Ford Fund Opens Innovative Community Center in Detroit, Invests $5 Million to Expand Neighborhood Access to Services

Ford Fund Opens Innovative Community Center in Detroit, Invests $5 Million to Expand Neighborhood Access to Services

Ford Fund Opens Innovative Community Center in Detroit, Invests $5 Million to Expand Neighborhood Access to Services

Today, Ford Motor Company Fund opens a new Ford Resource and Engagement Center on Detroit’s east side – increasing access to essential needs and services, as well as economic opportunities in one of the city’s most underserved neighborhoods. The $5 million community center, located at Fisher Magnet Upper Academy, is managed by the Detroit Public Schools Foundation. Programs will emphasize education, job training, workforce development, and investments focused on the next generation of Detroiters.

This newest Ford Resource and Engagement Center provides services to thousands of students and residents in the area with the help of at least 18 nonprofit community groups. Services offered include a food distribution hub, legal assistance, job training and workforce development, and workshops supporting business startups. Ford’s STEAM Lab will be available, providing the science, technology, engineering, arts and math curriculum necessary for young people seeking high-demand jobs in the future.

In addition to bolstering educational opportunities for area children and supporting local businesses, the new engagement center is helping bring the community together with arts, music and cultural activities to lift the quality of life for neighborhood residents. The 10,000-square-foot facility features interactive and collaborative workspaces, as well as a main hallway inspired by social mobility and reimagined to look like a thriving Seven Mile Road through the community.

“Our newest Ford Resource and Engagement Center represents our ongoing commitment to projects in neighborhoods that are transformational in nature,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund. “We want to harness the untapped potential in our schools and neighborhoods to help more people gain access to the benefits of a stronger, more prosperous Detroit.”

Ford Fund Opens Innovative Community Center in Detroit, Invests $5 Million to Expand Neighborhood Access to Services

“The decision made by Ford Fund to create the Ford Resource and Engagement Center in a traditional public school reflects the reality that there are few, if any, stronger investments to ensure impact, scale and sustainability within a neighborhood or community,” said Nikolai Vitti, superintendent, Detroit Public Schools. “This multifaceted investment will benefit multiple community members and more profoundly, generations. For the school, it allows learning to become more interactive – more community-based and project-based – and, frankly, more relevant for all students.”

The new center, the second in the city, is modeled after the original Ford Resource and Engagement Center that opened four years ago at Mexicantown Mercado in southwest Detroit.

The first one has become an anchor in the vibrant community, assisting more than 85,000 people with food distribution, tax return preparation, education and job initiatives, legal assistance and other programs.

The original Resource and Engagement Center has returned $3 in services to the local community for every $1 invested by Ford and participating nonprofits. A third Ford Resource and Engagement Center, in South Africa, offers job training and entrepreneurial development, as well as services for families and orphans impacted by HIV and AIDS. Each center reflects the needs and culture of the communities it serves.

Later today, both Detroit locations will hold an open house from 1 to 7 p.m. Members of the community are invited to drop by and explore the available services and activities. In addition, the newest center’s City Accelerator program will select two winners to each receive $25,000 in grants to advance their business model designs and financial strategies.

Ford Motor Company was founded in Detroit in 1903, and has been investing in the city and surrounding area ever since. Together, Ford and Ford Fund have invested more than $166 million in southeast Michigan over the past 10 years to support programs such as the Tiny Homes neighborhood project, a fleet of 20 Ford Mobile Food Pantries to help feed the hungry, Ford Blue Oval Scholarships and sponsorship of Ford Fireworks, America’s Thanksgiving Parade and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Asia tour. Since 2005, Ford Volunteer Corps has participated in nearly 10,000 local community service projects to make people’s lives better.

