SAGINAW, MI — Students, educators, and community leaders gathered at Thompson Middle School on Thursday as Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet announced $700,000 in federal funding to support the HELP program and its work with local youth.
The funding will strengthen crime-prevention efforts by expanding programming focused on mentorship, relationship-building, and personal development for students both during and outside the school day.
HELP — which stands for Healing. Love. Engagement. Presence. — was created in response to the impact of violence on Saginaw youth, with a mission to provide consistent support, guidance, and connection.
Students at Thompson shared firsthand how the program is making a difference.
Patricia Daniels, who has been part of HELP for the past two months, said the program has helped her better manage her emotions.
“It just calms me. It taught me how to control myself,” she said.
Jeremiah Thornton said the program has helped build his confidence.
“I’m smart, I’m confident, I’m healthy. I like learning things,” he said.
For Amira Harris, an eighth-grade student, the impact is deeply personal.
“It helps support me when I don’t feel supported. It helps me with my self-confidence,” she said.
Thompson Middle School Principal Jason LaPorte said the program provides critical support beyond the school day, especially during times when students may not have structured activities.
“When we are not with them, HELP is,” LaPorte said. “On Saturdays, they pick students up, bring them in, and feed them. It’s an extension of what we do.”
Community leaders also emphasized the program's role in strengthening relationships across the city.
“We’re building positive relationships with youth here in the city,” said Saginaw Police Officer Jordan Bady. “Because of HELP, you have connections where you might not otherwise.”
Pastor Kareem Bowen, director of HELP, described the program as a bridge between students, schools, and the broader community.
“This is a healthy relationship between community and law enforcement and community and schools,” Bowen said.
The newly announced funding will allow HELP to expand its reach and continue providing consistent support to students in Saginaw, reinforcing a shared commitment to prevention, mentorship, and opportunity.