135 Annual Meeting Celebrates Advocates, Public Servants and Direct Care Workers
Community Care Alliance (CCA) hosted its 135th Annual Celebration & Meeting on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at St. James Episcopal Church, 24 Hamlet Avenue, Woonsocket, Rhode Island with Board of Directors, staff, Friends of CCA, and community leaders, advocates, and supporters in attendance. Rev. Jeffrey Thomas, Board Chair, led the business meeting in which the slate of Directors and Officers was approved unanimously, effective July 1, 2026. The event celebrated progress, partnership, and advocacy in action.
The event featured Rhode Island State Senator Melissa Murray (District 24: Woonsocket, North Smithfield) as the keynote speaker. Senator Murray previously served two terms on the Woonsocket City Council before her election to the Rhode Island Senate in November 2018.
As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health & Human Services, Senator Murray has led significant efforts to improve healthcare access, affordability, and system stability. Her legislative work includes protecting Rhode Islanders from medical debt-related credit issues, reducing prior authorization barriers, and expanding access to HIV prevention treatments. She has also championed mental and behavioral health initiatives, including legislation codifying the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and BH Link programs into state law. In 2024, she was named the Mental Health Association of Rhode Island’s Legislator of the Year.
Advocacy in Action Award
CCA presented the Advocacy in Action Award to Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha in recognition of his leadership and commitment to protecting vulnerable populations. Attorney General Neronha was honored for his work to safeguard critical services, including leading multistate legal efforts that have successfully challenged federal actions affecting vulnerable communities. Under his leadership, Rhode Island has secured more than $315 million in settlements and life-saving medications tied to the opioid crisis, supporting prevention, response, and recovery efforts and contributing to declining overdose death rates statewide.
Paul Dempster Award
CCA presented the Paul Dempster Award to Margaux Morisseau, Director of Human Services for the City of Woonsocket. The award honors the legacy of Paul Dempster, founder of the Woonsocket Shelter and the Because He Lives soup kitchen, and recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to serve others—particularly those who are vulnerable or in crisis.
Margaux Morisseau exemplifies these values through more than 30 years of compassionate leadership and community building. In her current role, she has led efforts to address housing instability and homelessness, helped establish Woonsocket’s Situation Table, strengthened collaboration across organizations, and worked directly with residents to connect them to critical resources. Her lifelong commitment to civic engagement, leadership, and partnership reflects Paul Dempster’s vision of a collaborative and inclusive system of care, making her a fitting recipient of this year’s award.
Sankofa Praxis Award
CCA honored Benedict F. Lessing, Jr. with the Sankofa Praxis Award for a lifetime of leadership and transformative community impact. The award recognizes individuals who combine learning, reflection, and action to create lasting change.
With over 30 years in community action and mental health, including 25+ years as President and CEO of Community Care Alliance, Ben has advanced equity, strengthened communities, and led with compassion and vision. He championed a culture of inclusion through initiatives like CCA’s Culture Committee and programs fostering dialogue and understanding.
His leadership reflects the spirit of Sankofa—learning from the past to build a more equitable future—and has inspired lasting organizational and community impact.
Ubuntu Award
CCA recognized Care Coordinator, Pauline Giguere, as the 2026 Ubuntu Honorable Nominee for her compassion, dedication, and commitment to helping others. Pauline goes above and beyond to support clients and the Woonsocket community, connecting people with resources, coordinating donations, and helping turn apartments into homes. She also strengthens CCA through her leadership of the holiday basket program and creation of the “Shout Out” staff recognition initiative. A trusted advocate and problem-solver, Pauline’s empathy and positivity make her an invaluable member of CCA.
“Community Care Alliance is proud to celebrate the remarkable individuals who make a difference every day—through advocacy, public service, and direct care,” said Rev. Jeffrey Thomas, Board Chair.
The Annual Celebration & Meeting is open to community members and stakeholders interested in learning more about CCA’s work and engaging with leaders shaping the future of healthcare and human services in Rhode Island.