Nonprofit service providers at Ford Resource and Engagement Center:

  • Detroit Public Schools Foundation (lead partner)
  • Accounting Aid Society
  • Arts & Scraps
  • Bing Youth Institute
  • Eastside Free Legal Clinic
  • Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan
  • Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeast Michigan
  • Henry Ford Learning Institute
  • Invest Detroit Group Ventures
  • Journi STEAM Lab
  • LifeBUILDERS
  • Lomas Brown Junior Foundation
  • St. John Hospital & Medical Center-St. John Providence
  • SER Metro-Detroit, Jobs for Progress
  • Southwest Solutions
  • The Jerome Bettis Bus Stops Here Foundation
  • University of Michigan Center for Entrepreneurship

courtesy: media.ford.com

New Ford Police Responder Hybrid Sedan and F-150 Police Responder Successfully Complete Michigan State Police Testing

New Ford Police Responder Hybrid Sedan and F-150 Police Responder Successfully Complete Michigan State Police Testing

New Ford Police Responder Hybrid Sedan and F-150 Police Responder Successfully Complete Michigan State Police Testing

Following the reveal earlier this year of two all-new police vehicles – the 2019 Ford Police Responder Hybrid Sedan and the 2018 Ford F-150 Police Responder – testing by the Michigan State Police confirms Ford is first to offer law enforcement agencies a pursuit-rated hybrid police car and full-size pickup truck.

From local patrolling to on-road pursuit to off-road capability, law enforcement agencies nationwide have said they need a wider variety of pursuit-rated vehicles.

“Our new Fusion-based Police Responder Hybrid Sedan is quicker than our legendary V8-powered Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, while offering fuel efficiency that’s estimated to be double that,” said Stephen Tyler, Ford police brand marketing manager. “Plus, our new F-150 Police Responder offers police customers both on-road pursuit and off-road capability.”

Pursuit ratings are determined by vehicle manufacturers. Ford then uses a third party to validate its claims. So last month, in Michigan State Police testing – which includes a grueling 32-lap pursuit simulation at Grattan Raceway – Ford’s pursuit rating for both vehicles was confirmed. The simulation tests overall vehicle durability, including powertrain, suspension, brake and tire systems.

In acceleration testing, preliminary results show the new Ford Police Responder Hybrid Sedan bested the once-ubiquitous Crown Victoria by more than one second in 0-100 mph performance – 23.1 seconds versus 24.4 seconds. The Crown Vic had an EPA-estimated rating of 16 mpg city, 24 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined. Ford’s new Police Responder Hybrid Sedan has a projected EPA-estimated rating of 40 mpg city, 36 mpg highway and 38 mpg combined – making it twice as efficient as the Crown Vic. Final EPA-estimated ratings come at a later date.

New Ford Police Responder Hybrid Sedan and F-150 Police Responder Successfully Complete Michigan State Police Testing

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Not only does the Ford Police Interceptor Sedan retain its title for the sixth straight year as overall quickest police vehicle in 0-60 mph testing, preliminary results validate the Ford Police Interceptor SUV as quickest in 0-60 as well – a tie with the new F-150 Police Responder pickup.

All three of these pursuit-rated vehicles are powered by Ford’s now-legendary 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine. Police Interceptor Sedan did the 0-60 run in 5.6 seconds, while Police Interceptor Utility and the F-150 Police Responder needed only 6.3 seconds to hit 60 mph. Fastest overall lap and fastest average lap honors once again go to the Ford Police Interceptor Sedan.

Ford’s efforts to meet the needs of its police customers continue with the addition of the Police Responder Hybrid Sedan – a remarkably efficient pursuit-rated choice for law enforcement agencies nationwide. For those who require both on-road pursuit plus off-road capability, the new F-150 Police Responder adds a new dimension to police fleets across the country.

courtesy: media.ford.com

Danica Patrick Debuts No. 10 Ford Warriors in Pink Fusion, Driving More Good Days for Breast Cancer Awareness

Danica Patrick Debuts No. 10 Ford Warriors in Pink Fusion, Driving More Good Days for Breast Cancer Awareness

Danica Patrick Debuts No. 10 Ford Warriors in Pink Fusion, Driving More Good Days for Breast Cancer Awareness

Danica Patrick is driving the No. 10 Ford Warriors in Pink Fusion race car this weekend in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Apache Warrior 400 at Dover International Speedway. The debut of the special Warriors in Pink livery for Sunday’s race comes just in time for Breast Cancer Awareness month, and marks Ford’s decades-long commitment to raising awareness and funds in the fight against the disease. Patrick will take to the track again with the Warriors in Pink Fusion Oct. 8 for the Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Patrick’s No. 10 race car displays the warrior symbol to honor the powerful, courageous women and men engaged in the fight against breast cancer. Symbols are a key part of the inspirational message Ford Warriors in Pink represents – serving to uplift those who exhibit strength and courage in the face of their greatest battle.

