FBI Springfield
Press Office
(217) 522-9675
January 7, 2015

Hoyleton Ministries Recognized as Recipient of FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award for 2014

Sean M. Cox, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Springfield Division, announced that Hoyleton Ministries of Hoyleton, Illinois, has been selected as the recipient of the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award for 2014.

This special award, presented on behalf of the Director of the FBI, was formally created in 1990 as a way to honor individuals and organizations for their efforts in combating terrorism, cyber crime, illegal drugs, gangs, and other crimes leading to violence in America. Hoyleton Ministries is one of 56 individuals or organizations around the United States who will receive this award this year. Hoyleton Ministries is being recognized for their notable service in human trafficking through their “Rescue & Restore” service.

For over 100 years, Hoyleton Ministries has been creating a better world for the children and families they service. They were founded as an orphanage in 1895 and can trace their beginnings back to the former Evangelical and Reformed Church, which later became the United Church of Christ. Through their Rescue & Restore service, they maintain an online resource and referral network of victim services, and they are a leader in the state of Illinois with training for foster parents to become educated about identifying and responding to the needs of underage human trafficking victims. Hoyleton provides “care bags” filled with clothing and personal care products for victims recovered from human trafficking. Hoyleton has been instrumental in educating community service providers through educational programs including a FBI CREST (Community Relations Executive Seminar Training) program and community awareness campaigns, including the Restoring the Balance of Justice Run, a 5-K race/run that was help to celebrate National Crime Victims Rights Week where human trafficking victims and survivors of crime were honored. This event served as an opportunity to promote awareness and pave the way for a healing process for individuals affected by human trafficking. The programs and services provided by Hoyleton Ministries have a positive impact on the community affecting today’s youth and their families. Mr. Christopher Cox is the president and CEO of Hoyleton Ministries, which provides services throughout Southern Illinois.

James B. Comey, Director of the FBI, will present the Director’s Community Leadership Award to Hoyleton Ministries during an official ceremony held at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C., in May 2015.