THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING DONORS!!!

We’re shouting it from the rooftops – huge thanks to IMPACT Chicago’s 2021 Donors! Your generosity is a driving force behind our ability to return to in-person programming, and to continue to offer sliding scale admission as we do so.

Tuition and grants cover about 65% of the costs of the Core Program and IMPACT for Girls. Donations cover the rest.

Janet and David Altman

Lisa Amoroso

Bettie Ashbee

Arden Austin

Ellyn Bank

Dolores and Glenn Bjorkman

Patricia Broughten

Sheila & Steve Carson

Nancy Cohen

Cassidy Coles

Susan Conover - in honor of Karen Staib Duffy

Dee Costanzo - in memory of Adrian Costanzo

Cyd Curtis Bates - Dianne Costanzo Fund

Kevin DeJovine - on behalf of Mary Jo Bolduc

Tom Duffy - in honor of Karen Staib Duffy

Maureen Duffy - in honor of Karen Staib Duffy

Margaret Evans

Laurie Fuller & Erica Meiners

Celina Garcia - in honor of Karen Staib Duffy

Eileen Gelblat

Tess Given

Jennifer Gould

Brian & Gretchen Grad - in honor of Karen Staib Duffy

Robyn & Tijuana Gray

Amy E. Harmon

David Haverkamp

Margit Henderson

Nancy Hornak

Loretta Jackson

Carol Jennings

Susan Landwer

David Leib & Anne Gendler

Gary Lenhoff - in honor of Karen Staib Duffy

Maple Walker Lloyd

Mary Loftus

Denise Lewin Loyd

Rachel Marro

Carmen Maso

Margaret McGrath

Debra Mier

Tim Morell - in honor of Karen Staib Duffy

Clara Orban

Lauren Perez

Liz Pfau

Rachel Pildis

Lisa Pines

Ann-Christine Racette

Beth Raffety

Loriann and Roger Safian

Janette Scott

Tracey Shafroth

Mary Silverman - in honor of Karen Staib Duffy

Katie Skibbe

Linda Stawicki

Martha Thompson

Marge Tomasik

Helene Turner

Nan Upin - in honor of Karen Staib Duffy

Carrie Villa

Amy Wallin

Elizabeth West

Donna Wilkins

Ashley Willett

Please let us know if we have made any errors. Thank you!

THANKS TO OUR VOLUNTEERS!!!

So many thanks to the wonderful folks who volunteered for IMPACT Chicago in 2021. We’re grateful and honored that you’re part of our circle!

(If we have inadvertently left you off the list, please let us know).

Admin Team

Aaron Christensen

Amy E. Harmon*

Rehana Manejwala

Katie Skibbe

Elizabeth West

Board

Lisa Amoroso

Tara Brinkman

Bruce Brio

Maple Walker Lloyd

Denise Lewin Loyd

Deb Mier

Katie Skibbe

Class Assistants

Amy E. Harmon

Robin Mina

Madison Rieck

Elizabeth West

Instructors

Rob*

Bruce Brio (retired)

AC*

Katie*

Rachel*

Mark Nessel (retired)*

Ben*

Martha Thompson (retired)

Margaret*

Nat Wilson (retired)

Victor*

Social Media

Arden Austin

Dana Dunham

Rachel Marro

Kim Ruhana

What Is IMPACT & Other

Lisa Amoroso

Ellyn Bank

Bruce Brio

Amy E. Harmon

Mindy Hilt

Maple Walker Lloyd

Denise Lewin Loyd

Deb Mier

Elizabeth West

Website

Amy E. Harmon

Lisa Amoroso

Nate Tracy-Amoroso

Workshop Leaders

Lisa Amoroso*

Tara Brinkman*

Amy E. Harmon*

Rachel Marro*

Deb Mier*

Katie Skibbe*

Margaret Vimont*

*Paid part-time staff who also volunteer

February 2021 Newsletter

 

Katie and AC say thanks to all the participants who attended the Boundary Setting workshop and made it a success!

