The Collective Us: An NMCAA Podcast

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 the state: Stephanie Kasprzak (Monr...

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 inspiration, education, and networkin...

[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 Director of Housing Stability. Together, t...

[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 investing in people.

• Tax Program Impac...

[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 highlights how NMCAA supports both te...

[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 early parenthood with the support of NM...

[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 by guests Allison Popa (NMCAA HUD Ce...

[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.

Peachy, a former restaurant owner, joined ...

[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 shares her journey from volunteer to ...

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 years and 50 episodes in, they'v...

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 performance, and job readiness.
• Details:
• I...

[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 coach, and Chris Daniel, a Head Start t...

[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, and the importance of financial lite...

[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 Annual Report:

1. Top Workplace Recogni...

[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 and the upcoming Super Saturday ev...

[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 evaluate the evolving needs of the comm...

[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 without local support systems.

Abbie hi...

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 (NEMSCA), Community Programs Director. Do...

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 support children and families through...