Appropriations Requests for : A Brighter Way

1. Cosponsoring legislators:

• Sue Shink

Recipient Information

2. Intended legislatively directed spending item recipient:

A Brighter Way

3. Physical address of legislatively directed spending item recipient and the intended location of the project or activity:

124 Pearl St. Suite #304, Ypsilanti, MI. 48197

4. The recipient's employer identification number:

811186430

Funding Details

5. Requested amount of the legislatively directed spending item:

$500,000.00

6. What is the purpose and how does the legislatively directed spending item provide a public benefit that is an appropriate use of taxpayer money?

The purpose is to expand and sustain A Brighter Way's peer-led reentry and family stabilization services across Washtenaw, Jackson, Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties, while building the capacity needed to responsibly scale into additional Michigan communities that are already inviting our presence. The requested $500,000 will support people who have experienced incarceration, and their families, by increasing access to workforce development, long-term transitional housing for a limited number of members, and year-round wrap-around navigation services that reduce barriers to employment, housing stability, and community integration. This investment provides a clear public benefit because it strengthens public safety, economic mobility, and community health while reducing the downstream costs that taxpayers already carry when reentry needs go unmet. When people returning from incarceration can access stable housing, reliable income, and consistent relationship-based support, they are more likely to remain connected to their families, participate in the workforce, and avoid crisis-driven use of emergency services, shelters, and other high-cost systems. The funding also supports employers and local economies by preparing job-ready workers, improving retention through ongoing support, and connecting participants to training and paid work opportunities. This is an appropriate use of taxpayer money because it funds direct, measurable services delivered in partnership with local systems and communities, led by staff with lived experience who are uniquely positioned to build trust and engagement. The appropriation will be used to increase capacity for peer navigation and workforce development, maintain and improve safe transitional housing for a limited number of members who need it most, and coordinate wrap-around supports (including employment readiness, housing stabilization, and family reunification supports) for all participants served in the five-county region. It also positions ABW to replicate a proven, relationship-centered model in other counties as invitations and partnerships emerge, extending the public benefit of this investment beyond the initial service area without requiring the state to build new infrastructure from scratch.

7. Has the legislatively directed spending item previously received or been awarded any of the following types of funding in the past 5 years?

No previous funding received

8. Estimated time frame for completion of the legislatively directed spending item project:

The estimated time frame for completion is by the end of fiscal year 2028

Additional Information For Nonprofit Corporations

9. Is the recipient a nonprofit corporation?

Yes

4. Officers and active members on the board of directors:

Al Newman Joe Thomas Jeanne Ross Bonnie Billups Cynthia Harrison Leroy Harris Regan Hizer Paul Sher Larry O'Connell

Certification By Sponsoring Legislator

• "I certify that my immediate family members, legislative staff members, and I have no direct or indirect pecuniary interest in the requested legislatively directed spending item."
• "I certify that the intended recipient of this legislatively directed spending item is not a for-profit entity."
• "I certify that the information in this form is true to the best of my knowledge."

Senator Jeff Irwin