Press Release: Justice Assistance Recognizes Community Changemakers at 44th Neil J. Houston, Jr. Memorial Awards
From Left to Right: The Honorable Magistrate John F. McBurney, III, Chelsea A. Kelly, Esq., Kevin Barry, The Honorable Chief Judge Jeanne E. LaFazia, Victoria Almeida, Esq., Jane Quinlan
Providence, R.I. (22 October 2026) - Justice Assistance recognized six community changemakers at the 44th Neil J. Houston, Jr. Memorial Awards on October 22. As Rhode Island's leading nonprofit creating pathways to opportunity, stability and brighter futures for individuals impacted by the justice system, Justice Assistance honors leaders whose work is making a measurable difference in the state’s criminal justice system.
Named in honor of the brother of Justice Assistance Founder Jon Houston, whose career in public service and criminal justice reform inspired the creation of Justice Assistance, the Neil J. Houston, Jr. Memorial Awards recognize leaders committed to changing Rhode Island's criminal justice environment for the better.
"The Neil J. Houston, Jr. Memorial Awards is a reminder that making a lasting difference in Rhode Island is bigger than any one organization or person. It requires a collective commitment to making a measurable difference at every stage of the justice system," said Jake Bissaillon, CEO of Justice Assistance. "This year’s recipients — judges, attorneys and career law enforcement officials — have helped make the system fairer, more effective and easier to navigate for individuals working to take accountability and rebuild their lives."
“As a member of the Rhode Island Public Defender’s Office for nearly 20 years, I am very familiar with the cracks, and sometimes canyons, in our justice system,” said Justice Assistance Board Chair Angela Yingling. “During my time on Justice Assistance’s board of directors, I have seen how the organization has expanded its services to address these gaps and support justice-involved individuals. I look forward to helping ensure Justice Assistance continues this essential work.”
The Jonathan J. Houston Founder's Award
The Jonathan J. Houston Founder’s Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate and personify the spirit of selfless service, and has made significant contributions toward the quality of life of individuals. In 2024 Justice Assistance’s board of directors voted unanimously to rename this award for the organization’s founder and former chief executive officer, Jonathan J. Houston. After leading the organization for over 45 years, Mr. Houston has transitioned into a much-deserved retirement.
The Honorable Jeanne E. LaFazia
Chief Judge, RI District Court
Chief Judge Jeanne E. LaFazia joined the Rhode Island District Court in 2002 and became Chief Judge in 2010 after a career in civil litigation and law firm leadership. She established Rhode Island’s first Veterans Treatment Court and Mental Health Treatment Court and expanded access to justice through initiatives including mediation services and an eviction help desk, advancing a more accessible, rehabilitative, and community-centered judicial system.
The Neil J. Houston, Jr. Memorial Award
The Neil J. Houston, Jr. Memorial Award honors public servants whose work has had a measurable impact in improving the criminal justice system. This year, three Rhode Islanders who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, service, and commitment to the justice profession and the public interest received the award.
Kevin Barry
Lt. Colonel (Ret), RI State Police
Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Kevin Barry served 27 years with the Rhode Island State Police, rising to lieutenant colonel, deputy superintendent, and chief of field operations while working in narcotics investigations, counterterrorism, recruit training, and department leadership. He received five Division of State Police commendations during this career. After retiring in 2021, he founded Fit 2 Serve to help current and aspiring public safety professionals improve their physical readiness.
John F. McBurney, III
Magistrate, RI Superior Court
The Honorable John F. McBurney, III built a legal career in Pawtucket, served 36 years in the Rhode Island Senate, and later became Chief Judge of the Pawtucket Municipal and Housing Court before serving as a magistrate in Rhode Island Superior Court. He is recognized for his decades of public service and his commitment to fairness, dignity, and effective administration of justice.
Jane Quinlan
Administrative Clerk, RI Traffic Tribunal
Jane Quinlan has dedicated more than 20 years to the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal. Having served in nearly every division, she helped modernize court operations through standardized procedures and an innovative color-coded pass system, earning recognition for her dedication to public service and her compassionate support of motorists, attorneys, and colleagues.
The Edward V. Healey, Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award
Named in honor of RI Family Court Senior Associate Judge Edward V. Healey, Jr., this award honors those individuals who have demonstrated a lifetime of committed service and citizen contribution to the justice profession and public interest.
Victoria Almeida, Esq.
Vice Chairperson, RI Patrole Board
Victoria M. Almeida is an attorney and former principal at Adler Pollock & Sheehan P.C. who has served on the Rhode Island Parole Board since 1984, making her its longest-serving member. The first woman appointed assistant executive counsel to a Rhode Island governor, she has also served as an associate municipal court judge and president of the Rhode Island Bar Association while maintaining a longstanding commitment to community service and access to justice.
The R. Kevin Horan Emerging Leader Award
Named for one of Justice Assistance’s founding members and former member of our board of directors, this award recognizes a young professional who intends to lead a career with meaningful, long-term improvements to the justice and has demonstrated an enthusiasm and ability to impact his or her community in an effective and meaningful manner.
Chelsea A. Kelly, Esq.
Attorney, CK Law, LLC
Chelsea A. Kelly, Esq., founder of CK Law, LLC, spent more than a decade with the Rhode Island Public Defender’s Office, representing indigent clients and serving in Recovery Court and Veterans Treatment Court. She established the Office’s Expungement and Sealing Unit and helped launch a partnership with Justice Assistance that now provides monthly record-clearing services to approximately 30 to 40 Rhode Islanders, continuing her commitment to expanding access to justice.
###
About Justice Assistance:
Founded in 1978, Justice Assistance provides wraparound services for justice-involved individuals across Rhode Island, including court-based case management, reentry support, affordable housing, legal support services, and integrated behavioral and primary healthcare. Over the past several years, the organization 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. Together, these efforts reflect Justice Assistance’s mission to promote dignity, restore opportunity, and build pathways to stability for Rhode Islanders.