GM Helps Accelerate Resident-Led Community Transformation Plan

Aug 2, 2017 12:30 PM ET

General Motors, The Skillman Foundation and the Cody Rouge Community Action Alliance are collaborating to revitalize and strengthen the Cody Rouge community in Detroit. The groups will amplify collective strengths and capital – both human and financial – to achieve measureable positive change in the neighborhood, which recently announced a strategic, resident-led transformation plan.

GM will invest $225,000 to three nonprofits to support classroom readiness, sustainable employment and neighborhood revitalization, an approach aligning with GM’s social impact strategy for Detroit.

The contributions include:

  • $100,000 to City Year Detroit to support the Whole School Whole Child program
  • $100,000 to Detroit Employment Solutions for the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates program
  • $25,000 to Prevention Network’s Community Connections Small Grants Program

GM’s hometown philanthropic efforts center on building and sustaining a more vibrant Detroit through investments that make the city a great place to learn, work and thrive. This includes building brighter futures for students, promoting long-term success for residents and neighborhoods, and creating a vibrant arts and culture community that increases economic activity and brings people together.

“Over the last several years, we’ve been active in this community, namely through our annual employee volunteer effort,” said Mark Reuss, EVP of global product development, purchasing and supply chain at GM. “This week has drawn more than 2,500 GM employees away from their desks to roll up their sleeves and I’m proud to work with them here today. 

"But once we leave, we know there’s still work to be done. That’s why we’re announcing $225,000 in funding to three deserving nonprofits in partnership with The Skillman Foundation. Together, we’re supporting the next generation of success stories to come out of Cody Rouge.”