WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — Community members from local social service agencies received awards for their efforts to address elder abuse on Thursday.
The Saint Elizabeth Community recognized 17 individuals who collaborated with the Haven for Elder Justice for the past year. Three of those recognized received awards as a part of this year’s World Elder Abuse Awareness Day at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick.
“The Saint Elizabeth Haven for Elder Justice collaborates with so many dedicated community partners, but none of it would be possible without the leadership of our program director, Jeanne Gattegno,” Matt Trimble, President and CEO of Saint Elizabeth Community.
Trimble noted many of Gattegno’s accomplishments, including expanding the safe shelter program, training hundreds of law enforcement officers, launching an elder abuse helpline and forming the Rhode Island Coalition for Elder Justice.
“Jeanne joined us with the intent of helping us for one year to increase awareness of Elder Abuse and Justice in our community. She remained with us for much more than a year and we are thankful for her commitment,” Trimble concluded.
Those honored and awarded for their contributions to the work with the Haven for Elder Justice are as follows:
- Omayra Alvelo from R.I. Legal Services
- Steven Bagian, ESQ from R.I. Legal Services
- Corrinne Besaw from Hebert Health Center
- Jasmine Brunelle from Woonsocket Housing Authority
- Carmen Castillo from Hebert Health Center
- Aileen Cepeda from the Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center
- Angela Dennett from the Office of Healthy Aging
- Mickaela Driscoll from the Office of the Attorney General
- Karen Faria from Hebert Health Center
- Tim Hammond from the Woonsocket Police Department
- Adela Hogan-Caron from R.I. Legal Services
- Dan Ormond from Tri-County Community Action
- Cadi Piontowski from Day One
- Linda Plays from Habitat for Humanity
- Joao Ramos from the Office of Healthy Aging
- Shirley Roy from the Crime Victim Compensation Program
- Linda Wheeler-Ominunu from Hebert Health Center