The Collective Us: An NMCAA Podcast

[DONATE to NMCAA] In this episode of The Collective Us , hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck explore how something as basic as clean clothing can affect a person’s confidence, health, dignity, and ability to participate fully in their community. The conversation highlights NMCAA’s Laundry Project, which helps individuals and families with limited financial resources wash and dry their clothing at par...

In this episode of The Collective Us , hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck explore the realities of homeownership and housing stability in Northern Michigan with guest Grant Card , NMCAA's newly promoted Housing Stability Director. The conversation examines the region's housing affordability challenges, the connection between homelessness services and homebuyer education, and how NMCAA helps...

[DONATE TO NMCAA] In this episode of The Collective Us , hosts Ryan Buck and Erica Austin celebrate Community Action Month and explore the many ways impacts communities across Northern Michigan. The conversation highlights stories of perseverance, collaboration, volunteerism, and the collective effort required to support individuals and families working toward greater stability and independence. T...

[DONATE to NMCAA] This episode highlights the impact and community support behind the Meals on Wheels program through the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency. The program serves seniors and homebound individuals by delivering nutritious meals along with wellness checks, social interaction, and emotional support —often the only daily contact some clients receive. Meals are carefully planned...

[DONATE to NMCAA] This episode of The Collective Us focuses on the power of preschool through the voices of NMCAA staff, a teacher, and parents. Hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck speak with Mistie Watson , an Education Coach, and Alex Beilfuss , a GSRP teacher, about how NMCAA preschool programs support children, families, and the broader community. The conversation highlights that preschool is abo...

[DONATE to NMCAA] The Collective Us: An NMCAA Podcast Episode 67, “Moments that Mattered,” reflects on the most meaningful conversations of 2025, highlighting how NMCAA’s work strengthens families and communities through early support, stable housing, strong partnerships, and a culture of care. Erica Austin and Ryan Buck revisit powerful moments from parents, partners, staff, board members, and co...

[DONATE to NMCAA] The episode of The Collective US focuses on NMCAA’s new Gift Guide , a way for donors to support community members through three core “buckets”: Educational Opportunities, Housing Support, and Economic Stability . Erica Austin, Ryan Buck, and guest Melissa Thompson explain that while gifts are framed as things like safety items for families, classroom supplies, home repairs, or M...

[DONATE] The episode spotlights NMCAA’s work in early childhood and the collaboration between Head Start and Michigan State University —connecting nutrition, movement, and mindfulness to build healthy, lifelong habits for 3–4 year-olds and their families. Dr. Jiying Ling (MSU College of Nursing) and Shannon Phelps, NMCAA's Child and Family Development Director explain Dr. Ling's program &q...

[DONATE TO NMCAA] The Collective US welcomes data leads Tish Stave and Grant Card to demystify how NMCAA uses the ROMA framework—Results Oriented Management and Accountability—to plan, measure, and continuously improve services. They explain how community needs assessments and outcome tracking inform funding, board decisions, and day-to-day pivots, balancing hard numbers with client stories. A new...

[DONATE TO NMCAA] HR at NMCAA is in a celebratory transition. Long-time Human Resources Director Betsy Reese (20 years with the agency; 18 in HR) joins the show to reflect on a career of building people-first systems—from launching a year-long Leadership Class (2016 & 2019) to a major pay scale revamp (2015) and clear explanations of COLA, market adjustments, and new 401(k) contributions. Step...

[DONATE TO NMCAA] This “behind-the-scenes” back-to-school episode of The Collective US features hosts Ryan Buck and Erica Austin with lead teachers Judy Abernathy (34 years with Head Start) and Jessica Youhouse, who share how they came to early childhood education—Judy from classroom volunteer to college-educated lead teacher, Jessica from ECE studies through varied roles back to the joy of the cl...

[DONATE] This episode of The Collective US podcast by Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency focuses on the importance of wills, trusts, and estate planning for individuals at any stage of life, regardless of income. Hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck speak with Melissa Thompson, NMCAA’s engagement manager, and attorney Mary Ann Wehr, founder of Great Lakes Center for Estate Planning . The discu...

