RICKY,Inc
Respecting Individuals with Care & Kindness, You matter
Respecting Individuals with Care & Kindness, You matter
Ricky, Inc. was established in March of 2020 and has been continuously distributing backpacks filled with essential personal needs items and seasonal clothing to persons suffering from homelessness, mental health issues and substance use disorder.
In August 2022 Ricky, Inc. became registered with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Drug Control Program to distribute Naloxone, better known as Narcan. We have started distributing this life-saving nasal spray and will continue to do so for as long as we can.
Thank you to everyone that helped us with our mission to provide relief to this segment of society and we hope to continue to receive your thoughtful and compassionate support.
On Thursday February 28, 2024 Ricky, Inc. hosted a table at the VFW on Winn Street in Burlington, MA. during the bi-weekly "Breakfast & Coffee for a Vet".
This event is held in different locations throughout Middlesex County and provides a valuable resource for veterans that may be struggling with many different life difficulties, including homelessness. It is hosted by the Middlesex County Sheriffs Association, Disabled and Limbless Veterans and the VFW.
Ricky, Inc. was able to distribute "26" backpacks to the veterans that attended and received resource information from Rich.
Pictured above is (L-R) Marcel Haddad, Rich Giacoppo, Mike Giacoppo, Richie Reddican and one of our valued veterans.
As always, Ricky, Inc. was available to provide important information to our veterans.
Included in each of our backpacks was a very detailed resource manual specially designed to help veterans.
This booklet contained dozens of pages of contact information on addiction services (substance use disorder), detox centers, shelters for veterans, suicide detection & prevention, how to get meals and clothing, transitional housing support, women's veterans services, mental health support, how to avoid scams and accidental overdose using pain medication.
The contents of our backpacks was on display for our veterans to see what their new backpack would contain.
Each backpack contained the following:
Winter hat, winter gloves, scarf, fleece blanket, thermal blanket, three pairs of socks, wipes, combs, foot powder, tissues, band aids, bacitracin, condoms, and a hygiene kit including shampoo, shave cream, razors, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, toothbrush case and the all-important Ricky, Inc. Veterans Resource Manual.
Each veteran stopped by our table, received their backpack and told us how incredibly grateful they were for Ricky, Inc. and that they really appreciated and needed these materials.
Ricky, Inc. would like to thank each and every veteran for their service to our country and remind them that we are here to help them in any way that we can.
In February 2024, Lt. Sarah Lyden of the Norwood Police Department was on family vacation with her wife Mandy and brought her Ricky, Inc. tee shirt to the British Virgin Islands.
Sarah and Mandy have been constant supporters of Ricky, Inc. since our inception in 2020 and we value their friendship and loyal support of our organization and our mission.
We are proud to add the "British Virgin Islands" to our growing list of worldwide locations where the Ricky, Inc. tee shirt has been displayed and photographed.
Thank you Sarah & Mandy !
In December 2023 Ricky Inc. provided backpacks to AHOPE, ACCESS, and PAATHS.
Ricky Inc. (Respecting Individuals with Care and Kindness You matter) received a grant from RIZE to provide to programs with children and adolescents SUD related to deliver organization requested needs within an amount of $1,650 each to Youth on Fire, (adolescent and young adult), Waltham House, (Adolescent and Youth Adults in the LGBTQ+ community), Behavioral Health Network (mother and children reunification program).
In 2023 Ricky Inc. provided 32 scholarships to MASH certified sober living homes for individuals seeking recovery through sober living - totaling $26,649.00
In 2023 Ricky Inc. provided 24 Uber Rides to individuals with a financial need to get to Detox, CSS and other important appointments - totaling $1,443.00
In 2023 Ricky Inc. distributed 270 doses of Narcan.
Throughout the year of 2023 Ricky Inc. distributed backpacks to Veteran Substance Use Disorder Programs, Sober living homes, SUD organizations, street outreach to MASS Ave area, Adolescent programs, LGBTQ+ programs, Detox programs, shelters and other such programs.
In 2023 Board Members - Nicholas, Virginia, and Christopher Giacoppo distributed backpacks to the homeless community in Portland, Maine.
In 2024 Ricky Inc. delivered backpacks to the "Boston Backpack Project” and provided numerous supplies as well as 38 doses of Narcan.
In 2024 Ricky Inc. provided one scholarship to a MASH certified Sober living home.
In 2024 Ricky Inc. provided 3 Uber rides to Detox programs.
We will continue with Ricky, Inc. updates in the future.
Any questions regarding Ricky, Inc. please reach me, Rich Giacoppo, at 781-727-6628 or email at Info@rickyinc.org
Ricky, Inc. collaborated with “Boston Backpack Project” by donating winter hats, gloves, scarfs, socks, blankets, men and women undergarments, backpacks, hygiene products and Narcan.
Elaine and Boston Backpack Project thank you for your kindness and collaboration to help so many people in need. Rich my husband was grateful to of had the opportunity to meet all of you.
You are all beautiful women that are loving and know the importance of helping if not one person at a time. To be present, listen, a hug a handshake…you get it. And it does not go unnoticed by those fortunate enough to meet you all.
Elaine and the members of the “Boston Backpack Project” Headed out into Boston and reached I believe up to 70 people in need and gave out again I believe 70 backpacks that afternoon.
Thank you for honoring our precious sons Ricky and Nicholas. The photo of my beautiful Nicholas is at his wedding, I’ve never seen a man so happy than that day. And my handsome mama’s boy Ricky.
Sending you all love and support and remembering all of your beautiful and beloved children.
