Ford Fund Invests $5 Million in Detroit Neighborhood With Innovative Community Center, Educational Opportunities
October 10 2016 - 10:30AM
Business Wire
- Ford Motor Company Fund is investing in
Detroit’s future by expanding its unique community center concept
to a neighborhood school
- 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
- 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
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/
Ford Motor Company FundTodd Nissen,
313-322-4898tnissen@ford.comorFord Motor Company FundEric Mitchell,
734-612-8267emitch15@ford.com
Ford Motor (NYSE:F)
Historical Stock Chart
From Mar 2024 to Apr 2024
Ford Motor (NYSE:F)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2023 to Apr 2024