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RICKY, Inc
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Our Programs
  • Our Sponsors
  • Help Our Cause
  • Contact Us
  • Board of Directors Staff
  • Resources
  • Travelling T-Shirt
  • Grief
  • Past Events 2024
  • Past Events 2023 -2
  • Past Events 2023
  • Past Events 2022 - 1
  • Past Events 2022
  • Past Events 2021
  • Past Events 2021 - 2
  • Past Events 2020 - 2
  • Past Events 2020
  • Past Events 2019
  • Photo Gallery
  • Testimonials 2024
  • Testimonials 2023
  • Testimonials 2022
  • Testimonials 2021
  • Testimonials 2019 & 2020
  • In Memoriam
  • Shared Thoughts

2022 - The backpacks keep rolling out for people in need

milestone recovery

portland street outreach

portland street outreach

On Monday January 10, 2022 Maine Street Outreach Coordinators Nicholas & Virginia Giacoppo delivered 12 backpacks to Milestone Recovery in Portland Maine.

Nick & Virginia are newlyweds and are two of Ricky, Inc's three Maine Street Outreach Coordinators.

portland street outreach

portland street outreach

portland street outreach

On Saturday January 15, 2022 Ricky Inc. Maine Street Outreach Coordinator Christopher Giacoppo delivered backpacks to random homeless persons in Portland Maine. Chris took his loaded backpacks out on a very cold day and found homeless individuals on the street who were in need of help. Chris spoke with them and referred them to the Maine Resource Manual that is inside of every Ricky, Inc. backpack and that they could get more help just by using their new resource manual.

its a family affair packing 75 backpacks for distribution

the assembly line is back

the assembly line is back

the assembly line is back

On Saturday Jan. 22, 2022 Family members Bernadette, Scott & Roxy   Giacoppo with Michelle Logan got together to help pack our winter backpacks. Scott is holding a picture of Ricky as Roxy looks on. While wearing our Ricky, Inc tee shirts (including Roxy) we were able to pack 75 backpacks to be distributed during our second half of the Winter Distribution Program

enjoying their work

the assembly line is back

the assembly line is back

Scott Giacoppo & Michelle Logan have lots of fun while working the assembly line and making sure that every backpack receives all of the materials needed including the smallest of items.

This great couple was truly happy to be working together on a project that is so close to their hearts.

attention to detail

the assembly line is back

keeping count takes concentration

Michelle & Scott were tedious in their attention to detail and making sure that every backpack had all of the necessary items and materials inside.

One thing they shared in common with Ricky was animal activism. Ricky loved animals and once worked at the MSPCA.

Michelle & Scott both have full time careers in Animal activism and protection.

keeping count takes concentration

keeping count takes concentration

Scott Giacoppo is seen above in deep concentration on his work and taking great pride in keep an accurate count.

Scott stated that these backpacks contain so many different items and that each one, big and small were valuable to someone in crisis.

the 75th

Rich, Bernadette and Scott Giacoppo seen here holding the last backpack of the night.... # 75.

We really appreciate all of the help that all of our Ricky, Inc. volunteers provide to our organization and for tonight, a special thank you to Scott & Michelle.

team ricky mascot - Roxy

All Ricky, Inc. volunteers are issued Ricky, Inc. tee shirts and the night wouldn't be complete without our favorite dog and Team Ricky Mascot ROXY.

Winter backpacks to our cambridge programs

youth on fire

On Wednesday Jan. 26, 2022 Bernadette & Rich Giacoppo of Ricky, Inc delivered 45 backpacks to the Youth On Fire Program in Harvard Square. On hand to receive the backpacks were Site Coordinator Katherine Sloss-Hartman and her coworker. 

Y.O.F. is a great non-judgmental program welcoming homeless and street-involved youth and providing dozens of valuable services to the community

access harm reduction program

Also on Wednesday Jan. 26, 2022 Bernadette & Rich Giacoppo of Ricky, Inc delivered 45 backpacks to the Access Harm Reduction  Program in Central Square. 


The Access program is a great harm reduction organization that is a substance use disease health program and is associated with Fenway Health and the Aids Action Committee


Pictured above with the backpacks are Bernadette Giacoppo and Jessica Alpert - Harm Reduction Case Manager for Access.

ricky, inc takes care of our homeless veterans

New England Center & Home For Veterans

New England Center & Home For Veterans

New England Center & Home For Veterans

On Friday Jan. 28, 2022 Ricky, Inc delivered 50 backpacks to the New England Center and Home For Veterans on Court Street in Boston near Government Center. 

