[DONATE] In this episode of The Collective US, hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck explore food insecurity in Northwest Michigan with guests from the Northwest Food Coalition and Meals on Wheels. Rachael Cougler explains how the coalition—made up of over 70 grassroots organizations—partners with groups like Groundwork Center and Food Rescue to deliver fresh, local food to those in need. Mary Clulo shares her journey from volunteer to coalition chair, emphasizing the importance of nutrition and the complexity of organizing food systems across six counties. Lisa Robitshek of Meals on Wheels highlights how their service not only provides meals to homebound seniors but also offers vital wellness checks and emotional support.

The episode underscores how economic challenges like inflation, housing shortages, and lack of childcare intensify food insecurity, and how community volunteers and donors play a crucial role in filling the gap. Listeners are encouraged to support upcoming fundraisers—Moomers for Meals on April 27 and the Empty Bowls event on May 4—to help sustain these essential services. For more information or to get involved, visit nmcaa.net or northwestmifoodcoalition.org.

In this celebratory 50th episode of The Collective US, hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck reflect on the journey of the podcast, produced by Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA). The show aims to inspire youth and community members by sharing powerful stories of transformation through NMCAA programs and partnerships.

Key highlights include:

• Reflections and Milestones:

  • Nearly two years and 50 episodes in, they've featured 79 guests, including board members, volunteers, and community partners.

  • Erica and Ryan emphasize how the podcast has evolved into a meaningful part of their lives and NMCAA’s storytelling efforts.

• Inspiring Stories:

  • A formerly homeless veteran turned homeowner (Episode 40) and Judy Abernathy’s journey from Head Start parent to lead teacher (Episode 29) illustrate how NMCAA changes lives.

  • Episode 31’s discussion on homelessness challenged perceptions and highlighted that anyone—like a receptionist—can be unhoused.

• Community Impact & Partnerships:

  • Guests like Kara Gregory (PowerBook Bags) and contractors Marshall Willobee and Teri Denoyer shared unique ways they serve the community.

  • Donor and partner engagement (e.g., Episode 32) helped redefine what giving back means—whether it's $1 or $1 million.

• Board Structure & Recognition:

  • NMCAA's board is comprised equally of public officials, private partners, and community members.

  • Kelly Stockfisch, Facilities Coordinator, was honored for 10 years of service.

• Listener Engagement & Services:

  • Listeners are encouraged to donate, spread the word, and utilize services like free tax prep and early childhood program enrollment.

  • Erica and Ryan express deep gratitude for their guests, production team at New Leonard Media, and listeners.

The episode closes with mutual appreciation between the hosts and a reminder that The Collective Us continues to bring light to stories of resilience, hope, and community empowerment.

This episode of The Collective US podcast, produced by Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA) [DONATE], highlights two essential but often overlooked community support programs: the Laundry Project and the Diaper Distribution Grant.

• Awareness: Tied to National Laundry Day (April 15), the project emphasizes laundry as a basic human need essential for dignity, confidence, school performance, and job readiness.
• Details:
• Impact: Over 3,000 people served in 2024, helping reduce stigma and build relationships in a welcoming environment.
• Anecdotes: Stories were shared of families with broken washers, flood damage, or large households needing support. The laundry project becomes a place for connection—“like going to the well” in older times.

• NMCAA distributes free diapers to qualifying families through a grant from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
• Eligibility: Based on income or receipt of assistance programs like SNAP, TANF, etc. No documentation is required—self-declaration only.
• Access: Diapers are available at pantries and partner locations across NMCAA’s 10-county service area.
• Reach: In 2023, the program distributed over 9,000 sleeves of diapers to 1,756 households.
• Future Goals: Expansion to include adult incontinence products, and more rural outreach (interest noted in Charlevoix, Kalkaska, Emmet counties).

• NMCAA’s programs (like Head Start, tax prep, housing assistance, etc.) provide tangible economic benefits—e.g., $6.8 million returned to the local economy via free tax prep alone.
• Basic needs programs enable families to stay employed, kids to stay in school, and reduce financial stress.

