In This Issue...
Announcements | Upcoming Events | COVID-19 Resources | Resources | Capella/Strayer University Partnership
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Open house celebrates renovated DICSA kitchen
Published: Feb. 3, 2022, at 5:22 PM EST
A ribbon-cutting ceremony tonight celebrated the renovated Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency (DICSA) kitchen. The project cost nearly $340,000.
The complete overhaul started in the summer of 2020. In 2021, DICSA delivered over $115,000 meals to seniors across Dickinson and Iron counties with limited access to a kitchen.
The new facility will enhance the agency’s ability to provide the Meals on Wheels program.
“Our staff here especially have worked through all kinds of hoops and hurdles to get to this point. We were kitchen-less for a long time. We had community partners who allowed us to use their space in the meantime so we could keep serving our meals while this was being constructed,” said Kristin Sommerfeld, DICSA Executive Director.
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CEDAM's AmeriCorps is soliciting host site applications for 25 full-time positions which start in September.
CEDAM's AmeriCorps members can support:
- Small businesses programs
- Food access programs
- Neighborhood revitalization programs
- Free tax preparation (VITA) programs
- And participate in general capacity building tasks like volunteer management, marketing & outreach, and systems development.
This year we're offering improved AmeriCorps member benefits including an increased living allowance, a scholarship opportunity for host sites, and support with recruiting and interviewing for your members. Now is the time to get involved! Host site applications are due March 14.
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Governor Whitmer releases FY23 Budget Recommendations
Priorities include:
- Increasing the Michigan Earned Income Tax credit
- Investing in Michigan’s Workforce
- Repealing the taxation of retirement income and pension benefits
- Enhancing educational funding for pre-k-12 funding and grant opportunities for higher education learning
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February 25, 2022 - Self-Care for Leaders Virtual Workshop
10:00 AM ET
March 2, 2022 - Training Committee Meeting
10:00 AM ET
March 14, 2022 - Finance Committee Meeting
10:30 AM ET
March 14, 2022 - Directors Council Meeting
1:00 PM ET
March 14, 2022 - Board of Directors Meeting
3:00 PM ET
For a full list of events,
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The Michigan Community Action Update is a round-up of important information for members of Michigan Community Action.
We may send more
frequent updates when
important information breaks
that impacts the
Community Action network.
We welcome your input and feedback.
Please send your comments and ideas here.
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2022 MCA Summer Conference Call for Proposals
MCA is seeking proposals for workshops and/or keynote speakers for the hybrid 2022 Summer Conference, July 25-28, 2022, Boyne Mountain Resort. If you are interested in being a presenter, please complete the Conference RFP by March 8, 2022.
Click here to learn more and access the conference RFP.
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Legislative Day Client, Volunteer, and Legislator Nomination Forms Open!
MCA will be recognizing Community Action Volunteers, Clients, and a Legislator of the Year at our annual event, 1:00 PM ET on Thursday, May 19, 2022, during Community Action Month, in the Capitol rotunda.
We’ve updated the nomination forms for the 2022 MCA Community Action Awards and encourage all member agencies to nominate their favorite clients, volunteers, and Legislator of the Year to be recognized.
Here is a list of guidelines to consider when you think about your nominees. Each nomination requires approval from your Executive Director, so please get approval before submitting. The links to the electronic forms are below. We will give out five awards for agency volunteers and five for agency clients. Award winners receive a certificate and a $100* gift card. *Group winners will receive one gift card, but MCA can provide each person in the group with a certificate.
We are also soliciting nominations for MCA Legislator of the Year. The nominee should be currently serving as a state or federal legislator that you feel has helped your agency specifically or has generally been supportive of Community Action’s mission of reducing poverty in Michigan. In the past, legislators who were reliable supporters in their official positions and actions or who took part in and/or promoted your agency activities have won this award, so think broadly! If you have a legislator you think deserves consideration, please fill out the following form.
As items are updated about Legislative Day you will find the information on our website . All nomination forms are due by close of business Friday March 25, 2022.
