Located at Fisher Magnet Upper Academy and managed by the Detroit Public Schools Foundation, the Ford Resource and Engagement Center (FREC) on Detroit’s east side provides educational opportunities for area children and increases access to essential services for residents and families.  

Established in October 2017, the center supports thousands of Detroiters with the help of more than 15 nonprofit partners on-site offering programs that emphasize education, provide job training and invest in the next generation of Detroiters.

Core services include a weekly food distribution hub, legal assistance, free tax preparation, job placement services and energy assistance. Students are provided access to after-school programs focused on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) and entrepreneurship skills. The center offers numerous arts, music and cultural activities for residents as well.

The FREC on the city’s east side is part of 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 this facility, Ford Fund has community centers in Southwest Detroit; Pretoria, South Africa; Craiova, Romania; and Bangkok, Thailand. 

Contact Information:
Call: (313) 733-1240
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Address:
15491 Maddelein
Detroit, MI 48205

Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday: Closed


To view a calendar of events, click below

View Calendar


FREC Detroit - East 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.

Detroit Food Academy inspires young Detroiters through culinary arts and food entrepreneurship. Students learn by transforming their ideas into reality and grow as holistic leaders who are healthy, connected and empowered to affect change in our communities.

Detroit Public Schools Foundation is working to create and enhance educational opportunities for students, families and educators with the support needed for college and career readiness for every student.

Eastside Free Legal Clinic provides free and low-cost legal services, and also helps immigrants and refugees with housing and financial needs.

Eastern Market Farm Stand brings fresh fruits and vegetables out into the community through pop-up mobile markets in many Detroit-area locations, including at the FREC.

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.

Jerome Bettis "Bus Stops Here" Foundation is dedicated to improving the overall quality of life for troubled and underprivileged inner-city youth by providing financial resources, educational and recreational programs and mentoring for young people.

Journi empowers individuals from underserved communities by providing essential tech education needed to boost career success, including opportunities to host a business “pop-up” at the FREC.

Matrix Human Services has served the most vulnerable people in metropolitan Detroit for more than 100 years, empowering individuals and families to enhance the quality of their lives and achieve self-sufficiency.

Money Matters for Youth is a nonprofit that teaches financial awareness and literacy to youth ages 8-18, while also encouraging goal setting and collaboration.

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 Solutions – ProsperUS Earn + Learn is an economic development initiative that builds and sustains neighborhood entrepreneurs and small businesses with training, support services and microlending.

St. John Hospital & Medical Center provides health and wellness fairs for the community and the Fisher school.

Teen Hype (Helping Youth by Providing Education) is a movement to empower the next generation of leaders using theater to focus on education and personal development.