I hope to meet you all in the future…
I’m in disbelief the unimaginable has happened.
I can’t describe the grief; I know you understand
Love Mary (Bernadette)
“Being a kind and loving person…I want my kindness to be so strong it’s contagious”
By Nicholas Giacoppo
On Thursday February 8, 2024, Ricky, Inc.'s Rich & Christopher Giacoppo attended the New England Golden Gloves Boxing Tournament in Lowell, MA.
While there they met with "Irish" Micky Ward who agreed to become a sponsor for Ricky, Inc. When told about our mission and past help for persons suffering from substance use disorder, Micky emphatically stated "Absolutely, I'd love to become a sponsor for an organization that supports addressing addiction, recovery and helping people".
Micky also runs his own nonprofit charitable organization called Team Micky Ward Charities. They provide financial assistance to children and families in need to help improve their everyday quality of life.
Team Micky Ward Charities | Facebook
Micky was gracious enough to sign a Ricky, Inc. tee shirt and proudly wore it for the photo above.
Of all of the entertainers, professional athletes and world champions that I have met, there is none more personable and friendly than Micky Ward. He makes you feel comfortable speaking with him and does not rush anyone away like some celebrities and other athletes.
Thank you and Best Wishes to Micky Ward and his family.
In June 2014, the Giacoppo family attended the Boxing Hall Of Fame Induction weekend in Canasota, NY.
We were able to meet and mingle with dozens of World Champions. Pictured above is Nicholas Giacoppo with boxing legend and former WBU Welterweight World Champion "Irish" Micky Ward, also known as "The Fighter".
Micky is such an iconic boxer that his story was told by Hollywood in the hit movie "The Fighter" starring Mark Wahlberg as Micky Ward. The movie details his journey through the very tough world of being a boxer with all of its successes and failures, culminating in his winning of the Welterweight Championship of the World.
His three fight Trilogy with Arturo Gatti were so epic that they are considered amongst the best battles in all of boxing history.
The first Ward-Gatti fight was ruled the "Fight of the Year" by Ring Magazine and HBO Boxing called it "one of the 10 greatest fights of all time".
In February 2024 Coach Jim Todd of the Indiana University Men's Basketball program brought his Ricky, Inc. tee shirt into the hallowed halls of the Hoosiers; Assembly Hall where Hall of Fame Coach Bobby Knight once declared as a "Sacred place".
Jim is a consultant to the Hoosiers and Head Basketball Coach Mike Woodson. The team plays in the Big 10 Conference of the NCAA's Division 1 Men's basketball program. The Indiana Men have won "5" NCAA National Championship's, including the 1976 team that has the distinction of being the last NCAA Men's Basketball Champion to be undefeated with an incredible winning record of 32-0. The five NCAA championship banners are proudly displayed on the wall behind Coach Todd
We are very excited that Jim has agreed to be a Celebrity Sponsor to our organization, and he has always been a great supporter of our cause. He stated that he was only more than happy to wear his Ricky, Inc. tee shirt in Indiana and is proud to represent the State of Indiana for the Ricky, Inc. travelling tee shirt. Special Thanks to Jim and his wife Gail.
In case you're wondering what a "Hoosier" is......There was once a contractor named Hoosier who preferred to hire laborers from Indiana. They were called "Hoosier's men" and eventually all Indianans became known as "Hoosiers".
On Saturday January 27, 2024, the Ricky, Inc. van went mobile again and this time stopped in at a new nonprofit organization called the Boston Backpack Project, located in Stoneham, MA.
This great organization receives supplies and material donations that they pack into backpacks and make weekly trips into Boston to distribute these materials to persons experiencing homelessness and substance use disorder (SUD). Many of these hardworking, dedicated volunteers have also suffered personal loses of loved ones from SUD and want to help others in crisis.
Pictured above (L-R)
Judy Kelly, Adele Carchedi, Elaine Mitrano, Rich Giacoppo, Denise Martwichuck, Concetta Como, Jan Marrocco-Merlino
Rich and Bernadette sorted and boxed numerous hygiene products and winter clothing that Rich delivered to the Boston Backpack Project. We look forward to maintaining a close working relationship with this organization for many years.
The materials that were delivered consisted of men's and women's winter hats, gloves, Fleece scarfs, backpacks, handwarmers, blankets, toothbrushes, toothpaste, toothbrush cases, feminine hygiene products, men's and women's underwear, men's and women's socks, Blistex, Bacitracin, Band-Aids, combs and 38 Doses of Naloxone (Narcan - Judy Kelly is trained to distribute).
Thank you to Elaine Mitrano for coordinating this with us.
On Friday January 12, 2024 Ricky, Inc. made its Annual Winter supplies delivery to Boston Public Healths community organizations AHOPE & PAATHS.
This year's delivery was made in individual boxes for individual distribution instead of filled backpacks. The staff at AHOPE & PAATHS stated that this would be a more efficient use of the materials since not everyone uses the same items. They can now fill individual requests for what the person actually needs!
Our winter supplies included hats, gloves, socks, men's & women's underwear, masks, hand warmers, Mylar Thermal blankets, rain ponchos, Fleece blankets, backpacks, Chapstick, band aids, Bacitracin, deodorant, Men's razors and 5 completed hygiene bags for women.
Pictured above with the Ricky, Inc. van (L-R)
Fernando Velasquez - PAATHS Director
Sarah Mackin - AHOPE
Rich Giacoppo - Ricky, Inc.
AHOPE employee
As a result of our November 30, 2023 visit to the Behavioral Health Network for women & children, we received several heart-felt thank you letters. We have posted a couple of samples of the appreciation and gratitude the women and their children have lovingly sent our way.
