The Ford Resource and Engagement Center (FREC) in Southwest Detroit provides a community gathering space for residents to develop new talents, learn new skills and access essential services.
Located at the Mexicantown Mercado, the center brings more than 10 nonprofit partners together under one roof to offer critical services and programs, such as a Gleaners client choice food hub, legal assistance, income tax preparation, education and job initiatives, as well as cultural activities for individuals and families in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Since it opened in 2013, FREC Southwest has assisted more than 100,000 local residents, distributed more than 2.7 million pounds of food and helped complete over 11,000 tax returns. In total, the facility has returned $3 in services to the community for every $1 invested by Ford and the nonprofits.
FREC Southwest was the first in a $15 million global network of community centers Ford Fund operates to help carry out its mission of strengthening communities and making people’s lives better. In addition to FREC Southwest, Ford Fund has community centers on the east side of Detroit; in Pretoria, South Africa; Craiova, Romania; and Bangkok, Thailand.
Contact Information:
Call: 313-962-4888
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Address:
2826 Bagley St.
Detroit, MI 48216
Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
To view a calendar of events, click below
FREC Detroit - Southwest Partners
For questions regarding services and to find the most up-to-date program information, please contact our FREC nonprofit partners directly by clicking on their logo below.
Accounting Aid Society is a volunteer income tax assistance program offering free tax and financial services to taxpayers in Detroit and southeast Michigan for 45 years.
Back Alley Bikes is a nonprofit community bike shop focused on cycling education and services, youth development, sustainable practices and community access.
Cinetopia promotes cinema arts in the community through exhibitions and education by bringing celebrated films from around the world to the Detroit area.
DSO on the Go is supported by Ford Fund and brings Detroit Symphony Orchestra performances to Detroit-based organizations that serve the community.
Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan build girls of courage, confidence and character by providing leadership development programming at the FREC that includes learning about robotics, outdoor and first-aid skills, how to protect the environment and entrepreneurship.
Gleaners Community Food Bank operates a client choice food pantry at the FREC as part of its mission to provide households with access to sufficient, nutritious food.
LA SED (Latin Americans Social and Economic Development) assists people of all ages with bilingual services, citizenship classes and community activities, such as gymnastics at the FREC.
Living Arts is a nonprofit that engages Detroit youth, teachers and families in performing, visual, literary and media arts, increasing academic achievement, and developing leadership and artistic skills.
Matrix Theatre Company teaches, creates and shares theatre as an instrument of transformation, in order to build community, improve lives and foster social justice.
SER Metro Detroit Jobs for Progress provides people with the resources needed to create a life of self-sufficiency, including literacy and education programs, job training and employer services – all at a one-stop center at the FREC.
Southwest Detroit Immigrant & Refugee Center provides free and low-cost legal services, and also helps immigrants and refugees with housing and financial needs.