The podcast episode discusses the programs and services offered by Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA) through their Financial Management Services Department. It features Karen Emerson, the manager of the department, and Allison Popa, a HUD certified budget and housing coach. The episode highlights NeighborWorks Week, a program that helps create affordable homes and improve lives in communities. Karen explains the various services provided by the Financial Management Services department, including homeownership and money management workshops, housing counseling, foreclosure prevention counseling, rental counseling, tax preparation, and emergency utility assistance. They emphasize the department's commitment to being a one-stop shop for community members seeking financial empowerment and support. They also discuss NMCAA's status as a chartered member of NeighborWorks America and the organization's role in community development and leveraging resources. Allison shares her experience working with clients and providing them with tools, resources, and education to improve their financial situation. The hosts emphasize the importance of trust-building and personalized approaches to meet each client's unique needs. They mention that anyone can access the programs offered by NMCAA, and contact information is provided for those interested in reaching out. The hosts also touch on the challenges of working with clients in various levels of need and the emotional impact of foreclosure cases.

Call 231-947-3780, which is our main agency number. We're open 7:30 to 4:30, but there's a message machine that will take messages or email from us [email protected]. They can also call my personal line at 231-346-2132 and I will be sure to get them to the right place because we all navigate through the services. 

In this podcast episode, host Erica Austin and guest co-host Ryan Buck discuss Older Americans Month and the Meals on Wheels program. Their guests include Lisa Robitshek, the manager of Meals on Wheels of NMCAA, and Karen Burdick, a volunteer driver for the program. Lisa explains that while Meals on Wheels is a national program, each program operates locally. Meals on Wheels provides nutritious and delicious meals to seniors, allowing them to stay in their homes and providing a safety net. Karen emphasizes the importance of the relationships formed between drivers and seniors, as well as the additional support they provide. The episode also touches on the celebration of Older Americans Month and how Meals on Wheels of NMCAA is participating by collecting and sharing stories from clients and volunteers. These stories will be used to advocate for programs like Meals on Wheels. The hosts and guests highlight the power of storytelling and the impact it has on both volunteers and seniors. Overall, the episode sheds light on the vital role of Meals on Wheels in supporting older Americans and promoting their independence and well-being.

The Collective Us is an NMCAA podcast that aims to provide inspiring stories of people in the community, feature programs offered through NMCAA, and give insight into ways the organization can help individuals or their neighbors through different phases of life. In the first episode, Erica Austin and Ryan Buck interview Kerry Baughman, the executive director of Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA). Baughman explains that Community Action agencies, which began in the 1960s as part of President LBJ's Economic Opportunity Act, were created to give voice to communities and people to tell agencies what they need. NMCAA services 10 counties across Northwest Michigan and is one of 27 Community Action Agencies in Michigan. Baughman notes that the unique structure of Community Action's governance, which includes elected officials, private citizens, and consumers, ensures the agency is responsive to the community's needs.

Welcome to the Collective Us, a podcast of Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency. I'm Erica Austin and I will be guiding you on this journey, focusing on inspiring you through stories of those we've helped through our programing, or by linking local resources to community members in need. Join us as we learn about the programs offered through NMCAA and how we touch people's lives every day.