Rhett Ellison met Jenny DePaul a few years ago at one of his first community events as a member of the New York Giants. The veteran tight end was struck by how personal the founder of Project KIND 123 was with everybody.
- From that first impression of DePaul and her organization that creates opportunities and builds support systems for those experiencing homelessness, grew a partnership. From that partnership blossomed the Worthy of Love Fest, which for the second year in a row welcomed 100 people to MetLife Stadium in late August. The Giants and Project KIND provided food, showers, haircuts, clothes, personalized lockers, stadium tours and social service agents to help their every need.
"You don't see that a lot in these kinds of organizations," Ellison said of Project KIND. "Sometimes it's just 'give them stuff' and it's not as personal. Jenny knows everybody in this room, and they all know Jenny. That's something you don't really see, so instantly I wanted to be a part of that. I wanted to help her as much as I could.
"Obviously the Giants, the organization that they are, they go above and beyond for the guys, for the players. With (Director of Community & Youth Football Relations) Ethan (Medley), if any player in the locker room is like, 'Hey, I've got a cause I want to be a part of,' he's on it. And I've never seen anything like that in any other (organization). I don't think there's anything like that in the NFL. So partnering the Giants with Jenny was just like a match made in heaven."
Through its mobile street outreach team, Project KIND also provides mentoring, emergency/temporary housing, information, referrals to assisted programs, encouragement and support.
Its mission is to help those experiencing homelessness by providing the support that will allow them to focus on their strengths and purpose while overcoming their challenges and circumstance so they are able to get off the street.
"The goal is just to love on them," Ellison said. "Fill them up with love, just get them and connect them with the right people, encourage them. Just let them know that they're worth it. … Everyone is a super Giants fan. I mean, there's always some Cowboys fans because, I don't know why, but huge Giants fans. So it's just been a lot of fun to connect. They know football. They talk football. So it's a lot of fun. It's an awesome event to be a part of, and the Giants made it happen."
DePaul started Project KIND at a time in her life when she wanted to "refocus." She really thought about what she was blessed with and what she could do without.
"When you see a need, it may overwhelm you and you don't know where to begin," DePaul said. "We literally just looked in our cabinets, made a few sandwiches, got a few hats and things like that. With Project KIND, my desire was to create ways for people to give. It could be your time, your knowledge, your resources, your talents. There's all sorts of things you can give to somebody. It doesn't matter how you give or what you do. All that matters is you're doing something."
Ellison, a veteran leader in the locker room, rounded up his teammates to attend the two Worthy of Love Fests. Center Jon Halapio shares his passion to help homelessness and sought out Ellison during spring practices to get involved with Project KIND. Fellow tight end Evan Engram did the same thing, and outside linebacker Kareem Martin has always been a part of it since he attended the same event where Ellison connected with the organization.
"They loved it because it's a different kind of event," Ellison said. "It's a very personal event. You can hang out, you can talk to these guys, and just encourage them. "That's the most emotional part. A lot of these people feel forgotten. They feel like no one cares about them. You would hope that they know that they're loved and that we do care about them and we want to help them. We want to help them get out of homelessness. There are a lot of people in this community that are trying to do that for these people. Hopefully they feel encouraged, they feel loved, and they feel hope."
For more information, visit projectkind123.org.
View photos of TE Rhett Ellison, who announced his retirement on Monday.