Dear Ricky, Inc.
I wanted to say, out of the kindness of my heart, Thank You!
I received a bag from you this year, December 2023. This helped me for Christmas for both of my daughters; Karmen & Kalli and we really appreciate the gifts, PJ’s, toys, backpacks, etc.
My daughter Kalli and I were able to eat at McDonalds this past weekend because of you, when I didn’t have the extra money to feed us while we were visiting Santa. I greatly appreciate your gratitude this season. I have 18 months clean & sober today!
“Reading about everything that you guys have helped with in different communities and in different States, makes me open my eyes to see that there’s a lot of kind people out there that care about addiction”.
It’s definitely a long journey and it’s amazing to see that we have help!
Thank you,
Kaitlyn T.
Dear Ricky, Inc.
I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the thoughtful Christmas gifts you gave not only to me, but to all of the women and children of BHN.
“Your generosity and kindness have truly touched my heart”.
The McDonalds and MBTA gift cards were perfect!
It is also a reflection of your understanding, and I am incredibly grateful for your thoughtfulness….
Tiffany
Dear Rich & Bernadette,
Merry Christmas! Thank you so much for the wonderful and thoughtful gifts for my son and I.
I know it can be a hard time of year but acts of kindness such as yours truly bring up our spirits. We are grateful that there are kind and considerate people in this world. We will never know why tragedy has happened; we can only choose what we will do with it.
“You’ve chosen the let the light of your son’s Ricky & Nicholas to live on in the hearts of all of us. To brighten and shed a little more magic on our Christmas. As my son plays with his gifts, the legacy of Ricky and Nicholas lives on”.
Thank you for thinking of us!
Carter & Catie
Dear Ricky, Inc.
I want to write to thank you for the thoughtful gifts for me and my son. The MBTA passes, Dunkin Donuts and McDonalds gifts cards were also very thoughtful and useful.
I really am so appreciative, it’s nice to feel special during the holiday seasons as they can be especially hard in early recovery.
“I’m so appreciative of your organization and how warm hearted you are towards the addicted/recovery community. You understand how important it is to make people feel wanted, thought about and be accepted”.
Organizations like yours are needed and there is not enough of them; the fact that you guys do what you do and help the overlooked and unwanted of the community shows just how selfless and special people like you are.
I’m truly grateful from the bottom of my heart because we DO recover and you truly made me feel wanted and special during this hard time of the year in early sobriety.
God bless you and keep doing what you’re doing.
“Legends never die and that’s what you’re doing for your sons”.
Thank you again and with a grateful heart,
Kristin Willis & Hunter Field
Frontline Funds: Supporting Youth and Families Affected by Opioid Use Disorder
Ricky, Inc. is happy to announce that we were awarded a Rize Massachusetts Frontline Grant this year. We distributed the funds equally among four great organizations: Access (Cambridge), Behavioral Health Network (Dorchester), Waltham House and Youth On Fire (Cambridge). We have maintained a constant relationship with these organizations throughout the past 4 years and have made many different donations to their programs and clients.
RIZE Massachusetts Foundation (RIZE) is the only public-private partnership solely dedicated to funding solutions to end the overdose crisis. Guided by those with lived experience and unafraid of new ideas, RIZE is building networks, creating programming, and supporting community partners who are using novel approaches to prevent overdose and increase access to treatment.
On Thursday Nov. 16, 2023 Ricky, Inc. visited Youth On Fire in Harvard Square Cambridge and delivered numerous goods and materials for this fantastic facility and organization to distribute to their clients.
YOF serves young people aged 14-24 and provides basic necessities, clothing, hot meals, showers, laundry facilitates, medical care, mental health counseling and many other community resources including HIV awareness and prevention.
Pictured above on the left is the
Youth On Fire Site Coordinator
Katherine Sloss-Hartman
www.harvardsquare.com/venue/youth-on-fire/
The Youth On Fire drop In center is open five days a week and is a welcoming and non-judgmental environment for homeless and street-involved youth.
Ricky, Inc. provided many different items including gift cards to Dunkin Donuts, Stop & Shop and MBTA Passes.
We also delivered the usual winter hats, gloves and fleece blankets, as well as multiple cellphone charging ports, hair brushes, books, games, personal journals and art supplies.
Thank you to YOF for the great work they do in supporting and helping these young people navigate their personal journey through crisis.
On Thursday Nov. 30, 2023 Ricky, Inc. visited the Behavioral Health Network Dorchester Family Center.
BHN is a residential substance use treatment program for pregnant and parenting women with children in their care up to age 18. The program provides women-centered, trauma-informed care and evidence-based substance use treatment services, with a goal of successful family reunification and long-term family stabilization.
Ricky, Inc. provided many different items including numerous gift cards to Dunkin Donuts and McDonalds.
We provided each of the women and their children with a filled personalized gift bag that included winter hats, gloves, socks, underwear, Fleece blankets, hygiene products, shampoo & conditioner, baby clothing, bedding and an age-appropriate toy for every child.
Thank you to Program Director
Elizabeth James-Divens
www.bhninc.org/location/dorchester-family-center
On Thursday Dec. 7, 2023 Ricky, Inc. made a delivery to the Waltham House - Home for little wanderers (Waltham, MA.)
Waltham House is the first residential group home in New England designed specifically for LGBTQ+ youth, and was among the first of its kind in the nation when it opened in 2002. Its founding principles are that every child deserves to live in an environment in which they feel safe, respected, supported and cared for by those around them.
