RICKY, Inc

current number of backpacks distributed

3,273

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.

Current number of Narcan doses distributed: 1,590

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.

supporting a great organization

new charitable registration plate

We are proud to display this new charitable registration plate on our Ricky, Inc. van supporting Overdose Awareness. These charitable plates were brainchild of Cheryl Juaire of Team Sharing and took many years to make it come to fruition.

In 2015, Cheryl founded Team Sharing – MA, a support group within her own state where parents meet and support one another and has since started chapters in 25 other states that do the same, including the national chapter TEAM SHARING. https://teamsharinginc.org/

The Overdose Awareness plate features an image of a purple ribbon with angel
wings and a halo and the words “Overdose Awareness”. Proceeds from this plate go to TEAM SHARING Inc., which provides support and friendship to grieving families while working to raise awareness of Substance Use Disorder and its impact on our communities.

Massachusetts residents – the Overdose Awareness specialty plate is now available at your local RMV or online with myRMV!

Anyone can obtain Overdose Awareness plates.

https://www.mass.gov/doc/rmv-schedule-of-fees/download

"A heartfelt thank you to Cheryl Juaire for your dedication & hard work"

goodbye to a valuable program

it is with a heavy heart and much regret

We have come to the difficult conclusion that we are unable to continue funding sober living for those that call us looking for support/help in receiving a scholarship. It is very hard for us to share this decision as the Sponsorship to Recovery program is so close to our hearts. We had just completed our list of "Partner Sober Homes" and were looking forward to being affiliated with these programs for many years, when word came from the State House that our funding was being eliminated.

We have been fortunate enough to receive state funding for the last few years. Since the federal funding has been cut, the funds that we received can no longer go to programs such as ours. We are very grateful for the funds we did receive and the people we were able to help with a start and a second chance in a sober home.

We will continue to provide rides to detox programs. The only information we need is your name, the detox name, who you are working with at admissions and give your permission for us to call and confirm you have a bed. When you are ready, we will send an Uber to pick you up and bring you directly to the detox program. Call Rich at 781-727-6628 or 781-343-3149.

All towns and cities in Massachusetts received funds for the Opioid settlement and each city spends these funds in many different ways. We would suggest calling the health department in your hometown and inquire if they would use those funds to start you off in a sober living home. We are not saying this is something we know of but just a suggestion.

We would also recommend if you were looking to continue treatment after detox, work with your counselor early when entering detox to inform them you are interested in entering a CSS program (Clinical Stabilization Services). Most CSS programs accept Mass Health and Medicare. TSS (Transitional Support Services) designed to help those who need services between acute treatment and residential rehabilitation, outpatient or other aftercare is another option in continuing services. While in CSS or TSS program let your counselor know early into your admissions that you are interested in interviewing for a halfway house. A person can apply to half-way houses in Massachusetts that give participants time to gain employment or whatever their situation may be. Most accept Mass Health and Medicare. Participants living in a half-way house receive much more support than a sober living home. These are suggestions as everyone's recovery plan looks different.

We are always available to offer information and phone numbers if any of these options sound like they are of interest to you.

Please know we are very sorry we can no longer offer the sober living scholarship program. Please have hope as there are many options in Massachusetts. Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline call (800-327-5050) is staffed by specialists 24 hours seven days a week and are informed with many questions you may have.

We will continue our backpack program as you can see below, we have visited many different programs and have several more for the summer. We will be visiting the Veterans Administration in Jamaica Plain delivering 73 backpacks for three different SUD programs housed there. We will post our visit next week.

Boston Public Health commission

ahope & paaths

On Monday July 21, 2025 Ricky, Inc.'s Rich Giacoppo & Doug Jasset visited the Albany Street locations for AHOPE and PAATHS donating 90 filled backpacks, 90 2-dose boxes of Narcan and Fentanyl test kits. The backpacks contained hygiene products and summer products for the elements and many other items. We delivered a carton of tee shirts and underwear, and extra socks.

I was accompanied by my good friend Doug Jasset. He was a great help to me and enjoyed meeting the staff at AHOPE and PAATTHS.

Thank you to the AHOPE and PAATHS teams for working so hard to help those most in need. We have many times explained the good work they do.

Thank you to Sarah Mackin, Director and Kenny Washington Asst. Director of AHOPE and Leroy Ivy, Director of PAATHS and all of their committed staff

Doug & Kenny

ahope & paaths

Kenny Washington took a few minutes to give Doug a tour of their facility and showed his appreciation for working together with Ricky, Inc.

ahope's memorial wall

Inside the AHOPE Community room, where many clients spend time resting and getting resources, there is a memorial wall with photos and stories of the many individuals who have been lost to the insidious disease of substance use disorder.

