LACASA-Compassion. Courage. Hope.

LACASACENTER.ORG

One of the local organizations we support, as I am sure you know if you follow Brighton Ford on FB and social media is LACASA- located in Howell on Grand River between Vg's at Tomato Brothers but on the south side of the road. 2895 W. Grand River Ave. 

They are Celebrating their 35th Anniversary in 2016! What does LACASA do for our community? Who do they help? Is it just for battered women? Is it a safe house? We can tell you, it is so much more!

LACASA's MISSION: We support and advocate for survivors of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault. We provide prevention, education and awareness to strengthen families and make our community safer.

LACASA Center provides comprehensive services for victims and survivors of child abuse, sexual assault and domestic violence. Over 25 programs are offered.


LACASA provides a safety net of support- You will receive immediate help, hope and critical resources when you connect with us. A few of the service include 24/7 toll-free Help Line, Crisis Shelter, Safe Pet Place, New Transitions housing program, Counseling Center, Support Groups, Legal Advocacy Program

If you–or someone you know–is living in a violent household or abusive relationship, If child abuse is suspected please call our Crisis Line. Advocates are available 24/7 and will offer insights and solutions.

What is a Within These Walls Tour?

Please come and bring a friend to a Within These Walls Tour in 2016. The free monthly events are an amazing use of 1 hour. You will hear stories of inspiration and learn how LACASA helps victims from our community. Learning the history, local statistics and touring the building will have an impact on you-I promise. 

• Wednesday, January 20th at 6 pm
• Thursday, February 18th at 6 pm
• Thursday, March 24th at 6 pm
• Saturday, April 23rd at 10 am
• Wednesday, May 18th at 6 pm
• Thursday, June 16th at 6 pm
• Wednesday, July 20th at 6 pm
• Thursday, August 18th at 6 pm
• Wednesday, September 21st at 6 pm
• Thursday, October 20th at 6 pm
• Wednesday, November 16th at 6 pm 

Additional tours can be scheduled on a special date that works best for your group, book club, church group or civic organization. RSVP REQUIRED -Space is limited! 
For more information contact Deanna Norris at 517-548-1350 or email: dnorris@lacasacenter.org

Please visit www.lacasacenter.org for detailed information, volunteer opportunities and to learn more about what LACASA does for our community. 

What is a ....35th Anniversary Giving Challenge #

 Your Donation is Tripled   #$1 = $3 

 #

A generous anonymous donor is helping LACASA launch their 35th anniversary celebration by matching every dollar you donate in 2015 with two additional dollars. That means your donation will have triple the impact for victims and survivors from our community.

 #

See LACASA's  Annual Appeal Message 

from Mike Murphy, LACASA Chair

#

Dear Friend of LACASA,

This has been an amazing year with many wonderful things happening thanks to the support we’ve received from generous friends and community partners like you. We launched a new College Safe seminar for high school seniors preparing to leave home for the first time. We created a Call Us First campaign to encourage sexual assault victims to reach out for help. We welcomed a unique new staff member. These are just a few of the ways we have put your contributions to work to prevent interpersonal violence and empower survivors.

Only with your help can LACASA continue to provide critical services at no cost to victims of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault. Now, as we near 2016 and prepare to celebrate 35 years of serving Livingston County families in need, I am excited to invite you to participate in an incredible Anniversary Challenge.

A generous LACASA donor will match every single dollar you donate with two additional dollars which will triple the impact of your contribution this year.  

I’ll tell you more about the challenge in a moment. First, I’d like to share with you a quick story about our new canine staff member and the difference she is making in victims’ lives.

  LACASA 35th Anniversary Challenge
                 As I mentioned earlier, a generous LACASA donor has offered to triple the impact of every dollar we receive. We must raise $35,000. When we reach that goal, our donor will contribute an additional $70,000 for a total of $105,000.
My personal challenge to you: Help LACASA raise $35,000 for 35 years of service!

 Where will my money go?

