservation during extended outages. Guests emphasized Northern Michigan’s resilience, neighbor-to-neighbor help, and the value of partnerships between local government, nonprofits, faith groups, businesses, and volunteers. They also urged residents to prepare with basic supplies, communication plans, and a willingness to seek available help.

Months later, debris cleanup continues, biomass facilities have reached capacity, and grant programs remain open for affected households. The episode closes on the importance of improving preparedness, strengthening recovery systems, and mobilizing community volunteers to restore parks, trails, and natural areas.

Summary of “LIVE from MCA Summer Conference - SPECIAL EPISODE” (The Collective US Podcast, Ep. 59)

This special live episode of The Collective US podcast was recorded at the Michigan Community Action (MCA) Summer Conference in Grand Rapids. Hosted by Erica Austin and Ryan Buck of the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA), the episode features a panel of executive directors from across the state: Stephanie Kasprzak (Monroe County Opportunity Program), Gustavo Perez (Kent County Community Action), Lisa Bolen (MCA & Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency), and Joe Nolan (Chippewa-Luce-Mackinac Community Action).

Each leader shares their origin stories in community action work, reflecting on their personal motivations and paths to leadership, from being Head Start participants and nonprofit workers to city council members and professors. Their deep-rooted commitment to anti-poverty efforts and equity is a unifying thread.

The conversation touches on:

• Legacy & Leadership: The importance of mentorship, succession planning, and building strong teams for future impact.

• Historic Milestones: Expansion of Head Start and Early Head Start, transportation programs, and senior services. Organizations like Kent County CAA delivering 113,000 food boxes in a year, or Monroe’s Christmas basket program, highlight the scale of community support.

• Partnerships: A central theme—collaborating with churches, schools, contractors, and other agencies to stretch resources and amplify impact.

• Adaptability & Resilience: Panelists discuss their nimble responses to COVID-19, policy changes, and community needs—like launching mobile outreach vans in the UP or opening new PACE centers in rural counties.

• Funding Uncertainty: With CSBG and other funding facing threats, directors balance transparency with reassurance to their staff while continuing to advocate at state and federal levels.

• Success Stories: Moving testimonials include helping a formerly homeless single father and son rebuild their life, and a senior who felt remembered at Christmas after decades working for La-Z-Boy.

• Economic Impact: Community Action Agencies are significant employers and economic drivers in their regions—contributing millions to local economies through workforce development, small business contracting, and services.

The episode concludes with a lighthearted “rapid fire” round where panelists imagine Community Action as a superhero (“Captain Perseverance”), dream up an official holiday (“CAA Day”), and share their vision for systemic change (eradicating poverty through guaranteed basic needs).

Listeners are encouraged to learn more, donate to their local Community Action Agency, and attend the podcast breakout session at the conference.

To support:
Statewide: micommunityaction.org/donate
Northwest Michigan: nmcaa.net/donate

In this lively on-location episode of The Collective Us, hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck attend the Michigan Community Action (MCA) Summer Conference in Grand Rapids. They speak with attendees, leaders, and partners to highlight the conference's sessions, energy, and impact on Michigan’s Community Action Network.

• Brian McGrain, MCA Executive Director, explains that the conference blends inspiration, education, and networking. It helps staff from Michigan’s 27 Community Action Agencies connect, recharge, and learn from one another.

• Sessions include organizational guidance, new funding and reporting practices, leadership development, and even wellness offerings like yoga at dawn.

• The conference balances 14+ hour days with reflection time, celebrating staff while addressing the emotional toll of front-line service work.

• Speaker Shannon Cohen emphasized “replenishment” over self-care—reminding staff to refuel emotionally to better serve others.

• The message resonated across the conference, affirming the importance of caring for the caregiver.

• Rebecca Kraus, longtime LDI instructor, discussed the nine-month program designed to build leadership capacity for emerging and mid-level managers.

• LDI focuses on communication, behavioral dynamics, and personal coaching. Peer learning and one-on-one mentorship are critical.

• Kraus is stepping down, with Stephanie Kasprzak (program co-founder) and Michelle Stevens taking over and enhancing the curriculum to align with Emerging Leaders and the national CCAP certification.

• The training path is intentionally designed to cultivate future leaders. Many executive directors across Michigan have gone through LDI.

• Stevens and Kasprzak emphasized inclusive design, peer support, and reducing the learning curve for young leaders.

• Gustavo Perez, Director of Kent County Community Action, described this year’s service project: decorating food boxes with uplifting artwork.

• The goal is to bring smiles and messages of hope to struggling families. Volunteers found joy and purpose in contributing creatively.

• Attendees shared key takeaways:

  • AI's role in community action.

  • Leadership skills and mental health in the workplace.

