Volume 5, Issue 5
March 11, 2021
In This Issue...
Announcements | Webinars/Trainings | Grant/Funding Opportunities | Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Resources | Capella University Partnership
22 awardees announced in state's community outreach COVID-19 vaccine pilot program

Program aims to remove barriers to safe and effective vaccine for most vulnerable

LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Protect Michigan Commission have awarded 35,800 doses of COVID-19 vaccine to 22 pilot projects in an effort to help enhance the state's vaccine equity strategy.

The goal of the pilot program is to help remove barriers to vaccine access for Michiganders 60 and older who live in communities with high Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) and high COVID-19 mortality rates. If providers have additional capacity in their project, they may expand vaccination to include people age 50-59 with disabilities or comorbid conditions.

Webinars/Trainings
Identifying & Removing Microaggressions in the Workplace | March 16, 2021 at 12:00-2:00 PM EST | 11:00-1:00 CT

Team Members/partners will learn what microaggressions are and the big impact these (left unchecked) can have on the entire organization and the clients served. In depth discussion and a group/table exercise will take place centered on how to identify and remove micro aggressive behaviors and how to replace with microaffirmations , which can help shift the culture of the organization creating a space and place where everyone feels affirmed, valued and welcomed.

Othering & Belonging Spring Summit 2021 | April 21, 2021 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM PT

The O&B 2021 Spring Virtual Summit is free and open to registered attendees. Registration is required, please use this form to register today. 

Whilethey are committed to making the Summit free, the cost to produce and provide high-quality, accessible programming is considerable. They are asking for those who can to consider making a donation to support the Othering & Belonging Institute. They have included some suggested donation amounts below.  

  • If you work for a foundation: $150
  • If you work for an organization or company: $50
  • Individuals: $25

Grant/Funding Opportunities
Mutual of America
announces their annual
Community Partnership Award

This award recognizes outstanding nonprofit organizations.  Each year and 5 selectees are chosen. The top selectee receives $100,000 and four honorable mentions received $50,000. View guidelines and how to enter here.
Ask the Experts – SNAP Employment & Training Information for Community Action Agencies | March 25, 2021 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm EST
Presented by Seattle Jobs Initiative

This is your opportunity to learn the foundation of a SNAP E&T Third-Party Provider Partnership with your state and other service providers. SNAP E&T Experts from Seattle Jobs Initiative will be presenting an overview of the flexibilities and strengths of a SNAP Employment and Training partnership for your CAA. Plus, you will have one-to-one access to the experts so you may find answers to your questions! “How much administration is required to participate in a program like this?” “What are the funding opportunities?” "How do we leverage our current funding and services?" "What are the benefits of creating these partnerships with the State, Community Colleges and other service providers?"

Note: Successful SNAP E&T workforce programs require partnerships that include BOTH employment/training providers AS WELL AS providers of other family support services. Even if your CAA does not directly provide employment/training services, it likely provides other family support services critical to help working families obtain/sustain employment. This project is designed to work with your current services and not requiring your organization to create new services.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Resources

Health Equity, Place and Race with Dr. Georges Benjamin

Social factors determine what a community is. If a person experiences inequitable access to goods and services within their communities, exposure to toxins in their environment, substandard housing in their neighborhoods, and a lack of quality education nearby, these conditions bear a direct effect on their health and well-being. During this session, Dr. Georges Benjamin, Executive Director of the American Public Health Association, discussed equitable solutions for achieving the healthiest communities for everyone.

Access the presentation recording here.
Michigan Community Action, Capella University
& Strayer University Partnership
Your ambitions are important. Through our partnership with Capella University, you and your immediate family are eligible for significant educational benefits,* each designed to help you reach your goals.

These include:

  • 50% off your first 12-week session tuition through Capella’s FlexPath learning format plus an additional
  • 10% tuition discount on all subsequent sessions
  • $3,000-$20,000 scholarships on eligible bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs through
  • Capella’s GuidedPath learning format plus an additional 10% tuition discount
  • Opportunity to save on general education courses through Sophia Learning, Capella’s affiliate
  • Support throughout your academic journey, including advising support and career counselling

Explore Continuing Education content
We understand the demands of a typical workday. That’s why Capella has teamed up with EliteHealthcare to provide access to courses eligible for CE credit. This content is available on demand, on us.

Learn more about Capella
Capella offers an online, flexible education and a variety of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs. Available areas of study include nursing, health administration, business, information technology and more.

*Eligible programs only. Connect with your HR team for details. Books, supplies, and other fees apply.

For more information, visit capella.edu/MichiganCommunityAction
Check out this PDF for information on programs offered.
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.

MCA Officers/Board Members 2019-2021
Jill Sutton
President
Mid Michigan CAA

Toby Berry
Urban Officer
Community Action Agency

Lisa Evans
Lower Peninsula Rural Officer
Community Action of Allegan County
Michelle Williamson
Vice President
Community Action

Michelle LaJoie
Upper Peninsula Officer
Community Action Alger- Marquette

Melinda Johnson
At-Large Officer 
Blue Water Community Action

Dennis McShane
Directors Council Chair Chippewa-Luce-Mackinac Community Action Agency
Kerri Duff 
Secretary Treasurer
Gogebic Ontonagon CAA

Doug McFadden
CAA Governing Board Officer
EightCAP

Mary Ann Neopolitan
CAA Governing Board Officer
Monroe County Opportunity Program
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. .