Press Release - October 06, 2003

Attorney General John Ashcroft Presents Community Service Award to the Employee Community Outreach Association of the National Drug Intelligence Center

Johnstown, PA - The Employee Community Outreach Association (ECOA) of the National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC) located in Johnstown received the Attorney General's Community Service Award last Tuesday from Attorney General John Ashcroft at the Department of Justice in Washington, DC. Former Deputy Director Virgil Woolley, who oversaw the group, accepted the award on behalf of the agency and ECOA officers President Mark Berezansky, Vice President Judy Inboden, Treasurer Jodi Youngdahl, and Secretary Barbara Nibert accepted the award on behalf of the ECOA.  The 59-member employee association received the award for their exemplary volunteer programs dedicated to serve Johnstown and surrounding communities.

"I wish to congratulate the many dedicated employees at NDIC who freely volunteer their time throughout the year to provide assistance to worthwhile causes in the Johnstown area," said Michael T. Horn, Director of NDIC. "Their volunteer spirit is a testament to their generosity to give back to the community in which they live and work."

Former Deputy Director Virgil Woolley and ECOA Officers accept the Community Service Award on behalf of NDIC at the Justice Department in Washington, D.C.

The ECOA participates in a variety of events to support local charities and community service groups.  Last year the ECOA provided volunteers for a building project with the Habitat for Humanity of Cambria County, PA.  Employees helped to clear a lot in preparation for a home building project in the local area.  Volunteers also participate in several food drives per year donating can food items to the St. Vincent DePaul Food Bank that serves the Cambria County area.

During the winter holiday season, the group coordinates the Treasures for Children program.  Employees donate new holiday gifts for needy children that are delivered by the Salvation Army and Children's Aid.  In addition, ECOA volunteers visit local nursing homes through the Presents for Patients program to bring new holiday gifts, sing holiday carols and provide cookies to the elderly.  The ECOA has also assisted the Cambria County Humane Society with donated pet supplies and cash contributions. 

The largest annual event is the Charity Golf Classic that has raised nearly $45,000 for local charities during the past three years. This year, a total of 28 volunteers donated almost 1,000 hours to make the tournament possible. As a result of their work, the ECOA donated $10,000 this year to Beginnings, a local non-profit association, which provides early intervention services for parents who have children with developmental delays.

The ECOA was established in the spring of 2001 and has grown to 59 members.

The National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC), a component agency of the U.S. Department of Justice, provides policymakers and law enforcement decisionmakers with domestic strategic drug intelligence. 

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