Source: US FBI
PHILADELPHIA—Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs is pleased to announce New Day to Stop Trafficking (NDTST) as the recipient of the 2025 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA) for the Philadelphia Field Office.
On Monday, July 21, 2025, Director Heather La Rocca accepted this award on NDTST’s behalf.
The Salvation Army’s New Day to Stop Trafficking exists to foster safety, prevent re-victimization and advocate for social change for survivors and those at risk of human trafficking through trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and accessible services. The New Day Drop-In Center welcomes women in the Kensington area who were exploited by the commercial sex industry into a safe and trauma informed environment. FBI Philadelphia has been working with NDTST for over eight years to provide education and awareness around human trafficking.
“The Salvation Army’s New Day to Stop Trafficking has shown an extraordinary commitment to raising awareness about the critical issue of human trafficking and supporting survivors in our city” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “Their staff’s tireless commitment to advocacy, education, and support truly embodies the spirit of the Director’s Community Leadership Award. We are proud to recognize their valuable partnership with our office and their dedication to making our community a safer place.”
The DCLA honors those who are meeting community needs and working to promote safeness in the community. NDTST exemplifies these standards through their continuous work in bridging the gaps within the community and working with law enforcement to recover victims and provide the support that they need. NDTST works with Philadelphia Police Department on human trafficking recovery and will refer victims and survivors who are ready to speak about the experience to the FBI.
The Director’s Community Leadership Award, presented on behalf of the Director of the FBI, was formally created in 1990 as a way to honor individuals and organizations for their efforts in combating crime, terrorism, drugs, and violence in America.
More information about FBI Philadelphia’s Community Outreach Program is available at https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/philadelphia/community-outreach.