Ricky's information is posted on this memorial wall.

two great staff's

Pictured are both of the staffs of AHOPE & PAATHS, who constantly work together to provide valuable resources for people in need.

Left-Right: Doug Jasset, Kenny Washington, Leroy Ivy,

Sara Mackin, Luis, Nate and Danny.

continuing nicholas' & chris' outreach in maine

Milestone Recovery

On Friday July 25, 2025 Rich & Christopher Giacoppo travelled to Portland Maine and made a large donation of filled backpacks and numerous supplies at Milestone Recovery Center and filled the "Nicholas Giacoppo Memorial Bureau" that we donated last year in memory of the great work that Nicholas did for this organization. His brother Christopher is pictured at the far right while presenting the staff with our donation.

Milestone Director Amy Chaney was kind enough to post the following regarding our visit:

Incredible generosity in memory of Nicholas.

The Ricky Foundation @ricky_incorporated delivered a deeply meaningful donation to Milestone Recovery:

45 backpacks filled with harm reduction and essential supplies

430 pairs of socks

134 pairs of underwear

36 white t-shirts

A large assortment of art supplies

Each item will be distributed by our HOME Team and shelter staff to individuals experiencing homelessness in our community. This donation isn’t just practical—it’s personal. It was given in loving memory of Nicholas, whose legacy continues to bring comfort, dignity, and care to those who need it most.

This isn’t the first time The Ricky Foundation has supported Milestone, and we are honored to be part of their mission.

Thank you for choosing to walk alongside us—and for ensuring that Nicholas’s light continues to shine through acts of compassion.

Thank you Ricky Inc.

"Much appreciation and thanks to Amy Chaney"

https://milestone-recovery.org

without help, nothing good can happen

Record Shattering Volunteer Effort

Three years ago, dedicated volunteer members of Team Ricky assembled 130 backpacks in one day for distribution for our programs. This was the most backpacks that we ever filled in one day; until Sunday that is.

We want to thank our hardworking volunteers who packed over 310 backpacks this past Sunday July 13, 2025.

Thank you Chris Giacoppo, Doug Jasset and Bill Beatty. These guys could have been on the beach on this beautiful Sunday but they were here helping Ricky, Inc. help those struggling with substance use disorder, living unhoused, and mental health issues.

"Our hearts are broken for what we have lost, it’s unimaginable. Please keep us in your prayers".

assembly in progress

Record Shattering Volunteer Effort

The team spent the better part of four hours in an assembly line packing these backpacks at a pace that was difficult to match. I attempted to keep the products on the line well stocked but the men were determined to completely shatter our previous record and I was hustling just trying to keep up with them.

They will forever have Ricky, Inc's. heartfelt appreciation for withstanding a hot and humid garage and their nonstop efforts to "just keep going".

women's backpacks

Team Ricky is posing in front of some of the 125 women's backpacks that were assembled on Sunday.

The team also assembled 185 men's backpacks.

Pictured (L-R)

Bill Beatty

Christopher Giacoppo

Rich Giacoppo

Doug Jasset

storing 310 backpacks isn't easy

These backpacks contain numerous hygiene products, 2-pairs of Bombas socks, undergarments, sunglasses, sunscreen and much more for the Summer months.

Each bag also contains lifesaving Narcan, fentanyl testing strips and an instructional pamphlet on what to do for someone that has overdosed.

nowhere else to go

Storing 310 backpacks in your home is not an easy thing to do. The Giacoppo household is very crowed right now and a walkway was needed to get around.

All of these backpacks will go to halfway houses, homeless shelters, Veterans programs, our Street Outreach Program, mothers and children programs and DPH funded harm reduction programs that serve many clients whom are living unhoused and in crisis.

Annual donor steps up

On Monday June 23, 2025 I was invited to attend the Middlesex County Deputy Sheriffs Association's annual golf tournament at the Four Oaks Country Club in Dracut, MA.

While attending the event, I was presented with a generous donation from Tony Iovanna and Richie Redican. Tony, Richie, Paul and their entire staff have been there for us in the past and have continued to support our cause.

This donation comes at a great time because we were just notified that the federal and state government cuts impacted Ricky, Inc causing us to lose our funding.

