On September 15th, 2020 Ripple started an online Zoom support group, the only night group currently hosted by a peer driven organization in Connecticut. The goal, to expand this service to encompass all 365 days of the year. To provide support from 10:00PM until 6:00AM daily. These hours are not covered by local warmlines, but we know these hours can be the most difficult to get through for people who live with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidal ideations.
Time frame: by 2022
Create a scholarship fund. The Goal, through donations and fundraising we would like to allocate some of what we receive to the betterment of the community. One of the ways we can do that is through the education of others. We would like (at minimum) to offer 4 scholarships per year for peers who wish to become certified Recovery Support Specialists.
Two would be granted based on the recommendation of the RSS training staff at Advocacy Unlimited.
Two would be granted based on the recommendation of the team at Join Rise Be, Advocacy Unlimited’s young adult initiative.
Time frame: by 2022
Long Form 501(c)(3): Ripple is currently recognized as a non profit 501(c)(3) according to the IRS tax code. There are however two different ways to file, the short form and the long form. Ripple obtained its status filing the short form, which is suitable to our needs at this time. It was also much more affordable. As we stand today Ripple is allowed to have a maximum worth of $50,000 which includes donated funds and assets. To reach some of our goals such as the acquisition of land, we will need to file a long form application with the IRS. The Goal, with the aid of an attorney file for the long form version of the 501(c)(3) status and be approved.
Time frame : As soon as needed.
Support a paid staff. The Goal, lets face it, people need to make a living for themselves and no one can cover their expenses by being a volunteer. We believe that peers are a valuable part of the recovery community and as such should be paid a living wage. Between the eventual staff at the respite, telecommunications support team and our office staff we hope to support up to 10 paid peers who have been certified as Recovery Support Specialists.
Time frame: by 2022
Expanding as staff members are added.
Create a peer run respite. The Goal, purchase a piece of property somewhere in the Northeast corner of Connecticut and establish a respite with a minimum capacity to four people at a time. The property would also have 2 – 4 cabins for staff such as a care taker and live in Recovery Support Specialists. This respite location would also have a structure suitable to serve as Ripple’s main office and base of operations, this would include hosting phone and internet based peer support platforms.
Time frame:
2025 land purchased
2028 facilities completed
