GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Michigan Community Action (MCA) kicked off its annual Summer Conference with members and staff of the state’s 27 Community Action Agencies. The conference, titled Hope in Action: Building a Brighter Tomorrow, aims to highlight the work and dedication of Community Action by celebrating 50 years of service in communities across Michigan.
A key pillar of this event was the 2025 service project, Brighten a Box, benefiting the Kent County Community Action Agency and the Grand Rapids Pride Center. The Brighten a Box project allowed participants to decorate food distribution boxes for the host agency’s food assistance programs, sending messages of hope and support to those receiving them.
“Community Action has always been about being a hand up and not a hand out,” said Gustavo Perez, executive director of Kent County Community Action Agency. “We are proud to celebrate MCA’s 50th anniversary milestone this year doing what we know best, providing support to members of our local communities who are in need, like those who currently rely on food assistance programs out of necessity to feed their families.”
The conference is focused on the various ways Community Action Agencies can enhance their efforts to promote economic opportunities and provide essential support to Michiganders in need. Ideas generated during the conference so far have included building inclusive communities, improving community needs assessments, strengthening boards and learning from the successes of other agencies.
“Through Community Action, our goal is to help people and change lives,” said Brian McGrain, executive director of Michigan Community Action. “In order to do that, we must take care of ourselves so we can continue to take care of others for another 50 years. The need for Community Action Agencies has never been stronger, and this group of 27 is committed, connected, and intentional about giving their friends, families, and neighbors the tools and resources they need to break the cycle of poverty across Michigan.”
For more information about Michigan Community Action and its member agencies, visit www.micommunityaction.org.
Photos from the conference are available to download here.
