As my family and friends most of you know that I work as an Instructor and Program Director for an organization called Impact Bay Area.  Impact Bay Area is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that teaches effective boundary setting, personal safety, and physical self-defense skills.

In the last two years Impact has made a profound difference in my life. For most of my life I lived in fear: fear of being home alone, fear of walking down the street, fear of being a vulnerable young woman, until 2011 when I took an Impact class. Impact not only taught me how to physically defend myself but also how to set healthy boundaries in my daily life. Now, I walk more confidently, I am no longer afraid to be home alone or walk to my car at night, I’m more willing to take risks, and even tell the creepy guy harassing me on the street that I am just not interested! As a young woman this is incredibly freeing and empowering.

At Impact we believe that personal safety should be a birthright, not a privilege, so we offer scholarships for all of our public classes. We don’t deny anyone a scholarship who needs one even when this means dipping in to our operating expenses to cover the cost. I could not have had this amazing experience without a scholarship from Impact and wonderful donors like you!

Right now Impact needs your help! We need to raise $20,000 by end of the year in order to continue to offer our programs and I am asking for your help to do so.

I have set a personal fundraising goal of $1,500.  This money will help bring personal safety and self-confidence to SIX teen girls in 2014. Please help us continue to offer these experiences to other women, men and children in the Bay Area. No amount is too small!

Thank you all very much for your support!