The Denver division of the FBI will hold a press conference on December 12, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. to announce its recipients of the 2014 Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA). Special Agent in Charge Thomas P. Ravenelle will present this prestigious award to The Global Refugee Center’s President and Founder Asad Bihi Abdi and Director Collette West of Greeley, Colorado.

The Global Refugee Center’s mission is to provide a sanctuary and source of support for refugees from war torn areas in East Africa. Currently. The Global Refugee Center assists refugees from 23 different countries. Refugees relocated to Colorado seeking work and a new life following years of strife and suffering in their native countries. While many of the refugees are provided with jobs upon arrival in the United States, very few have the skills to transition to life in their new surroundings. The Global Refugee Center was established to assist with the transition by providing training, language education, and economic support. The Global Refugee Center is a 501(c) non-profit organization.

Since 1990, the DCLA has been a principle means for the FBI to publicly recognize the achievements of individuals and organizations that make extraordinary contributions to crime and violence prevention and education in their communities. Each FBI field office selects one individual or organization each year to receive the award.

The press conference will take place at the FBI Denver field office located at 8000 East 36th Avenue in Denver, Colorado, 80238. Those invited, to include the media, are asked to arrive early to allow time to get through security and for equipment set-up.