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Enhancing quality of life by empowering individuals and strengthening communities.

Take Action

At NEMCSA, we believe in the power of community action. Every individual has the ability to create change and help strengthen families, support seniors, and empower people to live their best lives. Whether you volunteer, advocate, donate, or spread awareness, your involvement makes a difference in Northeast Michigan.

The Urgency of Community Action

Community action programs are a lifeline for families and individuals facing economic hardship. Here’s why continued funding is critical:

Over 20% of households in Northeast Michigan live below the poverty line, needing assistance for housing, utilities, and job training.

Seniors are the fastest-growing demographic in our region, with many relying on programs like Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions for support and connection.

Childcare access is a crisis—with 60% of rural Michigan classified as a "childcare desert," working families need solutions to stay employed and support their children.

By investing in these programs, we build stronger communities and create pathways out of poverty. Your support ensures these essential services continue to uplift families in need.

Ways to Get Involved

Advocate for Change

Your voice matters! Public policies directly impact the resources available to families and communities in need. Stay informed and advocate for policies that support early childhood education, senior services, housing, and economic security in our region.

Protect CSBG! Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is more than funding—it's a lifeline!

The Elimination of CSBG Would Devastate Anti-Poverty Work in Northeast Michigan 

The potential elimination of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) would deal a catastrophic blow to the ability of NEMCSA and other Community Action Agencies to fight poverty in Northeast Michigan. 

At NEMCSA, CSBG is the flexible backbone that allows us to identify local needs and act quickly. Without it: 

Numerous families could lose access to life-changing programs like BOSS (Bridges of Self-Sufficiency), which helps individuals overcome barriers to employment, housing, and financial stability. CSBG funds support critical case management, emergency shelter, and mentoring, all of which help people move from crisis to independence. 

Local jobs would be lost. CSBG supports essential staff at NEMCSA and other community agencies. These are not just jobs—they are trusted professionals embedded in rural communities, helping neighbors access services and navigate complex systems. 

Our ability to address long-term poverty would be crippled. CSBG is often the only funding source that can be used to launch innovative solutions tailored to local needs—like community education, poverty simulations, and partnerships with schools, health systems, and employers. 

Eliminating CSBG would not just cut funding. It would erase opportunities, limit hope, and abandon our most vulnerable neighbors in a time of rising costs and deepening need. 

Take Action Now: 
Contact your elected officials and urge them to protect CSBG. Tell them how these programs have impacted you, your family, or your community. 
Let them know: Northeast Michigan can’t afford to lose this critical support. 

Download the links below: 

Find your representatives at https://www.congress.gov/members or call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121. 

Senior Action Week Campaign- Click Here
May 5–9, 2025
Older Michiganians Day: May 7, 2025 

Contact your local representatives about issues that impact Northeast Michigan families. These materials provide key information and tools for those looking to take action against recent federal staff terminations within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), which directly impact Head Start programs.

Find and contact your Elected Officials HERE.

Volunteer Your Time

NEMCSA offers meaningful opportunities for individuals to give back to their communities. Whether you have a few hours a week or can commit to a long-term role, your time and skills are invaluable.

  • Become a Foster Grandparent or Senior Companion and make a difference in the lives of children and older adults.

  • Assist at community events.

  • Support local programs by sharing your expertise in mentorship, financial coaching, or literacy initiatives.

 

Donate to Support Families in Need

Every dollar helps us provide essential services to people in Northeast Michigan. Your financial contribution ensures that families have access to safe housing, food, education, and resources to build a stable future. Make a one-time or recurring donation to directly support NEMCSA programs. Or, rrganize a fundraiser or supply drive to support essential needs in your community.

Spread the Word

Help us expand our reach by sharing NEMCSA’s mission with your family, friends, and networks.

  • Follow us on social media and share our updates.

  • Host an informational session at your workplace, church, or community center.

  • Encourage others to get involved by sharing your NEMCSA story.

Your Action Matters By taking action today, you help create a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant Northeast Michigan. Every effort counts—whether big or small, together we can make a difference.

Why Your Voice Matters: Advocating for CSBG

The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is one of the most flexible and powerful tools we have to fight poverty in Northeast Michigan. It allows agencies like NEMCSA to respond quickly to local needs, launch innovative programs, and support families on their path to self-sufficiency.

But right now, CSBG is at risk of being eliminated—and that means essential services like the BOSS program, emergency housing, case management, and community-based jobs could disappear.

Your voice can make a difference. By reaching out to your elected officials, you help them understand the real impact CSBG has on our communities.

Download the links below: 

Together, we can protect CSBG and continue building strong, resilient communities across Northeast Michigan.

PLEASE – Tell Congress to Invest in Head Start!

What You Can Do

  1. Draft Letter & Social Media Post – This document includes a customizable letter for lawmakers and a social media post raising awareness about the issue. The letter outlines the critical role of federal oversight staff in ensuring the quality and effectiveness of Head Start programs. It urges officials to restore these positions to prevent disruptions in funding, compliance, and essential services for children and families. The social media post helps amplify the message, encouraging community members to engage their representatives.

  2. Talking Points Opposing Terminations at ACF – This document provides key arguments supporting Head Start’s efficiency, effectiveness, and community-driven approach. It explains how federal staffing cuts, funding freezes, and delays harm children, families, and local economies. The talking points highlight Head Start’s critical role in addressing the childcare shortage, ensuring tax dollars are reinvested in communities, and delivering long-term social and economic benefits.

    How to Use These Resources:

Personalize the draft letter and send it to elected officials.

Share the social media post to raise public awareness.

Use the talking points to advocate in meetings, conversations, or media engagements.

These efforts help protect Head Start programs and ensure that Michigan’s children and families continue receiving the high-quality early education and support they need.

To learn more about national advocacy efforts, visit NHSA Take Action.