We were greeted by Andrienne Kaplowitz, Community Engagement Officer and Nicholas Feeko, a Communications Associate. They wheeled 2 large plastic buckets to transport the backpacks to their storage area.

Pictured above is Bernadette, Adrienne and Rich

great location

New England Center & Home For Veterans

New England Center & Home For Veterans

The NECHV is located on 17 Court Street in Boston's Government Center. It is difficult to park in this area, but Adrienne and Nicholas made sure that our backpack delivery would be smooth, and we were able to park at the front door in a coned-off area.

This location is good for homeless Veterans as it is central to Boston and is near bus and train stations.

dog tag attendance board

dog tag attendance board

dog tag attendance board

Attendance at this Center is accounted for by using military style dog tags on a wooden America Flag.

logo and welcome sign

dog tag attendance board

dog tag attendance board

Veterans using the Center can take advantage of many programs such as education, counseling, job opportunities and housing.

sleeping bags are valuable too

ahope

paaths

paaths

On Friday Jan. 28, 2022 Bernadette & Rich Giacoppo of Ricky, Inc. delivered 9 sleeping bags to AHOPE & PAATHS to distribute to their homeless clients. These sleeping bags were generously donated by the Norwood Boy Scout Troop 42. Some were brand new and others were in great shape.

We also donated dozens of pairs of brand new men's & women's underwear of various sizes to be distributed to the clients.

After receiving these items Sara Macklin stated "You guys are the Santa Claus of Harm Reduction"

paaths

paaths

paaths

We also made sure to present both organizations with our framed Ricky, Inc. Certificate Of Appreciation for their valuable service and dedication to providing services to those in need.

Receiving these certificates were 

Sara Macklin of AHOPE  

Eugenia Wright, Clinical Director of PAATHS


FOLLOW UP VISIT's TO NEW JOELYN'S HOME

NEW JOELYN'S HOME - VICTORY PROGRAM

On the afternoon of Friday Jan. 28, 2022 Bernadette & Rich Giacoppo visited New Joelyn's recovery home for women in Dorchester. We had previously visited and issued backpacks to the female residents on Dec. 15th, however Bernadette was unable to attend at that time due to a recent surgical procedure. We have since been contacted by the house Director Walter Kikuchi and a few of the residents and have been asked to return with a few items that were discussed in the December meeting.   


We were welcomed into the house by Walter and several of the women who remembered me and were thankful to be able to finally meet Bernadette. We spoke with the women for about a half an hour and presented them with the requested items. We brought 24 of each item (1 for each resident) and Bernadette described how these things were made.  

Grief packet, drawing & key chains

We provided them with photo key chains, a colorful drawing that Ricky made for his mother, words used to describe Ricky by loved ones and an extensive plastic bound information packet on Grief entitled "We Remember Them".   


The key chains had two-sided clear plastic tabs and one side had a 2" x 3" color photo of Ricky (5 different photos were available) with the message above "In Loving Memory of Ricky Giacoppo". 


The back side had a message 

"Do Your Part To End The Stigma Of Substance Use Disorder

Rickyinc.org"  


The drawing was something that Ricky drew for his mother while he was in treatment. It was titled "Life Is Love".  The backside contains words that were used by loved ones and friends to describe Ricky. Some of the words used to describe Ricky were; Compassionate, Loveable, Intelligent, Old Soul, Sweet, Loyal (many people used this to describe him), Kind Hearted, Handsome, Silly, non-judgmental and many more.  


The Grief packet contained several pages of passages, stories and resources for those who may need help coping with the loss of a loved one or friend from substance use disorder. 

the women show their appreciation

We received several personalized Thank You notes from the women at New Joelyn’s and want to extent our sincerest appreciation to them for their kindness and thoughtfulness.   


On Thursday February 3, 2022 we returned to visit New Joelyn’s and delivered 9 more backpacks for their new female residents. All of the women were excited to see us again and showered us with compliments and thanks.  


Thank You and Good Luck to all of the female residents of the New Joelyn’s Home. 

1,485 - total number of backpacks distributed by ricky, inc

new victory recovery home for men

On Thursday February 3, 2022 Ricky Inc. visited a Victory program in Boston called “New Victory Recovery Home For Men”. Rich met the men and the Director of the program Laura Holton, who was welcoming and supportive of our organization.  


Ricky Inc. provided 30 backpacks that included all winter gear socks hygiene products and many other things including our extensive resource manual. We provided drinks and snacks for the men. We provided several extra backpacks for new clients coming in to receive.   


Rich Giacoppo, the President of Ricky Inc. met with the men, talked about substance use disorder and the stigma that surrounds it and the work that Ricky Inc. does in the community in memory of our son Ricky and his story.   