IMPACT Updates   Setting Boundaries Online On February 20th, IMPACT Chicago held a Boundary Setting workshop via Zoom.  The workshop was a success! Participants said:   "The topic of setting boundaries & understanding limits was addressed very well, both with practical examples (participant interaction) and descriptive situations (different environment anecdotes from the coaches)." "Both instructors were so kind and informative—loved every minute!"   "Hope Talks" with IMPACT Chicago IMPACT Chicago had the privilege of participating in "Hope Talks," sponsored by the Southside Center of Hope, a nonprofit recovery home for Chicago women who are experiencing homelessness or recovering from addiction. These monthly live chats allow local organizations to share resources and discuss topics that are important to the communities they serve. You can watch the livestream of February's "Hope Talks" here (IMPACT's Lisa Amoroso appears at minute 38!).    ESD on the Empowerment Podcast In January, retired IMPACT Chicago instructor Martha Thompson spoke with Silvia Smart, host of The Empowerment Podcast. During the podcast, Martha shared what has driven her dedication to Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD) work and what sets ESD apart from other forms of self-defense. You can listen to the interview here.   ESD Around the World   Martha also helped spread the word about Empowerment Self-Defense to Turkish news agency Mesopotamia Agency. Martha, Deb and Maple were interviewed by journalists Gözde Çağrı Özköse and Zemo Ağgözas about self-defense training and how it can help women everywhere. You can find their interviews here: Women are Reclaiming Their Voices (Martha) Our Voice Can Save Another Woman's Life (Maple and Deb)   Next up... Have you been looking for an opportunity to practice incorporating self-defense principles into realistic scenarios? Join us for the upcoming Self-Defense Scenarios workshop on April 24th! You can find the details here.

Self-Defense Scenarios Workshop 1650 W. Foster Ave. May 15 12:00 - 3:00 PM

Thank you to IMPACT Chicago Volunteers 2020!!!

Huge and heartfelt thank yous to all the many people who volunteered for IMPACT Chicago in 2020. Your energy, talent, and time are deeply appreciated!

(If we have inadvertently left you off the list, please let us know).

Admin Team
Lisa Amoroso
Aaron Christensen
Amy E. Harmon*
Mindy Hilt*
Rehana Manejwala
Katie Skibbe
Martha Thompson

Board
Bruce Brio (outgoing co-chair)

Katie Skibbe (outgoing co-chair)

Lisa Amoroso
Tara Brinkman
Courtney Henderson
Denise Lewin Loyd
Deb Mier
Martha Thompson

Class Assistants
Rehana Manejwala
Madison Rieck
Emilia Donnenberg-Smith

Instructors
Rob*
Joe
Bruce Brio (retired)
AC*
Dominic
Katie*
Rachel*
Mark Nessel (retired)*
Ben*
Martha*
Margaret*
Nat*

Social Media
Arden Austin

Rachel Marro
Dana Dunham

Maple Walker Lloyd

Kim Ruhana
Martha Thompson

What Is IMPACT & Other
Ellyn Bank
Bruce Brio

Amy E. Harmon

Maple Walker Lloyd

Denise Lewin Loyd

Rehana Manejwala

Rachel Marro

Deb Mier

Priya Nelson
Amy Parakkat
Chloe Pooler
Kristen Reid

Madison Rieck

Emilia Donnenberg-Smith

Elizabeth West

Website
Amy E. Harmon*
Lisa Amoroso
Nate Tracy-Amoroso

Workshop Leaders
Lisa Amoroso*
Tara Brinkman*
Amy E. Harmon*
Rachel Marro*
Deb Mier*
Katie Skibbe*
Martha Thompson, Trainer*
Margaret Vimont*

*Paid part-time staff who also volunteer

January 2021 Newsletter

 IMPACT kicked off the new year with a successful Bystander Support workshop led by Rachel, with technical support by Lisa.

IMPACT Updates

 

...aaand we're back!