• Stories drive change—real people, real experiences build trust and reduce stigma.
• NMCAA’s mission is rooted in community, dignity, and access.
• “See you next Thursday”—a catchy musical outro reaffirms NMCAA’s consistent presence and support for the community.

Key Highlights:Laundry ProjectDiaper GrantOverall Economic ImpactFinal Takeaways:

[DONATE TO NMCAA] The Preschool Experience highlights the importance of early childhood education and the role of NMCAA in making preschool accessible to families. Hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck discuss the enrollment process, the benefits of structured yet flexible learning environments, and the evolving support systems for both children and educators. Guests Diana Middendorp, an education coach, and Chris Daniel, a Head Start teacher, share insights on how NMCAA personalizes learning, fosters trust, and ensures smooth transitions into the classroom. They emphasize that preschool is not just about academics—it’s about creating a safe, engaging space where children develop social, emotional, and problem-solving skills through play.

The episode also sheds light on the professional development opportunities NMCAA offers to teachers, supporting their growth from classroom assistants to degree-holding educators. Discussions include the increasing presence of male role models in preschool settings and the broader impact of these programs on families facing economic or personal hardships. The guests stress the importance of reducing administrative burdens on teachers and securing more funding to expand resources. Their message is clear: preschool is a valuable, transformative experience that benefits not only the child but the entire family, setting the foundation for lifelong learning and success.

[DONATE] This episode of The Collective Us podcast highlights the challenges of rural homelessness and the crucial role of community partnerships in addressing the issue. Featuring Sarah Hughes, Director of Homeless Programs, and Jason Grant from Forest Area Federal Credit Union, the discussion emphasizes the unseen struggles of homeless individuals, the limited availability of housing programs, and the importance of financial literacy in achieving stability. With only a fraction of the homeless population able to access federal and state-funded programs, NMCAA relies on local support, donations, and volunteerism to bridge the gap. Forest Area Federal Credit Union plays a key role in helping individuals rebuild credit and financial independence, reinforcing that community collaboration is essential. The podcast also promotes the annual Comedy for Community event, a fundraiser supporting services beyond what grants can cover. Listeners are encouraged to contribute by donating, volunteering, or reaching out to NMCAA at (844) 900-0500 for assistance, reinforcing the message that ending homelessness requires collective action.

[DONATE] Hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck introduce the episode, produced by the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA), highlighting the impact of their programs in 2024 and their vision moving into 2025. They welcome Executive Director Kerry Baughman, who reflects on NMCAA’s 50th anniversary celebrations and the positive energy moving forward.

Key Highlights from NMCAA’s 2024 Annual Report:

The episode closes with contact details for homelessness support, early education enrollment, financial assistance, and volunteer opportunities.

[DONATE] The latest episode of The Collective US podcast, produced by the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA), highlights the organization’s impactful programs and events designed to support the community. Hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck are joined by Justin Marcum, Tax Program Coordinator, and Emily Marek, Lead Intake Specialist, to discuss NMCAA's free tax preparation program and the upcoming Super Saturday event. The tax program, available across seven northern Michigan locations, provides free assistance to individuals and families earning up to $100,000 annually, helping uncover valuable tax credits and easing financial burdens. Super Saturday, scheduled for February 8th in Traverse City, features free tax filing, financial workshops, giveaways, and community resources, with support from local partners like Huntington Bank and DTE. The episode also highlights the vital role of NMCAA’s volunteers, who assist with taxes, intake, and events, making a tangible difference in their neighbors' lives. With programs that returned over $6 million in credits and refunds to the community last year, NMCAA continues to provide essential resources and empower individuals through housing support, financial workshops, and more. Listeners are encouraged to participate in Super Saturday, explore volunteer opportunities, and share information about NMCAA’s programs to help uplift their community.