It was our pleasure to meet with the gentlemen that are making a 4 to 8 month commitment receiving treatment at New Victories. It was humbling to meet and speak with the residents and to see that everyone very much appreciated receiving their backpacks. Many of the men then took the time to show their appreciation for his efforts and personally thanked Rich with a handshake and a compliment.   


For more information about New Victories Recovery Home for Men please visit their website www.vpi.org or call 617-825-6088.   


Always in the name of our beautiful boy Ricky   


handmade masks by mary guardabascio

12 beautiful masks

On Thursday February 10, 2022 Mary Guardabascio donated and delivered 12 handmade masks to Ricky, Inc. to be placed inside of our backpacks.

3 boston pro sports

Mary made sure to represent at least 3 of Boston's Professional Sports teams; The Celtics, Patriots & Red Sox.


These beautiful masks are made of cotton and her new masks (future donations) will all have 100 % Polypropylene filters, which is water resistant and found in the highly regarded N95 masks.


Her mask making skills and her compassion for those in crisis are certainly traits to be admired


We thank Mary for her generosity, kindness and thoughtfulness in helping us with our mission to help those in need.

ocean state job lot supports ricky, inc.

recognition in the community

On Wednesday February 9, 2022 Ricky, Inc. was fortunate enough to receive a $200.00 gift card and a "Close to Our Heart" certificate from the Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation.


Ricky, Inc. is proud to have been chosen by the Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation as a recipient of this donation and to be recognized in our community with the wonderful certificate.


In the coming weeks we will be back at OSJL with our gift card and we will be shopping for materials to be placed inside of our backpacks for our Spring 2022 Backpack Distribution.


We are extremely thankful for this recognition and the donation that will help many persons in need of assistance.


The name of this certificate is exactly what everyone involved with Ricky, Inc feels about our mission and Ricky himself. 


We always keep him Close to Our Hearts.

gift card & certificate presentation

The presentation was made in the Norwood, Ma. store under the supervision of Store Manager Hilario Galvao.

Pictured above are Ocean State Job Lot's Roxi & Becky with Ricky, Inc.'s President Rich Giacoppo accepting the gift card, certificate and holding a photo of Ricky.

Maine's freezing temperatures won't stop backpack deliveries

lots of winter gear inside BP's

lots of winter gear inside BP's

On Tuesday February 15, 2022, Maine Street Outreach Coordinator Chris Giacoppo was out in the cold delivering Ricky, Inc. Winter backpacks.

Pictured above; Chris sought out this man at an intersection in Portland and offered him a backpack. The man was very appreciative and said that these winter items were just what he needed right now.

helping those in need

lots of winter gear inside BP's

Chris then went into Monument Square and met with several different homeless person's and distributed backpacks to those in need.

Pictured above is Chris describing the contents of the winter backpacks to a homeless woman. He emphasized the woolen winter hats, gloves, scarf, neck warmer and Fleece & thermal blankets.

 The woman repeatedly stated to Chris "God Bless you for this"

outreach really is on the street

outreach really is on the street

Also on Feb. 15th, Maine Street Outreach Coordinator Nick Giacoppo received backpacks at his office and distributed them after work to homeless persons he encountered on Congress Street.

winter 21-22 final backpack & protective clothing delivery

ahope

On Tuesday February 22, 2022 Ricky, Inc delivered 17 loaded backpacks to AHOPE in Boston for immediate distribution to their walk-in clients. We were pleased to be met by the "always helpful and gracious" AHOPE staff members. This Boston Public Health Commission Program is an invaluable asset to all persons in crisis in this area. They provide many helpful services including our donated backpacks which greatly help the homeless, mentally ill and persons suffering from substance use disorder.


We also donated several dozen sets of handmade woolen winter hats, gloves, mittens and scarfs all personally made by Catholic Nun, Sister Katherine.


We were also honored to meet Christina (Teena) Hallett who will be another important contact for Ricky, Inc. with AHOPE.


Pictured above is Bernadette and the AHOPE Staff with the backpacks; Rich is holding some of the woolen hats and a scarf and Teena is pictured in the lower right of the photo kneeling behind the backpacks.


This puts Ricky, Inc.'s total backpack distribution since its inception in March of 2020 at 1,512 backpacks.

city of boston recovery services

On Thursday February 24, 2022 we visited the Boston Engagement Center 112 R Southampton Street. We were able to meet with Joe Phoenix who is the Program Manager for Outreach Recovery Services for the Engagement Center. Joe provided us with a tour of the new facility, which is a beautiful new building and opened in December 2021.