We provided each resident with an individual gift bag filled with numerous personal hygiene products, fleece blanket, winter hat & gloves, socks, water bottle, sunglasses, journal, fidget toy, backpack and a $10 Dunkin Donuts gift card.
We also provided the house with a Dave & Busters gift card for a house-outing for food and games, tomato cages for their garden, adult coloring books, 2 multiple-port cellphone charging stations, tampax, books, board games, bracelet making kit, art supplies and a Yobi Bean chair.
Thank you to the House Manager
Alysaa Gunn
www.thehome.org/programs/waltham-house/
On Wednesday Dec. 20, 2023 Ricky, Inc. visited the Access Program in Cambridge.
Access Drug User Health Program
One of several state-sanctioned and state-funded syringe exchange programs in Massachusetts, AIDS Action’s Access: Drug User Health Program distributes and exchanges syringes to people who inject drugs (PWID). This program is one of the state’s pilot sites for the distribution of Narcan, a nasal spray provided to IDUs and their network of supportive family and friends to reverse potentially fatal overdoses.
The program also operates a drop-in center where members can access many different resources, clothing, hygiene products, condoms, risk reduction supplies, substance use counseling, medical care and referrals.
Ricky, Inc. delivered many supplies for the staff to distribute to persons as needed including, backpacks, hand warmers, winter hats & gloves, men's & women's socks, min-blankets, thermal mylar emergency blankets, men's & women's underwear, toothbrushes, toothpaste, toothbrush holders, combs and Blistex.
Pictured above with the boxes of donated materials is (L-R);
Brian Sink - Program Manager
Brielle Carelli -Post Over-Dose Outreach Specialist
Rich Giacoppo -Ricky, Inc. President
Lindsey Chen - Clinic Coordinator
Berit Lindell - Clinic Coordinator
Jessica Alpert - Harm Reduction Case Manager
Michelle Bordeau -Vice President of Public Health Prevention programs of Fenway Health
AIDS Action (fenwayhealth.org)
To Whom it may concern,
I am very grateful to have this opportunity to have this sponsorship. This will help me get my life back on track, which has been misery and nothing but trouble and heartache.
I was homeless before I went into treatment to try and beat my addiction. I am now talking with my family that wants to be back in my life as long as I am sober.
I am planning on getting a sponsor and staying sober. I now have a job lined up once I have a vehicle and I am working every day.
Thank you to Ricky, Inc. for this wonderful opportunity.
Sincerely,
Dominic
What the Ricky, Inc. sponsorship did was it stabilized me. I had no anxieties about work right away and its' helped me look for the best option program-wise and financially to support myself and my kids.
I will be forever grateful that the sponsorship came through and I feel very lucky to have received it. With my recovery program being my main focus, I can attend meetings and certainly contribute to "helping other alcoholics by paying it forward".
I will stay in touch and thank you so much,
Gerard
My name is Randy and I sent you a text about receiving financial assistance for my sober house rent.
I am in the MAP program, and they pay my rent, but the program ends soon.
I got out of prison in June 2023 and wrapped up a four-year sentence. I am also in recovery as well and currently living in a good sober home in Dorchester, MA.
Your organization helped me with my rent and that would be awesome. I’m trying to cover all avenues to keep my forward progress going in a positive direction while I look for steady work.
I have a great foundation, a good work ethic and I am moving ahead with my life and don’t want to look back.
"I am forever grateful for the incredible support that you extended to me".
God bless,
Randy
This sponsorship is aiding me daily in my sobriety and allowing me to focus on my recovery as my number one priority.
Without it I would be struggling to stay in my sober house that is full of amazing and inspiring women, and I am truly grateful to be given the privilege to stay.
Because of this sponsorship I am able to continue attending my intensive outpatient program and work part time instead of working full time in order to afford my rent.
"Thank you so much for the work you do, it saves lives, including my own".
Grace
To whom this may concern,
Ricky, Inc. was able to help prevent me from being homeless and on the streets by providing 1 months’ rent to a sober house. In turn, that has allowed me to be able to acquire an apartment which I will be moving into soon.
This will allow me the stability to go back to school and pursue my dream of being a psych nurse in a dual recovery unit.
Thank you so much to Richie & Bernadette, I am so utterly thankful and grateful,
Hannah
On Sunday October 1, 2023 the Ricky, Inc. van delivered 30 filled backpacks to our Street Outreach Coordinators in Portland Maine.
Each backpack contained all of the usual hygiene products, socks, Narcan, as well as winter hats and gloves.
Attached to every backpack was a key chain with a photo of Nicholas Giacoppo on the front and one of Nick's favorite sayings on the back.
"I want my Kindness to be so strong that it's contagious"
by Nicholas Giacoppo
"Love ya to the Moon & back"
Christopher Giacoppo personally delivered 20 filled backpacks to persons living in tents in Portland's area known as "Tent City".
Chris handed out 10 male and 10 female backpacks and spoke at length with the individual's facing homelessness.
He offered assistance to them through Ricky, Inc. and informed each recipient that these backpacks were in honor and in memory of his brothers Ricky & Nicholas.
Chris is a tireless worker dedicated to helping those in need.
Great work Chris !
Virginia Giacoppo handed out 10 filled backpacks to 5 men and 5 women in the Tent City area of Portland Maine.
Virginia spoke with every recipient and informed them that these backpacks were in honor of her husband Nicholas who passed five months ago.
Thanks go out the Christopher and Virginia for their dedication to helping those in need and allowing them the dignity and respect that they deserve as human beings.
