Summer Intern- Welcome Kenny!

Muhlenberg College in Allentown has a Community Internship program for students during the summer to get connected with non-profit organizations in the Lehigh Valley. RCI is happy to receive Kenny Tran as an intern. Kenny majors in Creative Writing at Muhlenberg. He enjoys gardening, writing and reading, and spending time with friends. He has worked as an English Teacher at Refugee Center in the Episcopal Church of the Mediator which spurred interest in more community engagement work.

This summer he will participate in community center activities, community circles and learn about community resources for unsheltered individuals. Welcome Kenny!

Welcoming New Staff Members!

Over the past few months, the RCI staff has had an opportunity to do some visioning and internal restructuring focused on improving the quality of our programs and preparing us to grow as an organization. We’re happy to share the following transitions and additions to our team!

Welcome Alicia!

Welcome, Natalie!

Congratulations, Blake!

Congratulations, Emily!

Blake Henry is moving into an expanded role as Housing Director and Program Team Lead. Congratulations, Blake!

Alicia Moyer is joining our staff as Grants and Donor Relations Manager. Welcome Alicia!

Emily Snyder, who previously served as a community center volunteer and AmeriCorps VISTA, is stepping into a new role as our Community and Housing Services Coordinator. Congratulations, Emily!

Finally, Natalie Flores is joining our team as the Community Building Center Director. Welcome, Natalie!

We’re so grateful for our gifted and dedicated staff, who serve our community well every day.

The gift of new couches

While many of our community members were emotionally attached to the oversized 70s styled couches, it was time for an upgrade. Our Service Hub has a dual purpose. Part of the time, we use it to host our various service partners like St. Luke’s Parish Nurses, chair yoga, hair cuts, AA/NA groups and Lehigh Valley Health Partners Street Medicine team. The rest of the time, our community members use it as a quiet room to get rest. Many of them do not always get the best sleep, so having a safe, warm place to sleep is a great gift. Our community members say thank you to Lehigh Valley Health Network for contributing new couches to the Service Hub! They look great.

Mr. Charles' Story- Ripple has been a blessing

Ripple has been there for me ever since they opened at this location 5 years ago. Every time I was in the hospital someone from Ripple came to visit me multiple times. Not only did they help me every step of the way to getting our apartment, but they are also still helping me after the fact. Ripple stepped in and handled a situation for me that was causing me a lot of stress.  That’s how Ripple has impacted my life. They also give me a space to blow off steam by joking around with people and making them laugh.

When I was homeless, they would welcome us to the church with breakfast and have a talk. Back then, I avoided talking to people and had a bad attitude, so they mostly spoke with my girlfriend Lisa.Even when I showed no interest in speaking with people, Pastor Ben always checked in on me and asked how I was doing, they’ve always been there for me. They always give that kind heart. It’s the kindness that they give to the people here.

 When Lisa and I were still outside, we were waiting on an apartment inspector for over a month. In the meantime, there was an availability at Ripple Community, and they asked us if we wanted to move in. Right away I told them “But we don’t have the deposit and all of first month’s rent” and they told us not to worry and gave us a key. I am very humble, even if I have my grumpy old ways, they have made me very grateful and blessed. Lisa and I were just talking about that recently, that we are so lucky and blessed for Ripple’s help in all of this. It just so happens that the day we moved into our apartment, was the day Lisa’s granddaughter was born. That’s why I call her Princess, she’s my lucky piece. I tell her that because of her, we have a place for her to come visit.