The Collective Us: An NMCAA Podcast

The podcast episode features hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck interviewing guests Alicia Temple and Jason Paca from the Child and Family Development Department at NMCAA (Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency). The discussion focuses on the Head Start and GSRP (Great Start Readiness Program) programs, including preschool recruitment and enrollment processes. The hosts and guests delve into the...

The podcast episode features the upcoming Super Saturday event and the tax programs offered by Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA). The sponsors for the event are acknowledged, including Huntington Bank, Northwest Ed, Beta, Consumers Energy, and CEDA Community Economic Development Association of Michigan. The episode introduces guests Alissa Norris, the marketing coordinator, and Br...

In part two of the episode, hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck are joined by Kerry Baughman, executive director of NMCAA, for a deep data dive into various programs. They discuss the impact of NMCAA's housing and energy efficiency services, emphasizing the critical role these programs play in keeping people healthy and safe in their homes. Baughman shares success stories, including a case where...

In this episode, Erica Austin and Ryan Buck interview Kerry Baughman, the executive director of Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA). The discussion delves into various topics, including the impact of NMCAA's programs on early childhood development, efforts in combating poverty, and insights into the newly introduced School Success Partnership Program. Kerry highlights the signif...

In this podcast episode, Ryan Buck welcomes Erica Austin, the marketing manager and host of The Collective US an NMCAA podcast, as a guest. They discuss marketing, communications, and community engagement at the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA) with Melissa Findley-Thompson, the engagement manager. Erica reflects on her transition to a nonprofit marketing role and the importance...

The episode delves into mental health topics, emphasizing that the podcast does not diagnose or treat mental health issues. Erica and Ryan introduce guests Stacey Parent and Kim Micham, who discuss their roles in child and family development. They highlight the importance of relationships and conducting comprehensive needs assessments to support families' basic needs. The conversation shifts t...

In this podcast episode, hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck welcome listeners back to "The Collective US." Erica shares her excitement about returning from maternity leave after having twins. The main focus of the episode is the Childcare Now Initiative, which aims to improve the availability, affordability, and quality of childcare, preschool, and early learning experiences for children a...

The podcast segment features hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck discussing early education with guests Corey Berden and Tammy Risteau, who work in the Child and Family Development Department of NMCAA . They talk about the significance of early education and the National Parents as Teacher Day, acknowledging the vital role parents play in a child's initial education. Corey Berden, the Early Head...

In this podcast episode, hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck welcome two guests, Sarah Hughes and Nicole Johnson, to discuss NMCAA's Homeless prevention program and their upcoming fundraiser. Sarah Hughes is the director of homeless prevention programs at NMCAA, and Nicole Johnson is the homeless prevention program coordinator and HCV (Housing Choice Voucher) and ESG (Emergency Solution Grant) le...

In this episode of "The Collective Us," hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck discuss various topics, including the importance of National Farmers Day, which is celebrated on October 12th, and the vital role farmers play in providing food. They then interview their guest, Christina Barkel, a food equity specialist with Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities. Christina explains her role i...

In this episode of The Collective Us, hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck discuss the weatherization assistance program offered by the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA). They are joined by Tish Stave, the Director of Housing and Energy Efficiency Services, and Jeremy Truog, the Technical Manager. The episode covers the program's objectives, client eligibility, the intake process,...

In this podcast segment, Erica Austin and Ryan Buck interview Shannon Phelps, the Child and Family Development director, and Amy Cannon, Senior School Success Liaison, about the School Success Partnership Program offered by the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency. The program is proactive, aiming to support students before they fall too far behind academically, and referrals can come from t...

In this podcast segment, Ryan Buck and Erica Austin welcome Chuck Fredell and Mark Lux to discuss the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) and the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). Chuck explains his role as a Community Service Representative, helping seniors sign up for CSFP, and Mark talks about his role as a Warehouse Specialist, managing inventory and packing boxes for both prog...

In this episode of "The Collective Us" podcast produced by Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency, hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck focus on back-to-school activities and introduce guests Abria Morrow and Melanie Chaney. Abria Morrow, a site manager, discusses her role in problem-solving and compliance within the Child and Family Development department, while Melanie Chaney, a parent...

In this episode of "The Collective US" show, hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck discuss client stories and the impact of Meals on Wheels with guests Lisa Robitshek and Amanda Mettler . They share stories of senior clients' experiences with the program, highlighting the importance of healthy meals, the role of caring drivers, and the sense of community that Meals on Wheels brings. Clien...

This episode features Sarah Hughes, the Director of Homeless Prevention Programs at Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA), and Ryan Hannon, the Community Engagement Officer with Goodwill Northern Michigan . The episode emphasizes the importance of collaboration between NMCAA and Goodwill to combat homelessness in the region. They discuss how their outreach teams work together to suppo...

In this podcast episode hosted by Erica Austin and Ryan Buck, they invite guests Allison Popa and Leah Moskovitz to discuss various financial topics. The hosts emphasize the importance of switching one's mindset to prioritize saving and financial stability. They highlight the significance of being honest with oneself and making necessary changes to improve financial habits. The conversation fo...

National Homeownership Month featuring: Emily Bronkema, a job flow coordinator in the Housing and Energy Efficiency Department; Craig Bosworth, the owner of Bayside Plumbing; and Doug Birdsall, a client of NMCAA. Emily explained the weatherization and home repair programs, which aim to improve energy efficiency and provide emergency repairs for homeowners. Doug shared his experience of reaching ou...

In this episode of The Collective Us: an NMCAA Podcast, we discuss Children's Awareness Month with guests Dru O'Connor and Jen Rubinas from NMCAA's Child and Family Development Department . The department offers various programs for families in northwest Michigan, including preschool-based classrooms, collaborative centers, early Head Start centers, and home-based programs. Children&#3...

The podcast episode discusses the programs and services offered by Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA) through their Financial Management Services Department. It features Karen Emerson, the manager of the department, and Allison Popa, a HUD certified budget and housing coach. The episode highlights NeighborWorks Week, a program that helps create affordable homes and improve lives in...

In this podcast episode, host Erica Austin and guest co-host Ryan Buck discuss Older Americans Month and the Meals on Wheels program. Their guests include Lisa Robitshek, the manager of Meals on Wheels of NMCAA, and Karen Burdick, a volunteer driver for the program. Lisa explains that while Meals on Wheels is a national program, each program operates locally. Meals on Wheels provides nutritious an...

The Collective Us is an NMCAA podcast that aims to provide inspiring stories of people in the community, feature programs offered through NMCAA, and give insight into ways the organization can help individuals or their neighbors through different phases of life. In the first episode, Erica Austin and Ryan Buck interview Kerry Baughman, the executive director of Northwest Michigan Community Action...

Welcome to the Collective Us, a podcast of Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency . I'm Erica Austin and I will be guiding you on this journey, focusing on inspiring you through stories of those we've helped through our programing, or by linking local resources to community members in need. Join us as we learn about the programs offered through NMCAA and how we touch people's lives...