Sunday, March 15, 2026

THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING 2025 DONORS!!


Many many thanks to IMPACT Chicago’s 2025 Donors! As we head into 2026, we’re more grateful than ever that you’re a part of our circle. Here’s to setting our boundaries, using our voices, and leaning into building the future we want to see: a non-violent world in which all people can live safely and with dignity.

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

Janet & David Altman
Lisa Amoroso - in honor of IMPACT’s Admin Team - thank you!
Margaret Aulwes
Arden Austin
Ellyn & John Bank
Joe Bianco
Dolores Bjorkman
Susan Blessing - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Natalie Butler
Sheila & Steve Carson
Janaah Coates
Nancy & Ira Cohen
Dee Costanzo - in memory of Adrian Costanzo
Kelly D'Angelo - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Phyllis Daniels - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Ray Daniels
Marjorie Fitzsimmons
Laurie Fuller
Eileen Gelblat
Tess Given
Robyn & Tijuana Gray
Sarah Grove - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Amy E. Harmon - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Debborah Harp
Margit Henderson
Kasey Klipsch & Angela Sherrill
Tracy Koppel - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Susan Landwer - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
David Leib & Anne Gendler
Denise Lewin Loyd
Mike Lively
Debra Mier
Anthony Montero - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Anthony & Shiyu Nitsos
Clara Orban
Liz Pfau - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Katie Palmer
Rachel Pildis - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Lisa Pines
Jeanne Popowits
Loriann & Roger Safian
Laura Sanders
Janette Scott
Tracey Shafroth
Camille Smith
Kenneth Smith
Martha Thompson
Marge Tomasik - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Carrie Villa
Margaret Vimont - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Donna Wilkens
Anonymous
Anonymous
Anonymous - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Anonymous - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund


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

Sunday, June 15, 2025

IMPACT GRAD SHARES THEIR PERSONAL IMPACT STORY

(Commercial image - not actual grad photo)

My IMPACT story is one I hope can inspire many others to achieve the same peace of mind I now have. After many searches to find a women’s self-defense course that seemed practical, I stumbled upon IMPACT Chicago about a year and a half ago. I was looking to feel safe and empowered with my own personal safety after escaping an abusive and dangerous relationship over 15 years ago that was still affecting me.

During IMPACT, I was able to re-enact some of the attacks I had experienced in the past, except this time I came out as the triumphant party this time. I feel IMPACT provides a very unique and valuable healing element to anyone that has experienced abuse in the past in addition to preparing students with practical, life saving strategies from using their voice to intimidate to delivering powerful physical moves to fend off attackers. Your attacker can be a stranger on the street - but it can also be a friend, neighbor, partner, or co-worker and they teach the importance of vigilance and listening to your gut as part of the self-protection package.

As someone diagnosed with a severe form of PTSD, IMPACT also provided a vulnerable but strong space with trauma informed instructors to ensure support was available the entire time. I am not ashamed to admit I needed it during one particularly hard exercise for me that sent me into a flashback to a violent attack from my past, and I was so grateful to have that support readily available. 

I have tried various other forms of therapy like CBT, boxing, rage rooms, and journaling to reconcile my past experiences, but nothing has made me feel safer than the peace I have knowing I can seriously kick someone’s butt if they try to mess with me. To practice live numerous times and watch other students doing the same really gets the moves in your body with muscle memory. 

Unfortunately, I had to use my teachings to fend off a recent attacker in my own home a few months ago. My usually friendly neighbor of four years had mentioned in passing to me that he had recently lost a long-term girlfriend along with his job, and from my perspective, seemed to be on a downward path of destruction for a few months in response to these things.

One night, I had my back turned to my window and was listening to music and singing when I noticed some arms behind me, only to spin around and find that same neighbor had taken off the screen of my window, opened it fully, and was trying to get into my condominium. I froze in shock for a few seconds and then recalled my IMPACT teachings to use my voice, had the confidence to abruptly slam the window on him - causing him to fall backwards out of it, and report him to the police and HOA. I wound up getting a restraining order and lawyer, and then selling my condo almost immediately as my gut told me to. 

I haven’t looked or gone back and don’t regret it. Best of all, I don’t feel bad about any of it because I know I did it to protect myself against danger. I don’t know if the pre-IMPACT version of myself would have had the same courage to prioritize my safety over the natural politeness or empathy I would have felt towards my neighbor for his hard times. Many people have asked me, “Why don’t you get a gun?” or “Why don’t you get a dog?” or “Why don’t you get a man and live with him?” and I reply with a smile, “ I don’t need any of those things to protect me – I have myself.”

Thank you IMPACT!

Yours truly – A very grateful anonymous

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

THE LASTING IMPACT OF EMPOWERMENT SELF-DEFENSE

 



In a survey of 97 women who completed IMPACT Self-Defense —ranging from a few months to over 30 years ago—participants shared powerful stories of transformation. Across generations and eight IMPACT chapters, women reported feeling more confident, aware, and empowered, not only in everyday life but also during high stress moments.