IMPACT Chicago held its first workshop of 2021 on January 23rd. Bystander Support took place online, with Rachel instructing and Lisa making sure Zoom ran smoothly.

It was a hit! Participants commented:

...There is no one-size fits all. It was important for me to hear from the other participants the obstacles they had encountered or could imagine encountering that would have prevented them from interceding; and to have Rachel help us think them through with possible tools.

Actually practicing helped me visualize the scenario and now I feel more confident responding.

---

There's more where that came from!

The 2021 schedule is now available on the  IMPACT Chicago website. Take a look and see what IMPACT has in store this year.
 

---

Next up...

Join us for a Boundary Setting Workshop on February 20th! The workshop will be held online and is pay-what-you-can up to $25. For more information or to register,  visit the website.
 

---

Thank you!

Our heartfelt thanks to IMPACT Chicago's 2020 donors! Your generous donations help us cover the costs of the CORE program and IMPACT for Girls.  
 

Boundary Setting Workshop (Online)
February 20
1:00 - 2:30 PM

Self-Defense Scenarios Workshop
1650 W. Foster Ave.
April 24
12:00 - 3:00 PM

Thank you to IMPACT Chicago's 2020 Donors

A mighty and resounding “THANK YOU” to IMPACT Chicago’s 2020 Donors! Your generosity enables us to bring IMPACT self-defense training to more people who identify as women and girls.

 

Tuition and grants cover about 65% of the costs of the Core Program and IMPACT for Girls. Donations cover the rest. 

 

Anonymous

Jeanne Adams - in honor of Lois Adams

Janet Altman​​

Laney Amoroso​

Lisa Amoroso - In honor of Martha Thompson

Bettie Thompson Ashbee

Arden Austin​

James Baima

Ellyn & John Bank - in honor of Martha Thompson

Arlene Benzinger - in honor of Martha Thompson

Lili Betancourt

Susan Blessing​

Amy Blumenthal

Tara Brinkman​

Bruce Brio

Pat Broughton

Sheila & Steve Carson

Adam Charney

Aaron Christensen​

Bryan Cleal

Nancy Cohen​

Rachel Collins

Dorianne Conn

Dianne (Dee) Costanzo - in honor of Martha Thompson & in memory of Adrian Costanzo

