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Donations and grants are the lifelines of our ability to help Allegan community residents.
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Volunteering at Community Action is a rewarding experience with many opportunities.
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Community Action provides a variety of resources to individuals, families and seniors in need.
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We are here to assist with many services for children, older Americans, and families during times of need.
Over the past few weeks, our staff have been learning together, sharing ideas, building new skills, and investing in the work we do every day for children, families, seniors, and our community. At Community Action of Allegan County, staff development isn’t just about checking a box, it’s about giving our team the tools, knowledge, and support to do meaningful work well. If you’re looking for a career where your work matters, your growth is encouraged, and you’re part of a team that makes a difference right here in Allegan County, we’d love to meet you. Come grow your career with us! Check out our current job openings and find your place on the Community Action team: https://communityactionallegan.isolvedhire.com/jobs/
Dear Friend of Head Start, The Office of Head Start released their Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM): Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs. We have been thoroughly reviewing and discussing the impacts of these proposed changes to our community, the State, and the Nation. We are reaching out to keep you updated on the immediate concerns of this NPRM. It is important to remember that this is a proposed rule change and is not final yet. In the NPRM’s effort to reduce duplication and burdens for programs and have them defer to state policies, we are concerned that we will lose the very thing that defines Head Start. Below are the immediate concerns from this NPRM: • The rule would increase class size and reduce the teacher workforce. • The rule would lower wages for Head Start staff and not allow programs to incentivize staff who further their degree. • The rule would require Head Start programs to provide shorter school days and fewer days per year. • The rule also limits some of the comprehensive services we provide to our children. • The rule limits parent involvement by making parent committees optional and reducing their role. • The rule would eliminate jobs for Head Start home visitors, Family Service Workers, Child Development Specialists, and Coaches. • The rule would reduce program quality for dual language learners and their families by mandating that all teaching and learning is done in English, including prohibiting classroom materials from being in languages other than English (i.e. children’s books). So what can you do? The Department has a public comment period open until October 6th. You can submit a comment to tell your story (what Head Start means to you) and ask HHS to withdraw the changes significantly and revise the proposed rule with direct input from programs and families. Submit a comment:
September Diaper Bank begins this week! Mark your calendar for upcoming diaper dates: September 2, 4, 16, and 18. October 7, 9, 21, and 23. Pickup at 323 Water Street, 9am-3pm. Receive supplies once per month: diapers, wipes, pullups, adult briefs, and other hygiene products as available. 269-673-5472 ext 258.
Please join us Thursday, October 22 at First Baptist Church in Allegan for the Allegan County Stand Down event to support and honor our local veterans. This FREE annual event takes place from 10:00AM to 1:00PM and will showcase a veteran resource fair, military surplus, breakfast & lunch. The below flyer includes all event details. Registration is required for vendors only.
Help the little hands in your house learn some basic cooking skills. We’ll sample different foods, learn about nutrition and have fun as we explore being in a kitchen. This class is meant for kids between 3 and 5 years old. Each child must be accompanied by a responsible adult and have a waiver form signed by their parent or guardian. The class will last between 30-45 minutes. You must register for this class at this link to hold your child's spot: https://docs.google.com/.../19UOm65fUpv2BNKKUeC.../edit The theme for this class will be the Very Hungry Caterpillar and will be making fruit pizzas.
Weatherization Assistance can reduce the energy burden for families, and provide health and safety benefits: -Save an average of $432 per year in energy costs -Improved indoor ventilation and air quality for a healthier home -Save on medical expenses and miss fewer days of work -Adequately heat and cool your home at lower costs -Lowers heating bills by 30% in a cold weather state like Michigan -Many types of homes are eligible for Weatherization services For more information or to see if you qualify, call 269-673-5472 ext. 238, or complete an interest form at: https://communityactionallegan.org/our-services/weatherization/#interestform