Many times we hear people say that they didn't think anyone cared about them and they now know that in this area of the world, Christopher and Virginia do!
Thanks so much for your extremely generous and thoughtful donation of 164 backpacks full of personal care items, cold weather gear, socks, important resources, and more for the individuals served by Victory Programs’ New Joelyn’s Family Home, New Victories and Shepherd House.
"Thank you for your helping hand in this life-changing work. Your gift provides a lot of comfort and dignity to our clients and the knowledge that they have a community of people who care about them".
Thank you for the wonderful and important work that Ricky, Inc. does in our communities for people living with substance use disorder, mental health concerns, chronic illnesses and/or homelessness.
We really are honored to be a recipient of Ricky, Inc.’s care and love, and can’t thank you enough for your compassion and generosity for those we serve.
We look forward to staying in touch and sharing the impact of your generosity.
With deep appreciation,
Sarah Porter
Executive Director
Victory Programs Inc
To all at Ricky Inc.,
I wanted to thank you not only for providing a scholarship for the gentleman at my house but also for the case of Narcan you gave us when we first opened. Both of your helpful services are crucial to our recovery home. We all feel safe and prepared knowing we have them in every room.
Most importantly I’m writing this letter to let you know how much scholarships help out the guys at the house. This means they can focus on writing their 4th step and all aspects of their early recovery which is the most difficult part. “Your scholarship helps get them on their feet to look for a job and slowly integrate back into life”.
If there is anything myself, or us as a house, can do for your organization please let me know. We appreciate you and all your efforts in saving and bettering everyone’s lives.
Steven Kent
Insight Recovery Homes
Owner/Program Director
Rich & Bernadette,
Being grateful is recovery in action!
Thank you for giving these "somebody's someone an opportunity that saves their lives".
Money is one of the many obstacles to staying sober.
Relieving a little stress at the beginning of someone's recovery journey can lead to a lifetime many beautiful sober moments.
Thanks for all you to do heal families.
God bless you both,
Maureen Cappuccino
House Administrator
Gilly's House
Ricky Inc. is offering sponsorships for one month’s rent to “MASH” certified sober living homes for men and women who are about to enter into sober living. These funds are reserved to help individuals who are not already in a sober home.
This sponsorship is designed to help homeless individuals, experiencing substance use disorder, who are seeking a sober living home.
Please note you must have been accepted to the house but not already residing there before contacting us. Please contact Ricky, Inc. to begin the process.
Contact us via email at Info@rickyinc.org and we will send you a Sponsorship to Recovery information form & checklist. Any incomplete submissions of the required documents needed will NOT be addressed until ALL documents are submitted.
We will provide Narcan safety kits to those in need.
Ricky Inc will be providing “Uber” rides to individuals with a financial need to detox programs, TSS, CSS, court or other important appointments with no other means of transportation.
Please share this post so those in need will be aware of the services we can provide at this time.
Contact Rich Giacoppo regarding any questions or concerns. 781-727-6628.
Always in the name of our beloved sons.
Our Nicholas’ photography of the city he loved and the neighborhood he lived in. We can’t believe our beautiful free spirit is not here with us.
Dear Jesus give us the help we so desperately need. 💔
Wed 11/15/2023 11:00 AM
Good morning,
My name is Ryan DiFillipo and Ricky Inc. paid for one month of rent for my sober living as part of their Sponsorship to Recovery program.
This help has allowed me to not be so financially stressed, to be able to concentrate on my sobriety deeper and also financially allows me to not be handicapped with owing the house money.
“By them doing this, it has helped me substantially. I was freaking out and worried, not sure what I was going to do. I am indebted to Ricky, Inc. for helping me. It's immensely appreciated, and I am forever grateful”.
Thanks to them and their organization for helping me as well as countless others struggling. I can only hope someday down the road; I will be at a place in my life where I can also start a foundation to help others in this same situation.
I am extremely grateful.
Ryan DiFillipo
Hey Ricky, Inc.,
Just wanted to say how much this means to me and my family. This scholarship has allowed me to change my life and move forward with repressing my disease of addiction.
“My son will have a father in his life now” and your scholarship has catapulted my recovery by letting me focus on my 12 steps and on early recovery so I can get a jump start on the process.
I feel like I was given a chance of hope from your organization.
Thanks again,
Vinny
I just wanted to thank all of the amazing people at Ricky, Inc.
I’m coming up on 10 months clean, enrolled at Quincy College for Substance Abuse & Addition Services and had exhausted my savings to come up with my sober house rent.
I reached out to Rich and the great people at Ricky, Inc. and received a one month rent paid Sponsorship to my sober house!!
I am extremely grateful to them for their assistance and taking the stress off this month’s rent. I recently received my Personal Trainers certificates and getting my Recovery Coach certificate next month.
"Big thank you to Ricky, Inc. for helping me to reach these milestones"
So grateful,
Steve D.
First off, I want to just say
“Who says there is nobody kind or nice out there?”
Well, I may have gotten so lucky to meet TWO of the kindest, nicest people ever in Rich and his wife Bernadette.
At maybe my rock bottom, I reached out and with not even a hesitation or blink of an eye before Rich helped tremendously.
He provided two rides to detox and to the sober house and also paid a sponsorship for my rent for one month.
But that's not just it. Rich and I had conversations from the heart that had that left me in awe. Rich voluntarily offered to help someone else that I care so much about (my girlfriend) and offered the same help to me; someone he DOESN'T EVEN KNOW.
That's solid in My book and just beautiful on the inside.
Thank you so much Rich for everything.
I love you man. I mean that.