LACASA is an independent non-profit agency. We rely on fundraising events and private donations to provide crucial programs and services that are not funded by grants.

Donating to LACASA means 100% of your contribution stays local. I shared information with you about some of the important new programs made possible by past support from our friends in the community. In addition to sustaining those programs, dollars you donate this year will ensure the continuation of these vital programs:

• CARE (Child Abuse Response Effort) Project. This program assures abused children are interviewed only once during the investigative process, while members of law enforcement, legal and social service agencies observe from behind a one-way mirror. Your dollars enable us to reduce trauma to victimized children.
• Support for Domestic Violence Victims and their Children. Your contribution will help clothe and feed victims who are forced to flee from their homes to the safety of our shelter with few personal belongings.
• Sexual Assault Response Center. LACASA provides a private setting for victims to be seen by nurses specially trained to examine adult and child victims. Our nurses are on-call 24/7.
• Parent Education & Prevention Programs. LACASA educators teach parents, school personnel, child care providers and other professionals to prevent child abuse and teach adolescents about healthy relationships.

Please help today

Your generosity provides victims with immediate support in times of crisis. It helps victims become survivors. It gives parents and child caregivers the tools they need to raise children who are happy, healthy and whole. Your generosity creates a stronger, safer community for all of us.

Please give to LACASA today, and know that every dollar you donate will have triple the impact!

Warm thanks,

Mike Murphy

LACASA Board of Directors Chair, Livingston County Undersheriff

We are so proud to support LACASA for all they do for our community.  Our Community Relations Director, Karen Swieczkowski is also on the Board of Directors at LACASA. If you have any questions, please reach out and contact her. 

email: KarenS@BrightonFord.com or 810-227-1171 x4431

Brighton Ford is located at 8240 Grand River Ave. just north of I-96 in Brighton. We are a family owned and operated business that strives for customer satisfaction. For more information on Brighton Ford visit BrightonFord.com or give us a call at (800) 836-8206. Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

#GetOnBoardWithBrightonFord
#BelieveInOurCommunity 

#LACASA 

Salvation Army of Livingston County and Brighton Ford

We are pleased to be a Gold Sponsor for this year’s Red Tie Gala Event at Mt. Brighton on November 7^th, 2015.  If you have not reserved your tickets, there is still time.  

Please help kick off the Christmas season by supporting The Salvation Army's Red Tie Gala Saturday, November 7th 6pm-10pm at Mt. Brighton- Cruise around the world while enjoying food and entertainment from India, Scotland, South Africa and more! 

To Purchase Your Tickets: Text 2015gala to 41444 or http://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/livingston/gala
Only $50 per person, $90 per couple or $270 per reserved table of 6. Includes dinner, dancing and entertainment! Questions, More Information: Contact April adertian@usc.salvationarmy.org or 517-546-4750 ext 344

From season to season Brighton Ford is proud to support The Salvation Army of Livingston County in many ways. Some are in the cold and some are when its warm. We enjoy "Fill a Ford" Food Drives, Bell Ringing, Volunteering for the Toy Shop before Christmas, "Clays For A Cause"-Clay Shoot, The Golf Outing, Summer Lunch Bunch (A summer feeding program where 24,385 meals were served this summer), Selling shields for The Red Kettle Christmas in July Campaign in our service department, Brighton Ford is a drop off location for "Coats for Kids", and new for us this year-The Red Tie Gala. Our support and your support is what allows assistance for so many local families in need.  Please check out The Salvation Army of Livingston County- on Lake St. in Howell, MI.  It’s the Church and Services Office.

