On Friday, June 8, 19 community leaders from 9 countries around the world made a difference in the lives of some of the most vulnerable citizens of New York City, delivering meals, and hope, to the clients of God’s Love We Deliver.

The 19 volunteers were participating in the 2012 Ford Motor Company International Fellowship of the 92nd Street Y (www.92y.org/ford) and included a Congolese youth advocate, a Zambian disease prevention expert, and a Mongolian quilter and a business woman who teaches impoverished women how to quilt for a living.

The Ford Fellows made meal deliveries to clients in SoHo and midtown Manhattan. They also spent time hearing from God’s Love We Deliver President & CEO Karen Pearl, about the challenges and tremendous satisfaction that comes with cooking and delivering more than 22,000 meals every week to clients living with severe illness, their children and caregivers.

“We are so pleased to host the Ford Fellows today and to have them volunteer to deliver meals to our clients,” said Karen Pearl. “We are humbled by the significant work each of them is doing as not-for-profit leaders in their own communities around the world and proud to welcome them into the God’s Love family.”

The “Ford Fellows” program, developed by 92Y and generously underwritten by Ford Motor Company Fund, has welcomed 253 fellows from 65 countries since its inception 12 years ago; for a world map of alumni, visit http://bit.ly/AfZ7CT.

Alison Gardy, Director of International Relations at 92nd Street Y, said, “In today’s inter-connected world, survival depends on being able to communicate who you are and what you do to very different audiences. It’s not enough for community leaders to do great work, they also need to build relationships with people outside their usual circles – other NGO and business leaders, government officials, academics and potential donors from all over the world. Alumni tell us that this program provides them with exactly the kind of skills and access they need.”

“As a global enterprise, Ford Motor Company Fund is proud to foster community development and partnership in countries across the globe,” said Jim Vella, President, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. “The Ford Fellows participating in this program are truly making a difference in the world.”

Please view this video of the 2012 Ford Fellowship that includes a glimpse of the Fellows with God’s Love!