In response to the vicious attack against the LGBTQ+ community in Colorado Springs, Colorado, last Friday, Ford Fund is making a $25,000 donation to the local Pikes Peak United Way chapter helping to provide access to essential services for all those impacted in that area.

Working with the United Way, The Ford Fund is increasing resources for counseling, mental health services, grieving and support for the Colorado Springs community will be provided through local partner agencies including Kids Crossing, one of the first foster and adoption agencies in Colorado to sign on an LGBTQ person and actively working with LGBTQ adults and children for foster care placement; and Inside Out Youth Services, a local nonprofit organization where our local Ford Pride members have volunteered in the past, and that’s dedicated to building access, equity, and power within LGBTQIA2+ young people, through leadership, advocacy, community-building, education, and peer support.  

The attack on and loss of lives in the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ community are heartbreaking. @FordFund is supporting neighbors and @FordCredit colleagues there by donating to @ppunitedway  for counseling and resources via @Inside_OutYS, Kids Crossing and @unitedway211. #FordPride
– Jim Farley

The attack came to shake a community as in many places across the country, members, friends, and allies prepared to celebrate the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20^th.

“This bias-motivated, senseless hate crime only reinforces the need to bring awareness, build bridges and continue to promote a society and a company culture where all belong and are welcome and valued for who they are, said Bill Peters, integration lead OGC and Ford Pride chairperson. “While we are still shaken by this heinous attack, we are also grateful to work for an organization that immediately stepped in to support our community.”

The Ford PRIDE ERG leadership immediately sprang into action, sending their support to our LGBTQ+ employees and the Ford Credit team in the area, as well as sharing the resources available through Ford’s Employee Assistant Programs, including the assistance and support for fellow Ford Pride members that are Mental Health First Aiders available via a dedicated WebEx Teams chat space.

Those interested in making a personal donation to help victims can do so through Pikes Peak United Way. Additionally, a drop-in center has been set up at the Satellite Hotel at 411 Lakewood Cir Colorado Springs, CO 80910. GLAAD and One Colorado will be on site all week to provide counseling services and more.