FBI Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge Richard T. Thornton announces the awarding of the Director’s Community Leadership Award for 2014 to Pillsbury United Communities of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Pillsbury United Communities (PUC) is being recognized for its continuous and impactful services to more than 54,000 people each year. PUC is a 135-year-old organization whose strength is grounded in diverse neighborhood centers, innovative programs, and social enterprises that work with isolated and underestimated populations to increase choice, inspire change, and strengthen connections across Minneapolis. PUC offers strategic opportunities for people to participate, connect, and organize, building bridges between people affected by decisions and those who make those decisions in order to break through barriers to self-sufficiency.

Pillsbury United Communities currently operates five community centers, a training and development center, and eight social enterprises and authorizes 13 charter schools. The organization’s ability to connect and build relationships with diverse residents, strengthen connections across the Twin Cities region, and inspire change for individuals embodies the essence of this award.

For the organization’s commitment to providing services and opportunities to Minneapolis residents, the FBI recognizes the achievements of Pillsbury United Communities by honoring the nonprofit organization with the 2014 Director’s Community Leadership Award. Accepting the award on behalf of Pillsbury United Communities will be President and CEO Chanda Smith Baker at a ceremony on December 15, 2014, at 9 a.m. at the organization’s Executive Offices, 125 West Broadway Avenue, Suite 130, Minneapolis, Minnesota.