In honor of Homeless Awareness Month, we are thrilled to highlight the incredible leadership of Victoria Purvis, NEMCSA’s Homeless Department Director. With a steadfast commitment to social justice and equity, Victoria is a driving force in the fight against homelessness in our region. Her dedication stems from a deep desire to address systemic challenges and advocate for impactful policy changes. Under her leadership, the Homeless & Prevention Department has made significant strides in stabilizing lives and empowering individuals and families to transition toward long-term stability. Through her team’s work, Victoria has demonstrated the power of collaboration, compassion, and innovation in addressing housing shortages and breaking down barriers. Her vision for the future is a region where affordable housing and supportive services are accessible to all. We were able to take some time to ask Victoria some questions, and wanted to share with all of you! 1. What inspired you to pursue a leadership role within the Homeless & Prevention Department at NEMCSA? I have a strong belief for social justice and equity. My motivation is wanting to address systemic issues and advocate for greater awareness and policy change. 2. What are some of the most rewarding aspects of leading a team dedicated to addressing homelessness and providing prevention services? Leading a team providing homeless services is incredibly rewarding because it offers the opportunity to make a direct, positive impact on people’s lives while working toward systemic change. Helping individuals transition from homelessness to stability, empowering a team of passionate professionals, and advocating for long-term solutions all contribute to a deep sense of purpose. Seeing both individual and community transformations, as well as fostering collaboration to address complex issues, makes the work fulfilling and meaningful. 3. What challenges have you encountered in the field of homelessness prevention, and how has your team worked together to overcome them? Housing ends homelessness. Unfortunately, there is just not enough housing; Michigan is short by more than 190,000 affordable housing units. Other challenges such as limited resources, complex client needs, stigma, crisis management, and navigating bureaucratic systems are common. Our team has overcome these by prioritizing resources, forming strong partnerships with community organizations, and adopting a holistic approach that addresses both immediate needs and underlying causes. 4. How do you envision the future of homelessness prevention efforts in our region, and what role do you see NEMCSA playing in those efforts? As a community action agency, NEMCSA will address housing issues by providing rental assistance, offering supportive services to stabilize households, and advocating for the development of affordable housing. We will continue to partner with local stakeholders to maximize resources, and lead community education and advocacy efforts to raise awareness. 5. What advice would you give to someone aspiring to lead in a program that has such a direct impact on the lives of vulnerable individuals and families? My advice would be to approach leadership with empathy and patience. Build a collaborative team that is passionate, resilient, and committed to the mission, and focus on empowering your team. We invite you to learn more about NEMCSA's Housing Department & the critical work her team is doing to make homelessness rare, brief, and nonrecurring in our communities. https://www.nemcsa.org/services/homeless-prevention-program/
Your voice CAN inspire change and growth in your communities! We need your help! Every three years, NEMCSA asks people in Northeast Michigan to tell us what their communities need. Your answers help us keep important programs, start new ones where they’re needed, and work with other organizations to serve you better. Your feedback also helps us get the money and support we need to keep helping. This survey is quick and easy, and by filling it out, you’re helping to improve services for everyone. Plus, if you’d like, you can enter a drawing for a $50 gift card as a thank-you! Your voice counts – let’s make Northeast Michigan the best it can be! Complete the Survey here: https://www.nemcsa.org/news-and-events/news-events/we-need-your-help.html Please share!
Every child deserves a strong start! Your #GivingTuesday donation supports early childhood programs, helping children and families in need with preschool education, stability, and brighter futures. Your donation may be able to provide support for: 💡 $25: Supplies for a child in preschool. 💡 $50: Support parent education programs. Let’s build brighter tomorrows together! Donate Dec 3rd. Donations can be made on our website at: https://www.nemcsa.org/get-involved/donate.html
ONLINE Support Groups for Caregivers now available! 📣 Topics include: GENERAL, PROFESSIONAL, KINSHIP, DEMENTIA Groups will discuss issues, challenges, and concerns that caregivers face. These groups are informal and provide dialogue along with peer support. Participants will be able to reflect and connect with others in a similar situation. Join here: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88086615234pwd=VzK9PVeuSQ46vB5ouqvdsbOFaHFKfl.1 Dates and Times listed below⬇️
✨ Join NEMCSA in Supporting Homeless Awareness Month! ✨🧤 This November, we’re hosting a Supply Drive to gather essential items for individuals and families in need. Your donations of new hats, gloves, blankets, hygiene items, and move-in basket supplies can make a world of difference! 🏠💙 📍 Drop-off locations are available across our service area from November 1st to November 30th. Help us reach our goal of housing stability for all by contributing to this important cause. Let’s come together to make a positive impact in our community. Thank you for your support! 🌟 #NEMCSA #HomelessAwareness #SupplyDrive #CommunitySupport
We’re counting down to #GivingTuesday on Dec 3rd! Meet part of the dedicated NEMCSA team, working tirelessly to support families across Northeast Michigan. Together, we can make this Giving Tuesday a day of impact and hope. Stay tuned to see how you can help! Donate here: https://www.nemcsa.org/get-involved/donate.html
🌟 Join Our Team in Alpena! 🌟 We’re hiring a Long Term Care Ombudsman to advocate for residents in nursing homes and care facilities. If you're passionate about making a difference in the lives of older adults and want a fulfilling career, this is the role for you! 💼 Why You'll Love Working with Us: Competitive pay starting at $19.29–$27.27/hour Comprehensive benefits package Generous vacation time, paid holidays, and more Opportunities for professional growth 👉 Apply today: www.nemcsa.org/careers// #NowHiring #LongTermCare #Ombudsman #JoinOurTeam #NEMCSA #MakeADifference
Your voice CAN inspire change and growth in your communities! We need your help! Every three years, NEMCSA asks people in Northeast Michigan to tell us what their communities need. Your answers help us keep important programs, start new ones where they’re needed, and work with other organizations to serve you better. Your feedback also helps us get the money and support we need to keep helping. This survey is quick and easy, and by filling it out, you’re helping to improve services for everyone. Plus, if you’d like, you can enter a drawing for a $50 gift card as a thank-you! Your voice counts – let’s make Northeast Michigan the best it can be! Complete the Survey here: https://www.nemcsa.org/news-and-events/news-events/we-need-your-help.html Please share!
🎙️ Let's Talk About Aging 🎙️ Discover insightful conversations on aging, caregiving, and living a healthy, fulfilling life with the Region 9 Area Agency on Aging Podcast. Each episode is packed with expert advice and resources tailored to support older adults and caregivers in our community. Stay informed and inspired—tune in today! 🎧👇 #AgingWell #CaregivingSupport #Region9AAA #HealthyAging #Podcast #NEMCSA
The Countdown is On: 18 Days Until Giving Tuesday! Mark your calendars for December 3rd, 2024—a day to come together and make a difference in Northeast Michigan! Here’s how your generosity can help: 💡 Support families in need with winter essentials, transportation barriers, and more. 💡 Empower children and seniors with education, resources, and care. 💡 Create lasting change through NEMCSA’s vital programs. Every act of kindness counts, and every dollar makes an impact. Let’s make this #GivingTuesday a day of hope, resilience, and transformation. Together, we can change lives! ❤️ 📅 Save the Date: Dec 3rd, 2024 #GivingTuesday #CountdownToKindness #NEMCSA #MakeADifference #GivingBack
With your support thousands of Northeast Michigan lives will gain access to food, education and emergency support at times when they need it most.
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