"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts go out to the Middlesex County Deputy Sheriffs Association for their outstanding dedication and support".

going in style to ireland

cork county ireland

Last month, good family friend and staunch supporter of Ricky, Inc., Eoin O'Corcora found his way back home to Cork County Ireland with his daughter Chloe and took his Ricky, Inc. tee shirt with him for a few photos.

Eoin is an avid bicyclist and went home to not only visit his family where he grew up but to participate in a 100-mile road race around the world-famous Ring of Kerry. This was his warmup race before returning back home to the U.S. to ride "UP" Mount Washington once again (he's already done it a couple of times.)

The Blarney castle

cork county ireland

Chloe O'Corcora also took her Ricky, Inc. tee shirt with her and shows it off in front of the Blaney castle. She enjoys time with her father and routing him on during his races.

The father and daughter team took time to visit these sites in Blarney, Cork, Ireland

a fitting memorial to nicholas

a scenic location for rememberance

The Giacoppo family purchased this memorial bench in Nicholas' name last year. It took a lot of planning but with the assistance and cooperation of Portland's Director of Cemeteries and Historic Projects, Wesley Brumbaugh, we were able to locate and install this bench exactly in the place that Nicholas loved to have coffee and hang out. This was his favorite spot in all of Portland.

It is located along the walkway on the Western Prom, leading from Maine Medical Center to an extremely relaxing, pleasant and scenic view of the ocean.

nothing but love here

Our Nicholas loved visiting the Western Promenade in Portland for years. Sometimes to meditate, to get a coffee with us from Yodprom or gluten-free donuts from The Holy Donut.

Writing this makes me cry we spent so many days with Nicholas here we would do anything to go back. Nick loved the walk to the promenade he would point out the beautiful flowers the architecture on the gorgeous homes. We would talk about anything and everything. Most days we had Lady and then Roxy to sit and roll in the grass. Nicholas spent many a day and sunsets with his wife. This past Thursday we had this bench put in at the Western Promenade with a beautiful plaque.

Nicholas Giacoppo

Adored and Loved

Nothing But Love Here

“Nothing But Love Here” is a verse from his wedding song. Nicholas taught us to slow down and appreciate what you see while walking. That may be animals, birds, music and him loving his neighborhood, as Nick said,

“This is the neighborhood that keeps on giving “.

So please, when in Portland, Maine visit the Western Promenade and sit on Nick’s bench. Feel the sun on your face, enjoy a good cup of coffee. Open up all of your senses and please remember him and send our precious boy, Nicholas your love and your presence.

Thank you, Nicholas’ beloved family

incredible view

This is the beautiful view from Nicholas' bench.

It overlooks Casco Bay, an open bay of the Gulf of Maine. Casco Bay encompasses 14 coastal communities and stretches about 229 square miles, with its shore stretching 578 miles.

Nicholas loved nature and the serenity of a bright sunny day right in this area. He also loved to walk here in the winter, where his large hot coffee would surely come in handy on a cold winter day in Maine.

much more than just a bench

This bench will be here "at least" for the next 15 years, at which time we will renew for another 15 years.

There is ample free parking just yards from this bench and in the summertime, the public water fountain is available and is less than 10 feet away.

"if" you visit his bench, please take some photos and email them to us at Info@rickyinc.org or text at 781-727-6628.

Most of all remember what a wonderful man Nicholas was and take a moment to let him see his favorite spot through your eyes.

He would love the thought of that

vital support for our mission

dedicated supporters of ricky, inc.

nurses memorial - a fitting location to meet

On Thursday April 10, 2025 I visited the Massachusetts State House by the invitation of Representative John Rogers and Senator Michael Rush.

Our meeting was held in the Nurses Hall - which is a symbolic setting as it features a statue honoring a Civil War nurse, making it the first public monument in the U.S. dedicated to a woman’s service during the war. They felt that it was an appropriate location as the meaning of the monument we were standing in front of also represented “saving lives”; which is what Ricky, Inc., Rogers and Rush want to do.

In the FY25 budget, Representative Rogers and Senator Rush secured $50,000 in funding to help Ricky, Inc. deliver life-saving materials and recovery support to individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use, and mental health challenges across Greater Boston.

nurses memorial - a fitting location to meet

Representative John Rogers and Senator Michael Rush announced that they are also proud to support a similar request in the upcoming FY26 House budget.