[DONATE] This episode of The Collective US podcast from Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency focuses on the devastating March 2025 ice storms in Northern Michigan and the community’s response. Hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck speak with Emmet County Emergency Management Coordinator Matt Blythe, Emmet County Recycling’s Lindsay Walker, and NMCAA Housing & Energy Efficiency Services Direct...

Summary of “LIVE from MCA Summer Conference - SPECIAL EPISODE” (The Collective US Podcast, Ep. 59) This special live episode of The Collective US podcast was recorded at the Michigan Community Action (MCA) Summer Conference in Grand Rapids. Hosted by Erica Austin and Ryan Buck of the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA), the episode features a panel of executive directors from across...

In this lively on-location episode of The Collective Us , hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck attend the Michigan Community Action (MCA) Summer Conference in Grand Rapids. They speak with attendees, leaders, and partners to highlight the conference's sessions, energy, and impact on Michigan’s Community Action Network. Brian McGrain , MCA Executive Director, explains that the conference blends ins...

[DONATE] In this episode of The Collective Us podcast, the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA) explores the deep connection between mental health, housing instability, and access to care in Northern Michigan. Hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck speak with guests Hunter Lumsden, clinical supervisor at the new Crisis & Access Center in Traverse City, and Sarah Hughes, NMCAA’s Directo...

[DONATE] This episode of The Collective US podcast, produced by the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA) and hosted by Erica Austin and Ryan Buck , highlights the economic impact of NMCAA's programs across its 10-county service area. They emphasize that "economic impact" goes far beyond dollars—it includes community-building, volunteerism, and the ripple effect of inves...

[DONATE] Episode 55 of The Collective Us podcast explores the powerful impact of landlord partnerships in addressing homelessness through Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA). Hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck are joined by Kamryn Hendricks, NMCAA Homeless Program Supervisor, and landlord Angelo Genna, who shares his journey in becoming a compassionate housing provider. The episode hi...

[DONATE] In this episode of The Collective US , produced by Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA), hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck explore the impact of the Early Head Start program, with a special focus on its prenatal services. They are joined by Penny Maleski, Child and Family Specialist, along with parents Nikki and Kev, who share their heartfelt journey through pregnancy and ear...

[DONATE] This episode of "The Collective Us" podcast by the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA) explores the challenges and opportunities around homeownership in Northern Michigan. Hosts Ryan Buck and Erica Austin introduce the importance of partnerships in addressing housing shortages, emphasizing the significance of June as National Homeownership Month. They are joined b...

[DONATE] This episode of The Collective US , produced by the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA), centers around the theme of advocacy and its critical role in community action. Hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck speak with board members Peachy Rentenbach and Sam Getsinger, who share personal stories and insights into how they became involved with NMCAA and why advocacy matters. Peach...

[DONATE] In this episode of The Collective US , hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck explore food insecurity in Northwest Michigan with guests from the Northwest Food Coalition and Meals on Wheels. Rachael Cougler explains how the coalition—made up of over 70 grassroots organizations—partners with groups like Groundwork Center and Food Rescue to deliver fresh, local food to those in need. Mary Clulo s...

In this celebratory 50th episode of The Collective US , hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck reflect on the journey of the podcast, produced by Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA) . The show aims to inspire youth and community members by sharing powerful stories of transformation through NMCAA programs and partnerships. Key highlights include: Reflections and Milestones : Nearly two yea...

This episode of The Collective US podcast, produced by Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA) [DONATE] , highlights two essential but often overlooked community support programs: the Laundry Project and the Diaper Distribution Grant . Awareness : Tied to National Laundry Day (April 15) , the project emphasizes laundry as a basic human need essential for dignity, confidence, school perf...

[DONATE TO NMCAA] The Preschool Experience  highlights the importance of early childhood education and the role of NMCAA in making preschool accessible to families. Hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck discuss the enrollment process, the benefits of structured yet flexible learning environments, and the evolving support systems for both children and educators. Guests Diana Middendorp, an education coa...