We donated 1 case of hand warmers, 1 case of cookies, 1 case of juice boxes and 25 winter packets to the center which included a winter hat, gloves, scarf, hand warmers and a letter from Ricky, Inc. referring them to further helpful resources and contacts. 


While we were on our tour, we were able to distribute some the packets to the men & women inside the center, all of whom were very grateful to receive these items during this current cold weather season.

gearing up for the 2022 spring/summer program

almost out of room

As we prepare for our 2022 Spring/Summer Backpack distribution program, it seems like we're running out of storage room. The garage is filled with numerous items that need to be separated, accounted for, and placed into the appropriate bins to be added to our assembly line.


"If" you have been thinking of making a donation to a worthwhile nonprofit, right now Ricky, Inc. has purchased materials for well over 200 backpacks and our current funding is getting low with more materials to purchase for this season.

Any amount is appreciated and is tax deductible. 


boxes stacked 6 feet high

With deliveries coming every day, we are still short on the projected amount of backpacks and materials needed to be distributed this Spring/Summer season to those persons in crisis.

doller tree's incredible manager

Steven Francis - Walpole Store manager

On Monday April 18, 2022 Ricky Inc. visited the Dollar Tree store in Walpole, MA. where Rich met the Store Manager Steven Francis and presented him with a Ricky, Inc. Certificate Of Appreciation. 


We have been shopping at Dollar Tree since we started our program and feel that they have many of the personal hygiene products that we need and carry them at a great price and in bulk. Each time we enter the store, Steve greets us with a friendly smile and makes sure that we get all of the products that we are looking for that day. Steve has contacted other stores and directed us to them whenever his products on his shelves are running low. 

Steve also makes sure to personally tend to our checkout as most often we will purchase hundreds of items and he makes sure that they are securely boxed and then he helps us put them in our car.


Steve who is welcoming and supportive of our organization and our needs, is also a donor. Last winter when supplies were running low, Steve purchased a case of men's winter socks (money from his own pocket) and donated them to Ricky, Inc.  

We are proud to have Steve as a friend of Ricky, Inc. and hope that this Certificate Of Appreciation will show his kindness and compassion for those in need.

 

Great job Steve !


1st delivery of the spring is for mothers & children

9 filled laundry baskets & 9 toys

On Thursday April 21, 2022 Ricky, Inc visited the Behavioral Health Network Family Center in Dorchester. We delivered 9 laundry baskets filled with the same materials that are inside of our backpacks and more. Each basket was personalized to the female recipients and their children. The baskets contained an age appropriate toy for the age of the child we were given, towel, laundry detergent, a small stuffed animal and more.

The BHN program aims to successfully reunify mothers with their children and hope for a long-term family stabilization.

Great work is being done at BHN


behavioral health network staff

The very appreciative BHN staff was on hand and posed with Bernadette in front of one of the laundry baskets.


Pictured (L-R)

Denise Jones Clinical Supervisor

Vernice Johnson Family Specialist

Crystal Sanborn Counselor

Bernadette Giacoppo Ricky, Inc.

Desiree Rivera-Decoo Director of Clinical & Operations

Elizabeth James Program Director


It is always gratifying when we visit these programs and donate these great, very much needed products. We have been to BHN a few times to make deliveries and also came many times before when it was the Phoenix House.


We look forward to returning to BHN and seeing our friendly staff during our next visit.  

labor of love - the making of ricky, inc backpacks

hygiene packages

On Saturday April 30, 2022 the next stage of the backpack assembly began with the all-female team spending hours doing the tedious work of packaging the hygiene products inside a sealed 1-gallon plastic bag. The male products are pictured on the left side of the table and the female products on the right. This photo was taken at the halfway point in the packing process and at the end of the day there were over 300 packages made by this incredible team of Ricky, Inc. volunteers. 

Pictured from L-R: Bernadette, Cathy, Bev & Sue.

working the assembly line

At the beginning of the process, with an unopened bag to the left is Sue Barron, as she prepares to deposit the first item in her bag.


To the right foreground is one of Ricky's BFF's, Bev Rukauskas who is collecting additional items to fill her hygiene bag.


Working tirelessly in the background is Cathy Mahar who is also a dedicated Ricky, Inc. Board member.

backpacks in action

On Sunday May 1, 2022, nine very close friends joined us to assemble and pack 268 backpacks for our Annual Spring/Summer Backpack Distribution. 

Seen here in the foreground, packing male backpacks, on the left is Dave Kuphal, a Ricky, Inc. volunteer and a longtime donor and contributor. Across from him is Jimmy Hurst seen placing the summer sunglasses into his backpack. Jim is also a Ricky, Inc. volunteer, donor & contributor. 

