Ford Fund, Community Partners Create Unique Neighborhood Center

Dave Bing, Detroit Mayor; Jim Vella, Ford Fund President; Bill Ford, Executive Chairman, Ford Motor Company

DETROIT, May 6, 2013 – With a unique team of public and nonprofit partners, Ford Motor Company Fund has opened a new community center in southwest Detroit – the Ford Resource and Engagement Center.

“Wherever Ford is in a community, and we’re almost everywhere, we always try to help that community and make it a better place,” said Bill Ford, executive chairman, Ford Motor Company, at the center’s opening. “It’s all about making a difference for communities and individual people’s lives."

Ford Fund joined with the city and a variety of nonprofit partners to provide a wide range of services, including a Gleaners client choice food service hub, bilingual services from LA SED (Latin Americans for Social and Economic Development), job assistance from SER Metro- Detroit, Jobs for Progress, university classes, and dance and art lessons.

“I think it’s going to benefit a lot of women with children that need help,” said Hilaria Seledon, community volunteer and local resident. “Everybody’s excited.”

“It’s very important because it’s going to help more people in need in the area,” said Armando Biabo, community volunteer and local resident. “People are looking forward to this.”

New Entrance Sign -
Ford Resource and Engagement Center

Ford Fund is overseeing management of the new center and providing funding for physical upgrades and all operating costs for the building. The new center is part 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 totaled $60 million over the past five years alone.

“This year 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,” said 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 the opening of the Ford Resource and Engagement Center demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the city.”

The initiative also includes funding for youth programs at Patton Recreation Center, Detroit Summer Youth Employment program, and two Ford F-Series chassis for use as ambulances in Detroit, and funding for police cars.

“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.”