Courtesy Photo Pictured are Fran Ommani of Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency, and Pat Rondeau of the Alpena Lions Club.

ALPENA — Fran Ommani was introduced at Tuesday’s meeting of the Alpena Lions Club by Alpena Lion and Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency Board Member Patricia Rondeau.

Omami serves as communication and development director for NEMCSA. She shared data compiled in 2022, showing that 14.3% of Alpena County residents live at the poverty level or below — this equates to 1,995 households. In addition, Alpena County experienced an unemployment level of 6% in 2022. Thus the need for NEMCSA, a nonprofit Community Action Agency that assists the residents of our area.

NEMCSA serves the counties of Alcona, Alpena, Arenac, Cheboygan, Crawford, Iosco, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, and Presque Isle. NEMSCA strives to grow their mission and vision by partnering with local organizations, serving thousands of families throughout Northeast Michigan.

A list of programs includes sheltering homeless individuals, providing meals to senior citizens, weatherization and foreclosure assistance, Early Headstart, Headstart and the School Success Partnership Program. These are just a few of the programs NEMCSA provides to the Northeast Michigan community. A complete listing of programs with an explanation of them may be found at www.nemcsa.org.

Following the NEMCSA presentation, Alpena Lion Gary Stevens gave an update on the bowling tournament fundraiser being held on May 20. The event “Strike Against Hunger” is being held and supported by Thunder Bowl Lanes. All proceeds will go to local food pantries to support their efforts in combating hunger.

The Alpena Lions Club meets at noon every Tuesday at the First Congregational United Church of Christ. For more information, visit alpenalionsclub.com or find the club on Facebook.