Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency

Our Mission:Helping People by Linking

Services, Resources, and Opportunities

Our Vision:The elimination

of poverty in our communities.

Annual Report 2012

NEW!

Dear Friends of Community Action:

Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA) has been serving the ten counties of Northwest Lower Michigan since 1974. Over that time, the Board and staff have been of one mind that NMCAA has an obligation to improve the lives of low-income people and thereby strengthen our communities. We do that by offering comprehensive programming that addresses the most critical needs of people in poverty, and at the same time helps create a more sustainable plan for the future. While this year we dealt with reduced funding in almost all categories, we remain vigilant in bringing the most needed help to the greatest number of people.

In addition to the accomplishments described in this report, NMCAA experienced two noteworthy achievements in 2012. First, NMCAA obtained a Veterans Affairs grant which allows us to substantially expand homeless prevention and supportive services to military veterans and their families. It is an honor for us to be able to bring more help to this deserving population.

And, NMCAA successfully completed a rigorous 18-month process to become a chartered member of NeighborWorks® America. That process determined that NMCAA meets their high standards of fiscal integrity and management, governance and service performance. We are proud to be the only wholly rural NeighborWorks® affiliate in Michigan.

With some 240 affiliate organizations nationwide, the NeighborWorks® mission is to “create opportunities for people to live in affordable homes, improve their lives and strengthen their communities”. Their core initiatives include homeownership and affordable rental programs, professional training and certification, consumer counseling and education, rehabilitation of housing stock, outcomes measurement and the training and empowerment of community residents. Clearly, this is a perfect fit with NMCAA’s housing, foreclosure and homeless prevention services the agency has had in place for over 25 years.

2012 was a year of great accomplishments for NMCAA in Helping People by Linking Services, Resources, and Opportunities. Those many successes are products of the combined efforts of our dedicated staff, the strong and steady leadership of our Board of Directors, our faithful community partners, and the tremendous generosity of our volunteers, donors and supporters. To all of you we express our deepest thanks and gratitude!

Reverend Gerald Cook John Stephenson Board Chairperson Executive Director

Bruce AndersenLes AtchisonChris ChristensenRev. Gerald CookBrenda De KuiperYvonne DonohoeLouis Fantini

NMCAA 2012 Board of Directors

John Fuscone Joyce GraceTom KelleyMary KleinLarry LevengoodKaren McClintockTom McCorry

Sally Jo MessersmithMarc MilburnJeff MillerDaniel O’RileyTom OlmstedSylvia ReiserCarolyn Rentenbach

Ross RichardsonSusan RogersShirley RoloffCarol SmithPam StephanMichael SwoggerDawn Taylor

Since 2001, NMCAA has assisted many potential HFH homeowners like Megan Smith achievehomeownership with IDAs, financial management, and the first-time homebuyer programs.

Megan Smith heard about the Individual Development Account (IDA) program from the local Northwest MI Habitat for Humanity (HFH) as a requirement to get a new HFH home. Megan realized that with an IDA it was a real possibility to obtain a home that was new, efficient, and affordable.

Megan and her six year old daughter are happy to be buying a new HFH home in East Jordan. Her home is close to the medical care facility where Megan has a good position as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Megan reports that the neighborhood is a nice mixture of young families and retirees.

Megan had “a lot on her plate” to satisfy the requirements of the IDA and HFH programs. She put 250 hours of the required sweat equity into building her home while working at her full time job and raising her daughter. To complete her IDA, she attended a homebuyer workshop and six more financial fitness workshops. Budget and credit counseling appointments were also required.

Before joining the IDA program, Megan had a savings account and a budget. As a requirement of the IDA, she set and reached her goal of saving $1000 (the maximum that can be matched in an IDA) in 13 months. She continues to save regularly for an emergency fund and live on a budget for financial self-sufficiency.

Before Megan’s participation in the IDA program, maintaining a good credit score wasn’t a priority. After taking the credit workshop and attending budget/credit counseling sessions, she was surprised to discover that she had a low score and how that would hurt her financially. Megan learned how to repair her credit and raise the score. Ms. Smith’s experience is an example of the knowledge and commitment necessary to achieve self-sufficiency.

INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT k SUCCESS STORY

Child and Family Development Child and Family DevelopmentEARLY HEAD START and HEAD STARTParent involvement is the key factor in producing long-term positive changes for families enrolled in Early Head Start and the Head Start preschool programs.

NMCAA Early Head Start and Head Start usethe Strengthening Families™ Protective Factors Framework when working with families.

Summary of the Five Protective Factors: 1. Parental Resilience – The ability of families

to get through difficult and challenging circumstances, recover, and even grow from the experience.

2. Social Connections – A network of people who care, listen, share parenting values, and offer help.

3. Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development – A basic understanding of how children develop and what children need from their parents, as well as parenting skills and strategies for guiding children’s behavior.

4. Concrete Support in Times of Need – Access to needed resources, including financial help, housing support, mental health or substance abuse services, health care, and more, through formal and informal supports.

5. Social and Emotional Competence of Children – The age-appropriate ability of children to understand and cope with feelings such as anger, happiness and sadness, and relate to others.

These comprehensive programs offer a true head start for kids and their parents.

“And now I have my third child, and just when I feel like I am drowning

in motherhood at my house, along comes our EHS home visitor. And every year they help me out with every child and everything that happens in my life,

they’re there backing me up.”

-Carrie, EHS mom

Early Head Start

Head Start

Funded Enrollment 215

782

Children: With ongoing source of continuous, accessible health care (medical home)

96% 91%

Who are up-to-date on a schedule of age appropriate preventive and primary health care according to Michigan’s Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) program schedule for well-child care

98% 92%

Who have been determined by a health care professional to be up-to-date on all immunizations appropriate for their age

96% 96%

Who are up-to-date on a schedule of age-appropriate preventative and primary oral health care according Michigan’s EPSDT schedule

96% 93%

2012Funded Enrollment

Child and Family Development Child and Family Development

NMCAA Early Head Start (EHS) is a year-round program that supports families in providing healthy, stimulating, and loving experiences for their child prenatally to three years old. This is the critical period that lays the foundation for a child’s future.

While some children receive services in a child care setting, most families are served through a weekly home visiting program. In both cases, services promote supportive and nurturing relationships for infants and toddlers with the key people in their lives. It is through these relationships that children learn and grow.

Families in EHS are connected to staff that:

Share in the joy and excitement of watching their infant or toddler grow;

Provide resources and ideas about how to support a child’s physical, cognitive and emotional

development and growth;

Connect families to each other through socializations and parent workshops;

Help families build protective factors within themselves that will help them thrive;

Work alongside expectant families to support healthy pregnancies and prepare for the birth and infancy

experiences that lay ahead.

NMCAA Head Start (HS) engages parents to be fully involved in the education of their child as they balance the responsibilities of parenting and working. Our dedicated Head Start personnel strive to meet the goals of school readiness, parent involvement, and health and dental services.

Sound nutritional habits are developeddaily in the classrooms.

Each enrolled child is assessed individually in both cognitive and emotional domains to foster the greatest

possibility for later school success.

Classroom planning is based on individual needs, developmental assessments, and curriculum that

promotes school readiness skills.

Parents are supported in efforts to provide dental and physical services and treatment follow-up at no cost

for enrolled children.

Opportunities are provided for connection to community resources, family socializations,

and parent education.

“Thank you! This is a great program that helps boost your child’s readiness

for kindergarten.”

- Head Start parent

Future Veterinarians.

Community Services Community ServicesFINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SERVICES (FMS)

Individual Development Accounts (IDAs)

Since inception of the program, 185 IDA accounts have been opened, and FMS has helped 138 participants realize their goals to self-sufficiency.

This matched savings program helps working low to moderate income individuals and families save for a home, business or post-secondary education. The IDA participants also attend individual sessions and workshops to reach their goals.

In FY 2012: Nineteen participants purchased a home, attended post-secondary education, started or expanded a business. Through a partnership with Michigan Land Use Institute (MLUI), two farmers also met their goals and expanded their businesses.

Homeownership and FinancialManagement Counseling

FMS provides a comprehensive housing counseling service for customers. This includes individual budget counseling, financial management, homebuyer, and home maintenance workshops. Many referrals are made to this program by lenders, realtors and non-profit housing developers.

