3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration

Dear RCH Family,

My name is Vanessa, and the journey that led me to create this foundation is deeply rooted in love, faith, and resilience. I founded  RCH Foundation in honor of my late father, Raymond Charles Hershel, a man whose life was a complex tapestry of struggles and triumphs. Like many, he was absent during much of my early years, caught in a cycle of prison and paternal responsibilities that he could not fulfill. 

Yet, my mother, with unwavering grace, never spoke ill of him. She always encouraged me to welcome him back into my life whenever he was ready. When I was in my early thirties, my father reached out after his release, asking to stay with me in Dallas, Texas. I was apprehensive; we had never been particularly close. However, I recognized the potential for healing and connection, so I opened my home to him. That choice blossomed into a beautiful relationship that made it feel as if he had been a constant presence in my life all along.

Then came the heart-wrenching news in 2017: my father was diagnosed with cancer. He kept this battle hidden from me for some time, and I learned of his condition when his doctor reached out, naming me as his emergency contact. Juggling my career as a Software Consultant, which took me across the country weekly, while supporting my father through this harrowing fight was an immense challenge. Despite my efforts, cancer eventually claimed my father in 2019.

Through all of this, I came to understand a profound truth: while my father faced many struggles, he ultimately sought to change his life for the better, supported by those who believed in him. This realization lies at the heart of RCH Foundation’s mission: to “empower the community and restore faith in humanity “. 

As I fought alongside my father against cancer, I was also engaged in another battle—the fight against homelessness, a cause I have championed for over a decade. Reflecting on my father’s life, I recognize that he experienced transitional homelessness, a common yet often overlooked type. This form of homelessness can arise from significant life changes or catastrophic events, such as job loss or, in my father’s case, repeated incarceration.

At RCH Foundation, we are committed to addressing all forms of homelessness, including Hidden, Transitional, and Episodic, as we believe that tackling these issues will ultimately reduce Chronic homelessness—the focus of many nonprofits. We understand that many people are just one paycheck away from facing chronic homelessness.

As we continue our work within the community, collaborating with various shelters and organizations, we dream of establishing our own facility—a space that caters to individuals at all levels of homelessness. We envision utilizing buses to reach those who cannot access our services, bringing hope and support directly to their neighborhoods.

The path ahead is long, but with unwavering faith, prayer, and the support of compassionate individuals like you, we know we can make this vision a reality. Together, we can create a brighter future for those in need.