Ford Motor Company Fund Opens New Center in Southwest Detroit, Creates Unique Community Hub in Key Neighborhood

DETROIT, June 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

• Ford Motor Company Fund opened a new community center to support the rebuilding of Detroit and a growing neighborhood in the city
• New Ford Resource and Engagement Center in southwest Detroit is providing a community gathering space for residents to develop new talents, learn new skills and obtain needed services
• The new center is the focal point of a unique partnership that builds on support from the city of Detroit and brings together divergent organizations in support of a vital community

Ford Motor Company Fund today opened a new community center – the Ford Resource and Engagement Center – in southwest Detroit to strengthen a key city neighborhood and offer diverse cultural and community programs provided by nonprofits with the support of the Fund. 

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) Executive Chairman Bill Ford and Detroit Mayor Dave Bing were on hand to open the doors of the new center and participate in the community celebration.

In an unusual move by a corporate foundation, Ford Fund is overseeing management of the new center and funding physical upgrades, maintenance and all operating costs for the building, which is under long-term lease.

"Next month we mark the 150th birthday of Henry Ford, whose unique vision not only made personal transportation affordable, but left a lasting impact on communities where his employees and customers lived," says Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. "Ford Motor Company has been making investments in Detroit for more than a century, and today's opening of the Ford Resource and Engagement Center demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the city."

The Mexicantown Mercado building has been unused in recent years. Starting this month, it is home to a Gleaners client choice food service hub, and a range of other services and programs, including:

• A variety of bilingual services from LA SED (Latin Americans for Social and Economic Development)
• Job assistance from SER Metro for Detroit Jobs for Progress
• Income tax preparation from Accounting Aid
• Anti-bullying training from Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan
• Dance and art classes from Living Arts
• Performing arts training from Mosaic Youth Theatre
• University classes offered by University of Michigan and University of Detroit

The new center is the centerpiece of a $10 million, five-year initiative in the city of Detroit, which augments Ford Fund's ongoing community partnerships and support for southeast Michigan nonprofits that totals $60 million over the past five years alone.

The initiative also includes funding for:

• Youth programs at Patton Recreation Center including a summer camp
• Two Ford F-Series chassis for use as ambulances in Detroit, and funding for police cars
• Detroit Summer Youth Employment program

"I am extremely grateful for Ford Motor Company Fund's ongoing commitment to our neighborhoods," said Detroit Mayor Dave Bing. "Ford's generous investments in summer youth jobs, recreation centers, hunger relief and educational opportunities are vital in our efforts to change the conversation about Detroit. We value Ford Motor Company Fund's support and partnership."

About Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services

Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services works with community partners to advance driving safety, education and community life. For more than 60 years, Ford Motor Company Fund has operated with ongoing funding from Ford Motor Company. The award-winning Ford Driving Skills for Life program teaches new drivers through a variety of hands-on and interactive methods. Innovation in education is encouraged through programs that enhance high school learning and provide college scholarships and university grants. Through the Ford Volunteer Corps, 25,000 Ford employees and dealers work on projects each year that better their communities in 30 countries. For more information, visit www.community.ford.com.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company