The podcast episode features the upcoming Super Saturday event and the tax programs offered by Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA). The sponsors for the event are acknowledged, including Huntington Bank, Northwest Ed, Beta, Consumers Energy, and CEDA Community Economic Development Association of Michigan.

The episode introduces guests Alissa Norris, the marketing coordinator, and Brittney Grzesiak, the Tax program coordinator, from NMCAA's Financial Management Services Department. They discuss the Super Saturday event, its history, and the various workshops and resources available, including free tax filing, scam bingo, and resume-building classes.

The hosts highlight the importance of Super Saturday and emphasize the collaboration with community partners. They provide information about the event's sponsors and the diverse workshops and resources available to attendees.

The conversation delves into the eligibility criteria for tax services, the history of Super Saturday, and the wide range of community support. Alissa and Brittney share details about the tax preparation process, appointment scheduling, and the significance of volunteers in making the program successful.

The episode concludes with a discussion about the goals for the current tax season, the number of expected tax returns on Super Saturday, and the role of volunteers in the tax program. Brittany encourages anyone interested in volunteering to call the main agency phone line and ask for her. The hosts also express gratitude to long-time employees and share milestone achievements within the organization.

In part two of the episode, hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck are joined by Kerry Baughman, executive director of NMCAA, for a deep data dive into various programs. They discuss the impact of NMCAA's housing and energy efficiency services, emphasizing the critical role these programs play in keeping people healthy and safe in their homes. Baughman shares success stories, including a case where weatherization efforts led to the replacement of a mobile home's roof, improving the overall safety and health of the home.

The conversation shifts to homelessness prevention programs, highlighting the use of over $5 million in state and federal funding to assist clients. Baughman explains the role of coordinated entry, rapid rehousing, and diversion in preventing homelessness and supporting individuals in securing stable housing. Testimonials are shared, showcasing the positive impact on individuals' lives, such as a young person transitioning from homelessness to homeownership in under two years.

The hosts also delve into NMCAA's emergency food assistance programs, including the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TFF) and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). They discuss the significant amounts of food distributed, with Baughman expressing her love for these programs due to their convenience, community reach, and the network of distribution they provide. The conversation concludes with the importance of volunteerism in supporting these programs, emphasizing the community-driven approach of NMCAA.

In this episode, Erica Austin and Ryan Buck interview Kerry Baughman, the executive director of Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA). The discussion delves into various topics, including the impact of NMCAA's programs on early childhood development, efforts in combating poverty, and insights into the newly introduced School Success Partnership Program. Kerry highlights the significance of community engagement, listening to needs, and providing comprehensive support. The hosts also explore NMCAA's recent strategic plan and vision statement, emphasizing a commitment to driving positive change and strengthening communities to help individuals achieve their full potential.

In this podcast episode, Ryan Buck welcomes Erica Austin, the marketing manager and host of The Collective US an NMCAA podcast, as a guest. They discuss marketing, communications, and community engagement at the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA) with Melissa Findley-Thompson, the engagement manager. Erica reflects on her transition to a nonprofit marketing role and the importance of creating awareness for the services offered by NMCAA. Melissa shares her background and motivation, emphasizing the significance of community engagement and the upcoming 50th anniversary of NMCAA in 2024. They discuss the diverse programs offered by NMCAA and the need to align internal messaging for a cohesive organizational voice. The conversation touches on overcoming misconceptions and stigma associated with certain programs, emphasizing the positive impact on the community.

The episode delves into mental health topics, emphasizing that the podcast does not diagnose or treat mental health issues. Erica and Ryan introduce guests Stacey Parent and Kim Micham, who discuss their roles in child and family development. They highlight the importance of relationships and conducting comprehensive needs assessments to support families' basic needs. The conversation shifts to mental health, emphasizing a strength-based approach and the availability of resources, including an Adult Resiliency Survey. The discussion touches on the challenges of the holiday season, societal pressures, and the importance of creating one's traditions. The episode encourages self-care and seeking support when needed.

In this podcast episode, hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck welcome listeners back to "The Collective US." Erica shares her excitement about returning from maternity leave after having twins. The main focus of the episode is the Childcare Now Initiative, which aims to improve the availability, affordability, and quality of childcare, preschool, and early learning experiences for children aged 0 to 5 and their families. Guests Norika Kida Betti and Robin Hornkohl discuss their roles in the initiative and highlight the collaborative efforts involving parents, providers, employers, and community advocates.

The hosts play an interview clip where participants discuss what an ideal childcare scenario would look like, emphasizing accessible, affordable, and diverse options for parents. The discussion touches on the challenges of finding suitable childcare, especially for infants, and the need for increased capacity and quality. The initiative's approach includes supporting existing providers, such as through a substitute provider pool, and addressing the broader aspects of the childcare system.

Erica also connects the initiative's goals to the efforts of organizations like Northwest Education Services, United Way of Northwest Michigan, and Traverse Connect. The hosts explore how the initiative considers the needs of parents with children transitioning from preschool to school-age and the challenges they face, such as finding care on days without school.

The podcast segment features hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck discussing early education with guests Corey Berden and Tammy Risteau, who work in the Child and Family Development Department of NMCAA. They talk about the significance of early education and the National Parents as Teacher Day, acknowledging the vital role parents play in a child's initial education. Corey Berden, the Early Head Start manager, provides insights into the program, emphasizing its focus on family wellness, setting goals, and supporting families in various ways. Tammy Risteau, an Early Head Start education coach, shares her experiences and journey within the organization, highlighting the importance of building relationships and adapting to diverse family situations. The hosts congratulate employees on their career achievements and explore the eligibility criteria for the Early Head Start program. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the personalized and supportive approach of the program in empowering families.

In this podcast episode, hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck welcome two guests, Sarah Hughes and Nicole Johnson, to discuss NMCAA's Homeless prevention program and their upcoming fundraiser. Sarah Hughes is the director of homeless prevention programs at NMCAA, and Nicole Johnson is the homeless prevention program coordinator and HCV (Housing Choice Voucher) and ESG (Emergency Solution Grant) lead. They talk about the importance of addressing homelessness, working with community coalitions, including the Michigan Balance of State Continuum of Care and the Northwest Coalition to End Homelessness, and the significance of including people with lived experience in their programs. Sarah and Nicole also explain the HCV program, which provides housing assistance based on income, the ESG program for short-term rental assistance and eviction prevention, and the unique features of each program. The discussion highlights the challenges of managing waitlists for these programs and the need to prioritize those in the greatest need.

In this episode of "The Collective Us," hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck discuss various topics, including the importance of National Farmers Day, which is celebrated on October 12th, and the vital role farmers play in providing food. They then interview their guest, Christina Barkel, a food equity specialist with Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities. Christina explains her role in supporting food access initiatives, advocating for healthy food, and bridging the gap between farmers and food pantries. She also discusses the collaborative efforts of organizations like Groundwork and the Northwest Food Coalition to distribute rescued food to those in need, emphasizing the importance of reducing food waste and eliminating food insecurity. The episode highlights the collective work being done to strengthen communities, promote a strong environment, and invest in local economies.

In this episode of The Collective Us, hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck discuss the weatherization assistance program offered by the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA). They are joined by Tish Stave, the Director of Housing and Energy Efficiency Services, and Jeremy Truog, the Technical Manager. The episode covers the program's objectives, client eligibility, the intake process, and the specialized training required for contractors. Jeremy Truog also highlights potential issues in homes if weatherization is not done correctly. The episode emphasizes the importance of proper training and provides a glimpse into the complex work involved in making homes more energy-efficient and safe for low to moderate-income families in Michigan.