1. The Power of Noticing: Awareness Skills for Safety
Participants emphasized that the training heightened their ability to see and evaluate their environments and relationships in new ways. From recognizing unsafe situations to identifying unhealthy relationship patterns, participants said they had a greater awareness of themselves, others, and the environment.

“After learning in class how to recognize a dangerous/manipulative person, I realized the relationship I was in at the time was an unhealthy one. I am now in a different one where I feel happy and safe.”


2. The Power of Words: Verbal Skills for Confidence
One of the core lessons of IMPACT is the value of using your voice. Women learned to set boundaries, de-escalate confrontations, and advocate for themselves and others with confidence and clarity.

“The discovery of my voice has probably been the most significant. I speak up now for what I want and know that my opinion matters. IMPACT has taught me how to say ‘no’ and the freedom to say ‘yes.’”


These verbal skills promote assertiveness in everyday interactions, whether at home, work, or in public spaces.

3. The Power of My Body: Physical Skills for Action
From learning to escape dangerous situations to projecting confidence, the physical techniques taught in IMPACT include not only striking and kicking but also breathing, strategic movement, and confident body language and are supported by a deep belief in being worth fighting for. Participants shared stories of using these skills to prevent harm or fight back when necessary.

“The person I was with decided that he was going to wake me up in the middle of the night by choking me. He was very angry and was going to kill me. I wish I could say I remembered to do the leg hook, but I didn’t. What I did remember is you never stop fighting, you never stop trying to free yourself and protect yourself.”


4. The Power of Using My Feelings: Acting Even When I’m Afraid
IMPACT training equips participants to act effectively even in unsettling or threatening situations. Participants described feeling fear while simultaneously knowing what to do to protect themselves.

“I felt like I was in a split screen experience, the part of me that was scared and the part that knew what to do.”


 The ability to project calmness and take action was empowering in high-stakes situations and in everyday life.

5. The IMPACT lasts
The long-term effects of the program are profound. Whether participants completed the course a few months prior or three decades ago, they reported confidence, assertiveness, and a deep belief that their safety, well-being, and voices matter.

“I believe that my IMPACT experience has made a difference in my life EVERY DAY since I took the program over 20 years ago. IMPACT changed my life. I’m grateful every day.”


IMPACT-trained women did not engage in self-blaming or risky behavior and used their skills to prevent and interrupt aggressive behavior. From walking confidently down the street to navigating relationships and workplaces, the skills learned in IMPACT last a lifetime.

Martha Thompson, PhD

IMPACT Chicago Lead Instructor, 1988-2020


Based on: Martha E. Thompson “Empowerment Through Feminist Self-Defense: The IMPACT Lasts.” Violence Against Women 29(14):2915-2940. doi: 10.1177/10778012231197576. 


Thank you to Mona MacDonald at Mona MacDonald Design for the infographic.


Sunday, April 6, 2025

THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING 2024 DONORS!!!

Sending a giant YES to IMPACT Chicago’s 2024 Donors: you are so very appreciated, and we’re so grateful to be part of your circle. Full speed ahead into 2025!

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


Modupe Akinola - in support of Denise Loyd's leadership!
Michele Alogna
Janet & David Altman
Lisa Amoroso - in honor of our amazing staff!
Jeanette Andrews - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Arden Austin
Rose Baker
Judy Balazs
Ellyn & John Bank
Dolores Bjorkman
Susan Blessing
Sheila & Steve Carson
Janaah Coates
Nancy Cohen
Dori Conn
Dee Costanzo - in memory of Adrian Costanzo
Cyd Curtis Bates - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Phyllis Daniels - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Ray Daniels
Cynthia Dimmitt
Deanna Dunagan Giving Fund
Maureen Dunn
Arthur Ellis
Margaret Evans
Michael Feit
Charlotte Ford - in honor of Deb
Laurie Fuller
Eileen Gelblat - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Tess Given
Kim Goldbaum
Robyn & Tijuana Gray
Margit Henderson
Anne Hickey
Valerie Jenkins
Deborah Kelly
Robert Koon
Rita & Ted Lammot - in honor of Deb
Debbie Lee
Denise Lewin Loyd
Ryan Libel
David Leib & Anne Gendler
Marie McCullough
Ann Mier
Chris & Jena Mier
Debra Mier
Robin Mina
Lauren Montero
Michelle Montero
Misty Moody
Lyn Moran
Clara Orban
Katie Palmer
Rachel Pildis
Lisa Pines
Ann-Christine Racette
Mariana Reichman - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Don & Judy Rosedale - in honor of Katie Skibbe
Loriann & Roger Safian
Laura Sanders
Jennifer Schmieg Gould
Tracey Shafroth
Katie Skibbe
Adrienne Smith
Gayle Stephens
Dave & Lori Taylor - in honor of Deb
Eva Templin
Jennifer Tescher - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Martha Thompson
Marge Tomasik - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Michelle Trudel
Natalie Vassall
Carrie Villa
Amy Wallin
Joycelynn Watkins-Asiyanbi
Donna Wilkens
Liz Wrocklage-Gonda
Gina Yoga
Anonymous
Anonymous
Anonymous
Anonymous - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Anonymous - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund


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

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING DONORS!!