Cyd Curtis Bates​

Mari Jo De Paolo​

Kevin DeJovine​

Donna Del Principe - in honor of Martha Thompson

Carla Eisenberg​ - in honor of Martha Thompson

Cheri Erdman - in honor of Claire Tropp - class '89

Margaret Evans​​

Korrin A. Fallbacher​

Tam Fletcher​

Kira Freigang​

Laurie Fuller​

Anne Gendler & David Leib

Therese Given​

Jennifer Gould

Robyn & Tijuana Gray

Amanda Gregory - in honor of Martha Thompson

Amy E. Harmon - in honor of Martha Thompson

Margit Henderson

Loretta Jackson - in honor of Martha Thompson

Carol Jennings - in honor of Martha Thompson

Linda Kaplan​

June Kirk - in honor of Martha Thompson

Kasey Klipsch & Angela Sherrill - Dianne Costanzo Fund

Katherine (Katie) Knapowski​

Susan Landwer​

Ruth Lipschutz - in honor of Martha Thompson

Mary Loftus​

Betsy Lucas

Martin Lucas

Rachel Lucas-Thompson Graham

Priscilla​Martin

Margaret McGrath - in honor of Martha Thompson

Debra Mier & Sheila Hickey

Emily Moreno

Jeannette & Terry Mostrom

Priya Nelson​

Shiyu & Anthony Nitsos​

Clara Orban

Piper Parker​

Lauren​Perez

Svetlana (Liz) Pfau - in honor of Martha Thompson

Lisa Pines​

Rachel Preveau​

Ann-Christine Racette

Don & Judy Rosedale - in honor of Martha Thompson

Kim Ruhana - in honor of Martha Thompson

Roger & Loriann Safian

Laura Sanders - in honor of Martha Thompson

Asha Sarode

Gail Schubert​

Linda Stawicki

Tracey Shafroth

Peggy Shinner

Yehudit​Sidikman

Katie Skibbe - in honor of Martha Thompson

Karen Staib Duffy

Patrice Stearley

Charlotte Suk

Martha Thompson - in honor of all the students since 1987

Margaret (Marge) Tomasik​

C.M. Villa - in honor of Martha Thompson

Carrie Villa​

Iris Waichler - in honor of Martha Thompson

Amy Wallin

Elizabeth West - in honor of Martha Thompson

Amelia (Mimi) Wilson​

Amelia Zimet

 

Please let us know if we have made any errors. Thank you!

I Have Felt Privileged for Every Moment of This Work: Martha Thompson Retires From IMPACT Chicago

Over 30 years ago, my friend Theo encouraged me to go to a self-defense presentation and demonstration to find out more about a unique self-defense course she had taken. When the organizers invited volunteers to do a knee strike to the guy in the padded suit, my hand went up. The experience of that kick was all I needed to sign up for the next course.

That May 1988 program brought together so many of my commitments and interests that I said yes when asked to help develop a self-defense program appropriate for a college curriculum. I had started my university career of teaching sociology with a women's and gender studies focus at age 23 and the opportunity to  combine my academic interests with teamwork, emotional work, and powerful voices and bodies as a self-defense instructor was irresistible.

I’ve been involved with IMPACT Chicago for over half my adult life and it is now time for me to step back from teaching full-force programs, serving on the board, and doing administrative work. I will continue to support IMPACT Chicago and its dedicated and skilled Admin Team, Board, and Instructors in whatever way I can (e.g. if needed, assist with instructor training and help our IMPACT:Ability program get off the ground).

I will still be doing empowerment and social justice work as I continue as the Self-Defense Coordinator for the National Women’s Martial Arts Federation until 2022; continue to be an active member of the Empowerment Self-Defense Alliance, an organization dedicated to influencing national dialogue about preventing interpersonal violence; and continue to support the work of not only IMPACT Chicago, but other IMPACT chapters.

I have greatly enjoyed and appreciated all the people I’ve worked with over the past 32 years to build and maintain the infrastructure that makes it possible for IMPACT Chicago to offer our fabulous programs. Whether new to IMPACT or a long-time volunteer like Lisa Amoroso who has been volunteering since 1990, the work of IMPACT Chicago board members and administrative staff has made it possible for IMPACT Chicago to continue to shine since 1987. I have felt privileged for every moment of this work.

Not surprisingly I hope, my biggest inspirations and rewards have been found on the mat. I have been moved profoundly by each person who has courageously stepped into an IMPACT class; each circle where we witness others’ grappling with their past, reflecting on the present, and opening themselves to a bigger future; each scenario where a defender faces and meets a challenge; and each time we applaud and cheer for each other. I have felt privileged for every moment of this work.

I have not experienced these inspirations and rewards alone. The teamwork with other lead and suited instructors and class assistants has been so enriching. There is nothing like getting feedback from a team on a class plan; working with that team to put the plan into practice while also working to make minute by minute adjustments; and in challenging moments experiencing support from a team member's glance, a word, or a nod. I have felt privileged for every moment of this work.

Martha Thompson
Instructor, 1988-2020
Volunteer Coordinator/Director/Admin Team Co-Leader, 1988-1995, 1996-2020 

Our fund drive this year is in honor of my retirement. You can find the lovely letter from IMPACT Chicago about my work and some more words from me HERE. I know there are many organizations and issues worthy of your financial support. I hope you will join me in making a donation to IMPACT Chicago this year. Any amount will mean a lot to our continued work. You can donate on the IMPACT Chicago website via Paypal, on the IMPACT Chicago Facebook page, or send a check to IMPACT Chicago, 4057 N. Damen Ave, Chicago IL 60618. Thank you.