'I'm Dealing with the Families'

WEST WARWICK, RHODE ISLAND

Beatrice Braisted, Kelly Conaty, Eileen Capporella, Judy DeGraide and Debbie DiFazio never thought they would meet this way. But in response to this city's horrific Station nightclub blaze Feb. 20, that killed nearly 100 people and injured another 180, the five women — Local 2882 (Council 94) members employed by the state's Department of Human Services — gathered to provide financial assistance and counseling to the victims and their families.

The women have come face to face with dozens of mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers whose hearts are heavy after the tragedy. "I didn't know any of these people," Bristol says. "But now I'm dealing with them as if I know them."

For close to three weeks, the employees worked in a makeshift center. "People were very thankful that we were there and able to guide them in whatever help they might need," says Braisted.