RHD 2024 Year in Review
December 31, 2024
SUMMARY:
2024 was a year of remarkable achievements and transformative growth for RHD! From advocacy milestones to strategic partnerships, we made significant strides in advancing our mission. In January, RHD garnered media attention for its impactful work with the homeless in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, and we celebrated Black History Month with a series of powerful events honoring African American culture and resilience. Our Center for Creative Works made an unforgettable impact in February, with 31 artists showcasing their work at the Outsider Art Fair in New York City, achieving $26,000 in sales and receiving coverage from major outlets like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. We also honored individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities at our 18th Annual Celebration Awards, and in May, RHD took a bold step toward long-term financial sustainability by entering a strategic affiliation with Inperium, Inc. This move, which included outsourcing key back-office functions, allowed us to streamline operations and significantly reduce administrative costs—ensuring RHD’s continued ability to serve our communities without compromising our identity.
The momentum continued throughout the year, with exciting leadership developments and community engagement. In June, we welcomed Brian Matthew Rhodes as our new President & CEO, while also remembering RHD co-founder Bertram Wolfson, whose legacy of social justice and advocacy has shaped our path for decades. Our Mobile Crisis Intervention Unit (MCIU) made waves by launching an online dashboard to enhance transparency and operational efficiency. In September, RHD’s commitment to mental health recovery was showcased at the Pittsburgh Recovery Walk, and we announced Look Here, a groundbreaking collaboration set to launch in 2025, spotlighting progressive studio art. We capped off the year with our 38th Annual Values Day, celebrating the incredible resiliency of our staff and participants, and officially closed our affiliation with Inperium. This partnership gives RHD access to a powerful network of resources, ensuring we’re more equipped than ever to make a lasting impact in the communities we serve. It’s been a year of growth, innovation, and excitement, and we can’t wait to build on this momentum in 2025!
RECAP
January 2024
On January 9th, Main Line Media News published a story on RHD’s advocacy work for the homeless in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
February 2024
RHD celebrated Black History Month with educational events exploring African American culture and resilience. Highlights included discussions on Black resilience in politics and music, children’s literature showcases, and a movie night
On February 9th, participants from RHD DeFuniak Springs enjoyed the Tim Tebow Foundation’s “Night to Shine,” a prom experience celebrating individuals with special needs.
From February 29th to March 3rd, 31 artists from RHD’s Center for Creative Works (CCW) exhibited at the Outsider Art Fair in New York City, achieving $26,000 in sales and yielding mentions in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and Brutjournal.
March 2024
On March 27th, the 18th Annual Celebration Awards honored individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh and Northampton counties. For the first time, three RHD Lifesharing participants—Paul Ahner-Hein, Holly Wilkinson, and Jeanette Loch—were recognized for their outstanding achievements.
April 2024
On April 2, Robert Schmus, an RHD therapist and autism advocate, participated in a United Nations panel for World Autism Awareness Day, addressing key issues like mental health and gender equality.
On April 15th, The Boston Globe profiled Outside the Lines (OTL) participant, Nick Morse, showcasing his journey as an abstract artist with an exhibit at City Winery Boston.
May 2024
On May 10th, RHD entered into a binding Letter of Intent (LOI) with Inperium, Inc. to explore an affiliation between the two organizations.
On May 15th, staff from RHD’s Christine Gibson Peer Support House participated in Mental Health Awareness Month events in Harrisburg, advocating for increased funding and awareness.
On May 16th, Tyesha Davis-Rhodes, Director of RHD’s Mobile Crisis Intervention Unit (MCIU), led a life-saving intervention in New Orleans, helping a young woman in crisis through compassion and teamwork.
June 2024
On June 14th, RHD announced the appointment of Brian Matthew Rhodes, Esq., as its President/Chief Executive Officer.
On June 24th, RHD co-founder, Bertram Wolfson passed away, leaving a legacy of five decades of leadership and advocacy for social justice.
July 2024
In July, the MCIU launched its online dashboard, offering insights into call volumes, response times, and demographics, highlighting its operational impact.
August 2024
In August, RHD’s blog profiled Christopher Reyes, a participant supported by RHD Shining Through in Philadelphia. With staff support, Christopher has mastered essential life skills and continues to pursue his passion for SEPTA transit systems.
September 2024
On September 7, A-Team staff joined the Pittsburgh Recovery Walk, demonstrating their commitment to mental health recovery.
On September 24th, we announced Look Here, a groundbreaking collaborative project between RHD’s Center for Creative Works (CCW), Haverford College’s John B. Hurford ’60 Center for the Arts and Humanities, and the Jennifer Lauren Gallery in Manchester, UK. The initiative, supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, will launch in September 2025, spotlighting progressive studio art through exhibitions and a symposium.
October 2024
On October 2nd, RHD released our 2023 Annual Report with the theme, “Providing Creative Care Solutions for the Community.” Programs featured included PA Start Allegheny, Street2Feet, and Imagine That! Read the full Annual Report here.
On October 15th, Evemarie Killimett, a dedicated provider at RHD Lifesharing, received Outstanding Community Service Award at the Carbon Monroe Pike MH/DS Annual Awards Ceremony. She has been a Lifesharing provider since 2017, supporting two wonderful ladies with unwavering care and dedication.
On October 12th, the Philadelphia Tribune profiled George Shands, DeWeese White, and Michael Bing, participants at RHD’s IDEATE program. The article highlights how each of them has achieved personal and professional fulfillment through self-employment, thanks to the support of RHD and IDEATE.
November 2024
RHD’s 38th Annual Values Day on November 21 celebrated the core Values guiding its mission. With the theme “Resiliency is Our Superpower,” the event honored staff and participants for their significant contributions and dedication over the past year.
December 2024
On December 11, RHD successfully closed its affiliation with Inperium, Inc., becoming part of a growing network of over 30 companies within the Inperium constellation.
RHD’s mission is to change how the world views, understands, and supports individuals with behavioral health challenges and intellectual and developmental disabilities, advocating for dignity, opportunity, and independence through innovative care and real, lasting, systemic change in our communities.