Petaluma, CA, December 2, 2013 - "Ricky" is a small stuffed monkey embroidered with hotline contact numbers and given out free to shelters and to anyone alone on the streets. He was recreated in the image of Jeannie Kerrigan's little stuffed monkey she had as a child that was lost when she was raped as a young girl. Today, Jeannie is the Founder of Ricky's Revolution, along with Co-founder Katherine Patton. Through the use of Ricky, this non-profit (501)3 national outreach program provides information about national hotlines, safety and shelter options (including rape crisis), a runaway hotline, safe house and domestic violence hotline.
Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness and Ricky is a tangible reminder that help is available. He represents renewed hope for runaway and homeless youth, victims of domestic violence, and victims of sexual abuse, by giving them the information they need to reach places of safety as quickly as possible.As Street Team Leaders, Jeannie and Katherine go onto the streets personally handing out thousands of Rickys and interacting with individuals involved in acute situations of violence and homelessness. Additionally, Ricky's Revolution has volunteer-based Shelter Teams within multiple communities who deliver Rickys to shelters locally. This unique distribution process also allows volunteer community members to become a part of the process in helping bring these issues to the forefront. This remarkable non-profit works diligently to bring awareness to the general population that issues of abuse, rape, incest, runaway youth and the homeless need attention now!Videos