Elizabeth Martinez advocates for funding to support Ohio's mentoring programs

In a recent meeting of the Ohio Senate Finance Committee, Elizabeth Martinez from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio passionately advocated for continued funding for mentoring programs that support thousands of children across the state. Martinez highlighted the critical role of mentoring in shaping the futures of young people, emphasizing that these relationships provide essential support and guidance.

Since 2014, Big Brothers Big Sisters has received $1 million annually in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds, which has facilitated the creation of over 500 new mentoring relationships each year. However, recent budget discussions have raised concerns as the House proposed cutting TANF funding by half, and the Senate Finance Committee has removed all funding for the organization. Martinez warned that without this financial support, more than 1,000 children would miss out on the opportunity for mentorship over the next two years, which could have lasting negative impacts on their development.

Martinez underscored that mentoring is not merely a program but a vital lifeline for many children, helping them with academics, celebrating achievements, and providing emotional support. She pointed out that children involved in mentoring programs are statistically more likely to attend college and earn higher wages, contributing to a stronger workforce and healthier communities.

The committee members engaged with Martinez, seeking clarity on the potential impact of funding cuts. She confirmed that the program would struggle to meet the needs of the over 2,000 children currently on waiting lists without state funding. Currently, Big Brothers Big Sisters serves around 6,000 children in Ohio, but the demand continues to grow.

Martinez concluded her testimony by urging the General Assembly to recognize the importance of investing in the next generation, framing it as a crucial step toward building a brighter future for Ohio. The discussions from this meeting highlight the ongoing challenges faced by community organizations in securing necessary funding to support vulnerable populations, particularly children in need of mentorship.