Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith is pleased to announce The Foundry as the recipient of the 2019 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA) for the Cleveland Field Division.

The Foundry founders Mike Trebilcock, Chairman and CEO of MCPc, a technology consulting company based in Cleveland, and his wife, Gina, had a vision to build a nonprofit rowing facility that would be accessible for youth of all income levels in Cleveland through outreach programs, and which would also be a world-class rowing facility that would attract and breed national talent. The Foundry’s grand opening celebration was held in September 2017.

Since then, the Foundry has embraced the community through various outreach events centered around rowing and sailing. Some highlighted outreach events from 2019 include:

• provided field trips to students from the “Positive Education Program”, an alternative education and partial hospitalization program with students with special needs, to experience the health and behavioral benefits, along with the fun rowing can bring.
• facilitated a sailing program for visually impaired persons and veterans during the summer of 2019.
• conducted a “rowing academy” for middle school students with Urban Community School.
• partnered with “After School All Stars” to provide rowing and sailing opportunities to students from Woodhill, a part of the Cleveland Metropolitan Housing Authority.
• continued to provide facilities for “School of One”, a school operated through the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, primarily comprised of African American students that receive their education plus an emphasis on giving back to the community.
• hosted Coffee with Cops, where local, state and federal law enforcement officials, school aged students and members of the community attended in an effort to foster a continuing, effective community building relationship.

The Foundry continues to set the standard by identifying key organizations that can assist them in providing resources and training to the community. By being a key partner in the community they are able to bring together private entities, schools, politicians and law enforcement officials. These conversations continue to have a positive impact on the community.

The DCLA was formally created in 1990 as a way to honor individuals and organizations for their efforts in the community. Visit the FBI website at www.fbi.gov for details on the people and organizations who have most recently been recognized around the country for their service above and beyond the call of duty to help keep America and its kids safe.

The Foundry joins the ranks of former Cleveland recipients: Anita Gray, The Fatima Family Center, Robby’s Voice, Dr. Tom Collins, Yvonne Pointer, Fred Szabo, Jimmy Malone, the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, and Toledo’s Second Chance organization.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith said, “It is a privilege to honor The Foundry with the 2019 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award. Our Northern Ohio communities have benefited greatly from the commitment of each of these incredible leaders. On behalf of the FBI, I want to thank The Foundry for the services they have provided and continue to provide to our community, these types of outreach strengthen all of our partnerships.”

For any questions regarding the FBI’s Community Outreach Program, visit www.fbi.gov or contact Cleveland FBI’s Community Outreach Program at 216.522.1400.

For questions regarding this press release, please contact SA Vicki Anderson at 216-522-1400 or at vagregg@fbi.gov.