Huge gratitude to IMPACT Chicago’s 2023 Donors: thank you, thank you, and thank you. We can do what we do… because of YOU. Here’s to a fantastic 2024!

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

Anonymous - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Marianne Abel-Lipschutz
Jeanette Andrews
Janet and David Altman
Lisa Amoroso
Nate Tracy-Amoroso
Julie Aubry
Arden Austin
Ellyn & John Bank
Cyd Curtis Bates - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Dolores Bjorkman - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Susan Blessing - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Mary Jo Bolduc
Rachel Bolduc
Sheila & Steve Carson
AC Christensen
Janaah Coates
Nancy & Ira Cohen
Dee Costanzo - in memory of Adrian Costanzo
Julie Dorfman & Jerry Herst
Jillian Fraser
Laurie Fuller & Erica Meiners
Eileen Gelblat - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Tess Given
Jennifer Gould
Robyn & Tijuana Gray
Summer Hall
Amy E. Harmon
David Haverkamp
Margit Henderson
Valerie Jenkins
Kasey Klipsch & Angela Sherrill
Susan Landwer
David Leib & Anne Gendler
Denise Lewin Loyd
Lauren Linthicum
Debra Mier
Rian Mirly
Amanda Nero
Anthony & Shiyu Nitsos
Clara Orban
Katie Palmer
Rachel Pildis
Lisa Pines
Don & Judy Rosedale - in honor of Katie Skibbe
Loriann and Roger Safian
Laura Sanders
Tracey Shafroth
Katie Skibbe
Martha Thompson
Marge Tomasik
Carrie Villa
She’s Birdie - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund

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

Friday, April 14, 2023

THANKS TO OUR VOLUNTEERS!!!



So many thanks to the wonderful folks who volunteered for IMPACT Chicago in 2022. 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*
Katie Palmer
Katie Skibbe
Adenike Thomas
Elizabeth West

Board
Lisa Amoroso
Tara Brinkman
Bruce Brio
Maple Walker Lloyd
Denise Lewin Loyd
Deb Mier
Katie Skibbe

Class Assistants
Lisa Amoroso
Abby Grott
Amy E. Harmon
Deb Mier
Robin Mina
Katie Palmer
Nina Svirinovska
Michelle Trudel 
Elizabeth West

Instructors
Rob*
Bruce Brio (retired)
AC*
Katie*
Rachel*
Mark Nessel (retired)*
Ben*
Martha Thompson (retired)
Margaret*
Nat Wilson (retired)
Victor*

Social Media
Rachel Marro
Katie Palmer
Nina Svirinovska

What Is IMPACT & Other
Lisa Amoroso
Amy E. Harmon
Mindy Hilt
Deb Mier
Kristen Reid
Nina Svirinovska
Elizabeth West

Website
Lisa Amoroso
Amy E. Harmon
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

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING DONORS!!!






A mighty and heartfelt THANK YOU to IMPACT Chicago’s 2022 Donors! We know that everything we do is possible because of the generosity of people like you… and we’re so grateful that you’re part of IMPACT Chicago’s circle as we move into 2023.

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



Anonymous

Jeanette Andrews - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund

Janet and David Altman

Lisa Amoroso

Nate Tracy-Amoroso

Arden Austin

Ellyn Bank

Leigh Behrens - in honor of Karen Staib Duffy

Joe Bianco

Dolores and Glenn Bjorkman

Susan Blessing

Mary Jo Bolduc

Aaron Christensen & Michelle Trudel

Sheila & Steve Carson

Nancy & Ira Cohen

Alison Cowen - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund

Cheri Erdman

Margaret Evans

Jennifer Freda

Laurie Fuller & Erica Meiners

Eileen Gelblat - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund

Tess Given - in honor of Margaret Vimont

Jennifer Gould

Robyn & Tijuana Gray

Amanda Byler Gregory

Amy E. Harmon

Debborah Harp

Margit Henderson - in honor of Martha Thompson

Valerie Jenkins

Moniqucoe Landsberger

Cynthia Lawrence

David Leib & Anne Gendler

Denise Lewin Loyd

Priscilla Martin

Carmen Maso - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund

Margaret McGrath - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund

Debra Mier - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund

Anthony & Shiyu Nitsos - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund

Clara Orban

Liz Pfau - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund

Mary Pierce - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund

Rachel Pildis

Lisa Pines

Ann-Christine Racette

Don & Judy Rosedale

Loriann & Roger Safian

Laura Sanders

Tracey Shafroth

Michael Skibbe - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund

Linda Stawicki

Marge Tomasik - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund

Carrie Villa

Elizabeth West - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund



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

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

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!

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

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

Monday, March 22, 2021

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 ÇaÄŸrı Özköse and Zemo AÄŸgözas 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


 

Monday, March 15, 2021

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

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

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.  
 




Wednesday, January 20, 2021

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!