On March 29th Legislator Bridget Fleming nominated Denise Smith-Meacham of Southampton for the 20th Annual Suffolk County Woman of Distinction Award. Historically, each of Suffolk’s eighteen Legislators nominates a notable woman from their district to be chosen as the County’s honoree.
Legislator Fleming chose Smith-Meacham due to her outstanding service to the community. For many years, Smith-Meacham has been creating extracurricular programs for students and aiding families in need throughout the Second Legislative District, demonstrating concern for others and solidarity among all of the east end’s diverse communities.
In setting a true example to her colleagues in the Southampton School District, Smith-Meacham has organized many field trips and projects for students, providing extra-curricular educational opportunities that extend beyond the typical school day. This work has helped to keep students engaged in school and connected to critical services.
Additionally, Smith-Meacham has worked extensively to help feed families facing food and housing insecurity. Her compassion in this area can be seen in her 15-yearlong efforts feeding the homeless through her local Methodist church as well as partnering with Maureen’s Haven, an organization dedicated to finding shelter for homeless individuals. As the COVID-19 pandemic brought forth new challenges to members of the community over the last couple of years, Smith-Meacham not only helped notify families of available vaccine locations, but volunteered countless hours with many non-profits and faith-based groups to help provide food for families in need throughout the east end, including for families in the Shinnecock Nation.
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In Photo: (From L-R) Director of Women’s Services Grace Ioannidis, County Executive Steve Bellone, Lewis Meacham, Denise Smith-Meacham, Pastor Ronald Wilson of King’s Chapel Church of God in Christ, Legislator Bridget Fleming, Andrina Smith, Shinnecock Trustee Kelly Dennis, and Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey