Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flint Continues Mission to Uplift Youth Through Mentorshop

FLINT, Michigan — For more than 80 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flint and Genesee County has worked to connect young people with caring adult mentors, a mission that leaders say remains urgent.

“The current landscape is the same for our young people — they just need somebody to be there for them,” says Lisa Humphreys, President/CEO of the organization. “That hasn’t changed from 50 years ago… It’s really about creating that social capital and having somebody that’s consistent.”

As communities continue to grapple with the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for consistent, supportive relationships has grown. Humphreys says the pandemic heightened awareness around youth mental health challenges, including isolation and depression, positioning mentorship as a key strategy to support long-term wellbeing.

While the core mission remains the same, the organization has adapted its approach to better reach both youth and volunteers.

According to Humphreys, technology has played a major role in that shift. Prospective volunteers and families can now access information and begin the enrollment process online at any time, making it easier to engage with the program. At the same time, the organization continues to prioritize partnerships across the community to expand its reach.

“We’re constantly looking at that collaborative piece,” Humphreys says. “If we’re able to do it collectively… we’re able to increase our capacity and have that much more of an impact.”

Research continues to underscore the long-term benefits of mentorship. According to Humphreys, youth who participate in mentoring programs are more likely to attend college and see increased earning potential over time.

In recent years, the organization has continued to expand both its reach and its approach to mentorship, offering a mix of one-to-one and group-based programming designed to meet young people where they are. In addition to its traditional community-based matches, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flint has strengthened school-based mentoring partnerships with local districts, creating more consistent access to mentorship during the school day.

These efforts help ensure that youth are supported not only academically but also socially and emotionally as they navigate challenges both inside and outside the classroom.

The organization has also introduced targeted initiatives that connect mentorship to broader community needs, including programs focused on career exploration, financial literacy, and relationship-building with local institutions.

Through efforts like Bigs in Blue, which fosters positive relationships between youth and law enforcement, and trauma-informed programming that supports resilience and mindfulness, the organization continues to respond to the evolving realities facing young people in Flint and Genesee County. 

And for those youth who enjoy golf, they will take to the greens at Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club on June 22 for the 51st annual Golf Fore Kids’ Sake, an event supporting youth mentorship across Genesee County.

Hosted by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flint, the outing brings together community members, organizations, and local businesses for a day of competition and fundraising in support of one-to-one mentoring programs that serve hundreds of local youth each year. At its core, the mentorship program focuses on connection, which Humphreys says is often missing in today’s fast-paced, digitally driven world.

“It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being present,” she says.

Mentorship supports not only academic and career development, but also emotional growth. Youth build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and develop the ability to regulate emotions. The impact extends beyond young people. Volunteers often find the experience meaningful, benefiting from the sense of purpose and connection that comes with giving back.

Community members can support the event by volunteering, donating auction items, or becoming sponsors. As the organization looks ahead, a priority is engaging a new generation of supporters. Her vision is for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flint to be a place where people want to volunteer, work, and serve while continuing to expand programming.

“We have a very mature stakeholder base,” Humphreys says. “So we are focusing on how we appeal to younger volunteers and donors and help them understand the impact. We’ve been around since 1944. We hope to continue to empower our young people moving forward.”

For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flint and Genesee County, you can visit their website.