Thanks again Christopher L
I would just like to personally thank Ricky, Inc., for the generous contribution to my rent for my sober home.
This greatly affects my transition to the next steps in my life, and recovery in the biggest way.
This rent help is giving me the ability to spend quality time finding the right job for me and gives me relief so that I can also apply to school.
This is such a blessing.
I would really like to express my gratitude to Ricky, Inc.
Thank you so kindly, and God bless.
Sincerely,
Kaylee Calder
I know this firsthand to just be truly honest with you if it was not for you and your wife, I myself probably would not be here today. I am still clean and sober. Doing the best I can in life making each day better than yesterday because of what you guys have done for me in the past. And I know there was many more people out there that you guys have helped and you might not be aware of it and that’s unfortunate because I know for a fact that you have helped more than just myself so to look at it the way you said in the message I don’t think it’s fair to you guys nor the individuals that you have helped along this journey.
I know it sucks and you want to scream and throw in the towel in that is completely understandable, but I want you to know from the bottom of my heart my children have their father in their life today because of your kindness, and understanding of what was going on with me in the past. I might not have everything I want in life and I might not be where I would like to be but I will get there and I have you and your wife to thanks for that. Regardless of where things go from here I would definitely like to stay in touch because like I said earlier in this message, my children have their father in their lives today. It may not be as much as we all wish but I am still clean and sober and doing the best I can and making today better than yesterday and that is mostly in part due to you and your wife giving me a chance when no one else would and for that I will be forever grateful for you and your family and Ricky Inc.
Again, I am so sorry for your loss. Please stay in touch with me regardless and if I could just ask one thing today and that is, if you could please smile just a little bit because there are three boys that can call their father today and I will answer and that is a direct result of you guys and) Ricky Inc.
God bless.
Chad
RICKY Inc
Wed 8/16/2023
To Ricky, Inc. & Rich,
I wanted to write an email to say how much I appreciate what you guys have done for me!
I am so excited to start college, and Ricky, Inc. has helped me bridge the gap and paid for a month of my sober house.
This will help me tremendously by letting me focus on my recovery and studying for class.
"I cannot thank you all enough for the incredible acts of kindness and helping people in recovery better their lives"
This honestly means a lot to me and again, I cannot thank you enough.
Sincerely,
Joshua Lavoie
"Everyone can master grief, but he that has it"
William Shakespeare
Ricky & Nick
We miss you.
To the depths of the ocean we miss you.
To the heights of the heavens, we miss you both.
Until we take our final breath we will miss you both.
More than words can say we miss you.
We miss you our beloved boys
💔💔Ricky & Nick
“Nick we love you to da moon and back”.
Thank you for your kindness during this inconceivable life altering tragedy.
The Ricky Inc. Family.
“Respecting Individuals with Care and Kindness You matter “
Text from Anthony Thomas
July 4, 2023
To whom it may concern,
My name is Anthony Thomas and I am a 55-year-old man from Boston. I’ve had my fair share in the world of drug abuse and I must say that I was lost with no hope until I decided to change my ways by getting myself into a detox and then a residential.
I heard about an organization named Ricky, who was known for helping addicts in a good way. I contacted Rich and if it was not for his helping hand I wouldn’t have known about a long-term treatment in a sober house where his organization was able to pay for one month’s rent in this sober house.
I am able to stay at Aspire House where I can stay for that month without having to pay, be able to work and continue a job training course through Project Place. With this help, I can save money and the stipend check from training in order to have funds so I can continue my long-term sobriety and be able to pay my rent on my own.
I now can be a productive individual, save my own life and grow old. My priority was to have a place to live and Ricky, Inc. has made that possible.
I am truly grateful and appreciative to Ricky, Inc. for the life I am now able to live.
Thank God and God Bless Ricky, Inc.
Anthony Thomas
June 12, 2023
My name is Kyle Gibbs and Ricky, Inc. helped me with a ride to treatment.
Days prior, I reached out to many people that wouldn't help me or wouldn't answer me.
I need help now more than ever !
Rich answered the phone and did not hesitate to help me.
I am very grateful for Ricky, Inc. and Rich.
Thank you for your help,
Kyle Gibbs
On Saturday April 1st, Ricky Inc. provided Uber transportation from an East Boston recovery home to Tewksbury for a young man volunteering to play in a fundraising basketball tournament to benefit sober living. This was hosted by The Greater Waltham Recovery Solutions
“Thank you so much, I had a good time”.
Ricky Inc provides Uber transportation for individuals with a financial need to get to many different destinations.
Always in the name of our beautiful son Ricky that loved to make us laugh. 💔
To Ricky, Inc.
Mari Santos
Thank you for all that you do for our people!
On Thursday Sept. 28, 2023 Ricky, Inc.'s President Rich Giacoppo, visited the State House to discuss the organizations possible future plans.
Rich was welcomed into Representative Rogers office for a private meeting with Rogers, his Chief-of-Staff Brianna Whelan, Senator Michael Rush and his assistant Sean. The lengthy meeting provided positive interaction and communication resulting in both Rogers and Rush offering their continued support to Ricky, Inc.
Senator Michael Rush and Representative John Rogers are pictured above with Rich in front of the new Ricky, Inc. delivery van.
Both legislators were invaluable to the mission of Ricky, Inc. by providing their hard work and support for funding which resulted in the purchase of the van last year, as well as hundreds of backpacks that were distributed to persons experiencing Substance Use Disorder and facing homelessness in the Boston area.
Senator Rush and Representative Rogers should be commended for their dedication to working towards making an effective difference in the battle against the opioid crisis.
