Today, David J. LeValley, special agent in charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office, presented the Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA) for 2018 to Bruce Deel, president of City of Refuge.

As the founder and president of City of Refuge, Bruce Deel is bold, relentless, and unyielding in the fight against poverty and the consequences it has in Atlanta. He founded the organization in 1997 with a mission to help the broken, assist the at-risk, and prevent future crises.

City of Refuge’s mission is to transform the lives of individuals and communities in Atlanta and beyond. The organization has helped over 20,000 people across the country and internationally. It has created several programs designed to provide an impact in areas such as: housing, youth development, health & wellness, and vocation. City of Refuge is a leader in the business of social transformation and continuously works to empower and equip individuals with the tools to succeed.

Located in one of Georgia’s toughest neighborhoods in a sprawling 210,000 square foot warehouse, City of Refuge provides a safe house for victims of sex trafficking, as well as offers training and a host of other services to the disenfranchised and homeless of the city.

For the past 20 years, Bruce Deel’s mission has been to bring light, hope, and transformation to Atlanta and other cities. Bruce brings a sincere level of passion and integrity and is the senior pastor of The Mission Church.

As a credit to his success at City of Refuge, he has received numerous awards and recognitions, including receiving the Bridge Builder Award, and being honored by the Atlanta Braves and People magazine, among many other honors. Bruce has been married to his wife Rhonda for 28 years.

The DCLA, 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 crime, terrorism, drugs, and violence in America.

FBI Director Christopher Wray will personally recognize and honor Bruce Deel at an awards ceremony to be held in Washington, D.C. on April 20, 2018.