The Collective Us: An NMCAA Podcast

[DONATE] This episode of The Collective Us podcast highlights the challenges of rural homelessness and the crucial role of community partnerships in addressing the issue. Featuring Sarah Hughes, Director of Homeless Programs , and Jason Grant from Forest Area Federal Credit Union , the discussion emphasizes the unseen struggles of homeless individuals, the limited availability of housing programs,...

[DONATE] Hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck introduce the episode, produced by the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA) , highlighting the impact of their programs in 2024 and their vision moving into 2025 . They welcome Executive Director Kerry Baughman , who reflects on NMCAA’s 50th anniversary celebrations and the positive energy moving forward. Key Highlights from NMCAA’s 2024 Annu...

[DONATE] The latest episode of The Collective US podcast, produced by the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA), highlights the organization’s impactful programs and events designed to support the community. Hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck are joined by Justin Marcum, Tax Program Coordinator, and Emily Marek, Lead Intake Specialist, to discuss NMCAA's free tax preparation program...

[DONATE] In this episode of The Collective US , hosts Erica and Ryan explore the recently completed Community Needs Assessment (CNA) conducted by the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA). They are joined by guests Kerry Baughman, NMCAA’s Executive Director, and Jeff Schilling, Principal Consultant at Schilling Consulting, who led the CNA process. The CNA is a triennial effort to eval...

[DONATE TO NMCAA] In this episode of The Collective Us podcast, hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck welcome guest Abbie Byers, a Family Engagement Specialist with NMCAA's Child and Family Development Team. Abbie outlines her role, which includes home visits, planning family events, and connecting families to community resources. The discussion focuses on holiday stress, particularly for families with...

SUPPORT NMCAA The Collective Us podcast, hosted by Erica Austin and Ryan Buck, features a discussion on the School Success Partnership program, which focuses on improving student achievement through collaboration among schools, families, and community action. Guests included Amy Cannon, NMCAA School Success Program Coordinator, and Dorothy Pintar, Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency (NEMSC...

In this episode of the NMCAA podcast [DONATE] , Erica Austin and Ryan Buck introduce a discussion on collaborative child care centers, highlighting how these programs bring families, educators, and community organizations together to provide high-quality care. Guests Katherine Kwiatkowski, a collaborative center manager, and Rachael Dyer, a services coordinator, join to explain how these centers s...

[DONATE TO NMCAA] Erica Austin and Ryan Buck open the segment by reflecting on their 40-show partnership, expressing appreciation for each other’s collaboration. They then introduce November’s focus on Homeless Awareness Month, specifically highlighting the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, which aids veterans in avoiding homelessness. The discussion features John McClintock...

DONATE to NMCAA - The episode highlights Energy Awareness Month and Weatherization Month in October, with discussions centered on the Weatherization Assistance Program, which provides energy conservation and safety services to low-income households at no cost. The conversation delves into home energy audits, which involve checking for insulation levels, air leaks, and health and safety hazards. Th...

[DONATE] NMCAA 50th Anniversary Celebration at Milliken Auditorium inside Dennos Museum in beautiful Traverse City, Michigan. Erica and Ryan express their excitement about recording live for the first time and preview the topics their panelists will discuss: economic stability, educational opportunities, and housing support. Erica emphasizes NMCAA’s mission of fostering self-sufficiency and improv...

[DONATE to NMCAA] In this excerpt, Erica Austin introduces The Collective US , a podcast produced by Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA), which shares inspiring stories of those assisted by the agency’s programs and connects local resources with community members in need. Ryan Buck , co-host of the podcast, announces that they are preparing for NMCAA’s 50th anniversary live event an...

[DONATE to NMCAA] Hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck introduce a discussion focused on the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which helps people file taxes and has contributed nearly $7 million back to the local economy. The VITA program, run by NMCAA and staffed by IRS-certified volunteers, is essential in assisting low to middle-income individuals with their tax filings. They introduc...

[DONATE to NMCAA] Erica Austin and Ryan Buck introduce themselves as hosts of "The Collective US," a podcast by NMCAA. They express excitement about the episode, focusing on the importance of community partnerships for nonprofits. Ryan emphasizes that connection is vital for nonprofits, affecting everything from marketing to support and culture. The hosts discuss NMCAA's three main f...