Holiday Giving Opportunities with the Salvation Army of Livingston County

www.SalvationArmyLivingston.org or www.facebook.com/salvationarmylivingston

The Salvation Army of Livingston County is looking for individuals and groups to help provide HOPE and JOY to almost 900 families this holiday season. Together we can ensure families are not faced with the hard choices of paying a bill or providing Christmas for their children. With friends like you, The Salvation Army of Livingston County can provide resources that restore HOPE and JOY to the holidays. PLEASE CONSIDER ONE OF THE MANY GIVING OPPORTUNITIES THAT GO ALONG WAY IN MAKING CHRISTMAS POSSIBLE FOR SO MANY LIVINGSTON COUNTY RESIDENTS. Monetary Donations, Fill-A-Stocking, Angel Tree tags, Adopt-A-Family, Coats for Kids, Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Bell Ringing, and Volunteering are all ways you can help this year. We hope you choose one or more! See you at the Gala!

We have tons of new and used vehicles for you to check out, or even take them out for a test drive. Brighton Ford is located at 8240 Grand River Ave. just north of I-96 in Brighton. We are a family owned and operated business that strives for customer satisfaction. For more information on Brighton Ford visit BrightonFord.com or give us a call at (800) 836-8206. Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram 

For more information on community events and how to get involved call our Community Relations Director, Karen Swieczkowski at 810-227-1171 x4431 or email at KarenS@BrightonFord.com

#GetOnBoardWithBrightonFord #BelieveinourCommunity #BrightonFord

#IBelieve #BrightonFord #TheSalvationArmyofLivingstonCounty #RedTieGala

#DoingTheMostGood 

The All-New Shelby GT350R Rolled off the Line at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant

BRIGHTON, Mich. - Recently one of the most iconic and historic performance vehicles roared out of the factory, ready to meet the mean streets of the Motor City. The all-new Shelby GT350R rolled off the line at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant to thunderous applause and wonder!

The brand-new GT350 Mustang is Ford Motor Co.'s most athletic and well-know Mustang ever, and is designed to take on the world's most challenging roads and racetracks while creating an exhilarating experience for the driver.

Bill Ford, Executive Chairman of Ford Motor Co. stated that this was indeed a very special day for the automaker. He also state that, "We have taken the GT350 formula to the next level of innovation, style and performance. Today, the legend continues." Born and raised on the track, the all-new Shelby GT350R rolled off the line at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant ready to take on any other vehicle in its way. 

If you would like more information on how to get your hands on Dearborn's own racing machine, stop by your Howell area used car and truck dealership! Brighton Ford is located at 8240 Grand River Ave. just north of I-96 in Brighton. We are a family owned and operated business that strives for customer satisfaction. For more information on Brighton Ford visit BrightonFord.com or give us a call at (800) 836-8206. 

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ and Instagram. 

#GetOnBoardWithBrightonFord
#WeBelieveInOurCommunity

The Ford Fusion Made a 100% Jump In Sales Since Its 2005 Launch

BRIGHTON, Mich. - Recently Ford Motor Co. announced that the Ford Fusion made a 100% jump in sales since its 2005 launch! Let's check how the Fusion made out against its main competition: the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry. The Fusion jumped from 142,000 vehicles sold in 2006, it's first year of sale, to 306,000 in 2014. The Honda Accord went from 354,000 vehicles sold to 388,000 while the Toyota Camry sales fell, from 448,000 vehicles sold to 428,000.

In its short yet successful life, the Fusion has taken home multiple awards including Motor Trend 2010 Car of the Year, J.D Power and Associates Most Dependable Midsize Car for the Money in 2012 U.S News and World Report, and many others. Since its 2013 complete model redesign, the Fusion not only brought sexy back to the "vanilla" midsize segment but it also brought back sales numbers.

Erich Merkle, Ford Sales Analyst states that, "Fusion is achieving growth in all the right places, especially in California, the largest midsize sedan market in the country, followed by Texas. Since its introduction, Fusion has grown at almost six times the rate of the overall segment."

It is no surprise to anyone here at your local Howell Area Used Car Dealer that the Ford Fusion made a 100% jump in sales since its 2005 launch! The Fusion is a favorite here on our lot, and we currently have many available to take out for a test-drive! Currently, our favorite is this 2016 Fusion Hybrid in Titanium!  We have tons of used and new Ford models waiting at Brighton Ford, so stop by your Howell Area Used Car Dealer today! Brighton Ford is located at 8240 Grand River Ave. just north of I-96 in Brighton. We are a family owned and operated business that strives for customer satisfaction. For more information on Brighton Ford visit BrightonFord.com or give us a call at (800) 836-8206. Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ and Instagram.

