Volume 74 | February 2021
Our Vision
MCCA envisions healthy, self-sufficient families interacting positively
with one another in strong, safe, and diverse neighborhoods to enhance the community
while preserving the environment.

Our Mission
To educate, equip, and empower people to
achieve healthy relationships, finances, homes, and neighborhoods.

Our Culture
To treat clients, external contacts, and employees with respect and honesty.
We are all in this together!

Our Guiding Principles
We work together to break the cycles of financial instability and domestic violence
by providing expertise to pathways for advocacy, education, and support. We give people
hope; increase their options, skills, and confidence; and coach them to make informed positive life choices. We focus on quality of life and living conditions with an equitable and
sustainable lens. We embrace change, innovation, and collaboration to
strengthen individuals, families, and communities.
Looking Back & Moving Forward
A Message From Our
Executive Director & Board President
We hope you enjoy reading the accomplishments and advancements in each of our program areas and lines of business. We thank our dedicated Board of Directors who positively influence and contribute to our organizational health; our passionate team members who bring their best each day; and our volunteers, partners, donors who give so generously with their expertise and resources. We respect and applaud the community members who trusted us with their needs, fears, goals, and dreams. You inspire us with your strength.
Weatherization
Just as a reminder, Weatherization services for McLean and Livingston Counties are now provided by Tazwood Community Services, Inc.

2109 S. Main St., Morton, IL 61550
(309) 266-9941 or (309) 694-4391
Hours of Operation: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Located in the Field's Shopping Center
Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) Still Taking Applications
Struggling to stay caught up on utilities as a result of the pandemic? MCCA is still accepting electronic application submissions for the Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) program. Households must submit all required documents, as detailed on the website. Currently we are also still accepting PIPP (Percentage of Income Payment Plan) applications, but it has very limited funding.
Community Needs Assessment and The Community Action Plan
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. This focus is allowing MCCA the opportunity to dig deeper into the unique issues in this community.

After we analyze the survey data, we create an annual Community Action Plan (CAP) through our CSBG grant. This plan includes activities and outcomes to help meet the identified needs. Please see our full report below.
LISC Financial Opportunity Center® February Workshops
Mid Central Community Action
Working With A Lender
DATE: February 8, 2021
TIME: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Resumes & Cover Letters
DATE: February 9, 2021
TIME: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Working With A Realtor
DATE: February 15, 2021
TIME: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Interview Readiness
DATE: February 16, 2021
TIME: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Financial Opportunity Center™ Orientation
DATE: February 16, 2021
TIME: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Community Involvement
DATE: February 22, 2021
TIME: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM


For more information contact:

Kathy Shubert
FOC Program Manager and HUD-Certified Housing Counselor
kathys@mccainc.org or (309) 834-9242
Green Tips Of The Month
Winter is in full swing. Hopefully you’ve managed to stay comfortable thus far, and ideally without boosting your energy consumption too much. If you’re concerned about your carbon footprint, follow these tips for eco-friendly winter living that won’t force you to choose between freezing and wearing five layers indoors.

Nudge down the thermostat
Challenge yourself to keep your thermostat just two degrees cooler than you normally do in the winter. You shouldn’t feel a huge difference, but the environment will notice your efforts. Offset the change in temperature by drinking more hot beverages and using throw blankets more often. If you have a programmable thermostat, set it so your heater is not working hard while you’re at work. Program the heat to kick in 30 or 45 minutes before you return from work so your apartment is comfortable when you arrive.

Grow indoor plants
Indoor plants can brighten up the atmosphere of just about any space. By releasing moisture, they can also help your apartment trap heat and combat that dry winter air your skin disagrees with. Consider using them in your kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and living room.

Open oven door after baking
Simply using your oven more can help warm up your apartment. To get even more heat from your oven, open the over door for a few minutes after using it to cook or bake. Just be sure it’s turned off first so you don’t burn yourself or create a fire hazard.

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.
Race, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (REDI)
As the W.K. Kellogg Foundation has stated, “the National Day of Racial Healing is a day designed to bring people together to bridge divides, to share our common humanity, and inspire collective action to create a more just and equitable world.”

We invite you to take a look at the video and consider what racial healing might mean for you and for your communities.

“Instead of calling out our enemies, we call them in – into conversations and into our hearts.”

-Amanda Gorman
Inaugural US Youth Poet Laureate
MCCA recognizes and honors Black History Month. We also advocate for a year round focus on equality and justice. Here is a resource that you might find interesting.

Creating a more equitable society will require a lot of work from all of us, as individuals and organizations. Today we are sharing an inspiring article, Why we need more than a celebration this Black History Month by Joseph Junior Smith.
MCCA Is Pleased To Promote The Following Staff
Tami
Chief Operations Officer

Amy
Senior Director of Finance

Jennifer
Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives

Barbara
Senior Executive and Board Liaison

Joey
Senior Relationship and Resource Developer

Michelle
CDV Program Director

Tasha
Residential Services Coordinator

Rachel
Outreach Services Coordinator

Laura
Senior Income Support Coach

CONGRATULATIONS!
We are building our staff capacity and have new and vacant job openings if you would like to join our passionate and dedicated team.
Court Advocate

Residential Advocate - CDV

Youth Services Advocate

Organizational Compliance and Data Coordinator

Part-Time Human Resource Specialist
Part-Time Income Support Coach - Livingston County

Income Support Coach

Financial Coach/Housing Counselor

Financial/Employment Coach

Employment/Financial Coach
Helping Our Staff Through Vicarious Trauma
Vicarious trauma is the emotional residue of exposure that helping professionals have from working with people as they are hearing their trauma stories and become witnesses to the pain, fear, and terror that trauma survivors have endured.
 
During our staff meeting we discussed how this can affect our staff as a whole and completed an activity to help staff integrate self care into their lives to combat vicarious trauma symptoms.
Countering Domestic Violence
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.
Laura Grant - MCCA Lead Income Supports Coach
Laura Grant, MCCA Lead Income Supports Coach, has exemplified the Promise of Community Action through her compassionate, equity lens for 13 years. She continues to provide encouragement, opportunities, and resources to hundreds of residents in McLean and Livingston Counties each year. She is a valuable member of our team through her passion, expertise, and impact. Please enjoy listening to Laura’s video as she describes how our service delivery has evolved over the years.
Their American Dream Comes True!
In May 2019, a husband and wife came to MCCA to begin Financial Coaching. Their end goal was to purchase a home for their LARGE family. As their Financial Coach began working with them, it was clear the couple was not communicating with each other about their finances. The Financial Coach spoke to them both regarding communication and what was expected and needed to become mortgage ready. They started communicating about a budget and working together to pay off debt. After nearly 9 months, this couple has paid down debt, increased their savings, and have recently become approved for a mortgage. They have found their home that will accommodate their large family. Their American Dream has come true!
Do you know what a difference you are making in the lives of families?

Your gift gives resources, education, and support to your neighbors so their lives can be better for themselves and their children.

On behalf of Mid Central Community Action, we are grateful for your generous support of our mission – including those monthly donors who give us a constant funding base year round!
Stay Up To Date On MCCA's Facebook
Check out the Mid Central Community Action Facebook page! Give it a like to stay up to date with all of our programs.
Thank You To Our Board of Directors
For Their Guidance and Support
Belinda Landry, President
Bill Wilkey, Vice President
Jason Pals, Treasurer
Kim Crutcher, Secretary
Bernard Anderson
Mark Clinch
Sheila Diaz
Victoria F. Harris
Jeremy Hayes
James Joyner
Walter "Terry" Lindberg
Joe Lowrance
Joel McReynolds
Kevin Richardson