Barrett Joins United Mentoring Program and Putnam Township Fire Department to Highlight Federal Investments

Lansing, Mich. -Today, Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) visited a Lansing area high school and Putnam Township Fire Department to highlight two local projects he secured federal funding for. These projects to support youth mentoring and local emergency response are part of the $146 milliontotal Barrett has delivered for infrastructure, public safety, research, and other projects in mid-Michigan.

"Today's visits to the United Mentoring Program and Putnam Township Fire Department showed exactly how federal investments can make a real difference in people's lives," said Barrett."Pastor Tracy and the UMP team are doing extraordinary work to empower teenagers across Greater Lansing, and I was proud to secure funding to support that work. In Putnam Township, the money I secured has finally enabled the replacement of an aging firetruck so residents can count on a well-equipped fire department for years to come. From the school to the fire station, mid-Michigan communities are putting these resources to work - and I'll keep fighting to deliver more."

Barrett first joined Pastor Tracy Edmond, founder and president of the United Mentoring Program, at J.W. Sexton High School to highlight the $750,000 federal investmentBarrett secured to help expand the program's work to support teenagers across Greater Lansing. The Lansing-based United Mentoring Program (UMP) supports local young people between the ages of 12 and 19 years old, especially individuals who may be struggling with academics or authority.

"Meeting with the students in our program and the dedicated individuals who support them reinforces how critical these investments are," said Pastor Tracy Edmond, founder and president of the United Mentoring Program. "We were honored to welcome Congressman Tom Barrett to witness the meaningful connections being built every day between mentors and youth. This support is not just funding - it is an investment in relationships, opportunity, and brighter futures. We are sincerely grateful for his continued commitment to uplifting young people and strengthening our community."

In Putnam Township, Barrett met with Putnam Township Fire Chief Curt Ruf to do a walk-through of the station and see first-hand the new firetruck that was purchased with help from the $600,000 federal investmentthat Barrett secured. This truck replaces a 26 year-old truck that was in constant need of repairs and costing the department money to maintain.

"Replacing a 26-year-old truck that was constantly in the shop is a game-changer for our department and the communities we serve," said Curt Ruf, Putnam Township Fire Chief."Having Congressman Barrett here to walk through the station and see this truck firsthand meant a lot to our team - it's clear he understands the challenges small departments like ours face every day. We are incredibly grateful for this federal investment and the congressman's commitment to Putnam Township and the Village of Pinckney."

Click hereto learn more about the $146 million investments that Barrett has secured for mid-Michigan.

Click hereto learn more about the United Mentoring Program.