“The Ford Warriors in Pink race car really looks great,” said Patrick, one of the most successful women in the history of motorsports now driving for Stewart-Haas Racing. “Cancer impacts all of us. I bet there are very few people out there who don’t know someone impacted by breast cancer. My friend had a double mastectomy as a preemptive strike because she actually tested positive for the breast cancer gene. She went through everything and hopefully avoided it, but it hit close to home.

“If we all work together, we can help make a difference,” Patrick added. “Whether it’s starting a conversation or inspiring donations, every little bit helps. That’s why I’m proud to drive the Warriors in Pink Fusion to help raise awareness for the cause.”

Driving More Good Days

As a preview to marking Breast Cancer Awareness month, Patrick helped kick things off with Ford Warriors in Pink by surprising patients with racing lessons at Chicagoland Speedway Sept. 20. These special events being held across the country are designed to help tap into a newfound fearlessness patients and survivors tend to experience by giving them free access to engage in new thrills and challenges.

To empower people to take action and support their loved ones, Ford Warriors in Pink launched its More Good Days initiative in 2015. Since then, the program has delivered more than 80,000 More Good Days experiences across the country – ranging from rides to treatment centers to special patient surprises including racing lessons and more.

“Each year, we ask ourselves what more we can do,” said Tracy Magee, Ford Warriors in Pink brand manager. “Through strategic collaborations and engaging experiences, we hope to continue to raise awareness and encourage friends, families and loved ones to help in simple but meaningful ways.”

Ford Warriors in Pink has been unrelenting for 23 years working to help breast cancer patients and their families. To date, Ford has dedicated more than $133 million to research, education and patient resources.

To join Danica Patrick and Ford Warriors in Pink in the fight against breast cancer, please visit FordCares.com to access free tips, tools and resources that make it easy to give breast cancer patients More Good Days.

courtesy: media.ford.com

Ford Ups Focus on Employee Well-being With Added Parental Leave, Redesigned Campus, Wanderlust Mindfulness Event

Ford Ups Focus on Employee Well-being With Added Parental Leave, Redesigned Campus, Wanderlust Mindfulness Event

Ford Ups Focus on Employee Well-being With Added Parental Leave, Redesigned Campus, Wanderlust Mindfulness Event

Ford is helping to make employee lives better by providing new families more time to develop crucial bonds, designing a new Dearborn campus to support worker wellness, and offering a Wellbeing + Wanderlust @Ford event to build excitement amongst employees about focusing on their health.

As part of the new approach to achieving well-being, Ford is initiating a New Parent Days benefit for its U.S. salaried employees. New Parent Days include 10 days of flexible paid leave for fathers and adoptive parents that can be taken anytime during the first year following the birth or adoption of a child. Mothers recovering from birth can also take the additional 10 days anytime in the first year, or add it to their maternity leave, for up to 10 paid weeks off.

“We are tipping the scales in favor of more flexibility, giving parents a better opportunity to secure the bonds that are so essential to a child’s future well-being,” said Kiersten Robinson, executive director, Ford human resources, global markets. “We believe helping employees live healthier lives and reducing stress will go a long way toward ensuring better personal and professional productivity, while improving the fitness of the company overall.”

In addition to continuing to offer traditional health benefits, Ford is shifting to a more holistic approach focused on individual well-being. The company will continue to offer traditional health benefits as part of a comprehensive approach that aims to ensure opportunities for employees to find not only professional fulfilment, social inclusion and financial stability, but also to achieve a balance of physical, mental and emotional health.

Ford Ups Focus on Employee Well-being With Added Parental Leave, Redesigned Campus, Wanderlust Mindfulness Event

Promoting well-being in the workplace is not just a company priority – it’s what people want. Nearly 80 percent of American adults believe mindfulness matters, that it’s not just a fad, while 58 percent say they consciously try to disconnect from their devices to improve their well-being, according to Ford’s 2016 Trend Report. Bettering individual well-being and improving company fitness go hand-in-hand.

Ford’s Dearborn campus transformation is playing a significant role in the company’s enhanced approach to employee well-being. The 10-year project includes redesigned office space with a focus on wellness, collaboration and sustainability. Treadmill desks and ergonomically designed workstations aim to promote movement, while wellness and reflection rooms for prayer and meditation encourage employees to take breaks to recharge. Even the landscapes around Ford World Headquarters will undergo massive renovation – becoming more eco-friendly and sustainable while creating a more walkable campus.

