january 2023

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

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 “

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!

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

  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 

www.vpi.org  

 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 

www.InsightRecoveryHomes.com 

  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

www.gillyshouse.com