"No matter what your political view is, this epidemic affects everyone in all walks of life and doesn't discriminate against rich or poor, Democrat or Republican, young or old. Families are suffering from this insidious disease, and this issue needs the kind of attention that Rogers and Rush are providing and attempting to save lives one person at a time".
Ricky, Inc. feels that this important cause can be addressed with the support of caring and compassionate people like Rogers and Rush and it is our hope that more legislators will join in this life-saving effort to make a difference.
From the bottom of our broken hearts, God Bless you both and the work that you do for our communities.
Rich & Bernadette Giacoppo
On June 29, 2023 Ricky, Inc, Auction winner Sean Jennings, holding Striped Bass, invited his co-workers from the Norwood Police Department to join him on the Deep Sea Fishing Charter that he won at last years online auction.
They spent the day on the ocean in Chatham, Ma. aboard the "Tuna Whisperer" thanks to the generosity of the charter donor Greg Gibbs.
Congrats to Shawn Callahan, Ryan Marchant, Sean Jennings and Thomas George
A great time was had by all of the fishermen, who plan to make a return trip fishing on Cape Cod later this summer.
The catch of the day went to Shawn Callahan
On Thursday February 23, 2023 we visited the Victory program at Shepherd House for Women in Dorchester, MA.
Bea & Rich spent an hour speaking with the residents and distributed 31 backpacks and 40 doses of Narcan after a group training on its use and delivery.
The women were very appreciative of us being there and were delighted to receive their colorful backpacks. We shared our story with them, and they shared their stories with us. It was truly an inspirational experience for us as well as the women.
Thank you to the Program Director Zanele McIntyre and her entire staff for inviting us and making us feel so very welcome
On Sunday February 19, 2023 We at Ricky Inc. had the honor of joining “Hope for Boston’s Homeless” at their monthly community event on Southampton and Topeka Streets. This an area of Boston where there are many people facing homelessness and substance use disorder.
We hosted one of the several tables available and distributed numerous winter hats, socks, gloves, hygiene kits and Narcan Safety Kits (accompanied by a short training). We are grateful to have distributed so much of this lifesaving Narcan in an area of Boston that is considered a very high risk.
Thank you to the wonderful organization “Hope for Boston’s Homeless” for including us in their event.
On Wednesday February 15, 2023 Ocean State Job Lot of Norwood presented Rich Giacoppo with it's community support "Close to Our Heart Certificate" and a $250 gift card.
This is the second time that Ricky, Inc. has received the Close to our Heart certificate and accompanying gift card. This gift card will be used to purchase materials from Ocean State Job Lot that will be placed inside of our backpacks.
Ricky, Inc. is extremely grateful to receive the community support of such a compassionate and thoughtful organization as OSJL is.
Special thanks to Becky Ahearn
Pictured above with Rich is Store Manager Hilario Galveao
On Friday February 10, 2023 we delivered 30 backpacks to the Victory Recovery House for men in Boston.
Bernadette and Rich spoke with the residents and all shared stories of their journeys through substance use disorder and the stigma attached to it. They were very attentive and expressed their feelings about our son Ricky's story and how Ricky, Inc. has positive effects on them.
One resident also shared a story from our last visit when he was desperate for transportation to an important appointment and we provided him with an Uber. Hearing his sincere response was a heartwarming experience for us.
The residents were very appreciative to receive the backpacks and also received training in the proper use of Narcan and how to respond to an overdose along with a 2-dose Narcan Safety Kit.
Pictured above is Rich, Bernadette and a few residents along with Tenealia Gilmore Clinical Supervisor for the Victory House.
Stay strong guys and keep doing what you're doing.
On February 2nd we visited Andrew House Detox Program. We met with the residents providing backpacks and a Narcan training for the men so when they finish the program they will have a Narcan safety kit. We provided winter gear and undergarments.
Pictured with Rich is Gardy who helped create the The Ricky Memorial Reading Room . It is often used by the men to draw and have some quiet time. Thank you to Gardy and Robert Watson, Case Aide Manager for welcoming us and helping us during our visit. Always in the name of our Ricky who loved to read and draw.
Pictured above is a section of the “Ricky Memorial Reading/quiet room” at the Andrew House in Jamaica Plain.
This room was created in Ricky‘s memory. Maritza Castillo, Director of Diversionary services who got to know Ricky created the room knowing how Ricky would of enjoyed the space and have this space available for the men that come to Andrew House.
We donated art supplies, markers, drawing paper, card games and books for the residents to use in the room.
Always in the name of our Ricky who loved to read and draw.
On February 2nd we visited New Joelyn’s Recovery Home. It’s always our pleasure to meet with the residents of New Joelyn’s. The residents, Rich and I talked about how it feels for them, their families and our tragedy in losing our Ricky. Many of them are interested in volunteering with Ricky Inc.
Rich did a training on how to recognize when a person is overdosing. He explained the importance of calling 911 and administering Narcan. We distributed a backpack to everyone and left extras for those not home. We provided a Narcan safety kit to most all of the residents. I noticed many of the residents drawing during our visit. I shared that Ricky also like to draw and used it as coping mechanism. Many of the women shared they too use drawing to cope for many different reasons. We were visiting another program later that day and had drawing materials in the van. We shared half of the supplies for New Joelyn’s. Pictured above are the residents that wanted to be photographed.
Thank you to Walter Kikuchi, Program Director and Christine, House Manager for always being so welcoming. And thank you to the women of New Joelyn’s for letting us be part of their journey.