[DONATE] This podcast is produced by Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA). Hosts Ryan Buck and Erica Austin discuss the upcoming school year, with Erica noting her son starting kindergarten and Ryan mentioning his daughter's senior year. They introduce guests Molly Notenbaum, a Child and Family Development Site Supervisor, and Julie Barber, an Education Coach, both from NMCAA. Mo...

[DONATE TO NMCAA] Hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck introduce a discussion on child and family development, featuring guests Erica Canfield and Michelle Maxwell from Early Head Start. They explain Early Head Start’s home-based and center-based programs, which support families with children aged 0-3. Canfield highlights the home-based program’s long-term engagement with families, while Maxwell discu...

[DONATE TO NMCAA] Erica Austin and Ryan Buck introduce the show, emphasizing their excitement for the episode focused on philanthropy and giving. Ryan, coming from the food and beverage industry, highlights his passion for giving and teases upcoming events for the audience. Erica announces the upcoming Giving Week from July 17th to 24th, encouraging listeners to mark their calendars and consider d...

DONATE TO NMCAA - In this episode of The Collective Us, hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck wrap up their "Rebuild Your Life" series with a deep dive into homeless prevention. Joined by Grant Card, Operations Manager for Homeless Prevention Programs at NMCAA, and Victoria Purvis, Director of Homeless Prevention Programs at NEMCSA, the discussion covers the rising numbers of people experienc...

[ DONATE to NMCAA ] This is part 3 of The Collective Us series on rebuilding your life, focusing on homeownership as a significant milestone. June is Homeownership Month, and Erica highlights preschool applications and an upcoming Giving Week. They welcome guests Megan Dey, NMCAA Petoskey office and a Habitat for Humanity client, and Laura Porter, an admissions lead and housing counselor. Laura ta...

[Support NMCAA by Donating] In this episode of "The Collective US," hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck discuss the ongoing activities and initiatives of their organization with a focus on community involvement and personal transformation. The main topic of discussion is the "Rebuild Your Life" series, highlighting how parents often transition into teaching roles. Erica introduces...

SUPPORT NMCAA BY DONATING - Erica Austin introduces guest co-host Melissa Findley-Thompson and a special series for National Rebuild Your Life Month, encouraging people to pursue their dreams and take action now. Guests John Sullivan from Clark Contracting Services and Tish Stave from NMCAA are introduced. Tish explains NMCAA’s partnerships with contractors for weatherization and emergency home re...

[DONATE TO NMCAA] - In this episode, Erica Austin and Ryan Buck discuss various events and initiatives related to Community Action Month. They start by recapping their previous episode with Brian McGrain, the executive director of Michigan Community Action (MCA), emphasizing his inspiring leadership qualities. They highlight Governor Gretchen Whitmer's proclamation of May 2024 as Community Act...

SUPPORT NMCAA - DONATE This podcast episode features Erica Austin and Ryan Buck from the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency discussing various aspects of community action, including an interview with Brian McGrain, the executive director of Michigan Community Action . They discuss the significance of Community Action Month, the history and mission of community action agencies, and the impo...

SUPPORT NMCAA - DONATE - This episode features hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck discussing various topics related to The Collective Us podcast by NMCAA (Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency). They discuss their journey of podcasting together, including how they got started and the topics they cover. They highlight segments from their episodes, including interviews with guests discussing chil...

This episode features hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck discussing literacy, books, and their guests, Kara Gregory and Cyndi Lockey. Kara Gregory talks about her organization, Power Book Bags, and its mission to promote literacy. Cyndi Lockey discusses how they distribute book bags to families in need through the Early Head Start program, emphasizing the importance of early literacy and interaction...

This podcast episode features Erica Austin and Ryan Buck discussing the upcoming March for Meals fundraiser for Meals on Wheels, hosted by Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency. The event is held at Moomers Homemade Ice Cream and involves a hot fudge sundae bar with various toppings for $10. Lisa Robitshek, manager of Meals on Wheels, and Nancy Plummer, co-owner of Moomers, join the conversat...