Thanks to this funding over the past few years, Ricky, Inc. has been able to provide the following support:

-Provide 70 recovery residential sponsorships totaling over $59,000

-54 Uber rides to detox facilities, sober homes, and medical appointments

-Distribute 1,044 doses of Narcan through our DPH-certified program

-Deliver 2,988 Backpacks full of life essential materials to those in crisis

Learn more about our organization and mission at https://rickyinc.org/

meeting to review important 2023 activities

On Sept. 28, 2023 I met with Representative Rogers and Senator Rush at the Massachusetts State House to discuss the recent activities and programs of Ricky, Inc. During this meeting I also expressed our deep appreciation for both men’s tireless efforts to help us secure the funding to allow us to combat the opioid, substance use disorder and homelessness crises in this state.

Pictured above is Senator Michael Rush, Rich Giacoppo and Representative John Rogers in the State House parking lot standing in front of the Ricky, Inc. van. This van was purchased with a portion of the earmarked funds from the FY23 budget and has enabled us to deliver more materials and services around the state than we were able to before.

“Thank you to Representative Rogers and Senator Rush for your dedication, compassion and support of Ricky, Inc. and allowing us to really make a difference one person-at-a-time”.

presentation of earmark funding

On Nov. 1, 2022 Representative John Rogers and Senator Michael Rush visited my home and presented Ricky, Inc. with an honorary check from the State of Massachusetts for $50,000.00. These FY23 funds were earmarked to assist us in the delivery of substance use recovery care materials to homeless individuals with substance abuse and mental health disorders in the Greater Boston Region.

We presented them with a framed Ricky, Inc. Certificate of Appreciation as a token of our gratitude for making this funding possible for us.

Picture above is: Representative Rogers, Rich and Senator Rush.

“We would like to thank you, and both of your staffs, for the hard work it took to make this possible. We could never properly express the immense gratitude and appreciation that we have for you both".

empower yourself

save a life

Before most people in the public population had ever heard of Narcan and its life saving capabilities, our son Ricky was a strong advocate for Narcan. He always carried it with him and he saved many lives by administering it. When Ricky passed away no-one used Narcan on him.

Our belief is everyone should carry Narcan, it is available, it is free, it cannot be misused, and it is NOT harmful to people. Contact Rich at 781-727-6628 if you would like some.

What it does is it can reverse an opioid overdose which can include fentanyl. As we have said many times, we are distributors of Narcan. We have also said many times that we will do whatever it takes to get Narcan out to whomever is willing to carry it and train you in its use.

Our hope is that one day everyone will share the belief that Narcan should be carried by everyone, the same belief our son Ricky had.

God bless Ricky……NARCAN SAVES LIVES

a meaningful story

The Starfish Story

An Original Story by: Loren Eisley

One day a man was walking along the beach,

when he noticed a boy hurriedly picking up

and gently throwing things into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked,

"Young man, what are you doing?"

The boy replied,

"Throwing starfish back into the ocean.

The surf is up and the tide is going out.

If I don't throw them back, they'll die."

The man laughed to himself and said,

"Don't you realize there are miles and miles of beach

and hundreds of starfish?

You can't make any difference!"

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up

another starfish, and threw it into the surf.

Then, smiling at the man, he said,

"I made a difference to that one."

"Ricky, Inc. cannot change the whole world,

but we can help one person at a time"

RICKY,Inc

please visit & follow us on facebook

current number of backpacks distributed

3,273

supporting a great organization

new charitable registration plate

goodbye to a valuable program

it is with a heavy heart and much regret

Boston Public Health commission

ahope & paaths

ahope & paaths

ahope & paaths

Doug & Kenny

ahope & paaths

ahope & paaths

ahope's memorial wall

two great staff's

continuing nicholas' & chris' outreach in maine

Milestone Recovery

without help, nothing good can happen

Record Shattering Volunteer Effort

Record Shattering Volunteer Effort

assembly in progress

Record Shattering Volunteer Effort

women's backpacks

storing 310 backpacks isn't easy

nowhere else to go

Annual donor steps up

going in style to ireland

cork county ireland

cork county ireland

cork county ireland

The Blarney castle

cork county ireland

cork county ireland

a fitting memorial to nicholas

a scenic location for rememberance

nothing but love here

incredible view

much more than just a bench

vital support for our mission

dedicated supporters of ricky, inc.

nurses memorial - a fitting location to meet

nurses memorial - a fitting location to meet

nurses memorial - a fitting location to meet

nurses memorial - a fitting location to meet

nurses memorial - a fitting location to meet

meeting to review important 2023 activities

presentation of earmark funding

empower yourself

save a life

a meaningful story