On February 1, 2023 Rich met with Ted Mulvehill Director of Veterans Services in Norwood to distribute backpacks.
This was our third time delivering backpacks to Ted for the Veterans and he
will contact us when he is in need of more backpacks for the Veterans he works with.
We are only too happy to support and assist our veterans in any way that we can.
Thank you for all you do Ted.
On February 1, 2023 Dedham Savings Bank showed its community support and assistance by making a donation to Ricky, Inc. towards the purchase of a vehicle to deliver backpacks and other essential supplies to persons in crisis in our communities.
Pictured above is family friend Lauren (Gallo) Patt, Rich and Norwood Branch Manager Tom Benson.
Thank you to Dedham Savings for stepping up and supporting Ricky, Inc., a local 501 (c) (3) nonprofit Charitable organization.
On Saturday January 28, 2023 Ricky Inc. Board members, Lisa Fitzgibbon and Catherine Mahar spent hours filling backpacks and numerous hygiene packs for upcoming backpacks distributions.
Thank you to for filling 88!!! Backpacks
You warm our hearts with your kindness.
On Friday, January 27, 2023 we visited Jamaica Plain Veterans Medical Center distributing backpacks for men and women Veterans experiencing homelessness, substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health concerns. The backpacks will be divided between the SUD residential programs, Opioid outpatient treatment programs and methadone clinic. They will also go to the Woman’s Home. We are grateful to the men and women Veterans and offer our sincere gratitude. Pictured above is Mary from voluntary services who is so very helpful to Ricky Inc in our collaboration with the Veterans administration.
On Thursday January 26, 2023 we delivered 40 backpacks to the Access program in Cambridge. Below is a note of thanks from Brian Sink from ACCESS. “Thank you so much again for your visit today and your enormous donation of backpacks and underwear. The staff on site today hung around the exchange after you left and expressed how meaningful it was to meet you, spend some time with you both, and hear stories about Ricky. The impact your organization is having in Massachusetts cannot be understated, your bags and resource packets, the Narcan you’re now distributing, and the sharing of your journey with others is really, truly incredible and moving and it resonates with so many. With everything you both are doing, I hope you feel the love and gratitude and support of everyone you’ve touched and I hope you both are able to rest as well you deserve it.” Thank you for your kindness “ACCESS “
Michelle Logan proudly displays her Ricky, Inc. tee shirt in front of the Chattanooga Tennessee Airport adding to our collection of U.S. states that the travelling tee shirt has been seen in.
Michelle travels through many states as part of her job with one of the largest national animal welfare agencies in the country and has promised to continue to contribute to our list of locations for the “Ricky, Inc. Travelling Tee Shirt”
Giacoppo family Patriarch Mike “PA” Giacoppo joins in the travelling tee shirt fun and is seen here sporting his Ricky, Inc. tee shirt in front of Michael & Margaret’s home in Fort Meyers Florida.
Mike is Ricky’s loving grandfather and like the rest of us, misses him very, very much!
Mike has been a constant and dependable donor & supporter of Ricky, Inc. and has been instrumental in assisting us on numerous occasions with our fundraising and charitable efforts.
Ricky loved his grandfather very much and would be delighted at his dedication
On Thursday January 19, 2023, we visited the PAATHS and AHOPE Programs on Albany Street in Boston.
We donated 80 backpacks to the two programs. These backpacks were given out to individuals facing homelessness, substance use disorder and mental health disorders.
Thank you to the dedicated staff at these two programs that fight the good fight every day and provide much needed assistance to those in need.
Thank you to Kenneth Washington and Leroy Ivey for their collaboration with Ricky Inc.
Bernadette & Rich personally handed out backpacks to those that visited PAATHS & AHOPE for resources. Many were surprised to receive their backpacks filled with so many needed personal hygiene and winter clothing items.
Making a difference in others lives, one step, one day & one person at a time.
Kenny helped us distribute the backpacks and made sure that everyone received a backpack and whatever other resources they may have needed.
Big shout out to Kenny !!!
On Friday January 20, 2023, Bernadette & Rich visited Youth on Fire (YOF), a program of AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts, and is a drop-in center for homeless and street-involved youth, ages 14-24, located in Harvard Square, Cambridge.
We delivered 40 filled backpacks and pushed our current running total of backpacks distributed by Ricky, Inc. to 2,031 and counting.
Pictured with Rich & Bernadette is YOF Site Coordinator Katherine Sloss-Hartman
On Saturday January 21, 2023 good friends Jeannine, Sue and new friend Marina stopped by Ricky. Inc. to help us pack backpacks for our winter distribution. Along with Bernadette, the four of you worked so hard for many hours and filled 80 backpacks!
Thank you so very much for your kindness and thoughtfulness
Because of your dedication and hard work, we are now ready to distribute backpacks to the Jamaica Plain Veterans Campus methadone clinic and Substance Use Disorder residential program and the ACCESS Program in Cambridge which is run through the AIDS Action Committee. These Winter backpacks will help many men & women currently in crisis or in recovery.
"We would like to dedicate this act of kindness in memory of Brian Parsons"
Rest in sweet peace Brian on your Heavenly Birthday (Sunday Jan. 22)
Always in the name of our beloved son Ricky
Diligently placing winter items into the backpack in the proper sequence and order is a technique that Bernadette has mastered and passed along to all volunteers of Team Ricky .
There are approximately 40 items that are placed into our backpacks and range in size from large winter blankets to a small pack of anti-biotic cream and Band-Aids.
We could not complete our mission of helping others, if not for the loving help of others helping us.
God Bless all of the volunteer members of Team Ricky
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