Oceanside CA— Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Eric Birnbaum, FBI San Diego, is pleased to announce North County Lifeline as the 2014 recipient of the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA). On Monday, December 1, 2014, SAC Birnbaum presented the DCLA to North County Lifeline’s Executive Director, Mr. Donald Stump, and Project LIFE Program Coordinator, Ms. Crystal Anthony during a ceremony held at the FBI San Diego’s Sorrento Valley office.

The DCLA was created in 1990 and is awarded to community leaders in each of the FBI’s 56 field offices. The award recognizes those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to keep America and its children safe. It is a way to honor individuals and organizations for their efforts in combating crime, terrorism, drugs, and violence in America.
North County Lifeline’s mission is to build self-reliance among youth, individuals and families through problem-solving, skill building, and accessible community-based services.
North County Lifeline has become a valuable community partner, leading the effort in northern San Diego County, to prevent crime and assist victimized youth and other vulnerable populations.
As a partner in North County’s Human Trafficking Task Force, the emergency services provided to the victims of human trafficking are invaluable. The services not only impact the victims, but also the federal and local law enforcement officers who dedicate their careers to combating the exploitation of innocent individuals.
Through North County Lifeline’s Project LIFE (Living in Freedom from Exploitation) program, women, men, and children receive the compassionate care and assistance required to pursue a self-reliant lifestyle. The program helps law enforcement in eliminating human trafficking throughout our communities. Through their Life Spring program, North County Lifeline also aids former foster youth who have aged out of the system find employment and housing so they can become financially independent and productive citizens.
North County Lifeline was founded in 1969 as a drop-in center for youth with substance abuse problems. According to North County Lifeline, in 1973 they offered over 40 different programs and services to address a broad range of individual, family, and community needs.
To learn more about North County Lifeline, visit www.nclifeline.org, or contact Director of External Relations, Shannon Stubblefield at sstubblefield@nclifeline.org or (760) 842-6257.
For more information on the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award, contact Community Outreach Specialist, Cheryl Dorenbush, at cheryl.dorenbush@ic.fbi.gov.