At RCI Village, we not only provide affordable housing, but we also create a community environment where neighbors get to know each other and we have fun. Getting to know your neighbors makes you feel safe, gives you a sense of belonging, and an opportunity for people to socialize who often feel isolated and alone.
We held an extra special Party in the Park on Saturday, September 6, 2025 filled with community connection and neighborhood fun! This event kicked off RCI’s 10 year anniversary. We are grateful to our Franklin Park partners and neighbors for helping us plan and celebrate.
We are thrilled to announce that artwork created by one of our community members, Ryan Lam, was selected to be part of the 8th annual, juried Compendium Exhibition celebrating the art of the self-portrait. The exhibition is on view in the Crayola Gallery in the Banana Factory Arts Center, 25 W. 3rd St. Bethlehem, PA 18015, through January 1, 2025.
According to the Banana Factory website, the “exhibition aims to celebrate the idea of personal narratives and images and how artists create these narratives in visual form.”
Ryan Lam described what it means to be part of this exhibition and to be part of Ripple’s community: “I feel amazing. I feel thought-about. We have art on Thursdays and it’s always great. I’m thankful for the people who voted me into the show [at the Banana Factory] and really looked at my art. I appreciate it.”
Kristin Baxter, Community Building Center Director described the significance of Ryan’s work being part of this exhibition. She said, “Not only is it important to Ryan to be part of this exhibition, but this opportunity also puts our mission into practice such a meaningful way.”
Congratulations to Ryan for being selected for this exhibition!
To learn more about the exhibit, click here: https://www.bananafactory.org/event/16386/compendium-self-a-juried-exhibition/
We are grateful to our friends at City Center Allentown who volunteered at our Community Building Center last week! City Center donated lunch and residents served our community members, who appreciated the delicious selection of sandwiches and sides. Thank you, City Center!
We are thrilled to announce that RCI has been awarded support through Pennsylvania’s Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), a state initiative designed to encourage businesses to invest in projects that improve communities and promote economic development. This funding will directly support our efforts to expand affordable housing options and community connection in Allentown’s Franklin Park neighborhood.
We are deeply grateful to our contributing partners at Peoples Security Bank & Trust and KeyBank, and for the support of Representatives Peter Schweyer, Mike Schlossberg, and Josh Siegel, and Senator Nick Miller, who have been champions for RCI’s work in the community and who recently released an announcement highlighting the NAP awards.
“These investments will go a long way to support local organizations, such as Ripple Community Inc. with providing opportunities for folks to live with dignity in affordable homes,” said State Representative Peter Schweyer.
Through participation in the NAP program, RCI will continue its mission of providing safe, stable, and deeply affordable housing, as well as fostering relationship-building through our two core programs—the RCI Village housing program and the Community Building Center (CBC).
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of the NAP program and our generous partners at Peoples Security Bank & Trust and KeyBank. This support will enable us to further invest in the Franklin Park neighborhood and ensure that our neighbors have access to the housing and services they need to thrive,” said Dr. Sherri Brokopp Binder, Executive Director of RCI. “This funding allows us to enhance our efforts in supporting long-term housing stability and building strong, resilient communities.”
RCI Village currently serves over 30 residents across 19 apartments, offering justice housing—safe, stable, and deeply affordable housing with onsite and nearby services. The program provides wraparound services and fosters community connections to help residents transition out of homelessness or chronic housing instability. RCI’s community center serves 70 individuals daily by providing community connection and a safe, welcoming daytime space. The community center also offers services via collaborations with partners who provide health services, addiction recovery support, employment resources, and more. “Ripple is a fantastic community partner and I’m thrilled to see the NPP program will help the Franklin Park neighborhood with better housing options, and meaningful economic opportunity. When we invest in people and neighborhoods, our region is stronger for it,” said Rep. Mike Schlossberg.
Over the NAP project term, RCI’s work will focus on expanding housing options, including through community-owned housing, and fostering economic mobility through various initiatives supported by the NAP funding. The project includes collaborations with other area organizations, such as Cohesion Network and North Penn Legal Services.