#GetOnBoardWithBrightonFord
#WeBelieveInOurCommunity

Ford Motor Co. Goes to the Extreme in Cold Weather Testing

BRIGHTON, Mich. - Just living through one Michigan winter is enough to understand that cold-weather testing is a VERY important aspect of vehicle design. Ford Motor Co. goes to the extreme in cold weather testing, pushing its vehicles through the worst weather conditions imaginable at the McKinley Climatic Laboratory at Eglin Air Force Base in the Florida panhandle.

Ford tests vehicles of all sizes – from the Focus to the F-150 Super Duty – at this state-of-the-art military facility, which pushes the limits of extreme cold-weather testing in order to improve vehicle quality and performance. Engineers at the facility can bring the temperatures down to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit in a span of just 10 hours. The hot and humid climate of the western part of Florida has little to no effect on the frigid temperatures inside the facility which makes it ideal for simulating the icy conditions of a winter in Alaska's Prudhoe Bay or Canada's Yellowknife region.

Typically, engineers are nowhere near a naturally frigid environment in the middle of the automotive development stage. This stage just so happens to be around the middle of the summertime, thus Ford engineers flock to this facility to test their models in the most frigid temperatures available to them.

Even though most us are not working the frozen regions of Alaska or the Yellowknife region of Canada, Michigan winters can get pretty dangerous, which is why feeling confident in your automobile during the winter is so essential. Engineers have the opportunity to accommodate 75 global production models of various sizes for the rigorous testing. For example, thanks to this rigorous testing, Ford's engineering team was able to recognize  that replacing the metallic plugs in the 6.7-liter engine that powers the current F-Series Super Duty with ceramic gold ones enabled the engine to heat up more quickly and efficiently for a more powerful start.

It's very comforting to know that Ford goes to the extreme in cold weather testing, all to be 100% sure and confident that its vehicles can take you through almost ANYTHING the winter environment can throw at you.  If you would like to stop by and take ANY of our cold weather certified vehicles, feel free! Stop and chat with any of certified sales associates who will be happy to help you find your perfect vehicle. Have some questions about your current models cold weather preparedness? Our excellent service team can answer all of your questions! Stop by your Howell Area Used Car Dealer  today! Brighton Ford is located at 8240 Grand River Ave. just north of I-96 in Brighton. We are a family owned and operated business that strives for customer satisfaction. For more information on Brighton Ford visit BrightonFord.com or give us a call at (800) 836-8206.
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#GetOnBoardWithBrightonFord
#WeBelieveInOurCommunity

Ford Motor Company Has Figured Out A Way To Keep Spiders Out Of Your Vehicle

BRIGHTON, Mich. - Nothing is more frightening than driving down I-96 and seeing out of the corner of your eye an eight-legged passenger by your face! That gave us goosebumps just typing it out, and it has happened to just about everyone. Thankfully for us, Ford Motor Company has figured out a way to keep spiders OUT of your vehicle! 

It looks like Ford engineers have turned into exterminators — for our sanity! There is actually a very common spider species that likes to nest directly under the hood of your vehicle and it can potentially cause big problems which include possible fuel tank cracks that can ignite vehicle fires. The solution to this problem? A state-of-the-art new cylindrical "spider screen" which is being installed on all Ford vehicles starting with the 2016 Focus RS.

The specific arachnid in question is the common Yellow Sac Spider which — according to Michigan State University— is believed to be the spider responsible for more bites to humans than any other spider. This species of spider also is quite the popular car invader as it commonly seeks out car fuel vapor lines to build cocoons for laying eggs or taking shelter. 

When a spider spins a web inside the fuel vapor lines, it can cause blockages that disrupt the flow of the fuel vapor which can generate engine damage. Interestingly a strand of a yellow sac spider's web is as strong as an equally thick strand of steel, according to Ford.

