Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of San Antonio Inc., Selected to Receive FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award

Aaron C. Rouse, Acting Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the San Antonio Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), is pleased to announce that Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of San Antonio Inc., was selected as a recipient of the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award for 2013. Acting SAC Rouse made an official announcement and presented a certificate to Catholic Charities president/chief executive officer J. Antonio Fernandez at a private ceremony today at the San Antonio FBI Office. Representing Catholic Charities, Mr. Fernandez and his guests will attend a formal ceremony next week in Washington, D.C., where FBI Director James B. Comey will present him, along with approximately 58 other recipients from across the country, with a formal award.

Since 1990, the FBI, through its Community Outreach Program, has recognized the achievements of individuals or organizations for their supportive efforts in contributing to a safer community by presenting the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award. Annually, the special agent in charge of each FBI field office selects an individual or organization that has made a significant impact to their community to receive the award.

The San Antonio Division is honored to recognize Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of San Antonio Inc., as its recipient for the 2013 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award for its strong commitment to providing services and assistance to help strengthen families and individuals in coping with life’s challenges, including a growing refugee population.

For the past 72 years, Catholic Charities has provided culturally sensitive programs, bilingual services, and care for San Antonio families. Catholic Charities also operates the oldest recognized immigration certification program in Texas and is the only Texas agency that provides legal guardianship services.

For families that have been or are currently involved with Child Protective Services, Catholic Charities offers the Building Strong Families and Great Start Plus home-based parenting education programs to improve parent-child interaction, increase the families’ protective factors, and reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect. Additionally, the Refugee Services Program, the largest of all of Catholic Charities programs, aids refugees who have been resettled in the United States through the U.S. Department of State.

These efforts and Catholic Charities’ leadership and involvement throughout San Antonio and the surrounding area are a reflection of the organization’s commitment to having a safer community.