Justice Assistance Honors Five Leaders and a Future Advocate at 43rd Annual Neil J. Houston, Jr. Memorial Awards

2025 Neil J. Houston, Jr. Memorial Awards Honorees
Left to Right: Major David A. Lapatin, The Honorable Alice B. Gibney (Edward V. Healey, Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award), Christopher Gontarz, Esq, Chief Paul Martinelli
Not Pictured: Michelle Alves

2025 Francis J. Darigan, Jr. Scholarship Recipient
Left to Right: Gianna J. DelMonico, Jacob Bissaillon (CEO of Justice Assistance)

For Immediate Release                                                          Contact: Keith Whitt
October 17, 2025                                                                    Marketing & Development Officer
P: (401) 781-7000 ext. 12
E: kwhitt@justiceassistance.org 

Justice Assistance Honors Five Leaders and a Future Advocate at 43rd Annual Neil J. Houston, Jr. Memorial Awards

Providence, RI – Justice Assistance recognized five Rhode Islanders for their outstanding contributions to the state’s justice system and one promising law student for her academic achievement and commitment to service at the 43rd Annual Neil J. Houston, Jr. Memorial Awards, held on Thursday, October 9, 2025.

Since 1981, Justice Assistance has presented the Neil J. Houston, Jr. Memorial Award to individuals who exemplify dedication, integrity, and service to the justice system and public interest. In 1988, the award was renamed in memory of Neil J. Houston, Jr., a pioneering advocate whose leadership helped shape community-based approaches to justice reform in Rhode Island and beyond. You can learn more about Neil’s accomplishments previous award recipients here: Neil J. Houston, Jr. Memorial Award Page.

The 2025 Neil J. Houston, Jr. Memorial Award recipients are:

- Michelle Alves, Chief, Criminal Trial Division, Office of the Rhode Island Public Defender
- Major David A. Lapatin, Investigative Division, Providence Police Department
- Christopher Gontarz, Esq., President, Rhode Island Bar Association
- Rhode Island Division of Sheriffs, for its collective commitment to safety, professionalism, and integrity in Rhode Island’s courts

Justice Assistance also presented the Edward V. Healey, Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award to The Honorable Alice B. Gibney, Presiding Justice of the Rhode Island Superior Court. Established in 2009, the award honors individuals who have dedicated their careers to advancing justice and public service. Named after the late Judge Edward V. Healey, Jr.—a respected Family Court jurist and national leader in juvenile justice reform—the award is selectively presented by the CEO of Justice Assistance and reserved for past recipients of the Neil J. Houston, Jr. Memorial Award.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award in memory of Judge Healey, who was a kind and thoughtful leader in our Family Court system,” said Presiding Justice Alice B. Gibney. “He set an example of fairness and empathy that continues to guide so many of us who serve on the bench. I also want to thank Justice Assistance for the vital work it does every day to facilitate the administration of justice in a kind and compassionate way throughout our state.”

In addition, the Francis J. Darigan, Jr. Scholarship—named in honor of Judge Francis J. Darigan, Jr. for his enduring commitment to fairness, mentorship, and community—was presented to Gianna J. DelMonico, a second-year student at Roger Williams University School of Law. The scholarship supports future leaders in the legal profession who demonstrate a passion for public service and a commitment to justice. Gianna is a Smithfield native and graduate of Rhode Island College.

“The individuals we celebrated this year remind us that justice is not an abstract concept – it's a daily practice of empathy, fairness, and hope,” said KC Brody, President of the Justice Assistance Board of Directors. “Their consistent dedication inspires changes, strengthens our institutions, and reaffirms that these critical values are the cornerstones of a just society.”

“This year’s honorees reflect the enduring mission of Justice Assistance and the legacy of Neil J. Houston, Jr.,” said Jake Bissaillon, Chief Executive Officer of Justice Assistance. “Their leadership and service strengthens our communities, expands opportunity, and reminds us that justice must be measured not only by fairness in the courtroom, but by dignity and compassion in service to others.”

Since its founding in 1978, Justice Assistance has partnered with Rhode Island’s courts, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations to empower justice-involved individuals. Through its comprehensive programs, JA provides pathways to employment, housing, healthcare, and behavioral health to help thousands of Rhode Islanders rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose. Over the past 18 months, Justice Assistance has launched JA Health & Wellness, an integrated primary and behavioral health clinic in Cranston, and expanded its Habitat for Justice program to include more than 30 units of affordable housing across 15 properties. Together, these initiatives reflect the organization’s enduring mission to promote dignity, restore opportunity, and build lasting pathways to stability for all Rhode Islanders.

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