Ford Motor Company has figured out a way to keep spiders out of your vehicle with the Ford patented "spider screen". The screen is just a little bit wider and shorter than the average pinky finger and prevents spiders from entering the fuel lines while also maintaining proper air and vapor flow. It looks like the Yellow Sac Spider and its friends might need to find a new hiding place to spin their webs!

This is just a small example of how Ford Motor Company is always coming up with new ways to make their vehicles better for their customers, and you can count on Ford to always be at the front lines of innovation and technology in the world of automobiles. Think you might want to get your engine's interior fuel vapor line checked for creep crawlies? Stop by your Hartland Area Auto Service Center today! Brighton Ford is located at 8240 Grand River Ave. just north of I-96 in Brighton. We are a family owned and operated business that strives for customer satisfaction. For more information on Brighton Ford visit BrightonFord.com or give us a call at (800) 836-8206.

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#GetOnBoardWithBrightonFord
#WeBelieveInOurCommunity

Ford Motor Company Is Donating Seven Vehicles To The DAV Transportation Network

BRIGHTON, Mich. - Since 1974, Ford Fund has contributed nearly $9.3 million to veteran organizations and this year Ford Motor Company is donating seven vehicles to the DAV Transportation Network. Ford will donate seven Ford Flex utility vehicles to the DAV which will become part of the DAV Transportation Network that enlists volunteer drivers to take sick and disabled veterans to VA medical centers across the country.

The vehicles will be deployed to multiple DAV locations around the country including Little Rock, Ark.; Iowa City, Iowa; Iron Mountain, Mich.; Omaha, Neb.; Portland, Ore.; Salt Lake City; and Seattle. Along with the Flex utility vehicles, the Ford Fund will be sponsoring DAV 5K walks this autumn in Atlanta, Cincinnati and San Diego and will continue supporting the Jesse Brown Memorial Youth Foundation which provides scholarships to young men and women who have volunteered their time to help the disabled veterans of their communities.
Ford Motor Company is donating seven vehicles to the DAV Transportation Network this year while Ford's support for veterans continues to evolve to meet their changing needs. Jim Vella, president of Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services stated, "Transportation and community service are two important areas where Ford excels. We are proud to be able to help these heroes of freedom get the critical services they need to make their lives better."

For more information on how Ford Motor Company and Brighton Ford are changing their communities for the better, visit our Community Involvement page today! We believe in the community we live in! Looking to get your vehicle checked out before you hit the road for those final summer road trips? Stop by our Howell Area Car Repair Center today! Brighton Ford is located at 8240 Grand River Ave. just north of I-96 in Brighton. We are a family owned and operated business that strives for customer satisfaction. For more information on Brighton Ford visit BrightonFord.com or give us a call at (800) 836-8206. 

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#GetOnBoardWithBrightonFord

#WeBelieveInOurCommunity 

New Sport Mode In The 2015 F-150

BRIGHTON, MI – There’s a new sport mode in the 2015 F-150. Ford engineers have combined the sport mode from the new Mustang into the lightweight F-150 for the ultimate driving experience.

Since the Mustang and F-150 were developed around the same time they were also test-driven on the same trips. After the F-150 was driven engineers realized how well the reduced weight design accelerated, so engineers put their heads together and the sport mode was added.

To activate the sport mode, drivers simply press the tow/haul button twice and an amber “S” will appear in the bottom-right of the tachometer. Sport mode works by lowering the frequency of gearshifts and keeping the truck in its “sweet spot” of the powerband. The transmission holds lower gears for a longer period of time to make driving more responsive and fun. 

When the F-150 is in sport mode the driver doesn’t have to push the pedal down as far to reach accelerate. Over the experience gives truck drivers much more control and gives the truck more liveliness. Another feature of the F-150's transmission is the capability to match engine rpm while downshifting in slowing to go around a corner. This technology came right from the Mustang as well. 

