In This Issue...
Announcements | Webinars/Trainings | COVID-19 Resources | Technology Resources | Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Resources | Capella/Strayer University Partnership
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DOL Issues COBRA Subsidy Guidance and Model Notices
The federal government will pay 100 percent of COBRA insurance premiums for laid-off workers and covered relatives from April 1 through Sept. 30, 2021, allowing them to stay on their company-sponsored health plan, under the American Rescue Plan Act.
Employers will get the subsidy through a payroll tax credit against employers’ quarterly taxes
Employers will be responsible for paying health insurance premiums.
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MDHHS releases grant RFP for Emergency Shelter Program
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) on the MI E-Grants system for the ESP-2022-Emergency Shelter Program - 2022.
All proposal responses with related materials must be submitted electronically using the MI E-Grants system located here. Agencies interested in applying for this Request for Proposal must first register both the agency and users and process a Project Director Request in egrams and submit their proposal by 05/05/2021.
To review information about the RFP, go to http://egrams-mi.com/mdhhs and scroll down until you find {grant_cat}. Click on it and look for ESP-2022-Emergency Shelter Program - 2022 to access RFP-related information.
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April 20, 2021 - Managing Conflict in the Workplace
12:00-2:00 PM ET
April 21, 2021 - Legislative Committee Meeting
10:00 AM ET
May 7, 2021 - MDHHS - Michigan Commission on Community Action
10:00 AM 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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Mutual of America, CAP endorsed vendor, shares financial advice and economic perspectives.
Check out their articles here.
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Managing Conflict in the Workplace | April 20, 2021 at 12:00-2:00 PM EST | 11:00-1:00 CT
Team members will learn the top Five Conflicts in the workplace and how to resolve conflicts/disputes using the Conflict Management process. This course is designed to assist HR professionals and leaders/management in identifying, addressing and removing conflict in the workplace. Group discussion and a Case Study will be presented.
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In Case you Missed it: From CAPLAW - Tax and Accounting Compliance from a (Social) Distance
Presented by: Christopher Jones, Ballard Spahr LLP, and Denes Tobie, Wipfli LLP
Tax laws and accounting rules can be difficult to understand and navigate, even outside of a global pandemic. As CAAs continue to adopt remote work arrangements, the tax implications of moving employees out of the physical workplace and across state borders may not be immediately apparent. In this session, we discuss a variety of issues pertaining to how state and federal tax laws may apply to a CAA that has implemented a remote work arrangement. We also address the rules that finance departments may run into as they oversee the transition to a remote or hybrid workplace.
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The Intersection of Data Capacity Building and Strategic Planning
Wednesday, April 28 at 2 PM ET | 1 PM CT |
Nonprofits know data-driven decision-making is critical to program success but frequently do not have the capacity to design and maintain complex data systems. A lack of technical expertise, evaluation and performance management strategies, and resources for training and growth are common challenges to building internal capacity. The Annie E. Casey Foundation's Data Governance Tool Kit is an innovative resource that guides organizations through the development of a comprehensive plan to address all areas of data capacity and position organizations to make more efficient use of their data with an eye toward improving the experiences of families that come through their doors.
The Pandemic Continues -- Supporting Our Organizations' Recoveries
Wednesday, May 5 at 12 PM ET | 11 AM CT |
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many operations and services online, causing us to adapt our processes and workflows in the midst of high stakes situations. Join the National Community Action Partnership and U.S. Digital Response in a conversation about managing the shift to remote services and implementing processes to simplify your work. During this webinar, you'll hear about USDR's partnership with Neighborhood Preservation, Inc., in Memphis, Tenn., and how automated and streamlined processes helped mitigate hundreds of evictions. You'll leave with insights to improve your workflow, including suggestions for affordable tools, tips for automation, and recommendations for simple next steps.
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MIOSHA extends workplace protections
The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration extended workplace restrictions until mid-October. For any business that does resume in-person work, they'll need:
- A written COVID-19 preparedness and response plan and provide thorough training to employees that covers workplace infection-control practices .
- The proper use of personal protection equipment.
- Steps workers must take to notify the business of COVID-19 symptoms or a suspected or confirmed diagnosis.
- Steps on how to report unsafe working conditions.
Utilize these resources from the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and MIOHSA to help.
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COVID Resources: Community Action Gets Vaccinated Graphics
NCAP has seen your tweets, read your Facebook posts and websites, and we know Community Action is getting vaccinated! We have taken action as well. NCAP has created this “Community Action Gets Vaccinated” design for Community Action Agencies and State Associations to use in promoting the importance of getting vaccinated. How about that band-aid with the Huggy Heart! The design can be used on stickers, buttons, t-shirts, poster, flyers, and many other possibilities. Click here to see the several options, including Spanish, for this vaccination design. Please note that these designs have transparent backgrounds, so any version in white requires a dark background to be visible. We can’t wait to see all the creative manners in which you use this design!
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IRS2Go is the official mobile app of the IRS
Check your refund status, make a payment, find free tax preparation assistance, sign up for helpful tax tips, and more!
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A “txt file” can steal all your secrets
Recently, 360 Security Center’s threat monitoring platform has detected an email phishing attack. This attack uses a secret-stealing Trojan called Poulight. The Poulight Trojan has been put into use since last year and has complete and powerful functions. This attack proved that it has begun to spread and use overseas. Read the full article
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10 Incredible Ways You Can Be Hacked Through Email And How To Stop The Bad Guys
Email is still a top attack vector the bad guys use. A majority of data breaches are caused by human error, but email hacking is much more than phishing and launching malware!
In this on-demand webinar Roger A. Grimes, KnowBe4's Data-Driven Defense Evangelist and security expert with over 30-years of experience, explores 10 ways hackers use social engineering to trick your users into revealing sensitive data or enabling malicious code to run. Plus, he'll share a (pre-filmed) hacking demo by KnowBe4's Chief Hacking Officer Kevin Mitnick.
Roger will teach you:
- How silent malware launches, remote password hash capture, and how rogue rules work
- Why rogue documents, establishing fake relationships and getting you to compromise your ethics are so effective
- Details behind clickjacking and web beacons
- Actionable steps on how to defend against them all
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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Resources |
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Racial Equity in Financial Empowerment Program Design
Research has consistently pointed to the fact that persons of color face a steep historic and social disadvantage in their ability to access reputable financial products and services. As a result, Community Action agencies have a responsibility to ensure that their financial empowerment strategy is inclusive and works to specifically address the unique challenges that face these communities. Watch this webinar to be part of our conversation on the critical importance of incorporating a racial equity lens in financial empowerment program design. Calling on the work of their Racial Wealth Divide Initiative, experts from Prosperity NOW will provide participants in this event with a deep dive into the research and practice of incorporating racial equity into financial capability programs and services.
Access the video recording of this session here.
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Michigan Community Action, Capella University
& Strayer University Partnership
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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.
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 2019-2021 |
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Jill Sutton
President
Mid Michigan CAA
Toby Berry
Urban Officer
Community Action Agency
Lisa Evans
Lower Peninsula Rural Officer
Community Action of Allegan County
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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
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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
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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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