  • Innovative programs like OLSA’s “Rx Kids,” offering new moms $1,500 to use freely.

  • Relationship-building and peer support were among the most appreciated elements.

• Attendees suggested songs like "Can't Stop the Feeling" by Justin Timberlake and "Stayin’ Alive" by the Bee Gees—highlighting the conference’s vibrant, uplifting energy.

• MCA and conference participants stressed that Community Action is more than service—it’s a movement powered by hope, data, and shared mission.

• Erica and Ryan encourage donations to local community action agencies and invite listeners to share the podcast to spread awareness.

Three Words to Sum It All Up?
Innovative. Inspiring. Engaging.

🎙 Key Themes & Highlights:🌟 Conference Experience & Purpose🧘 Focus on Replenishment & Wellness🎓 Leadership Development Institute (LDI)🤝 Building a Leadership Pipeline🎨 Hope in Action Project🗣 Conference Attendee Reflections🎶 If the Conference Had a Soundtrack…💬 Closing Messages

[DONATE] In this episode of The Collective Us podcast, the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA) explores the deep connection between mental health, housing instability, and access to care in Northern Michigan. Hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck speak with guests Hunter Lumsden, clinical supervisor at the new Crisis & Access Center in Traverse City, and Sarah Hughes, NMCAA’s Director of Housing Stability. Together, they highlight the growing mental health needs in the region, especially among individuals facing poverty, trauma, and homelessness. Access to timely mental health care remains a top barrier, made worse by a shortage of qualified professionals and systemic funding gaps. The newly launched Crisis & Access Center, open 24/7, provides walk-in support regardless of insurance and will soon include psychiatric urgent care services in partnership with Munson Healthcare. The episode also examines generational and cultural stigmas that prevent people—particularly older adults and men—from seeking help. Hughes emphasizes that stable housing is essential to recovery, describing how trauma from daily housing insecurity can spiral into deeper mental health crises. Both guests call for a community-wide shift in how we treat mental health and housing, urging policymakers and residents alike to see housing as a basic human right and mental health care as equally important as physical health. The podcast encourages listeners to reflect on their own mental health, offer compassion to those in crisis, and consider ways to support or advocate for systemic change.

[DONATE] This episode of The Collective US podcast, produced by the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA) and hosted by Erica Austin and Ryan Buck, highlights the economic impact of NMCAA's programs across its 10-county service area. They emphasize that "economic impact" goes far beyond dollars—it includes community-building, volunteerism, and the ripple effect of investing in people.

• Tax Program Impact:

  • 3,562 tax returns filed in the past season, returning over $4.8 million to local residents.

  • Volunteers donated the equivalent of 500 days (12,000 hours) of service.

  • Shoutouts to top volunteer tax preparers, including Larry Winter ($705K in returns).

• Head Start & Early Head Start:

  • Provides free, high-quality education for children, allowing parents to work and even transition into NMCAA staff roles.

  • Over 100 current staff are former parents.

  • Families contributed $1.97 million in in-kind donations, exceeding the $1.8M goal.

  • Top volunteer counties: Wexford, Roscommon, and Kalkaska.

• Food Programs:

  • Volunteers packed food boxes and delivered Meals on Wheels, contributing hundreds of hours monthly.

  • Meal programs reduce grocery bills and support nutrition and learning for children and seniors alike.

• Housing & Home Repair:

  • Over 1,500 people housed and 23 homebuyers supported last year.

  • Emergency home repairs and weatherization services provided to 95 households, saving on utility costs.

• Donor & Board Support:

  • Individual donors make up 38% of NMCAA's annual giving.

  • Over $291K raised from households over 3 years.

  • 24 out of 25 board members donated, nearing 100% participation for the first time ever.

• Staff & Employment:

  • NMCAA is the 8th largest employer in Traverse City with over 350 employees across the region.

  • Major employment hubs include Grand Traverse, Wexford, Masaki, Roscommon, and Emmet counties.

• Cultural and Creative Segment:

  • Hosts discuss fantasy scenarios like creating a Collective US music festival.

  • Erica’s headliners: Taylor Swift, The Accidentals, and Beautiful Stephen (Ryan’s band).

  • Ryan imagines NMCAA as a thriller film called The Partnership, highlighting the power of collaboration in transforming communities.

• Final Message:

  • NMCAA’s economic impact is about more than numbers—it's about people, partnerships, and shared progress.

  • The episode closes by thanking the staff who compiled data and encouraging listeners to support NMCAA through donations or volunteerism.

• Donate: nmcaa.net/donate

• Contact: (231) 947-3780 or [email protected]

• Follow & Share: Help spread the word by rating, following, and sharing the podcast.

