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FBI Directors Community Leadership Award
Shirley Taylor-Prakelt, Davie’s Director of Housing and Community Development, was presented with the prestigious "Director’s Community Leadership Award" from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Assistant Director Cassandra Chandler from the Office of Public Affairs presented the award to Mrs. Taylor-Prakelt at the FBI Headquarters in Washington D.C. on December 7th, on behalf of Director Mueller, who was out of town at the time.
Mrs. Taylor-Prakelt administers multiple Federal and State Grant Programs for the Town, and successfully uses those funds to leverage other public and private resources to assist Davie residents. The FBI noted her "holistic approach" to neighborhood revitalization, which: upgrades the existing housing stock, expands affordable rental and homeownership opportunities, improves and expands the infrastructure, creates or renovates public facilities, promotes self-sufficiency and economic independence, and enhances the quality of Davie's lower-income and minority residents. Mrs. Taylor- Prakelt believes that no single action can "turn a neighborhood around"; rather, the combination of improved housing conditions, adequate infrastructure, crime prevention, education/vocational training, economic development initiatives
(job development/placement), subsidized child care, health care, etc., must be brought together to create a significant and positive impact on the community.
Shirley is known for carefully cultivating partnerships, which result in the provision of new and/or expanded programs and services. Assistant FBI Director Cassandra Chandler noted several noteworthy programs developed by Mrs. Taylor-Prakelt for Davie’s at-risk youth, the frail elderly and people with disabilities, families living in sub-standard or over-crowded housing conditions, and families living in marginal financial situations i.e., those who are unemployed or underemployed, living pay-check to pay-check.
Mrs. Taylor-Prakelt relationship with the FBI began when she met Mr. Jeff Green, Director of Community Outreach, for the FBI’s Miami Division, while the two of them were serving on the United Ways Regional Advisory Council. Mr. Green nominated Ms. Taylor-Prakelt for their inaugural "FBI Citizen Academy". Ultimately, sixteen (16) community, religious, and government leaders from South Florida were selected to participate in a nine (9) week program, which is designed to foster an environment in which the FBI and the community work collaboratively to ensure a crime-free community for all. Participants learned how the FBI deals with Violent Crimes, Drug Dealers, White Collar Crimes, Counterterrorism, and many other areas addressed by the FBI.
Shirley feels very fortunate to have participated in the FBI Citizen Academy, and has developed a close bond with many of her classmates. They are in the process of developing a new not-for-profit foundation, to support future FBI Citizen Academy graduates, and provide philanthropic services throughout South Florida. She has a new found respect for the FBI Agents and Support Personnel, who she said protects our Country, and each citizen on a daily basis, from enemies both abroad and at home.
Davie's partnership with the FBI’s Miami Office, has resulted in FBI Agents and Support Personnel working on the Town’s "Harmony Village Initiative", where they painted and installed roofing tiles on multiple new single-family homes with Habitat for Humanity. The FBI is also planning to work with Mrs. Taylor-Prakelt on Internet Safety Software Programs, mentorship programs, and other activities targeted to at-risk youth.
For additional information about the FBI Community Outreach: (305) 957-7344
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