|
- The Ford Volunteer Corps expands the reach of its MODEL Teams as employees tackle community building projects with an Accelerated Action Day that stretches across the U.S.
- Hundreds of Ford volunteers in 17 states are working on high impact projects concentrated on safety and shelter.
- This Accelerated Action Day is part of Ford’s Global Week of Caring, when thousands of Ford volunteers work to create a better world with projects all over the world.
DEARBORN, Mich., September 11 – More than 600 Ford employees and retirees in 17 states have organized into MODEL Teams of volunteers to concentrate on safety and shelter in their communities, working on urgent repair, renovation and beautification projects that have been named as top priorities by Ford’s nonprofit partners. This is the first time that Ford’s high-impact MODEL Teams concept is being expanded to projects across the U.S., and the first time that Ford retirees were able to participate.
“These are difficult times and our employees and retirees are stepping up and improving the lives of people who need our help the most,” said Janet Lawson, director, Ford Volunteer Corps. “Our volunteers also benefit from the teamwork and morale boost that comes from reaching out and helping others.”
Many of the organizations benefiting from today’s volunteer effort also receive mini-grants of up to $5,000 from Ford to buy tools and materials needed to complete their projects. More than $60,000 in mini-grants was awarded to agencies, including:
- Angel's Place, Beverly Hills: build deck at group home for developmentally challenged adults
- Bridging Communities, SW Detroit: construct playground
- Cass Community Social Services, Detroit: update vocational training center for disabled
- Children's Home of Detroit, Grosse Pointe: build “Field of Dreams” baseball diamond
- Gleaners Community Food Bank, Detroit, Pontiac, Warren: renovate food distribution centers
- Grandmont Rosedale Development, NW Detroit: work on area beautification project
- Habitat for Humanity, Ypsilanti: rehabilitate home
- Habitat for Humanity, South Rockwood: build floor system with Woman’s Buildership Trainees
- LA SED, SW Detroit: install ceiling panels, assemble shelves and paint at Senior/Youth Centers
- Lutheran Social Services, Detroit: beautify residence for women
- Matrix Human Services, Detroit: spruce up children’s play area
- Methodist Children’s Home Society, Redford: beautify living spaces for children
- Oakwood Healthcare Systems, Lincoln Park: build wheelchair accessible swings on playground
- Ruth Ellis Center, Highland Park: transform basement into youth recreation center
- Samaritan Center, Detroit: rebuild community courtyard
- Starfish Family Services, Inkster: Project Extreme Makeover at shelter & crisis center
- Vista Maria, Dearborn Heights: building beautification
This Accelerated Action Day comes during Ford’s third annual Global Week of Caring, a worldwide effort that is making a positive impact from the America’s to Asia and Africa. Nearly 8,000 Ford employees and retirees are working