FBI San Francisco honors ‘Sisters of the Holy Family’

Members of the FBI San Francisco Field Office and Sisters of the Holy Family pose for a photo following the award presentation for the 2012 Director’s Community Leadership Award by Acting Special Agent in Charge Joel Moss. From left to right, top row: Assistant Special Agent in Charge Robert McMenomy, Supervisory Special Agent Michael Frame, Special Agent Diana Cin, Supervisory Special Agent Kevin Sherburne; middle row: Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael Gavin, Acting Special Agent in Charge Joel Moss, Community Outreach Specialist Roselie Custodio, Supervisory Special Agent Steven Merrill; front row: Sister Elaine Sanchez, Sister Gladys Guenther, Sister Caritas Foster. EDWARD LEDDA/FBI PHOTO

SAN FRANCISCO – FBI’s San Francisco Field Office, acting special in charge Joel Moss presented the 2012 Director’s Community Leadership Award to Sisters of the Holy Family for their work in raising awareness on human trafficking and Internet safety at a ceremony held recently.

“I am honored to recognize Sisters of the Holy Family for making a difference in our community,” said Moss.  “Their advocacy for ending human trafficking and working with both parents and children in Internet safety mirrors the FBI’s efforts in building a safer community. They personify the true meaning of this award by identifying a need and making it their personal mission to raise awareness for some of the worst crimes targeting our youth. We are grateful for their continued efforts and untiring work.”

The annual award was created in 1990 as a way 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.

“We are truly grateful for this award,” said Sister Gladys Guenther, president of the Sisters of the Holy Family.  “This honor reinforces our commitment to raising awareness for victims of human trafficking and crimes against children, offering creative means and legislative advocacy for victims of these terrible crimes.”

Sisters of the Holy Family has spearheaded efforts to raise awareness against human trafficking and educating people about the importance of Internet safety in the Bay Area.  Earlier this year, they organized a series of educational presentations with the FBI on these issues.

Sisters of the Holy Family was founded in San Francisco in 1872 and was established to meet the needs of underprivileged children and families.  The organization now serves families and children throughout the country and provides services such as education and personal growth programs, grief counseling, hospital visits, childcare, social work and a host of collaborative projects to meet emerging needs of the communities they serve.

For more information about the Director’s Community Leadership Award, contact FBI Community Outreach Specialist Roselie Custodio at 415-558-2505.