FORD VOLUNTEERS WORK FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

DEARBORN, Mich., March 3 – More than 375 Ford employees and retirees are working to build a better life and a brighter future for young people who have already seen their share of hardship.

MODEL Teams of Ford volunteers are painting, building and cleaning up shelters, schools and children’s homes throughout Southeast Michigan. They are freshening up the physical environment where the children live and learn, and they are also brightening the future outlook for the kids, providing much needed hope that better days are ahead in their young lives.

“Ford volunteers working in their schools and homes show these children that people care about them and want them to succeed in life,†said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. “Ford and its employees and retirees remain committed to building stronger communities and a better world. Strengthening families and helping children is the best way to support a strong foundation for happy, successful lives.â€Â

Many of the organizations benefiting from today’s volunteer effort also receive Ford mini-grants of up to $5,000 to buy the tools and supplies needed to complete their projects. More than $50,000 in mini-grants has been awarded to participating agencies, including:

* Alternatives for Girls – Detroit
* Boy Scouts of America – D bar A Ranch, Metamora
* Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries – Wildwood Ranch, Howell
* FirstStep – Wayne
* Focus: HOPE – Detroit
* Habitat for Humanity – Huron Valley, Ypsilanti
* HAVEN – Pontiac
* Methodist Children’s Home Society – Redford
* Penrickton Center for Blind Children – Taylor
* Salvation Army – Echo Grove Camp, Leonard
* Starfish Family Services – Inkster
* Vista Maria – Dearborn Heights

Accelerated Action Days are concentrated one-day efforts to meet critical needs identified by our agency partners. This is the first Accelerated Action Day in 2009. In May, we will focus on outdoor projects and the environment. During Ford Global Week of Caring in September, we will have an Accelerated Action Day to address safety and shelter needs under the theme Community Building. Feeding the hungry and other human services will receive the emphasis in December.

“These are difficult times and the need is great, whether it’s renovating a building, distributing food or aiding a family,†said Janet Lawson, director, Ford Volunteer Corps. “We’re doing our part as a company and as individuals because it will take contributions from all of us to improve the lives of people in need to create a better world.â€Â

In 2008, more than 18,000 Ford employees volunteered 100,000 hours to help people in their local communities. That’s the equivalent of nearly $2 million dollars of in-kind corporate contributions.

Ford Motor Company encourages salaried employees to take two work days per year and volunteer their services in their local communities.