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) at preseason week 1 game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) runs after the catch during a week 9 NFL football against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 in East Rutherford, N.J. Los Angeles won 51-17. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants' Rhett Ellison (85), second from left, celebrates his touchdown with Darius Slayton during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants wide receiver Bennie Fowler (18) celebrates with tight end Rhett Ellison (85) and wide receiver Cody Latimer (12) after scoring a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter of a preseason NFL football game, Friday, Aug. 16, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) is tackled by New York Jets linebacker Brandon Copeland (51) during an NFL football game Nov. 10, 2019 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Jets defeated the Giants 34-27. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) catches a pass during warm-ups prior to an NFL game against the New York Giants, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots defeated the Giants 35-14. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison watches against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Jets' Brandon Copeland (51) tackles New York Giants' Rhett Ellison (85) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Dallas Cowboys safety Darian Thompson (23) covers New York Giants receiver Rhett Ellison (85) during an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, NJ. The Cowboys defeated the Giants, 38-17. (James D. Smith via AP)
New York Jets' Jamal Adams (33) chases New York Giants' Rhett Ellison (85) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Steven Ryan)
New York Giants' Rhett Ellison, right, celebrates his touchdown with Darius Slayton during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) catches a pass during warm-ups prior to an NFL game against the New York Giants, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots defeated the Giants 35-14. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
New England Patriots free safety Devin McCourty (32) in coverage as New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) runs a route during an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass. New England won 35-14. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) is tackled running the football during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots defeated the Giants, 35-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) runs with the football during an NFL preseason football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019 in Cincinnati. The Giants defeated the Bengals 25-23. (Scott Boehm via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Bennie Fowler (18) celebrates a touchdown reception with New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) during a week 14 NFL football game on Sunday December 9, 2018 in Landover Md. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) is tackled by New York Jets linebacker Brandon Copeland (51) during an NFL football game Nov. 10, 2019 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Jets defeated the Giants 34-27. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) runs the football during an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Bills defeated the Giants, 28-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants" Rhett Ellison (85) during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (Tom DiPace via AP)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) reaches for a pass during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins Sunday September 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) runs with the ball during an NFL game against the Chicago Bears, Friday, Aug. 16, 2019, East Rutherford, NJ. The Giants defeated the Bears 32-13. (Al Tielemans via AP)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison runs with the football as he warms up prior to action against the Dallas Cowboys during a NFL football game, Sunday, Aug. 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys won, 20-13. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
Chicago Bears outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52) tackles New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Mark Tenally)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) celebrates a touchdown with his team mates during a week 3 NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Sunday September 23, 2018 in Houston (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants' Rhett Ellison (85) catches a 2-point conversion against the Carolina Panthers in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Jason E. Miczek)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) runs after the catch in front of Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Riley Bullough (49) during a week 11 NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. New York won 38-35. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) dives for a touchdown after catching a pass as Houston Texans linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) defends during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) is blocked by Detroit Lions cornerback Quandre Diggs (28) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game, Friday, Aug. 17, 2018, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) slides in the end zone after catching a pass for a touchdown in front of Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Cameron Lynch (52) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. The Buccaneers won 25-23. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
New York Giants running back Rhett Ellison, right, talks to his wife, Raina Ellison, and their 9-month-old daughter, Kaia, at the end of a workout during NFL football training camp, Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants running back Rhett Ellison holds his 9-month-old daughter, Kaia, at the end of a workout during NFL football training camp, Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison tosses up his 9-month-old daughter, Kaia Ellison, after a workout at NFL football training camp, Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants running back Rhett Ellison, right, holds his 9-month-old daughter, Kaia, as his wife, Raina Ellison, looks on at the end of a workout during NFL football training camp, Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Project Kind community event at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) celebrates with tight end Evan Engram (88) after scoring a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) takes part in a week 10 regular season game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday November 10th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants running back Rhett Ellison, left, runs with the ball against cornerback Curtis Riley during NFL football training camp, Wednesday, April 25, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Rhett Ellison (85) is tackled by Washington Redskins' Zach Vigil (56) and D.J. Swearinger (36) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) comes down with a pass for a touchdown against Dallas Cowboys strong safety Xavier Woods (25) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants TE Rhett Ellison (85) during a week 7 game against the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) (center) celebrates after a touchdown catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Oct. 1, 2017 in Tampa, Fla. Tampa won 25 - 23. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) celebrates with tight end Evan Engram (88) after scoring a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) scores on a 2-yard touchdown reception in front of Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Cameron Lynch (52) and Giants' Jerell Adams (89) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) runs with the ball during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, East Rutherford, NJ. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 12-9. (Al Tielemans via AP)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) (center) celebrates after a touchdown catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Oct. 1, 2017 in Tampa, Fla. Tampa won 25 - 23. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10), tight end Rhett Ellison (85) and Geno Smith (3) warm up prior to an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants TE Rhett Ellison during a regular season week 3 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James in Tampa, FL.
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) slides after am emdzone touchdown catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Oct. 1, 2017 in Tampa, Fla. Tampa won 25 - 23. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
New York Giants Media Day Photography Shoot.
New York Giants TE Rhett Ellison (85) during a week 7 game against the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants Media Day Photography Shoot.
New York Giants TE Rhett Ellison during week 2 game against the Buffalo Bills in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants TE Rhett Ellison during week 1 game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, TX
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) at preseason week 1 game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
TE Rhett Ellison (85) at New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
Giants App
Download the Giants' official app for iPhone, iPad and Android devices