In FY 2012: 133 customers received individual housing counseling.

Budget Counseling

This financial counseling assists customers with establishing a household budget. Customers are homeless, renting, buying a new home, or a homeowner. The customer graduates from the program when milestones are reached to achieve self-sufficiency.

In FY 2012: There were 86 customers served in individual budget counseling.

Bankruptcy and Debtor Education

NMCAA is approved by the U.S.Department of Justice, Executive Office for U.S. Trustees to provide pre-bankruptcy counseling. Duringthe appointment, counselors work with customers to analyze income, expenses, assets, and liabilities and discuss options available so the customer can make an informed decision.

In FY 2012: 24 customers were counseled in Bankruptcy and Debtor Education.

Saturday Special

Community Information

NMCAA is excited to join NeighborWorks® in 2012 as a chartered member. NeighborWorks® organiza tions are leaders in revitalizing communities and creating affordable housing opportunities for low and moderate income families.

Presentation

Foreclosure Prevention Programs

NMCAA has ramped up services to continue to meet the demand of foreclosure prevention. The workshops inform customers of the procedures to apply for modifications or other alternatives to foreclosure counseling that help the borrowers stay in their home. NMCAA conducted 76 workshops and 206 customers facing foreclosure attended.

Counselors also held 459 individual counseling sessions to help those needing additional assistance, which resulted in 42 households being stabilized in FY 2012.

Community Services Community Services

Michigan Enrolls Counseling

counselors helped 1,741 Medicaid eligible persons enroll in a health care plan through the Michigan Enrolls Program.

Tax help

Community Initiatives

The Poverty Reduction Initiative (PRI) Saturday Special completed the eighth year of coordinated educational services. Held the first Saturdays in October and February, they draw over 200 participants for a day of education and training. Fifty people received free tax preparation at the February event.

Neighborhood Meetings began as a follow-up session for Poverty Reduction Initiative outreach activities. Established in 2007, Neighborhood Meetings continue to inspire people to network and learn about services and/or programs

in the area. Each month a light meal, sharing, and a brief program are the highlight of the agenda. Guests include the Salvation Army, Department of Human Services and other human services agencies. In 2012, sixty neighbors participated in this monthly event held the third Tuesday of each month (except December).

NMCAA assists several community organizations such as the Northwest Michigan Food Coalition, the Grand Traverse Baby Pantry, the Char-Em ISD, and other community partners by using our administrative and accounting capacity as fiduciary to support them in their work.

Utility Assistance

Emergency help was available to assist with deliverable fuels, electric or natural gas shutoffs. Clients learned about budgeting and referrals for other resources to guide them in future successes.

1,447 households in crisis received utility assistance in FY 2012.

Tax Preparation

Certified volunteers prepare income taxes at no charge during tax season. Emphasis is placed on tax credit promotion and education, financial management education, and saving for the future.

In FY 2012: 1473 households received free tax preparation which generated $2,204,843 in refunds and tax credits to clients.

VOLUNTEERISM at NMCAA

NMCAA mobilized 3,083 amazing volunteers -over 161,800 hours of service contributed in our communities.

Whether delivering meals to the elderly, assisting in preschool classrooms, working at Project Homeless Connect and Saturday Specials, contributing in an office, distributing food commodities, or repairing the home of a neighbor, volunteers make it all possible! In fact, it’s true to say that much of what we do would not be possible at all without the help of volunteers.

“Triage” is NMCAA’s front line information and referral volunteer corp that answers and returns phone calls and speaks with walk-in customers on demand. This meets NMCAA’s commitment to provide personal and timely services to residents in time of need. NMCAA recruits and trains volunteers who work the “Triage” desk; these volunteers are armed with information on Agency and community resources. They also prescreen inquirers for Agency programs and prepare them for an appointment with a case manager or crisis services worker, providing a personal touch during that critical time of linking those in need to services available.

Community Services Weatherization

Food and Nutrition Programs

Partnering with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) and other agencies allows NMCAA to aid with case management and financial subsidies, such as rent, security deposits and rent arrearages. Persons who are homeless or at risk of homelessness are helped to become self-reliant with guidance and limited funding of emergency needs. NMCAA assisted 589 households in maintaining permanent and stable housing. NMCAA administers the Permanent Supportive Housing for Disabled Families, the DHS/HUD Temporary Supportive Housing Leasing Assistance Program, DHS/HUD Rapid Rehousing Program and the Emergency Solutions Grant.

