Justice Assistance Welcomes New Chief Executive Officer
CRANSTON, RI – Jacob Bissaillon, Esq. has been selected as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Justice Assistance, the organization announced today. Bisaillon succeeds Jonathan Houston, who founded the groundbreaking non-profit and served as CEO for the past 46 years. Houston will transition into the role of Executive Chairman.
Justice Assistance was established in 1978 to provide employment services for justice-involved individuals throughout Rhode Island. The organization’s mission is to strengthen the community by providing a unique mix of innovative and critical services to assist our state’s justice system in a way that builds capacity for the people they care for to live safe, productive lives. This is done by connecting them with the resources, opportunities, and guidance necessary for a “second chance.” The Cranston-based non-profit works with victims to navigate all phases of the justice system; assist defendants in completing court ordered requirements to exit the justice system; and provides research and development for community-related programs to improve the administration of justice.
The agency recently announced an expansion of its service delivery to include a full suite of wraparound services under one roof. These new services include Comprehensive Opportunities Resources and Employment Services (“CORES”), JA Health & Wellness, and Habitat for Justice. An investment of the Papitto Opportunity Connection is supporting this work.
“For more than four decades, Justice Assistance has maintained its commitment to helping all Rhode Islanders lead positive, productive, and healthy lives. As we begin our next chapter, I have every confidence that Jake possesses the experience and vision to help us achieve our goals,” said Jonathan J. Houston, Executive Chairman.
“Justice Assistance provides critical support services for victims and justice-involved individuals from victim compensation to job training and healthcare,” said Jacob Bissaillon, Chief Executive Officer of Justice Assistance. “Jon’s advocacy has changed the lives of nearly 200,000 Rhode Islanders. As a result of his vision and dedication, the organization is poised to build on its solid foundation by expanding to in-house healthcare services and housing options for our clients to meet the needs of Rhode Island’s changing population and justice system. I am honored to continue the mission and excited to begin working with the talented team, the committed board and the community as a whole to achieve continued success.”
Justice Assistance helps 1,000 Rhode Islanders a year avoid the revolving door of the criminal justice system. More than 90% of Justice Assistance’s clients have begun a new start as employable citizens with their records expunged. Meanwhile, the organization has overseen the collection of $5.6 million in restitution that has been returned to crime victims.
In June 2023, Justice Assistance announced they would be launching a search for their next Chief Executive. An attorney, Jacob Bissaillon was selected due to his background in justice advocacy and government. Through his work as Chief of Staff to the Rhode Island State Senate, Bissaillon worked on legislation designed to break the cycle of recidivism in Rhode Island. In November of 2023, Bissaillon was elected as Rhode Island’s State Senator for District One.
“The energy that Jake brings to his new role, combined with his years of government service and justice activism, make him uniquely qualified to continue and expand the work of Justice Assistance,” said Cynthia Laughlin, Search Committee Chair.
Bissaillon officially assumed his role as CEO on Monday, December 4th. Houston will remain on the leadership team as executive chairman serving as an advisor to the organization.
“There are few people I have met who have had a greater influence on how victims of crime and offenders are treated and supported than Jonathan Houston,” said founding board member Judge Frank Darigan. “Jon and his colleagues worked tirelessly and selflessly to push back against the stigma and provide dignity and care to individuals and families.”
About Justice Assistance: Justice Assistance has provided justice for all, one person at a time since 1978. Our comprehensive services help victims navigate the justice system and heal, while also helping defendants successfully exit and stay out of the justice system. With a wide range of projects and services, we connect 1,000 Rhode Islanders a year with behavioral and mental healthcare, employment opportunities, counseling, affordable housing and more.
See the highlights from WPRI here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnwjqjS3Vy0
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Left to right: Justice Assistance Board President Deb Moretti, Executive Chairman Jon Houston, Founding Board Member Judge Frank Darigan, Chief Executive Officer Jake Bissaillon, and Search Committee Chair Cindy Laughlin