[DONATE] In this episode of The Collective US , hosts Erica and Ryan explore the recently completed Community Needs Assessment (CNA) conducted by the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA). They are joined by guests Kerry Baughman, NMCAA’s Executive Director, and Jeff Schilling, Principal Consultant at Schilling Consulting, who led the CNA process. The CNA is a triennial effort to evaluate the evolving needs of the community using data from surveys, focus groups, and secondary sources such as the U.S. Census and partner assessments. The findings guide NMCAA’s resource allocation and program development to ensure maximum impact.

Key findings from the CNA highlight several pressing issues. Housing and homelessness emerged as the top priority, with a focus on the lack of affordable housing and the need for down payment assistance. Other concerns include aging housing stock, particularly in Charlevoix County, and a notable rise in homeless student populations. Childcare and early education were identified as critical barriers to employment and accessing services. High childcare costs, seasonal gaps, and a lack of off-hours care were highlighted as major challenges. Food insecurity remains a persistent issue, with participants expressing a need for access to fresh fruits and vegetables and education on healthy eating. Seasonal increases in food costs, especially during the summer, place an additional burden on families.

Qualitative insights from focus groups and interviews, including feedback from NMCAA’s neighborhood meetings, provided deeper understanding. Participants identified common triggers for poverty, such as financial instability, job loss, medical emergencies, and natural disasters. Age-specific challenges were also explored. Younger adults expressed needs related to budgeting, childcare, and education, while older adults sought assistance with navigating healthcare, avoiding scams, and managing resources. Both groups emphasized the importance of avoiding financial pitfalls and improving access to necessary services.

Looking ahead, NMCAA plans to leverage the CNA findings to refine its programs and strengthen collaborations with community partners. Each department will analyze the data further, conduct additional focus groups, and implement targeted interventions. This effort aims to ensure that NMCAA remains responsive to evolving community needs, providing tailored solutions and fostering long-term resilience.

The episode underscores NMCAA’s dedication to addressing critical social issues in Northern Michigan through data-driven strategies and partnerships. Listeners are encouraged to explore the full CNA document on NMCAA’s website, participate in volunteer opportunities, and support the agency’s mission to strengthen and uplift the community.

[DONATE TO NMCAA] In this episode of The Collective Us podcast, hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck welcome guest Abbie Byers, a Family Engagement Specialist with NMCAA's Child and Family Development Team. Abbie outlines her role, which includes home visits, planning family events, and connecting families to community resources. The discussion focuses on holiday stress, particularly for families without local support systems.

Abbie highlights the challenges single parents face, like juggling childcare and snow removal, and emphasizes the importance of building connections and creating a "village" through community resources. She encourages setting realistic expectations during the holidays, like simplifying gatherings and prioritizing self-care over perfection. Abbie also introduces the resilience-based parenting curriculum, Your Journey Together, which teaches families skills to manage stress and build strength, blending practical workshops with opportunities for connection and education.

SUPPORT NMCAA The Collective Us podcast, hosted by Erica Austin and Ryan Buck, features a discussion on the School Success Partnership program, which focuses on improving student achievement through collaboration among schools, families, and community action. Guests included Amy Cannon, NMCAA School Success Program Coordinator, and Dorothy Pintar, Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency (NEMSCA), Community Programs Director. Dorothy explained the program's origins, tracing its roots back 33 years to a community needs assessment that identified school failure as a common factor among families facing chronic poverty, unemployment, and other challenges. Developed as a preventative, non-intrusive initiative, the program removes barriers to academic success without income-based restrictions. It has since grown from a single truancy-based position into a comprehensive support system spanning ten counties, supported by a $3.8 million budget and a team of 59 staff members. The program’s success has led to significant reductions in truancy and improved outcomes for families and schools, with expansion efforts continuing across Michigan. Dorothy highlighted the role of relationship-building and community investment in the program's success, while Amy underscored the increasing need for such initiatives, particularly in light of challenges like chronic absenteeism exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, they reflected on the program's transformative impact and the importance of supporting students at every stage of their educational journey.