As a Community Action Agency, we are required to conduct a needs assessment at least every three years. In 2020, for the first time, MCCA’s Community Needs Assessment was focused solely on Livingston County and will be again in 2021. This focus is allowing MCCA the opportunity to dig deeper into the unique needs of Livingston County residents.

If you live or work in Livingston County, please complete this survey by July 31, 2021.

Be on the look out for our August 21st Carnival from 2 P.M. to 4 P.M. held in the parking lot of Mid Central Community Action. Our MCCA team will partner with local nonprofits, community health providers, faith based organizations, and local businesses for a Health & Wellness Carnival benifiting Mayors Manor. The carnival will focus on the following issues that were identified by residents: personal health, home health, and community health. We will have booths focused on financial health and budgeting, mental and physical health, homeownership, and healthy food options. We will be providing educational materials, healthy snack and food options, jump ropes and hula-hoops, and will have knowledgeable staff from other community organizations available to educate on the identified issues and to answer questions. Want to help or be one of our partners? Please contact Joey Keller at joeyk@mccainc.org or (309) 834-9254.

Summer may be many people’s favorite time of the year, but it’s not necessarily the best time for our planet. As temperatures rise, so do our energy and water use, as does our carbon footprint. But there are ways we can combat this stressful time of year for our planet. With some simple steps – from what you eat to how you vacation and do your household chores – it’s easy to be eco-friendly and still have a fun summer.

Using disposable plates, utensils, cups, and napkins may be a good choice for easy cleanup, but not when it comes to the environment. Summer brings with it numerous opportunities – from picnics to days at the beach to the classic BBQ – to use disposable eating tools. By making some minor changes to your next get-together, however, you can have a big impact on the Earth – and without giving up entirely on the convenience. Instead of plastic disposable products, you can use compostable disposable plates, wooden utensils, silicone cups, compostable trash bags, and reusable food wraps made from beeswax.

As the temperatures rise, so does our need to stay hydrated, and in many cases so does our carbon footprint. It may be easier to just buy a bottle of water from the corner store, but all those disposable plastic bottles can take a toll on the wallet – and more importantly – the planet. Disposable plastic bottles produce almost 3 billion pounds of waste each year in America, impacting wildlife, air quality, and water supplies. With so many environmental and health benefits to stay hydrated, there are nearly unlimited options for water bottles on the market today – from chemically safe BPA-free plastic – to glass and stainless steel versions.

Garage and yard sales are popular in summer, and it's also a good time to find a new home for your own clutter. Buying second hand is good for the environment. Fewer new items are being produced, which results in less water used, reduced waste, and fewer carbon emissions, according to a 2016 study.

If you have additional Tips to help save energy without spending any money, please let us know, and your suggestion may be featured in a future MCCA newsletter.

Credited to:Cristabelle Tumola 24/7 Wall Street

Residents staying at our Neville House Emergency Shelter work closely with a trained domestic violence advocate to learn about safety planning, recognizing abuse patterns, and self-esteem. Many say that was the most peaceful night of sleep they have had in forever because they knew we were there to keep them safe. Advocates also assist in finding resources for housing, childcare, employment, legal representation, transportation, and enhancement of life skills.