Backpack and DUFFEL bag Distribution 2019

On Wednesday Dec. 9, 2020 the Andrew House staff at the Boston Shattuck Hospital surprised Ricky's parents during a follow-up conference zoom meeting with the clients (who were not seen on video, audio only) with their presentation of gratitude to Ricky and Ricky,Inc. by memorializing him with the "Ricky Giacoppo Reading Room". 

This room is adorned with the matted framed photo of Ricky that was given to the staff during our June 2020 backpack distribution to their clients, as well as several inspirational sayings on the walls. This quiet room also has a couple of shelf-style desks, a couch, bookcase (Ricky would have loved that) and padded chairs. It looks like a great place for their clients to enjoy some quiet time and read a book.

On Nov. 30th we delivered backpacks to Andrew House for their clients but had to drop them off at the front door due to the Covid-19 crisis and safety precautions. However, Program Director Maritza Castillo and Kayla Cordoza arranged for us the speak to the clients via an audio zoom meeting. They were all so very appreciative and expressed both their gratitude for the backpacks and their condolences for Ricky. A few of the men knew Ricky and had some very powerful things to say during the meeting. One of the men stated "I'm so very happy to receive this backpack from you guys; you are so kind and don't know how much this means to me. I'm used to people treating me like crap and slamming the door in my face, nothing like this. God bless you both". 

We deeply appreciate and thank all of the staff members at Andrew House for this incredible gesture and show of love towards our son. We owe you a debt of gratitude forever and pray that you can continue the great work that you do for others in need.

A few minutes after the meeting, I received a call on my cellphone and it was one of the Andrew House clients who had been in the room during our audio meeting. He knew Ricky very well and had been in a program with him for a few months. He told us some great stories about his time with Ricky and about how much he misses him. It is important for us to hear his friends reminisce about their good times together, It is comforting to us. 

The amount and level of gratitude we received today was so strong, overwhelming and emotionally charged that we were moved to tears. Our perpetual heartache and tears of grief were temporarily soothed with tears of happiness for the show of love, support and appreciation we received today. The fact that Andrew House dedicated this room to our son's memory only reinforces to us that we are doing something good in our son's name and will continue to help as many people as we can that are struggling with homelessness, substance use disorder or other debilitating issues; one person at a time.

The parents of Ricky Giacoppo