Nomination forms are found here:
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There's Still Time to Register! |
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Michigan Community Action's Executive Director to Moderate Legislative Panel for the 2022 MNA Virtual Nonprofit Legislative
MNA’s annual Nonprofit Legislative Day will take place on Tuesday, March 22. The event will be held virtually via Zoom. This year’s theme is Nonprofits: The Best Investment for Community. MNA member: $25, Non-member: $40
Morning Program
Welcome by MNA’s President and CEO, Kelley Kuhn
Keynote Speaker: Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist
Partnerships to Promote Economic Security: Kim Trent, Deputy Director for Prosperity, MI Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (invited)
Rules of Nonprofit Election Advocacy: Leslie Barnes, Senior Counsel for Bolder Advocacy
Legislative Panel Discussion moderated by Chong-Anna Canfora, Exec. Director, Michigan Community Action
• Senator Curtis Hertel, Jr., D-Lansing
• Senator Curt VanderWall, R-Ludington
• Representative Julie Calley, R-Portland
• Representative Joe Tate, D-Detroit
Afternoon Program
Visits with Legislators with Joan Gustafson, MNA
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Webinar: A Practical Approach to Weatherization Workforce Challenges
Northeast Community Action Corporation (NECAC), serves 12 counties in Missouri. To bring new workers into her Weatherization Program, Deputy Director Carla Potts launched a new apprenticeship program. The program takes one year to complete, including 144 classroom hours and 2,000 on-job-training. Trainees start at $13 per hour, and graduate as a U.S. Department of Labor certified “Performance Laborer Residential and Commercial”. Carla will explain how they worked with their local workforce board, the Labor Department, and the community to develop this initiative, discuss key lessons learned, and potential future growth. This webinar will be held Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at 2:00 PM ET.
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Volunteer Management Training
The Michigan Community Services Commission has free volunteer management trainings to offer nonprofits in Michigan. These trainings are made possible through the Volunteer Generation Fund (VFG) from AmeriCorps the Agency and our 13 partners who support nonprofits across the state. Together with our partners, we are also hosting monthly open network sessions on a range of topics on volunteer management and capacity building.
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Michiganders who are most at risk of catching the virus can now order free at-home COVID-19 tests through a partnership between the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Rockefeller Foundation. Households in qualifying zip codes will receive 1 kit with five tests within one to two weeks after ordering at no cost. To check eligibility, visit AccessCovidTests.org, call 888-535-6136 or contact 211. |
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New Videos on the Child Tax Credit Released
The National Community Action Partnership just released two new videos every agency can use to help people understand the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and how to get their refund. These videos can be shared on social media, websites, at meetings with community partners and wherever parents may gather.
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Michigan Community Action, Capella University
& Strayer University Partnership
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Back to school savings with education built for real life
Ready to go back to school to gain the skills and knowledge you need to reach your career goals with access to education that works with your busy life? Capella University and Strayer University understand this. That’s why their Associates, Bachelor’s, Certificate and Graduate programs in human services, behavioral health, business, IT, and leadership & administration leverage what you already know and are grounded in real-world application.
Through our partnership with Capella, you and your immediate family have access to high-quality, online education and tuition savings that make it possible to earn a degree or certificate at a significantly lower cost and at your own pace. Capella offers you:
· Exclusive scholarships, grants and other savings for both universities, including a 10% tuition discount.
· Three learning formats—FlexPath, GuidedPath, and On-Campus that are flexible, affordable, and supportive.
· A student-centered approach, including support teams to help you be successful and persistent.
· Accredited and nationally recognized universities that meet the highest standards for quality.
Ready to learn more and get started?
Check out this PDF for information on programs offered.
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Save on your degree at Strayer University
Michigan Community Action and Strayer University have partnered to offer eligible employees of their member agencies access to flexible, affordable associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. If you’re thinking of earning a degree, we invite you to take advantage of special offers designed to help you meet your educational goals.
Special offers and scholarships available now
• $5,000 scholarship for new or returning Strayer students to apply toward a bachelor’s or master’s degree
• 10% tuition discount for the duration of your program*
* Tuition discount upon receipt of documentation of employment and eligibility.
Why Strayer?
At Strayer, you’ll get a modern, online degree that gives you the confidence to change your future. Our programs are built for working adults and our student services coaches offer support at every step. We believe in educational access, academic quality, student success and customer service.
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MCA Officers/Board Members 2021-2023 |
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Lisa Evans
President
Community Action of Allegan County
Morghan Boydston
Urban Officer
Washtenaw County Office of Community & Economic Development
Lisa Bolen
Lower Peninsula Rural Officer
Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency
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Michelle Williamson
Vice President
Community Action
Michelle LaJoie
Upper Peninsula Officer
Community Action Alger- Marquette
Toby Berry
At-Large Officer
Community Action Agency
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Kerri Duff
Secretary Treasurer
Gogebic Ontonagon CAA
Judge Gregory Pittman
CAA Governing Board Officer
Muskegon-Oceana Community Action Partnership
Mary Ann Neopolitan
CAA Governing Board Officer
Monroe County Opportunity Program
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MCA is continuing to observe CDC guidelines encouraging remote work practices and following local public health guidelines. The office remains physically closed to anyone outside of immediate staff. We are accessible by phone and email during normal business hours Monday through Friday, 8:30AM-5PM ET.
Be well and stay safe everyone. .
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