When the Automotive Industry Action Group, known as AIAG, was faced with high demand for their newly released Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) 3^rd Edition and Control Plan 1^st Edition manuals, they knew exactly where to get help. By partnering with volunteers from the Judson Center, a non-profit human service agency in Southeast Michigan that provides specialized care in the areas of autism, mental and behavioral health, disabilities, foster care, adoption, and mentoring, the AIAG team not only got their manuals shipped out to automotive OEMs and suppliers around the globe, but they also got more smiles and laughs than they could have ever imagined.

Currently celebrating their 100^th anniversary, the Judson Center focuses on fostering independence in those they serve with innovative programs and partnerships. For the AIAG project, two volunteer teams of four Judson Center volunteers came daily to AIAG headquarters in Southfield, Michigan over the past 10 weeks to prepare the manuals for shipping.

“We are incredibly excited and thankful for the opportunity to engage with the Judson Center volunteers to assist them with skill-building experiences,” explained AIAG CEO Matt Pohlman. “They’ve done an amazing job supporting AIAG and our team has gained more than we gave by working with this incredible group of people from the Judson Center.”

To show gratitude for their success, a luncheon was held in the volunteers’ honor and a donation check was presented by CEO Matt Pohlman to the Judson Center showing their commitment to the organization and community.

“We are thrilled about this great partnership with the Automotive Industry Action Group,” said Judson Center President & CEO Lenora Hardy-Foster. “It is yet another example of how we can create opportunities for people with disabilities and help remove the obstacles preventing them from living up to their full potential. Our continuum of care at Judson Center centers on supporting the dignity, purpose and fulfillment of all our clients.”

Moving forward, AIAG and Judson Center will continue to collaborate as needed, helping Judson Center clients gain knowledge in a unique work environment and helping the global automotive industry continue to thrive with collaborative common processes that save the industry time and money resulting in innovative, high-quality vehicles for consumers.