Ford Launches $10 Million Program to Support Detroit Neighborhoods

[cman710]

Obviously, this program will be in limited size, but it is nonetheless encouraging to see Ford participating in the community.

The centerpiece of the program is the new Ford Resource and Engagement Center. It will be opened at the Mexicantown Mercado building in southwest Detroit. Under the arrangement, the building – which has been unused in recent years – will offer cultural and job training programs and other community services, including a Gleaners client choice food service center. Ford Fund will provide funding to local nonprofits to implement these programs and also provide the resources to operate the facility for at least four years.
...
Ford also is announcing it will “adopt” the Patton Recreation Center in southwest Detroit. Presently designated as a senior center, Ford will provide funding to add a wide variety of youth programming at the center, including arts, gymnastics, lacrosse, karate and swimming.

In addition, Ford will provide funding for the Brighter Future Summer Camp at Patton Recreation Center. The camp will offer 80 to 90 youth a meaningful and fun youth summer camp experience. Ford Fund also will provide a limited number of scholarships for youth to attend Camp Brighter Future.

“The Operation Brighter Future – Detroit initiative supports Ford’s work to build a better world,” said Mark Fields, chief operating officer, Ford Motor Company. “We are excited to contribute this $10 million investment toward services and support that will empower families and strengthen the community.”

Other initiatives in Operation Brighter Future – Detroit include:

• Donation to the Public Safety Foundation of two F-Series chassis, which will be turned into new ambulances for the city of Detroit
• Support for Greening of Detroit and its projects to turn abandoned sites into parks
• Funding for the Detroit Summer Youth Employment program that provides training and work experience for youth ages 14 to 21

Click here for the full article.

[Bham1982]

The Mexicantown Mercado is actually going to be used? Shocking.

Apparently, when it was planned, someone forgot to tell the State that the Mexican community hasn't lived near the bridge for 50 years now. The original "Mexicantown" around Bagley has almost no Mexicans.

They're all further south and west, along Vernor and Springwells, and now stretching into Downriver.

[DetroitPlanner]

Good for Ford! Maybe the big landowner down there will start chipping in!