NMCAA provided case management and rent assistance to cure or prevent homelessness for 1,941 individuals in FY 2012.

A single, disabled man from Boyne Falls purchased this home that had interior demolition by previous owners. He lived in it for 2 years before NMCAA and Charlevoix County remodeled the kitchen and bathroom and installed new windows, siding and insulation.

In FY 2012, 61 homes were brought up to HUD standards for health and safety or had an emergency repair such as a septic replaced.

HOUSING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

Homes in Wexford, Benzie, Missaukee, Kalkaska, Charlevoix, and Emmet counties received repairs through numerous housing repair programs, expending a total of $823,163, including matching funds.

NMCAA Designated as Homeless Assistance Resource Agency

(HARA) in Nine Counties

In Fiscal Year 2012, three local Homeless Continuum of Care Committees representing homeless service agencies across nine counties selected NMCAA to become their Homeless Assistance Resource Agency. The HARA designation has resulted in a large increase in homelessness prevention activity here at NMCAA. We are now the first stop for homeless prevention services for our neighbors who are at risk of becoming homeless or currently homeless. Counselors practice shelter diversion, eviction diversion and housing first procedures with all participants. The goal is to maintain housing for those at risk, and to rapidly rehouse those who are homeless, and provide follow-up case management to ensure long term solutions. Collaboration with our local shelters and community partners is key as we work to end homelessness across the nine county, 3,615 square mile, rural service region.

HOMELESS PREVENTION PROGRAMS

Community Services Weatherization

Food and Nutrition Programs

Commodity SupplementalFood Program (CSFP)

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) delivers a nutritionally balanced package of food to low income mothers, children (not eligible for WIC), and seniors throughout NMCAA’s service area.

In FY 2012, CSFP distributed at 28 locations almost 1.7 million pounds of food to approximately 2,650 households per month.

The Emergency FoodAssistance Program (TEFAP)

TEFAP distributes USDA commodities to low income residents. A 40-50 lb. package of food was distributed throughout the 10 counties on a quarterly basis to food insecure households and local food pantries.

Through TEFAP these crucial supplements, consisting of more than 2 million pounds of food, reached over 4,000 persons each quarter in FY 2012.

FOOD ASSISTANCE

Weatherized homes typically experience an average reduction of about 25% in energy consumption and costs.

NMCAA utilized US Department of Energy regular program funds and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to provide energy conservation measures, using state of the art technology in the 10-county service area.

Typical measures included attic, wall, and foundation insulation, interior sealing utilizing blower-door technology, combustion appliance testing and electrical measures such as compact fluorescent bulbs and refrigerator replacement. All recipients of weatherization services learn about energy efficiency best-practices to implement regular energy saving behaviors at home in everyday living.

In program year 2012, NMCAA weatherized 95 homes,with 19 more anticipated completions.**Program year extended.

…please pass the word along to all those, including you, who worked on my house. Each person involved was so kind & sweet and I am so grateful to NMCAA. You guys are the BEST! Thank you! Thank you!

With sincere appreciation – L and family”

Food and Nutrition Programs Food and Nutrition Programs

SENIOR NUTRITIONMeals on Wheels

Ed Brown loved greeting children every day as a bus driver for many years and also maintained facilities for a manufacturing company. He has seven children and dozens of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. At 92 years old, Ed has mobility and other issues and is unable to prepare his own meals. He is very thankful for the meals and volunteers coming every day. “The Hobbins are such nice people. Kathleen always hugs me and kisses each cheek!”

In the midst of sweltering July heat, 9 & 10 News Reporter Eric Lloyd, contacted us, interested in how we check on clients in the heat when we deliver our daily meals. Eric followed Mike and Kathleen Hobbins, dedicated 18-year volunteers, as they delivered to Ed. Eric titled his segment ‘Meals on Wheels Delivers More than Food’ and described: “When it becomes this hot and humid, it becomes dangerous for the elderly. On a day like today, most people can find a way to beat the heat, but for those confined to their home, it can be dangerous. Senior Citizens may be isolated and they need to be checked on. Meals on Wheels is set to do just that…and more. And then, Meals on Wheels is so much more than delivering a meal. It is a volunteer sitting down with the clients and making sure they’re comfortable. They talk. They trade stories. These volunteers become friends with their clients. In 90-degree heat, that friendship can be a lifesaver.”