To jump-start employee interest in their overall health, and to demonstrate its commitment to employee well-being, Ford is teaming with Wanderlust, a leader in the mindful movement, for a Wellbeing + Wanderlust @Ford event this Friday at Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. Hundreds of employees have already registered to participate in mindfulness activities throughout the day, including yoga on the lawn, meditation, coloring tables and an oxygen bar.

Several Ford partners in the initiative will be on hand to provide tips to reduce stress and improve overall health. According to the clinical advocacy group Health Advocate, stress-related illnesses can cost a business between $200 and $300 billion a year in lost productivity.

courtesy: media.ford.com

New Ford F-series Super Duty Limited Sets Bar For Luxury, Technology

New Ford F-series Super Duty Limited Sets Bar For Luxury, Technology

New Ford F-series Super Duty Limited Sets Bar For Luxury, Technology

Ford – America’s truck leader – today pulls off the wraps of a new F-Series Super Duty Limited that sets new luxury standards for high-end heavy-duty truckers.

With pricing at $87,100, the F-450 Limited delivers technology and comfort previously reserved only in premium flagship sedans, and it’s capable enough to tow more than 30,000 lbs. – about the weight of a stealthy Air Force F-35 fighter plane.

“The Super Duty lineup is a win for all of our customers, from successful ranchers to contractors to RV owners,” said Todd Eckert, Ford Truck group marketing manager. “Super Duty Limited is the most luxurious and advanced heavy-duty pickup truck ever created by Ford for accomplished buyers, with appetites for the high life and hard-earned dollars to match.”

Starting MSRPs (including $1,295 destination; taxes and fees not included) are:

  • F-250 Super Duty Limited 4×4                      $80,835
  • F-350 Super Duty Limited 4×4                      $82,010
  • F-450 Super Duty Limited 4×4                      $87,100

Customers who check every option box can top one out for as much as $94,455.

What’s the point?

“There are heavy-duty truck customers who need Super Duty-level capability and want true luxury,” Eckert said. “We created this new truck to answer the call for even more premium choices in the Super Duty range as we see more and more truck customers trending to more premium models.”

More than 50 percent of the Super Duty lineup’s retail sales this year are high-end models – including Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum series. Limited goes even further.

“Imagine opening the door to your humidor and sinking into your favorite leather lounge chair – that’s the sensation new Super Duty Limited inspires,” said Ford design manager Aileen Barraza.

Custom Camelback two-tone leather seats, premium stitched leather-wrapped steering wheel, armrests and instrument panel, Miko® suede headliner, hand-finished dark ash wood trim, special badging set the interior apart. Outside, a special twin-bar satin grille with chrome accents, quad-beam LED lights and satin-finished tailgate applique are Limited’s unique calling cards. Each Limited also has a dedicated serial number laser-etched on the center console armrest.

Most Super Duty tech ever

Beyond the hand-crafting, Super Duty Limited comes standard with advanced and innovative features to get the job done on ranches, in marinas and everywhere in between. This includes:

  • Class-exclusive high-definition 360-degree camera with Trailer Reverse Guidance
  • Class-exclusive SYNC® 3
  • Class-exclusive BLIS® with trailer coverage
  • Class-exclusive adaptive cruise control
  • Class-exclusive adaptive steering
  • Lane-keeping alert
  • Forward collision warning with brake support
  • Class-exclusive flat rear load floor with fold-up locking storage
  • Class-exclusive quad-beam LED headlamps
  • Full panoramic moonroof with retractable shade
  • Heated and ventilated front seats, plus heated rear seats
  • Leather-trimmed, heated steering wheel

Is Ford backing away from heavy-duty truck buyers with fewer greenbacks? No way!

Ford has a heavy-duty pickup truck for every customer – from work-ready F-250 XL starting at $32,890 to top-of-the-line F-450 Limited starting at $87,100.

Super Duty Limited crew cab arrives this winter with Ford’s 6.7-liter Power Stroke® diesel V8 across F-250, F-350 and F-450 single- or dual-rear-wheel configurations.

courtesy: media.ford.com