Impact Past Events

We hope you can join us for our upcoming events. Some of our past events have been recorded and are offered here for viewing, learning, and exploring.

2.8.24, Impactful Conversations: Empowerment Through Education

Cara During from current Grantee, The Center for Empowerment and Education, and Ann Rodwell-Lawton, COO of the Domestic Violence Crisis Center led an informative and insightful panel with Impact FFC members and guests. They spoke about their work to break the cycle of interpersonal violence, the importance of education and open conversations on this topic, and the challenges that victims and their families face in trying to get out of these difficult situations. A recording of the conversation can be viewed below.

2.8.23, Impactful Conversations: The Future of Food

Our second Impactful Conversation of the 2022-23 Grant Period focused on what it means to have access to local organic farming and how investments in hydroponic farming equipment are helping Impact FFC Grantee Winner nOURish Bridgeport produce healthy, sustainable food for food-insecure residents of Fairfield County. The panel featured Reverend Sara D. Smith, Esq., Founder and CEO of nOURISH Bridgeport and Lori Cohran-Dougall, Executive Director of the Westport Farmers’ Market. An incredible morning of learning and inspiration. A few clips from the event below.

11.9.22, Highlights from Fall Kickoff Event

With over 100 women in attendance, the Fall Kickoff was an inspirational morning. Members mingled and had the ability to sign up for volunteering opportunities. nOURish Bridgeport and New Reach, our 2022 Grantees, both spoke to membership on how our funds have already made such an impact over the last 6 months at their organizations, and all that is ahead for the next 18 months. Longtime members spoke about their ‘Why Impact’ and what keeps them coming back to this important work year after year. Enjoy a shortened video of highlights from the program.

2.24.21, Impactful Conversation. Global Pandemic - Local Impact

More than 55 attendees joined us for a virtual panel discussion on the topic of ‘How our Nonprofit Partners are Pivoting to Overcome Challenges of COVID-19.’ The panel featured leaders from local nonprofits, the Center for Family Justice, Building One Community and Kids in Crisis - all of whom have been at the forefront of adapting their services and working to address the many issues that have arisen as a result of the pandemic.

12.15.20, Holiday Cooking Event with Chef Dan Kardos

Impact Xtra took over Zoom for a fun Holiday Cooking event for our members. Chef Dan Kardos of Oar & Oak lead the event and coached members through two delicious holiday cocktails, a healthy and easy salad with homemade dressing, and his famous Trout Dip. Join along and expand your cooking repertoire and we raise a glass and thank all those who have joined for 2020-21!

12.8.20, An Impact Virtual Information Session

Impact FFC hosted a virtual information session monthly during Fall 2020 to introduce Impact FFC to new faces. The virtual information sessions provided the opportunity to learn about the history of the Impact model, how and when Impact FFC was founded, the roles and involvement one can have with their membership, details on the the non-profit applications process and the reporting we conduct with winners, who our past grantees have been, and the chance to have your questions answered. On December 8th, we hosted a Lunch & Learn Information Session.

11.18.20, Impact FFC Fall Kickoff

Impact FFC hosted the Annual Fall Kickoff on November 18, 2020 via Zoom. It was an exciting morning with over 100 women coming together to hear directly from last year’s Grantees on their successes and what the Impact Grant has meant to them and their organizations. Co-Presidents Steviann Martines and Katharine Lumby shared the news of the addition of Core Mission Grants to the Impact Grants Process and Impact FFC leaders shared ways in which one can get involved in our meaningful work. We look forward to another successful year ahead.

10.20.20, Meet The Founders Virtual Event

Impact FFC hosted founders Wendy Block and Vicki Craver for our "Meet The Founders" Virtual Event. Impact Leadership, past members, new members and prospective members came together to hear how Impact FFC was founded, the challenges Wendy and Vicki faced, and what their hopes are for the organization as we head into our sixth year of grant funding.

10.14.20, Impactful Conversations. The Aftermath of the Criminal Justice System: Life After Prison.

"The Aftermath of the Criminal Justice System: Life After Prison,” took a deeper dive into this highly relevant issue featuring one of Impact FFC's 2020 Impact Grant Recipients, Career Resources, Inc. (CRI). Entry Point Staffing, the program for which CRI won their grant, addresses this exact issue, and demonstrated the incredible importance of this program. The virtual event was an engaging, informative and inspiring conversation on the barriers of reentry post-incarceration and what can be done to affect meaningful change. We were honored to have Juanita James, President and CEO of Fairfield County’s Community Foundation and Impact FFC member since its inception, moderate the conversation featuring panelists Robert Hebert of CRI, Tiheba Bain of Women Against Mass Incarceration, and Marc Pelka from the State of Connecticut. Co-Presidents Steviann Martines and Katharine Lumby opened and closed the event.