Dino Rizzo Champions Community Outreach for Alabama's Incarcerated Youth

Dino Rizzo, the outreach leader and President of the Association of Related Churches (ARC), has recently highlighted a substantial initiative that emphasizes care and support for incarcerated youth and adults in Alabama. In collaboration with Church of the Highlands (COTH), Rizzo’s team has successfully assembled and will deliver over 4,000 hygiene kits to juvenile detention centers and correctional facilities statewide.

This impactful outreach reflects a deep commitment to nurturing those who often feel overlooked in society. The initiative, coordinated by the COTH Dream Team and volunteers from six Church of the Highlands campuses, focuses on assembling kits containing essential items such as toothpaste, deodorant, soap, and handwritten notes of encouragement. Although these items may seem minor, they represent dignity and hope, serving as a reminder that support is available to those in challenging situations.

Rizzo emphasizes the significance of such outreach efforts, stating, “In every initiative, we want to communicate that people matter — no matter their circumstances.” He believes that delivering hygiene products, accompanied by personal notes, conveys compassion rather than judgment, creating a sense of connection for individuals in desperate times.

From the 4,000 hygiene kits prepared, 2,000 will be distributed to the southern region of Alabama. Additionally, 1,500 kits are designated for Bullock Correctional Facility, where a unique opportunity will allow the Dream Team members to enter the facility and personally distribute the bags, enhancing the personal touch of the outreach. Meanwhile, 300 kits are earmarked for an upcoming outreach program in a Georgia facility, and 1,700 kits will be delivered to various camps and centers catering to individuals lacking financial support or family resources.

“This initiative transcends mere service projects,” Rizzo reflects. “It’s about restoring dignity to people who may feel discarded or invisible. Our mission operates on the foundation of practical love — a kind of love that extends beyond words and supports individuals exactly where they are.”

The broader vision of Church of the Highlands is to connect with every juvenile detention center across Alabama. Rizzo’s longstanding dedication to outreach, which spans more than three decades, is evident in the initiatives he champions. His wealth of experience in ministry and community outreach serves as a catalyst for bringing healing and hope to vulnerable populations.

As Church of the Highlands enhances its engagement within correctional facilities, these outreach activities demonstrate the powerful outcomes of a community united in intentional service, empathy, and hope. Rizzo, along with his team, showcases the profound impact of collective efforts in addressing the needs of marginalized individuals, reinforcing the idea that small acts can lead to significant change.

About Dino Rizzo

Dino Rizzo co-founded Healing Place Church with his wife DeLynn and served as its senior pastor for two decades. He has been a passionate advocate for community service, founding Servolution and authoring the book "Serve Your City." As the President of ARC, Rizzo plays a crucial role in planting over 1,100 churches globally, demonstrating his commitment to community and faith-based initiatives. He is also part of the Senior Leadership Team at Church of the Highlands, where his outreach work continues to inspire many.