[DONATE] Episode 55 of The Collective Us podcast explores the powerful impact of landlord partnerships in addressing homelessness through Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA). Hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck are joined by Kamryn Hendricks, NMCAA Homeless Program Supervisor, and landlord Angelo Genna, who shares his journey in becoming a compassionate housing provider.

The episode highlights how NMCAA supports both tenants and landlords through mediation, case management, and financial incentives, creating a structured and humane path out of homelessness. Kamryn emphasizes the agency’s wraparound support for vulnerable clients and the importance of landlord collaboration, while Angelo shares inspiring stories of tenants who’ve turned their lives around. Together, they illustrate how providing just one unit of housing can make a profound difference—and how a network of supportive landlords could help end homelessness across the region.

[DONATE] In this episode of The Collective US, produced by Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA), hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck explore the impact of the Early Head Start program, with a special focus on its prenatal services. They are joined by Penny Maleski, Child and Family Specialist, along with parents Nikki and Kev, who share their heartfelt journey through pregnancy and early parenthood with the support of NMCAA. Early Head Start serves families from pregnancy through age three, offering in-home visits, nutritional counseling, emotional support, and connections to critical services such as WIC, Medicaid, and prenatal dental care through partners like United We Smile.

Nikki and Kev recount how they first learned about the program from a friend, and how a simple flier prompted them to reach out. From five months into the pregnancy, Penny began working with them, helping to ease anxieties, provide education, and prepare them for parenthood. One touching exercise involved writing letters to their unborn twins, which they now look back on with deep emotion. The birth of their children—premature twins who spent time in the NICU—was especially challenging, and Penny’s ongoing support became a lifeline during this difficult period. She continued providing home visits, developmental activities, and parenting guidance, always affirming their instincts and progress.

Penny emphasized the importance of building trust by meeting families where they are, avoiding a top-down approach, and using humor and real-life experience to connect. Her philosophy is to act as a navigator, not an expert, helping families realize they already have the tools to be great parents. The conversation highlighted how Early Head Start does more than support child development—it also eases the burden of childcare costs, enables families to pursue stability, and fosters a nurturing community.

The episode includes a testimonial from another NMCAA client who credits Head Start with helping them overcome financial hardship, access resources, and provide quality care for their child. As part of Community Action Month, the hosts encourage listeners to advocate for continued federal funding of programs like Head Start, LIHEAP, and CDBG.

Nikki and Kev close by urging other expectant parents not to hesitate in seeking help, noting that asking for support is a strength, not a weakness. For them, the program has become an essential part of their lives, so much so that they jokingly pitch the title A Helping Hand if their experience were made into a movie. The episode concludes with gratitude for Penny’s dedication and a reminder to support NMCAA through advocacy, donations, or simply spreading the word.

[DONATE] This episode of "The Collective Us" podcast by the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA) explores the challenges and opportunities around homeownership in Northern Michigan. Hosts Ryan Buck and Erica Austin introduce the importance of partnerships in addressing housing shortages, emphasizing the significance of June as National Homeownership Month. They are joined by guests Allison Popa (NMCAA HUD Certified Housing and Budget Counselor), Emily Boehm (Senior Programs Manager at Northwest Michigan Habitat for Humanity), and Laurie Jamison (HUD Housing Counselor with Northern Homes Community Development Corporation), who share insights on barriers like inventory shortages, rising costs, and the need for better education around the homebuying process. They also discuss the Emmet County Housing Fair, a community event designed to connect prospective homeowners with critical resources and support, aiming to empower individuals and families on their journey to homeownership.

[DONATE] This episode of The Collective US, produced by the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA), centers around the theme of advocacy and its critical role in community action. Hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck speak with board members Peachy Rentenbach and Sam Getsinger, who share personal stories and insights into how they became involved with NMCAA and why advocacy matters.

Peachy, a former restaurant owner, joined the NMCAA board to support food programs like Meals on Wheels, leveraging her background in human ecology and teaching. Sam, whose early life was marked by instability and poverty, credits public education and community support programs for shaping her success. She speaks passionately about economic justice, early childhood education, and the moral imperative to advocate for those in need.

The discussion emphasizes:

• The importance of personal stories in effective advocacy.

• The need to humanize and demystify advocacy, especially in small communities.

• Actionable steps for community involvement, from attending public meetings to calling elected officials.

• The threats posed by federal budget cuts to essential programs like Head Start, LIHEAP, and food assistance.

• A deep commitment to equity, empathy, and connection, framing community as both local and global.

The episode also highlights NMCAA’s large impact in the region, employing over 350 people, many in Head Start. The guests underscore that advocacy is rooted in heart, and that maintaining optimism, persistence, and community spirit can drive meaningful change. The show ends with reflections on legacy, community impact, and a call to action for listeners to get involved and support NMCAA’s mission.