Ep. 72 - Clean Clothes, Confidence & Community

Ep. 72 - Clean Clothes, Confidence & Community

[DONATE to NMCAA] [https://nmcaa.net/donate/] 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 participating Traverse City laundromats. What may appear to be a simple service can remove a significant burden for households facing rising costs, unstable housing, transportation challenges, or limited access to laundry facilities. The episode examines the real cost of doing laundry and the difficult choices families sometimes make when deciding between clean clothing and other necessities. Guests discuss how access to laundry can influence whether children feel comfortable attending school, whether adults feel prepared for work or appointments, and whether people experiencing homelessness can maintain their health and sense of self-worth. Listeners also hear how the program has grown through relationships among NMCAA staff, laundromat owners, volunteers, donors, and other community partners. Beyond providing washers, dryers, and supplies, Laundry Project events create welcoming spaces where people can connect, learn about additional resources, and receive support without judgment. The discussion emphasizes that economic stability is about more than income. It also means having access to the everyday essentials that help people feel secure, capable, and included. Clean clothes may be the immediate outcome, but the broader impact is greater confidence, stronger relationships, and a community that takes care of its neighbors. The episode closes by sharing ways community members can support the Laundry Project through donations, supplies, partnerships, and volunteer involvement. Those seeking assistance should visit NMCAA’s Laundry Project page or contact NMCAA for the most current participating locations, dates, and times.

Ep. 71 - Navigating Homeownership in 2026

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 residents navigate housing from first-time renting to long-term homeownership. The episode also highlights partnerships with NeighborWorks and a local lender, emphasizing the role of education, financial counseling, and community collaboration in helping families achieve and maintain stable housing.

Ep. 70 - NW Michigan Community in Action

[DONATE TO NMCAA] [https://nmcaa.net/donate/] 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. The episode begins with a recap of the annual Moomer’s for Meals fundraiser benefiting Meals on Wheels and Older Americans Month. Ryan and Erica thank sponsors, supporters, and community partners who help ensure seniors throughout the region continue receiving nutritious meals, connection, and support that allow them to age independently in their homes. Listeners then hear from Kerry Baughman, Executive Director of , and Tish Stave, Housing & Energy Efficiency Director, about the meaning and mission behind Community Action Month. Kerry reflects on the 60-year history of Community Action and shares a snapshot of NMCAA’s impact in March 2026 alone, including: * 1,487 food boxes delivered * Nearly 4,500 volunteer hours completed * 1,400 tax returns prepared * More than 1,000 families served through early childhood education * Housing, financial stability, and senior nutrition services provided across the region * Employment opportunities and support for local businesses and contractors Tish discusses how NMCAA’s work extends beyond individual assistance to strengthening entire communities through partnerships, housing rehabilitation, weatherization, energy efficiency projects, and economic investment. She also shares stories connected to the agency’s Community Impact Award received through the “My Hope” program, which helped families make critical home repairs and improve safety, dignity, and comfort in their homes. The hosts also discuss how Community Action agencies across the country align around the “Community Action Promise,” a shared mission focused on reducing poverty, strengthening communities, and helping people achieve self-sufficiency. Kerry explains the importance of leadership development through the Certified Community Action Professional (CAP) program and encourages staff and future leaders to pursue opportunities for continued learning and advocacy. Additional segments celebrate employee milestones, staff kudos, and volunteer recognition leading up to Michigan Community Action Legislative Day in Lansing. The episode highlights powerful stories from individuals whose lives were changed through NMCAA services, including Larry, a former homeless client who became a homeowner through Community Action support, and Chuck Corwin, a dedicated volunteer and board member recognized for his service to Northern Michigan communities. The episode closes with reminders about Early Head Start enrollment, Meals on Wheels donations, and a fun discussion about this year’s “Big Scoop” ice cream collaboration, before Ryan and Erica reflect on the importance of gratitude, partnership, and community connection in the work NMCAA does every day.

Ep. 69 - More Than A Meal

[DONATE to NMCAA] [https://nmcaa.net/donate/] 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 with dietitians to meet federal nutrition guidelines, accommodate health conditions (like diabetes), and reflect client preferences. The emphasis is on meals being both healthy and enjoyable, recognizing that “food is medicine” but must also be appealing to be effective. Beyond food, the program provides a “360-degree” service—ensuring safety, reducing isolation, and fostering dignity for seniors. It relies heavily on community partnerships, volunteers, and funding, with only about 30% coming from government sources and the rest raised locally. A major fundraising effort, “Moomers for Meals,” brings the community together through a family-friendly ice cream event, sponsorships, and campaigns to support the program’s growing financial needs amid rising costs and uncertain funding. Overall, the episode emphasizes that Meals on Wheels is more than food—it’s connection, care, and community, ensuring seniors can remain healthy, independent, and supported.

Ep. 68 - The Power of Preschool

[DONATE to NMCAA] [https://nmcaa.net/donate/] 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 about far more than basic academics. Alex and Mistie explain that early childhood is a critical period for brain development, emotional regulation, social skills, creativity, and problem solving. They describe how classrooms are intentionally designed to help children feel safe, build confidence, learn routines, and prepare for kindergarten through both structured support and play-based learning. A major theme is that NMCAA’s preschool approach is individualized and relationship-centered. Teachers use tools like the Creative Curriculum and GOLD assessment to understand each child’s developmental progress and tailor lessons to their interests and needs. Examples include dinosaur studies, owl pellet dissections, art shows, field trip prep, and hands-on science activities that show preschoolers can handle rich, advanced concepts when learning is engaging and developmentally appropriate. The episode also emphasizes the importance of family engagement. Parents share how preschool has helped their children grow socially and emotionally, while staff discuss home visits, family workshops, behavior support, and regular communication with caregivers. Preschool is presented as a partnership where parents are recognized as a child’s first and most important teacher. The guests stress that preschool should never be seen as babysitting. Instead, it is described as intentional teaching that builds the foundation for lifelong learning, creativity, resilience, and success in school. The episode closes with encouragement for families to enroll, especially since Michigan’s GSRP program no longer requires income eligibility, expanding access to more children.