FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Central Valley men are getting $300,000 to get them to "step up and serve their communities," and help foster a sense of "belonging."

The governor's office says the investment will address the rising mental health crisis among young men while creating new pathways to purpose, leadership, and belonging.

The announcement was made on Friday as part of the California Men’s Service Challenge, a $5-million statewide initiative that calls on 10,000 men to serve their communities as mentors, coaches, and tutors through the California Service Corps and partner organizations.

In the Central Valley, that means boosting efforts by Big Brothers Big Sisters to recruit more male mentors across the Central Valley.

Organizers say the investment is not only for the mentees,

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