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Ford Motor Company Fund is investing in Detroit’s future by expanding
its unique community center concept to a neighborhood school
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New Ford Resource and Engagement Center will open the doors to basic
needs, economic growth and quality of life opportunities to make
people’s lives better
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Ford Fund is committed to the future prosperity of Detroit and
southeast Michigan – expanding its leadership role in the region with
a $5 million investment
Company Website:
http://corporate.ford.com/
DETROIT -- (Business Wire)
Ford Motor Company Fund is boosting its investment in the future of
Detroit with expansion of an innovative community center that will bring
$5 million in services to thousands of students and residents on the
city’s east side.
In cooperation with Detroit Public Schools Foundation and Detroit Public
Schools, Ford Fund – the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company – will
launch a second Ford Resource and Engagement Center in Detroit. The new
center builds on the success of the original Ford Resource and
Engagement Center. It will be housed at Fisher Magnet Upper Academy on
Detroit’s east side, bolstering the educational opportunities for area
children and increasing access to essential services for residents.
“While our region is making great strides, we need to do more for
Detroit’s neighborhoods,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company
Fund. “Locating the new resource center at Fisher Upper provides us an
opportunity to reach another Detroit neighborhood with programs that
benefit students and families alike.”
The new Ford Resource and Engagement Center will offer programs
advocated by members of the community – including food distribution to
meet basic needs, investing in economic growth through job training and
continuing education, and advancing quality of life through arts and
cultural services.
The east side center is modeled after the original center that opened in
southwest Detroit three years ago. Located in Mexicantown Mercado, the
first Ford Resource and Engagement Center has assisted more than 80,000
local residents through a range of social and cultural services, from
providing 1.2 million pounds of food to helping complete more than 6,000
tax returns. In total, the original center has returned $3 in services
to the local community for every $1 invested by Ford and the nonprofits
that provide services.
The new Ford Resource and Engagement Center will be managed by Detroit
Public Schools Foundation. It will have an emphasis on innovation in
education and investments that add support for Detroit’s future by
sharpening the focus on its young people. The center is expected to open
in early 2017.
“The opening of the new Ford Resource and Engagement Center location
within Fisher Upper is a tangible example of the power of school and
community partnerships that can create the wrap around supports that
will provide additional enrichment opportunities for our students,” said
Alycia Meriweather, interim superintendent, Detroit Public Schools
Community District. “Closing the opportunity gap is one of the first
steps in closing our achievement gaps, and I commend Ford for setting
such a great example. DPSCD is extremely thankful for this investment in
our children and our community.”
As part of its expanding community presence, Ford is increasing
investments in Detroit and southeast Michigan. Ford and Ford Fund expect
to contribute $20 million to local educational, arts, cultural,
diversity, hunger relief and social service organizations this year – a
70 percent increase from the annual giving amount five years ago.
Over the last 10 years, Ford and Ford Fund have made community
investments totaling $161 million in the region, including support for
the recently announced Cass Community Social Services’ tiny homes
neighborhood project, emergency vehicle donations, and sponsorship of
Ford Fireworks and America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Earlier this year, the company expanded its Ford Resource and Engagement
Center concept to South Africa, announcing the first international
location with a new job training and entrepreneurial development center.
About Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services
Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services works with community
and global partners to advance driving safety, education and community
life. Ford Motor Company Fund has operated for more than 65 years with
ongoing funding from Ford Motor Company. Ford Driving Skills for Life is
free, interactive, hands-on safety training focused on skill development
and driving techniques, while addressing inexperience, distractions and
impaired driving. Innovation in education is encouraged through Ford
Blue Oval Scholars, Ford Driving Dreams, Ford Next Generation Learning
and other innovative programs that enhance high school learning and
provide college scholarships and university grants. The Ford Volunteer
Corps enlists more than 30,000 Ford employees and retirees each year to
work on local projects that strengthen their communities and improve
people’s lives in more than 40 countries around the world. For more
information, visit http://community.ford.com.
For news releases, related materials and high-resolution photos and
video, visit www.media.ford.com.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161010005298/en/
Contacts:
Ford Motor Company Fund
Todd Nissen, 313-322-4898
tnissen@ford.com
or
Ford
Motor Company Fund
Eric Mitchell, 734-612-8267
emitch15@ford.com
Source: Ford Motor Company
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