Ford Fund, Atlanta Dealers Donate Transit Van, $60,000 to Support At-Risk Youth in Atlanta

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ATLANTA, GA -- Ford Motor Company Fund and Allan Vigil Ford teamed up to donate a new Ford Transit Connect van to Summherhill Community Ministries, a local organization that provides a supportive environment for underprivileged children to empower and encourage them to reach their full potential.

Summerhill Community Ministries is one of 10 at-risk youth organizations supported by local Ford dealers and Ford Fund - the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company. Including today’s program, Ford Fund and local dealers have also invested more than $60,000 in at-risk youth organizations throughout the Atlanta area. The Ford Transit Connect will be used to transport kids to after school programs and other activities.

Summerhill Ministries is part of Atlanta-based Desire Street Ministries, a partnership that believes a physical presence in the neighborhood is the best way to make a positive difference.

“We cannot function without the help of our community,” said Justina Dix, executive director, Summerhill Community Ministries. “With this generous donation from Ford Motor Company Fund and Allan Vigil Ford, we will have safe and reliable transportation for all the children we serve.”

Since 2004, Ford Motor Company Fund has invested more than $11 million to support programs, such as Zoo Atlanta and the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Ford Driving Skills for Life also recently held its award-winning training sessions for new drivers in Atlanta.

Ford’s expanded investments in the Atlanta region are part of Ford Fund’s Operation Better World initiative. Launched in 2008, the Operation Better World framework enables the Ford Fund, Ford dealers and other local groups to collaborate on a strategic approach to philanthropy and more effectively meet community needs. Including Atlanta, the Ford Fund has launched Operation Better World programs in 25 cities and regions around the U.S.