[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 143 (Monday, September 16, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6049-S6050]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NORTHWEST MICHIGAN COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY

 Mr. PETERS. Madam President, I rise today to recognize the 
incredible work of the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency 
(NWMCAA) as they celebrate 50 years of community action that has 
touched the lives of so many.
  In 1974, two community action agencies in northern Michigan merged to 
form the Northwest Michigan Human Services Agency, now known as the 
Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NWMCAA).
  Since then, the organization has developed a wide range of community 
action programs tailored to meet diverse individual needs across the 
lifespan.
  Annually, the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency allocates 
$20 million of program services to over 10,000 individuals across 10 
counties. The organization strives to provide community members with 
the tools and skills necessary to promote housing stability, economic 
security, and educational opportunity through assistance with tax 
credits and refunds and homebuyer coaching education courses.
  Between 2019 and 2022, the agency's Early Head Start and Head Start 
Programs helped 7,653 children within home-based and center-based 
environments. In addition to quality child development programs, the 
agency offers parents free prenatal education and resources for 
expectant families. This work is crucial to keep all students on track 
towards academic success and to build strong families and communities.
  With over 300 dedicated employees located across their Petoskey, 
Traverse City, and Cadillac offices, the agency's impact across 
northern Michigan has extended far and wide. It is the talent and 
tenacity of such hard-working individuals which enables the agency's 
mission: ``to drive positive change by offering opportunities that 
promote independence, enhance quality of life, and strengthen community 
connections.''
  In 2023 alone, the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency 
successfully distributed 948,080 pounds of food to 23,702 participants 
through the USDA's Commodity Supplement Food Program (CSFP). In 
addition to their great work in the realm of nutrition, the 
organization addresses other pressing issues facing Michiganders, like 
home repair, weatherization, and financial management.
  The scale and magnitude of these programs is felt each day by the 
seniors who rely on Meals on Wheels deliveries, children enrolled in 
Head Start, and working parents utilizing homebuyer coaching.

[[Page S6050]]

  As the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency continues to work 
hard to improve the lives of community members, I will continue to 
advocate for funding to the programs that enable NWMCAA's work to come 
to fruition.
  The Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency has impacted countless 
lives throughout the course of 50 years. I ask my colleagues to join me 
today in recognizing NWMCAA for their tireless advocacy and support of 
everyday Michiganders. I wish the Northwest Michigan Community Action 
Agency continued growth and prosperity in the years ahead.

                          ____________________