In 1964, President Lyndon Johnson’s administration waged the war on Poverty and passed the Economic Opportunity Act which gave birth to Community Action in the United States. In 1974, two Community Action Agencies in northern Michigan merged to form Northwest Michigan Human Services Agency, now known as Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA).
There are 30 Community Action Agencies in Michigan and nearly 1000 across the country. Like NMCAA, most are private non-profit companies.
Throughout the agency’s 50-year history, NMCAA has remained dedicated to strengthening communities through helping individuals and families achieve greater economic security. This is accomplished by assisting residents in solving community problems as well as meeting their individual needs through case management counseling, advocacy, group participation, and service provision.