Legislator seeks state funding to bring Big Brothers Big Sisters programs to underserved northern and mid-Michigan communities

Rep. Pat Outman today advocated for a legislative spending request that would expand proven youth mentoring programs into 20 rural counties across northern lower and mid-Michigan that currently lack access to organized, evidence-based mentoring services.

Big Brothers Big Sisters organizations help connect vulnerable children with positive role models and support systems. The proposal would support a partnership between Big Brothers Big Sisters Northern Lower Michigan and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Michigan, two of the state’s most successful mentoring organizations. Together, they serve nearly 1,000 children in 12 counties and account for nearly half of all youth served through Big Brothers Big Sisters programs in Michigan.

The funding Outman is advocating for would allow the organizations to establish even more mentoring opportunities in 20 additional counties where no structured Big Brothers Big Sisters programs currently exist.

“Kids in rural communities deserve the same opportunities to succeed as children anywhere else in Michigan,” Outman said. “This smart investment would help young people build confidence, stay academically engaged, and develop skills they need to thrive.”

The initiative would partner directly with local schools to identify young students who would benefit from mentorship and older students interested in serving as mentors. Big Brothers Big Sisters would provide training and oversight, while participating schools would help facilitate the mentoring relationships using existing staff and resources.

Outman said dedicating these funds would be both cost-effective and sustainable because it leverages existing school infrastructure and community partnerships while providing accountability through measurable outcomes such as attendance, academic performance, and social-emotional development.

Across rural Michigan, rates of youth anxiety, depression, and social isolation have increased in recent years. At the same time, mentoring organizations face growing financial challenges that threaten services in many communities. The proposed funding would help ensure children in rural areas have access to the same life-changing mentoring opportunities available elsewhere in the state.

Outman also pointed to the long-term benefits of mentoring as a preventative investment that can reduce future costs associated with mental health crises, substance abuse, and involvement with the juvenile justice system. Research consistently shows that mentoring can improve educational outcomes, reduce risky behavior, and strengthen connections to school and community.

“When we give young people strong mentors and positive support systems, we’re giving them the chance to reach their full potential while building stronger communities,” Outman said.

The mentoring initiative is being pursued through a Legislatively Directed Spending Item (LDSI) request, which allows state representatives to advocate for specific projects that benefit their communities. Under transparency standards established by House Republicans last year, all spending requests must be submitted through a process that requires detailed project information, public disclosure of funding requests, and certification that legislators and their immediate family members will not financially benefit from the proposed expenditures. The process ensures taxpayers can review how public dollars are being requested and spent.

The proposed expansion would bring mentoring services to children in Alcona, Alpena, Arenac, Benzie, Cheboygan, Crawford, Iosco, Isabella, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Mason, Missaukee, Montmorency, Newaygo, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, and Wexford counties.

The funding request remains under consideration by the House Appropriations Committee.