After receiving Meals on Wheels for only three days, a client shared with her Meals on Wheels driver, “I am amazed at how much better I feel and realize how poorly I was eating”. She had been eating mostly crackers and peanut butter. The client began getting dressed every day, sitting up in her chair in anticipation of her driver coming to deliver her meal.

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Ed Brown Kathleen and Mike Hobbins

Food and Nutrition Programs Food and Nutrition Programs

A family member recently shared that one of the hardest things for her mom is that she has lost the ability to do many things which she was previously able to do. She said one of the greatest things that Meals on Wheels provides her mom with, in addition to important nutrition and wonderfully caring drivers, is that Meals on Wheels empowers her mom—gives her the tools she needs—to live independently. She and her sibling provide immensely for their mother, but to have someone else bring her meals and love is like ‘lifting the other side of the ladder’. “Meals on Wheels has brought value to her life again. What you provide is a miracle for our family.”

Senior Nutrition in 2012 again provided “So much more than a meal”. Meals on Wheels delivered 181,892 nutritious “Meals on Wheels with Love” to 1,246 homebound seniors unable to prepare a well-balanced meal. A varietyof grants and fundraising efforts allowed the Meals on Wheels program to meet the needs of a growing senior population.

Seniors were very grateful for the dedicated group of friendly volunteers andstaff bringing smiles and kind words to frail, often isolated, seniors. Our clients, and their families, enjoyed knowing someone was visiting each day. We routinely sent meals to the spouses of eligible homebound seniors, making meals easier for elderly caregivers who provide 24-hour care.

Knowledgeable staff completed comprehensive in-home assessments every 6 months. In addition to ensuring that Meals on Wheels is meeting clients’ needs, staff assessed the entire person, made referrals to other services and served as a valuable link to important community resources. During home visits, 98% of Meals on Wheels clients reported the meals helped them maintain a well-balanced diet and remain independent.

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Don Julin andVolunteer Gil Glick

“DINING SENIOR STYLE” Congregate Luncheon Program

Twenty-seven senior luncheon centers serviced Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford counties. Food, fun, and friendship were provided for 2,445 active seniors “Dining Senior Style”.

NMCAA Website: www.nmcaa.net

Thank you to our generous donors and volunteers.

Please consider a donation to NMCAA to go to your area of interest.

It’s easy to make a donation:

Go to www.nmcaa.netClick on “Donations”Follow the steps to donate with a credit card via PayPal.

OR

Use the mailer inside this reportto mail a check to: NMCAA Donation3963 Three Mile Traverse City, MI 49686

Please designate:• Emergency Gap Fund• General Fund• Head Start• Meals on Wheels• Robert Smith Memorial• Individual Development Account Program

Fiscal Year 2012 - Uses of Resources

Child and Family Education and Development Total 11,854,329Early Head Start 3,084,291Head Start 7,274,971GSRP 1,124,083Other 370,984

Community Services Total 3,687,998Financial Management Services 284,198Homeless Prevention Services 1,020,183Housing 773,642Miscellaneous CommunityServices 1,609,975

Weatherization Total 1,873,478

Food and NutritionPrograms Total 3,027,484Food Assistance 1,705,082Senior Nutrition 1,322,402

NMCAA Total 20,443,289

Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau Counties:

3963 Three Mile RoadTraverse City, MI 49686

(231) 947-3780(800) 632-7334

Fax (231) 947-4935

Missaukee, Roscommon and Wexford Counties:

1640 Marty PaulCadillac, MI 49601

(231) 775-9781(800) 443-2297

Fax (231) 775-1448

Antrim, Charlevoix, and Emmet Counties:

2202 Mitchell Park Drive, Suite 4Petoskey, MI 49770

(231) 347-9070(800) 443-5518

Fax (231) 347-3664

Visit or call Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency at any of these locations:

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

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