Volume 6, Issue 3
February 7, 2022
In This Issue...
Announcements | Upcoming Events | COVID-19 Resources | Resources | Capella/Strayer University Partnership
Upcoming Events
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Register For the MCA Finance Roundtable! 

MCA’s first finance roundtable will be held February 22 @ 10:00 am. Sign up using this link. The first session will be a meet and greet where we’ll talk all things audit and we’ll be gathering your feedback on topics for future sessions.  
Cross Cultural Conversations: A Series of Dialogues for More Equitable Communities

The Cross-Cultural Conversations Council invites community members to attend this two-session series hosted by Nonprofit Network, on February 15th and 17th, from 6:00-8:00 PM, ET.

This training will give participants the opportunity to gain increased understanding of their personal background and perspective on the implications of how their experiences affects how they think and react to others from different background. There is no cost to attend the training.

Trauma-Informed Care Series: Clients, Staff, and Organizations

The Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness (MCAH) will be hosting a three-part webinar series focused on bringing a trauma-informed approach into your work. Each session requires separate registration and cost $40.00 per session. Participants can attend one, two, or all three sessions in the series. If you are a MCAH member please contact Allison Green at AGreen@mihomeless.org for a coupon code before registering.

Trauma-Informed Care & Cultural Humility: Essentials for Providing Services: February 16, 2022, 2:00 PM EST – Register Here

Trauma-Informed & Inclusive Leadership Approaches: Essentials to Supporting Front-Line Staff: February 28, 2022, 12:30 PM EST – Register Here

Approaches to Becoming Trauma-Informed & Inclusive Organizations: March 16, 2022, 2:00 PM EST – Register Here
COVID-19 Resources
CDC launches “Operation Expanded Testing”

Operation Expanded Testing (OpET) increases access to testing nationwide. OpET provides no-cost testing to child care centers, K-12 schools, historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), under-resourced communities, and congregate settings, such as homeless shelters, domestic violence and abuse shelters, non-federal correctional facilities, and other qualified sites.

Use this link to read more and enroll your facility today: Operation Expanded Testing | CDC
Updated CAPLAW COVID-19 Vaccine Guide+ Sample Policies
 
In light of recent litigation concerning several federal vaccine mandates, CAPLAW has updated its COVID-19 Vaccines: Step-by-Step Guide for Community Action. This resource is intended to help the Community Action network be nimble with respect to its approach to vaccines in the workplace while maintaining compliance with applicable federal mandates issued by Head Start and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
MCA Hosted the First HR Roundtable Featuring CAPLAW and COVID-19 Vaccine Discussions

Many thanks to CAPLAW and all who participated in the great COVID-19 vaccine policy and Head Start mandate discussion. You can view the CAPLAW recording here and link to the training resources on MCA’s Learning Management System*. Suggestions for the next topic are always welcome!

*MemberClicks login is required to view.
Resources
February is black history month. The theme for Black History Month 2022 is Black Health and Wellness

Check out this list of stories, music performances & other content complied by NPR: Black History Month 2022 : NPR
Reflections – A New Race Forward Podcast Series

Race Forward just introduced Reflections: A Race Forward Podcast Series which will house an ongoing number of unique miniseries focusing on timely issues and conversations critical to the racial justice movement. The podcast series is available on all podcast platforms.

Michigan Community Action, Capella University
& Strayer University Partnership
Back to school savings with education built for real life

Ready to go back to school to gain the skills and knowledge you need to reach your career goals with access to education that works with your busy life? Capella University and Strayer University understand this. That’s why their Associates, Bachelor’s, Certificate and Graduate programs in human services, behavioral health, business, IT, and leadership & administration leverage what you already know and are grounded in real-world application.

Through our partnership with Capella, you and your immediate family have access to high-quality, online education and tuition savings that make it possible to earn a degree or certificate at a significantly lower cost and at your own pace. Capella offers you:

·        Exclusive scholarships, grants and other savings for both universities, including a 10% tuition discount.
·        Three learning formats—FlexPath, GuidedPath, and On-Campus that are flexible, affordable, and supportive.
·        A student-centered approach, including support teams to help you be successful and persistent.
·        Accredited and nationally recognized universities that meet the highest standards for quality.

Ready to learn more and get started?
Visit Capella.edu/MichiganCommunityAction and Strayer.edu/partner/MichiganCommunityAction to find a degree program that’s right for you and to see special tuition offers.

Check out this PDF for information on programs offered.
Save on your degree at Strayer University

Michigan Community Action and Strayer University have partnered to offer eligible employees of their member agencies access to flexible, affordable associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. If you’re thinking of earning a degree, we invite you to take advantage of special offers designed to help you meet your educational goals.

Special offers and scholarships available now

$5,000 scholarship for new or returning Strayer students to apply toward a bachelor’s or master’s degree

• 10% tuition discount for the duration of your program*
  * Tuition discount upon receipt of documentation of employment and eligibility.

Why Strayer?
At Strayer, you’ll get a modern, online degree that gives you the confidence to change your future. Our programs are built for working adults and our student services coaches offer support at every step. We believe in educational access, academic quality, student success and customer service.
MCA Officers/Board Members 2021-2023
Lisa Evans
President
Community Action of Allegan County

Morghan Boydston
Urban Officer
Washtenaw County Office of Community & Economic Development

Lisa Bolen
Lower Peninsula Rural Officer
Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency
Michelle Williamson
Vice President
Community Action

Michelle LaJoie
Upper Peninsula Officer
Community Action Alger- Marquette

Toby Berry
At-Large Officer 
Community Action Agency
Kerri Duff 
Secretary Treasurer
Gogebic Ontonagon CAA

Judge Gregory Pittman
CAA Governing Board Officer
Muskegon-Oceana Community Action Partnership

Mary Ann Neopolitan
CAA Governing Board Officer
Monroe County Opportunity Program
MCA is continuing to observe CDC guidelines encouraging remote work practices and following local public health guidelines. The office remains physically closed to anyone outside of immediate staff. We are accessible by phone and email during normal business hours Monday through Friday, 8:30AM-5PM ET.
Be well and stay safe everyone. .