"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.  Indeed it's the only thing that ever has."        Margaret Mead

Sharon Mitchell

This quote from Margaret Mead is a favorite of mine, and I always think of it at this time of year.  WHY?  Because we are only weeks away from the Annual Awards Celebration, when Impact 100 will award two grants of $108,000 each.  These grants will enable two organizations to do a breakthrough, transformational project.  And we are able to give these grants ONLY because we have wonderful, passionate members - our own group of "thoughtful committed citizens who can change the world".

Each of our five Finalists has proposed an amazing project that has the potential to make a lasting impact in our community.  Our Finalists and the projects they have proposed are (in the order they established):

It will be extremely difficult for our members to select only two of these programs to fund - since all of them are very strong candidates.  Because they are all so strong, I'm absolutely convinced that the two programs that are selected will have a positive Impact in our community. 

The Annual Awards Celebration is also a wonderful opportunity to invite your friends and colleagues who may be interested in learning more about Impact 100 and potentially becoming new members.  This event is the absolute best opportunity to see Impact 100 in action.  And if we increase our membership contribution to $300,000 - next year we can award 3 transformational grants!

Please remember to register for the Annual Awards Celebration, and invite your friends today!!!

Warm Regards,

Sharon Mitchell

President, Impact 100

 

Today I visited Mercy Neighborhood Ministries Home Care Aide Training program. When we arrived, the students were reviewing the final exam they had taken the day before because the instructors wanted to ensure that they understood the correct answers. Everyone was fully engaged and very lively. The students seemed genuinely excited to have graduation within reach. 

We then moved into the practice session for the practical exam. I observed a group of six women, ranging from 22 to 32 as they worked in an "apartment," caring for their "elderly" patients. Watching these girls in action gave me confidence that the clients they serve will be well taken care of! They were kind, polite, thoughtful and conscientious. They were also confident - a wonderful trait to see in young women, some of whom have not yet earned their high school diploma (MNM offers programs to help clients earn their GED as well).

I am so glad that I had the chance to personally observe the students in action. The women of Impact 100 made a great decision last year when we voted to change the lives of numerous individuals by funding MNM. From the students who are furthering their education to the elderly who will be served, the benefits will be felt far and wide. Congratulations Impact 100, you chose well.

Learn about Sakinah's story here under the news tab.

Lyn Jarc

Impact 100 Board Member 

Here's a great opportunity to see firsthand how an Impact 100 grant is making a difference.

Impact 100 affects lives through children observing their parents. Last fall, the sixth graders at Mercer Elementary in Anderson collected 1,000 books and hundreds of warm socks and toothbrushes as part of class project to make a difference for other children in the community.  Four of the student leaders have mothers who are active members of Impact 100: Mary Chick (son Evan), Andrea Flora (daughter Reilly), Lisa Rammes (son Carter) and Annemarie Henkel (son Peter) - so Impact 100 ripples through to the next generation.

The 120 sixth graders formed teams lead by student volunteers paired with a parent volunteer. Teams collected books and made bookmarks for Stepping Stones agency for people with disabilities, gathered socks for the Interparish Ministry, which provides food and clothing for families in need, and made dental kits with toothbrushes and toothpaste for the HealthPoint dental program in Northern Kentucky. More information can be found here.

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