[DONATE] The episode spotlights NMCAA’s work in early childhood and the collaboration between Head Start and Michigan State University —connecting nutrition, movement, and mindfulness to build healthy, lifelong habits for 3–4 year-olds and their families. Dr. Jiying Ling (MSU College of Nursing) and Shannon Phelps, NMCAA's Child and Family Development Director explain Dr. Ling's program "Food - Body - Mind" is being utilized in the classroom and how it is impacting families at home.

Shannon also discusses food insecurity and how NMCAA is addressing this issue across the region, including a new partnership with with Father Fred bringing food pantries to the locations of the classrooms to streamline community resources so children are healthy and ready to learn.

With food insecurity rising—and a possible SNAP disruption mentioned—the hosts point listeners to local pantry finders and support:

the Manna Food Project’s pantry locator

the Northwest Michigan Food Coalition’s Find Food map

the Wexford–Missaukee Resource Directory’s food page

The national FoodFinder search tool

NMCAA's Food Pantry is located at 7110 E 34 Road, Cadillac, MI

Open on Monday and Tuesday from 10am -1pm

For more information on NMCAA or to donate - check out www.NMCAA.net

[DONATE TO NMCAA] The Collective US welcomes data leads Tish Stave and Grant Card to demystify how NMCAA uses the ROMA framework—Results Oriented Management and Accountability—to plan, measure, and continuously improve services. They explain how community needs assessments and outcome tracking inform funding, board decisions, and day-to-day pivots, balancing hard numbers with client stories. A new cross-program database, Empower, now de-duplicates records and reveals full client journeys across housing, Head Start, Meals on Wheels, financial education, and more—showing NMCAA served ~10,000 people in a recent year. The team discusses confidentiality, informed consent, and tailoring data visuals for different audiences, plus near-term goals like universal intake and after-hours, client-facing tools. They share real examples of adapting programs (e.g., COVID shifts, caseload acuity) and celebrate staff milestones and kudos. In a fun closer, Grant likens data to hip-hop—steady beat, highs and lows, and collaboration—underscoring how data guides action without replacing compassion.

[DONATE TO NMCAA] HR at NMCAA is in a celebratory transition. Long-time Human Resources Director Betsy Reese (20 years with the agency; 18 in HR) joins the show to reflect on a career of building people-first systems—from launching a year-long Leadership Class (2016 & 2019) to a major pay scale revamp (2015) and clear explanations of COLA, market adjustments, and new 401(k) contributions. Stepping into the role, Abria Morrow shares her relationship-centered approach: listening, being available across 10 counties, “office hours,” and practical wellness habits that balance the weight of that infamous “admin tab.”

Together they connect employee wellbeing to client impact, highlight NMCAA’s Cornerstones of Culture (Respect, Accountability, Acceptance, Compassion, Cooperation), and offer burnout buffers: PTO planning by quarter, EAP, walking groups, team-building, and timely recognition (anniversaries, Kudos Corner). We also celebrate remarkable staff longevity—evidence that culture and care keep people here.

Tune in for real tactics any nonprofit can use to support teams—plus a few fun HR “first-aid kit” surprises—and a simple message to every employee: you are worth it, and you deserve the time to recharge.