BIRMINGHAM, AL—Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Johnnie Sharp, Jr. announced that One Place of the Shoals is the Birmingham Division recipient of the 2018 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA). SAC Sharp presented a certificate to Executive Director Elizabeth Moore at a press conference today, April 5, 2019, at the One Place of the Shoals facility located in Florence, Alabama.

On May 3, 2019, Ms. Moore will represent One Place of the Shoals at a presentation in Washington, DC, where FBI Director Christopher A. Wray will present the formal award to her and other recipients from across the country. Since 1990, the FBI has recognized individuals and organizations whose achievements in the terrorism, crime, drug, gang, or violence prevention/education field had an exemplary impact on the community. Each year, the SAC of each FBI field office selects an individual or organization that has made a major contribution in these areas.

Opened in 2014, One Place of the Shoals is a collaborative effort to provide services to victims of domestic violence, adult rape and sexual assault, child sexual and physical abuse, and elder abuse in one location.

One Place of the Shoals uses the Family Justice Center model, providing one place for victims to talk to an advocate, plan for their safety, have forensic evidence collected, interview with law enforcement, meet with a lawyer, receive information on shelter, and get help with transportation.

One Place of the Shoals has served thousands of victims in northwest Alabama and they are committed to saving lives, educating the public about the cases worked on, including prevention training.

“One Place of the Shoals provides much needed dignity and empowerment to those they serve,” Sharp said. “I am privileged to be able to recognize their outstanding work, and in some small way express the FBI’s appreciation for what they do every day to assist those who have suffered abuse.”

“Our entire One Place of the Shoals team is so honored to receive this prestigious award,” Moore said.

For more information on One Place of the Shoals, visit their website, www.oneplaceoftheshoals.org