Connecting with Community Action Agencies - Valuable Partners for Changing Times

Community Action Agencies play a vital role in most communities across the United States. They meet and connect with families in a variety of ways, providing much-needed services from cradle to grave. Let's explore how the Michigan 2-1-1 Network has developed strong relationships with its community action agencies, leading to those agencies, statewide, accounting for more than 10% of its referrals. Michigan Community Action is celebrating its 50th anniversary of providing services to vulnerable Michiganders. It will reveal how those referrals enable them to provide services to individuals who have been screened by quality I&R services, leading to a win-win for the person who needs help.

• Recognize the importance of Community Action Agencies to their local communities.

• Discuss the full range of services that many Community Action Agencies provide.

• Describe how Information and Referral programs can benefit from close relationships with their Community Action Agencies.

Jennie Pollak Bio

Jennie Pollak has worked in the field of Information and Referral for 19 years, working in many roles within 2-1-1; I&R Specialist, Resource Management, and Local Center Leadership and is currently serving as the Executive Director of Michigan 211. She is very active in both Inform USA and President of Inform Michigan, serving on committees, as a conference presenter, holding leadership positions as Vice Chair of National Standards Committee and Chair of the National Accreditation Commission. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Michigan State University.

Brian McGrain Bio

Brian McGrain is a respected nonprofit and public sector leader based in Lansing, Michigan. He currently serves as Executive Director of Michigan Community Action, where he leads statewide efforts to support and strengthen community action agencies. Brian’s career includes key roles such as Director of Economic Development and Planning for the City of Lansing and Associate Director/COO at the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM). A five-term Ingham County Commissioner, Brian is known for his collaborative leadership, commitment to equity, and dedication to sustainable community growth. He holds degrees in Urban Planning and Public Administration from Michigan State University.

**This course will provide 1 hr of Inform USA Professional Development Credit