RCI Receives Funding from Pennsylvania’s Neighborhood Assistance Program

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.

Thanking our summer intern, Ei

Over the weekend, we said goodbye to our intern Ei. Ei came to RCI through his church, Whitehall Mennonite. He interned at our Community Building Center, where he helped in the kitchen and with community building activities. “I like the people here, hearing about their experiences. I learned to approach people, communicate and make connections.” We’re grateful to Ei for spending his summer with us, and for all the help he provided – always with a smile - during his time at RCI.

Ei (left) with a community member in the CBC.

Ei (far right) with members of Whitehall Mennonite Church, hosting a Christmas in June party in the CBC.

Ei will be attending Drexel University in the Fall to study engineering. We wish him the best of luck!

Celebrating our Community Stars

Last week, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs honored RCI Volunteers Sue Karpovich and Jody Smith as 2024 United Federal Credit Union Community Stars!

We are forever grateful to Sue and Jody for their dedication as volunteers to RCI. These two extraordinary human beings have been volunteering at our Community Building Center every week for over six years. They have served countless meals. They have hung wallpaper and assembled furniture. They made sure our community members never had to go without, even at the height of the COVID pandemic. They loaned us their grill for a community event and didn’t get mad when we somehow caught the whole thing on fire. But most importantly, they have loved and cared for our community, and they have done it with joy and gusto. Our staff and community members are lucky to call them our friends, and humbled to know that the feeling is mutual. Thank you, Sue and Jody, from all of us at Ripple Community Inc.!

RCI Hosts Party in the Park

We held our annual Party in the Park and welcomed our community members, neighbors, and volunteers to gather to enjoy food, games, and learn about resources in the Franklin Park neighborhood.

We’re grateful to our event sponsors and supporters, including:

Allentown Fire Department

Capital Blue Cross

City Center

Cohesion Network

Community Bike Works

Community Services for Children

Fulton Bank

Highmark Wholecare

Be sure to save the date for next year’s event, which will be held on September 6, 2025.