[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 Impact:

  • 3,562 tax returns filed in the past season, returning over $4.8 million to local residents.

  • Volunteers donated the equivalent of 500 days (12,000 hours) of service.

  • Shoutouts to top volunteer tax preparers, including Larry Winter ($705K in returns).

• Head Start & Early Head Start:

  • Provides free, high-quality education for children, allowing parents to work and even transition into NMCAA staff roles.

  • Over 100 current staff are former parents.

  • Families contributed $1.97 million in in-kind donations, exceeding the $1.8M goal.

  • Top volunteer counties: Wexford, Roscommon, and Kalkaska.

• Food Programs:

  • Volunteers packed food boxes and delivered Meals on Wheels, contributing hundreds of hours monthly.

  • Meal programs reduce grocery bills and support nutrition and learning for children and seniors alike.

• Housing & Home Repair:

  • Over 1,500 people housed and 23 homebuyers supported last year.

  • Emergency home repairs and weatherization services provided to 95 households, saving on utility costs.

• Donor & Board Support:

  • Individual donors make up 38% of NMCAA's annual giving.

  • Over $291K raised from households over 3 years.

  • 24 out of 25 board members donated, nearing 100% participation for the first time ever.

• Staff & Employment:

  • NMCAA is the 8th largest employer in Traverse City with over 350 employees across the region.

  • Major employment hubs include Grand Traverse, Wexford, Masaki, Roscommon, and Emmet counties.

• Cultural and Creative Segment:

  • Hosts discuss fantasy scenarios like creating a Collective US music festival.

  • Erica’s headliners: Taylor Swift, The Accidentals, and Beautiful Stephen (Ryan’s band).

  • Ryan imagines NMCAA as a thriller film called The Partnership, highlighting the power of collaboration in transforming communities.

• Final Message:

  • NMCAA’s economic impact is about more than numbers—it's about people, partnerships, and shared progress.

  • The episode closes by thanking the staff who compiled data and encouraging listeners to support NMCAA through donations or volunteerism.

• Donate: nmcaa.net/donate

• Contact: (231) 947-3780 or collectiveuspodcast@nmcaa.net

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