The new sport mode in the 2015 F-150 is standard now and you can activate it in any drive. You can see all of our 2015 Ford F-150 inventory online, or stop by and check 'em out in the flesh! Does your current truck need a little TLC? Well bring it by our Brighton Area Car Repair Center today to get your next tune-up! At Brighton Ford, we KNOW trucks, so trust us, we'll take great care of yours!  Brighton Ford is located at 8240 Grand River Ave. just north of I-96 in Brighton. We are a family owned and operated business that strives for customer satisfaction. For more information on Brighton Ford visit BrightonFord.com or give us a call at (800) 836-8206. 

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ and Instagram.  

#GetOnBoardWithBrightonFord

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Tips to Stay Cool in Your Ford This Summer

BRIGHTON, MI – The past couple weeks have been really hot and humid in Michigan! We want to give you a few tips on how to stay cool in your Ford vehicle this summer. These tips will help keep your air conditioner running efficiently and make you more comfortable during your commute.

1. The moment you get into your vehicle, roll your windows down. This will release all the hot air that’s trapped inside.


2. Turn you’re A/C on max to cool everything down. It shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes for this to happen. The A/C in your Ford vehicle works very well, having as much power as an air conditioner in a small house.


3. If you get too cold, don’t keep switching the air on and off. Try to find a constant temperature that you’re comfortable in.


4. When it’s not too hot out, roll your windows down. This is good when you’re driving around town or making a quick trip.


5. Always try to park in the shade or use a reflective windshield shade. This will lower your cabin temperature when you get in the car so you won't have to blast the air right away.


6. If your vehicle has a moonroof, always close the roof shade. This will help reduce the amount of sun shining into your car and lower the cabin temperature as well.


7. If you have a remote start on your vehicle, remember to set the climate temperature before you get out of your car. This way your car is already cool before you even get in.

Follow these tips to stay cool in your Ford this summer. Also remember it’s important to keep up on the maintenance of your vehicle, like changing the air filter and replacing your refrigerant when needed. This will keep you’re A/C running efficiently. If your A/C needs some work done stop by our dealership for your auto service in the Brighton area. Brighton Ford is located at 8240 Grand River Ave. just north of I-96 in Brighton. We are a family owned and operated business that strives for customer satisfaction. For more information on Brighton Ford visit BrightonFord.com or give us a call at (800) 836-8206.

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2015 F-150 Takes The Top Spot In Safety For The Light-Duty Truck Category

BRIGHTON, Mich. - There's been a lot of trash talking lately involving the effectiveness and safety of the new 2015 Ford F-150, but let us clear it up: the 2015 F-150 takes the top spot in safety for the light-duty truck category. Ford's new F-150 is the toughest, lightest, smartest, most capable and safest truck EVER produced and now, Ford Motor Company can add "safest" to the description. The new truck is also the first truck in America to EVER pick up a Highway Safety Top Safety Pick for the SuperCrew model.

The crash-test performance for the F-150 exceeded expectations, thanks in part to its all-steel frame, high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy body and smart engineering. A breakthrough in innovation also was applied to the reparability of the all-new F-150, thanks to its innovative structure that simplifies repairs.

Ford basis their safety tests not by unrealistic stunts, but by real-world situations and accident repair data. A cross functional group comprised of seasoned automotive veterans worked to optimize vehicle weight savings and manufacturing design to deliver improved durability, capability, fuel economy and crash worthiness and that is the reason why the 2015 F-150 takes the top spot in safety for the light-duty truck category. 

Here at Brighton, we are proud of the all-new Ford F-150 and the engineers behind America's favorite truck! If you would like to stop by your Hartland Area Used Ford Dealer and get behind the wheel of one of our many 2015 Ford F-150s on the lot, feel free! Brighton Ford is located at 8240 Grand River Ave. just north of I-96 in Brighton. We are a family owned and operated business that strives for customer satisfaction. For more information on Brighton Ford visit BrightonFord.com or give us a call at (800) 836-8206.

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