Making it a family event and packaging the female backpacks seen in the background on the left is Sue Kuphal and on the right is Joanne Hurst.

*** team ricky ***

Thank you to Lisa Fitzgibbon (Director) Joanne Hurst, Chrissy Winslow, Deb McAuliffe, Sue Kuphal, David Kuphal, Michael Fitzgibbon, Jimmy Hurst, and Joe McAuliffe who filled the 268 male & female backpacks. 


We appreciate their kindness and friendship deeply and are grateful for all their help. This team of selfless volunteers worked for over 4 hours filling these bags for our cause. These backpacks will be distributed this Spring and early Summer to those facing homelessness, substance use disorder and mental health disorders. 

So much thoughtfulness and so much love is being shown to us during these events from our & Ricky's friends.


Always in the name of our beautiful boy Ricky whom we miss and love every second of every day. 

ricky reading room at andrew house - boston

visiting the reading room

On Wednesday May 11, 2022, Ricky's Mom & Dad delivered 25 backpacks to the residential clients of Andrew House Boston, 

We also delivered men's underwear, juice boxes, snacks and books for the Ricky Reading Room.

official placard for the reading room

Today was the third year of Ricky's passing and we were graciously allowed to post a picture frame reminding all who use this room that it was dedicated in Ricky's name on Dec. 9, 2020 by Maritza Castillo.


Upon that dedication day, we donated a 6' bookshelf, numerous books and a couple of puzzles. Upon every return visit we always donate more books, puzzles and some framed blank artist canvasses for the clients to draw/paint on.


Thank you very much to the dedicated staff at Andrew House (both past & present) for the amazing work that you do to help these men in their recovery.


God Bless 

our lady of the fatima memorial garden

On Wednesday May 24, 2022 we visited the Butterfly Garden on the beautiful grounds of Our Lady of the Fatima in Holliston, MA.

Bricks are laid out here with the names of lost loved ones inscribed on them.

The inscribed brick in memory of Ricky was purchased & donated by loving friends Betty & Bob Marsh of Norwood.

God Bless

Ricky's memorial brick with one of his key chains and Forever Loved bracelet

A quiet and peaceful setting in this beautiful location

Love you Rick 

new joelyn's summer backpacks

On Thursday May 26, 2022 we revisited New Joelyn's Recovery Home for Women. We delivered 24 filled backpacks, key chains, underwear, grief packets and provided the women with cookies and juice boxes. We spoke for about 45 minutes and had a very nice question and answer session with the residents and staff.


Thank you to the Program Director Walter Kikuchi, Christine, Carol and the rest of the wonderful staff that do such a great job.

ahope & paaths - backpacks for walk-in clients

80 backpacks

On Thursday June 2, 2022 Ricky, Inc. distributed 80 filled backpacks to the staff members of the Boston Public Health Commissions outreach programs AHOPE & PAATHS on Albany Street in Boston. 

Thank you to the extremely hard working members of both organizations,

AHOPE; Tina, Sarah, Danny & Kenny

PAATHS; Eugenia, Leroy & Edgardo

cambridge programs benefit from ricky, inc.

youth on fire

access - harm reduction

access - harm reduction

On Thursday June 9, 2022 Ricky, Inc. delivered 35 backpacks to the staff of Youth On Fire in Harvard Square.


YOF is a program of the Aids Action Committee and is a drop-in center for homeless and street involved youth. Young people in need can receive on-site behavioral health and medical care along with hot meals, shower, laundry and many more valuable resources that we all take for granted every day.


We have been to YOF many times and are always greeted by the friendly and appreciative staff that distribute the Ricky, Inc backpacks as well as the Trevor Project booklets that we provided them with.


Pictured L-R; Katherine Sloss-Hartman YOF Site Coordinator, Summer Interns Giovanni & Ed next to Bernadette.

access - harm reduction

access - harm reduction

access - harm reduction

Also on Thursday June 9, 2022, Ricky, Inc. delivered 35 backpacks to the Access Drug User Health Program in Central Square. 


Access is part of Fenway Health Systems and the Aids Action Committee and provides numerous resources for its clients, including harm reduction, overdose prevention, medical attention by an on-site doctor and HIV/HCV/STI testing and much more.


We were given a tour of the facility by Brian who is an Outreach Coordinator and Overdose Aftercare Specialist. We were extremely impressed with the amount of services that they provide, the medical care space and the incredible staff.


Pictured above L-R; Mars, Bryan, Rich, Bernadette, Brian, Sonya and Jive (holding the stuffed Teddy Bear). 

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