WESTLAND, Mich.,–– Ford has moved past the days of simply being a company in Dearborn and the Detroit metro area. Today, it is a global organization with operations in many different countries. It has employed 202,000 people since December 2017. Today, Ford is no longer just known for the invention of the Model T and its association with the founder of the company, Henry Ford. The global perspective of Ford has allowed it to grow into the behemoth it is today by producing some of the most cutting-edge cars out there. Ford Motor Company has taken its global platform to Romania, where the automaker’s philanthropic arm, the Ford Motor Company Fund, will establish the Ford Resource and Engagement Center (FREC), the first of its kind in Europe. Social entrepreneurship will be the focus of FREC.
The FREC, financed through a $1 million investment over four years from the Ford Motor Company Fund in cooperation with GlobalGiving, will place its focus on bringing recent graduates of and students from the University of Craiova to help create sustainable and innovative ways to drive economic and social progress. An additional $100,000 will come from a multi-year agreement between GlobalGiving, Ford Motor Company Fund’s international grant making partner, and EDUCOL. FREC also originates from a partnership with the Asociatia Pentry Educatie SV Oltenia (EDUCOL), a non-profit organization that looks to maximize development, employment opportunities, and training for young persons. It works with the City Hall of Craiova that will provide building premises. Building refurbishment is already underway via the support of Ford employees. The academic community and students at the University of Craiova are playing a big role.
FREC’s focus is to make an impact on the quality of life, job growth, and economic potential of the Oltenia region. It will also work to bring together various educational leaders, Ford volunteers, mentors, and different non-profit partners. It will assist various residents to develop new talents, celebrate their communities, and add new skills to their resumes. The many graduates and students will be asked to submit any proposals they might have by an early September deadline. The first winners would be announced at an inauguration ceremony in October. Access to FREC facilities and a start-up grant will be given to each team.
“Ford Fund has a proud tradition of strengthening the communities that are home to our employees, dealers, suppliers and customers,” Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services President Jim Vella stated. “We are excited to bring our transformational Ford Resource and Engagement Center model to Europe and provide access to opportunities and resources that will help make people’s lives better in Romania.”
Ford’s activities in Romania have stretched beyond their FREC work. They have also established a “Listen to your heart” free of charge cardio-vascular disease screening program; a Ford Driving Skills for Life safe driver training program; and the creation of a Vocational Training Center that specializes in electrical and mechanical engineering. The Ford safe driver training program’s reach is to over 2,500 teenagers through in-school seminars and over 1,000 young drivers throughout Romania annually.
While Ford is active in other parts of the world, it is also crafting beautiful new cars each and every day. North Brothers Ford has beautiful models that might satisfy your automotive desires. Take a look through our vast inventory of vehicles and you may find yourself driving off in style not too long after.
North Brothers Ford is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185 and proudly serves as one of the premier dealerships in Metro Detroit, and is committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at 855-739-2023, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!
