WOONSOCKET, RI – On April 1st and 2nd, over 60 local leaders, service providers, and public safety professionals gathered at Millrace on South Main Street to participate in a transformative two-day Situation Table training. Delivered by Cordata’s Operation Save Lives (O2SL) and QRT National, the training marked the latest step in Rhode Island’s innovative approach to enhancing community safety and health outcomes.
The Situation Table is a rapid-response, multidisciplinary intervention model designed to address individuals and families facing acutely elevated risk (AER). Originally launched in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, in 2011 by the Global Network for Community Safety, the model has since expanded to over 160 sites across Canada and more than 30 sites in the United States. Woonsocket is now the second Rhode Island community to implement a Situation Table, following Newport-Middletown earlier this year.
The Woonsocket Situation Table was created through a collaboration between the Mayor’s Office, the Woonsocket Education Department, and the Beloved Woonsocket Workgroup with inspiration from Woonsocket resident, and 2022 Transform Rhode Island Scholarship Winner, Mariam Kaba (WHS ’24). A special thanks to the Rhode Island Foundation, Leadership RI, and Papitto Opportunity Connection (TRIS) for their support of this training.
The training was made possible through the leadership of Mayor Christopher Beauchamp and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patrick McGee, who each played pivotal roles in bringing the initiative to the city. Dr. McGee’s full-day participation on the first day of training underscored the Woonsocket School Department’s commitment to the initiative.
“With the Situation Table in Woonsocket, we are not just creating a new protocol or process—we are building a new culture of collaboration and care for our most vulnerable residents. This initiative has the potential to transform the way we address complex issues like homelessness, substance abuse, mental health crises, domestic violence, and more. We are making an investment in the future of Woonsocket, in building a stronger, safer, and more resilient community for all.” said Mayor Beauchamp.
Local champions Margaux Morisseau, Woonsocket’s Director of Human Services, and Gigi DiBello of the Woonsocket Education Department were instrumental in organizing and facilitating the training. Participants represented a diverse group of stakeholders, including:
- Beacon Charter School for the Arts
- Blackstone Valley Prevention Coalition
- Boys & Girls Club of Northern RI
- Community Care Alliance
- Connecting for Children and Families
- Crisis Intervention Team of Rhode Island
- TIDES
- Woonsocket Fire and Police Departments
- Woonsocket Education Department
- Multiple state and local human service agencies
- Multiple cities exploring future tables (e.g., East Providence, Coventry)
The training incorporated mock scenarios, risk intervention planning, and collaborative problem-solving exercises, helping participants understand the fidelity and structure of the table model. One participant noted, “The mock situation scenarios were extremely effective. Seeing how the table works in practice was invaluable.” Another added, “I am very grateful for this opportunity to bring this resource to Woonsocket.”
“This initiative is the culmination of months of planning and WED is fully invested in its success.” Dr. McGee, Superintendent, WED
The Woonsocket Situation Table is set to officially launch on Wednesday, April 23, with a mission to break down silos among service providers and ensure individuals and families receive timely, wraparound support before crises escalate.
“The Situation Table allows us to bring together multiple agencies to address high-risk cases before they escalate into emergencies,” said Chief Cahill of the Woonsocket Fire Department. “It’s about proactive intervention – getting people help the help they need before it’s too late. We’re proud to help lead this effort and be a part of a collaborative approach that will truly make a difference in our community.”
For more information about the Situation Table or to bring one to your community, please contact:
* Scott Allen – scott.allen@cordatahealth.com
* Mike Botieri – mike.botieri@cordatahealth.com
* Dan Meloy – dan.meloy@cordatahealth.com