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How My Family’s Legacy of Volunteering Inspired Me at Ford

Aug 14, 2025


You know that feeling when you’re exactly where you’re meant to be, even if it’s knee-deep in mud? That was me in 2023. Two long, heartbreaking years had passed since devastating floods swept through my beloved Detroit, yet so many homes still hadn’t received help. As a Detroit native, that didn’t sit right with me. I knew I needed to get my hands dirty and my boots on the ground.

So, I joined Team Rubicon, took a few easy steps and before I knew it, I was a Greyshirt volunteer.  One house hit me really hard. A family with two small children had been living with a mucky, ruined basement for over a year. As we dug in, trying to transform that mess into something livable again, I reflected on the teachings of my grandmother and mother, who would often say, “It’s a blessing to be a blessing.”


A legacy of Impact

For the past two decades (yes, two decades!), I've been a proud member of the Ford Volunteer Corps. My very first volunteer project was building a home with Habitat for Humanity. I remember it like it was yesterday, it was a chilly day, and we were doing some painting outdoors. In that moment, I felt this incredible connection to the generations of givers who came before me and Ford’s commitment to serving the community.

Since that first build, Ford has opened so many doors for me to give back to my community, including opportunities with all four partners for Ford Building Together: American Red Cross, Feeding America, Habitat for Humanity and Team Rubicon. I’ve created green spaces for learning with Friends of the Rouge and taught kids how to cook with Gleaners. I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to volunteer and help make a difference in the lives of others.

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Growth Through Service

Looking back on two decades of volunteering , I can honestly say it has transformed me. Every single hour given, every bead of sweat, every shared laugh with fellow volunteers makes a tangible difference. Not just for others, surprisingly, but for those of us who volunteer, too.

My journey began with a single project, rooted in my family's values and nurtured by Ford's long-standing commitment to community service. If you’re thinking about volunteering and don’t know where to start, here’s my gentle nudge: just do it, and you’ll discover the joy of being a blessing to others.

Explore volunteer opportunities to get involved in your community.


Tonishia Holloway is a Ford Test Planner and member of the Ford Volunteer Corps.