A new grassroots community initiative has been formed in the Benton Harbor area to seek state support for services that will help students and the broader community.

Berrien County Commissioner Rayonte Bell is a member of Yes Fresh Start, which he tells us is working with partners like the Michigan Educational Justice Coalition to advocate for funding and policy changes at both the state and local levels. Specifically, it’s advocating for $15 million in state funding to expand mental health resources in schools, including in Benton Harbor.

“We’re shooting for there to be funding that could provide us counselors that will come out to about one counselor per 25 students,” Bell said.

Bell says Yes Fresh Start is expanding to more communities and seeking more state support for students in those areas. While not a nonprofit itself, Yes Fresh Start is supported by groups that are.

“It’s an initiative, and it receives support from a nonprofit organization, We the People Michigan, and We the People Action Fund, which are c(3) and c(4) organizations.”

Yes Fresh Start is now seeking resolutions of support from local governments as it makes that call for more mental health funding in schools. The Benton Harbor City Commission this week approved such a resolution. Bell says advocacy efforts in the past helped secure school debt relief and driver’s education for Benton Harbor students.

You can learn more about Yes Fresh Start at its website, where Bell says everyone’s also encouraged to sign a peace pledge committing to positive action in the community.

Photo: Bell speaking to Benton Harbor City Commissioners Monday.