Summary of “LIVE from MCA Summer Conference - SPECIAL EPISODE” (The Collective US Podcast, Ep. 59)

This special live episode of The Collective US podcast was recorded at the Michigan Community Action (MCA) Summer Conference in Grand Rapids. Hosted by Erica Austin and Ryan Buck of the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA), the episode features a panel of executive directors from across the state: Stephanie Kasprzak (Monroe County Opportunity Program), Gustavo Perez (Kent County Community Action), Lisa Bolen (MCA & Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency), and Joe Nolan (Chippewa-Luce-Mackinac Community Action).

Each leader shares their origin stories in community action work, reflecting on their personal motivations and paths to leadership, from being Head Start participants and nonprofit workers to city council members and professors. Their deep-rooted commitment to anti-poverty efforts and equity is a unifying thread.

The conversation touches on:

• Legacy & Leadership: The importance of mentorship, succession planning, and building strong teams for future impact.

• Historic Milestones: Expansion of Head Start and Early Head Start, transportation programs, and senior services. Organizations like Kent County CAA delivering 113,000 food boxes in a year, or Monroe’s Christmas basket program, highlight the scale of community support.

• Partnerships: A central theme—collaborating with churches, schools, contractors, and other agencies to stretch resources and amplify impact.

• Adaptability & Resilience: Panelists discuss their nimble responses to COVID-19, policy changes, and community needs—like launching mobile outreach vans in the UP or opening new PACE centers in rural counties.

• Funding Uncertainty: With CSBG and other funding facing threats, directors balance transparency with reassurance to their staff while continuing to advocate at state and federal levels.

• Success Stories: Moving testimonials include helping a formerly homeless single father and son rebuild their life, and a senior who felt remembered at Christmas after decades working for La-Z-Boy.

• Economic Impact: Community Action Agencies are significant employers and economic drivers in their regions—contributing millions to local economies through workforce development, small business contracting, and services.

The episode concludes with a lighthearted “rapid fire” round where panelists imagine Community Action as a superhero (“Captain Perseverance”), dream up an official holiday (“CAA Day”), and share their vision for systemic change (eradicating poverty through guaranteed basic needs).

Listeners are encouraged to learn more, donate to their local Community Action Agency, and attend the podcast breakout session at the conference.

To support:
Statewide: micommunityaction.org/donate
Northwest Michigan: nmcaa.net/donate