He Supports People. He Never Overlooks Them.
In a world that demands disclosure before dignity,
one question changed everything:
"Where are the men?"
The Moment That Built a Movement
As a young boy, Richie watched his mother, Elder Joan Ivory, carry the weight alone. Their home was a sanctuary—women who were homeless, abused, or in crisis knew they could knock and be met with dignity. No questions. No proving they deserved help. Just presence.
But watching her serve alone, a question formed:
That question became a silent vow: He would show up. Consistently. Without needing applause or recognition.
Not because someone asked him to prove his commitment. Not because he had to disclose his trauma first. But because presence is the leadership.
What People Who Know Him Would Say
"He supports people and never overlooks them."
In a world that demands you disclose trauma to qualify for support, prove you're "broken enough" to deserve resources, and perform pain to access help—
Richie built systems where support comes first. No gatekeeping. No overlooking. No proving you qualify.
Kindness Without Gatekeeping
The same principle that shaped his mother's home now shapes every system he's built.
The Bus Fare That Changed a Life
Someone needed to get somewhere. Richie handed them bus fare. No interrogation. No proving they deserved it. That small act created a lasting turn toward opportunity.
The Drum Set He Left Behind
He recognized someone else's calling and stepped aside so they could step forward. Leadership isn't about holding space—it's about creating it.
Culture at Work
Presence builds environments where people feel safe. Not because policies demand it, but because someone consistently shows up without needing applause.
You Are Seen
The most revolutionary act in systems that demand disclosure? Seeing people before they have to explain themselves.
From Acts of Kindness to Systems of Change
Acts of kindness matter. But Richie built systems so kindness doesn't depend on one person being in the room.
He created frameworks where:
- ✓ Volunteers stay because contribution is recognized, not extracted
- ✓ Youth engage without having to explain their pain first
- ✓ Families access support without proving they're "broken enough"
- ✓ Returning citizens rebuild with recognition before interrogation
46 published curriculum systems. Not because he wanted credit. Because communities needed tools that work without him in the room.
Against All Advice
Consultants told him to hold onto his intellectual property. Protect the systems. Wait until he was gone to release them.
He didn't wait. He released 4 complete systems into the public domain— FREE for anyone, anywhere, forever.
Because communities don't need more gatekeeping. They need resources. Now.
Hear the Journey
From a young boy watching his mother serve alone to building systems that reach 50+ organizations across 8 states—watch the story that became a movement.
▶ Watch Our JourneyHe Built the Systems. You Build the Movement.
Download the 4 FREE systems. Bring them to your school, church, organization, or home. No gatekeeping. No proving you qualify. Just presence.
Nonprofit Transparency: Builders of People Initiative is committed to financial transparency and accountability. View our complete profile, financial documents, and IRS Form 990 on Candid.