Crystal Anthony, Special Agent in Charge Eric Birnbaum, and Donald Stump. FBI courtesy photo.
SAN DIEGO–The San Diego-based FBI honored North County Lifeline for their service to the community at an awards ceremony held Monday at the FBI’s Sorrento Valley Resident Agency.
Special Agent in Charge Eric Birnbaum presented the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award to North County Lifeline’s Executive Director, Donald Stump, and Project LIFE Program Coordinator, Crystal Anthony.
The Director’s Community Leadership Award was created in 1990 and is awarded to community leaders in each of the FBI’s 56 field offices. The award recognizes those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to keep America and its children safe. It is a way to honor individuals and organizations for their efforts in combating crime, terrorism, drugs, and violence in America.
North County Lifeline builds self-reliance among youth, individuals, and families through problem-solving, skill building, and accessible community-based services.
The FBI says North County Lifeline has become a valuable community partner, leading the effort in northern San Diego County to prevent crime and assist victimized youth and other vulnerable populations.
As a partner in North County’s Human Trafficking Task Force, the emergency services provided to the victims of human trafficking are invaluable, the agency says. They added that the services not only impact the victims but also the federal and local law enforcement officers who dedicate their careers to combating the exploitation of innocent individuals.
Through North County Lifeline’s Project LIFE (Living in Freedom from Exploitation) program, women, men, and children receive the compassionate care and assistance required to pursue a self-reliant lifestyle.
The program also helps law enforcement in eliminating human trafficking throughout their communities. Through their Life Spring program, North County Lifeline also aids former foster youth who have aged out of the system find employment and housing so they can become financially independent and productive citizens.
North County Lifeline was founded in 1969 as a drop-in center for youth with substance abuse problems. According to North County Lifeline, in 1973, they offered over 40 different programs and services to address a broad range of individual, family, and community needs.
