ENDORSEMENTS

Impact Bay Area is an innovative, well thought out program that not only concentrates on effective self-defense techniques, it also focuses on healing the psychological traumas associated with the survival of violent attacks. As a 12-year veteran of the Oakland Police Department, and as a Weaponless Defense Instructor, I feel that "Impact is as real as it gets."

- George Phillips
Police Officer
Oakland Police Department

As a psychologist who runs groups for survivors of sexual abuse, I have had group members who have taken the Impact course. Women who were victimized as children are often vulnerable targets to more victimization as adults. My group members who have completed the Impact Bay Area course are adding a component to their healing which is powerful and effective in challenging the helplessness that was experience in their childhood sexual abuse. I would recommend this course as a potential avenue of recovery from the early trauma of sexual abuse.

- Brenna Stein, Ph.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist

I cannot thank you enough for the experience you have given our clients. They are some very special women who are in need of getting back in touch with their goddess energy. This is just what they needed! Most of my clients have been stripped of their power and their essence as autonomous human beings who have the right to say "NO!" The first "weapon" of defense that Impact Bay Area participants learn is just saying NO!" On those two Saturdays in September was the very first time that our clients got to actually use the word. You could hear the sense of power they had just by screaming "NO!" Two of my most soft-spoken clients were the most vociferous in using the N-word, there was a most cacophonous sound created in that space that was invigoration and empowering.

- Erika C. Guzeman
Support Services Director
Center for Domestic Violence Prevention

On behalf of Caravan House and Adolescent Counseling Services, I want to thank you and Impact Bay Area for providing a very necessary self-defense training program for our girls. Our staff at Caravan had many positive comments about the Impact Bay Area class that I would like to share with you.

" Excellent comprehensive presentation of empowerment and assertiveness, teaching both physical and emotional safety techniques and attitudes.

" Enthusiastic and patient staff who took the training seriously which helped the teens and adults take it seriously and learn effectively.

" Very empowering overall message: "You have the power to keep yourself safe on your own."

" Efficient and instructive presentation. Impact Bay Area covered a lot of content in a short amount of time.

" Thanks to the Instructors and everyone at Impact Bay Area for your contribution to the girls at Caravan House."

- Deborah A. Stehr, Ph.D.
Assistant Director Caravan House