About Us
Our Mission
SACRI’s mission is to advance the rights, dignity, and quality of life for Rhode Island’s older adults and individuals with disabilities through bold legislative advocacy, rigorous policy research, and inclusive and educational community engagement. We strive to identify, expand, and amplify access to critical state and local community resources through our efforts – championing policies reinforcing healthcare, housing, transportation, consumer protection, and economic well-being –
enabling Rhode Island’s older adults and persons with disabilities to thrive with dignity, independence, and equity.
Our History
Founded in 2002 as a program of the Gray Panthers of Rhode Island, the Senior Agenda Coalition has been a leading organization for aging adults in Rhode Island . The Coalition prioritizes issues that help older Rhode Islanders maintain choice and dignity in their living and social environments. It is a voice for the protection and promotion of public and private programs that protect aging adults’ quality of life.
Our Work
The Coalition’s research and public education efforts have helped win a number of victories for aging adults, including increased funding for home and community-based care programs, support for aging adult centers, a wrap-around prescription drug program to help aging adults on Medicare Part D, and improvements for public transportation.
Our Strength
One of the Coalition’s greatest strengths is our ability to engage our coalition members in our mission and work collaboratively with other organizations. Our intent and core purpose is to create and sustain this collaborative effort. The Senior Agenda Coalition conducts ongoing research on local and nationwide “best practices and policies” in aging adult-specific topics such as long term care.
Our Focus on Policy Change
The Coalition monitors federal and particularly state legislation affecting aging adults. Our members attend hearings, provide testimony, and attend meetings to educate legislators about our views on legislation that directly affects them. We also monitor the implementation of legislation and work with state agencies on the development of regulations relevant to aging adult programs.
Our Staff
Carol Anne Costa, Executive Director
Carol Anne comes to SACRI from a lengthy career in public service, including working in the Raimondo Administration and most recently as the Constituent Service Coordinator for the RI Office of Attorney General. She gained valuable institutional knowledge at the state and federal levels in positions including Superior Court Clerk in the Rhode Island Judiciary and heading the Court’s Education Initiative, Justice Rules; Executive Director of National Utility Contractors of RI (NUCARI) and her managerial role at the Johnston Housing Authority.
“Inspiring people to think, act, and advocate in their own best interest is something I believe in deeply, but more, something I do well. I am eager to begin to mobilize people, achieve legislative power, and improve the quality of life for older Rhode Islanders through effective advocacy.”
Carol was a contributing writer and photographer for The Valley Breeze and The Rhode Island Catholic, and a Mindsetter columnist for GoLocal Media.
Carol earned a Bachelor of Arts from Rhode Island College, holds certifications in public housing and education, and is an inductee of the RI Tennis Coaches Hall of Fame and recipient of the Governor John Notte Award for public access programming.
Carol.costa@sacri.orgKaren Hollands- Administrator
Karen Hollands comes to SACRI from her role as Data Base Administrator for the Diocese of Providence. Karen also heads up administration and operations of the Liverpool International Soccer academy. She is proficient in property management and real estate closing support. Karen holds various certifications in data base management. Karen enjoys volunteering and mentoring. She is a tremendous asset to the Senior Agenda Coalition of RI.
karen.hollands@sacri.orgMaureen Maigret- Policy Advisor
Maureen Maigret, RN, BS, MPA, is a consultant to the Senior Agenda Coalition on long term care and aging adult services policy. Maureen brings a wealth of both policy and political expertise to her work. She has served as Director of the RI Department of Elderly Affairs, a 5-term elected State Representative from Warwick, and Policy Director for former Lt. Governor Charles Fogarty.
Ms. Maigret worked as a registered nurse in various health care settings for twenty years prior to her positions in state government. She has received awards from numerous organizations for her leadership in public policy and advocacy. Maureen also consults with a number of other organizations on matters of long term care.
Board Members
Rose AndrioleSecretary
Kamila BarzykowskiTreasurer
Michael CassidyVice- Chair
Lisa RanglinDirector
Linda A’Vant-DeishinniDirector
Terry FogertyDirector
Christine GadboisDirector
Kathleen McKeonChair
Susan Saccoccia-OlsonDirector
Guia SanchezDirector
Diane SantosDirector
Charlene F. TraynumDirector
Community Partners
