Introducing Carolyn Parkinson, IMPACT's Chief Operating Officer

IMPACT is excited to welcome Carolyn Parkinson to the Chief Operating Officer role, supporting our program services teams. Carolyn most recently served as the Chief Administrative Officer at Lad Lake and brings extensive experience serving unhoused adults, children and families as well as those facing substance use and mental health challenges.

Carolyn earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology and a master’s degree in Social Work from UW – Milwaukee and a juris doctorate from Marquette University Law School. She is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and an Independent Clinical Supervisor, and a member of the Wisconsin State Bar.

Carolyn has applied her education and skills as a School Social Worker and as the Coordinator of the Homeless Education Program for the Milwaukee Public Schools, as an Administrative Education Consultant and college and career readiness Director with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, and as the Administrator of Sirona Recovery. In her law school career Carolyn graduated Cum Laude and was awarded the Outstanding Public Interest Law Student Award in 2009, followed by a career as a family law attorney where she particularly enjoyed serving as a Guardian ad Litem.

Carolyn is married to Michael and has an adult daughter, Haley and is thrilled to soon be the mother-in-law of Haley’s partner Britta. At home, Carolyn is kept busy and entertained by her two dogs and two cats. In her leisure time Carolyn loves to hike and camp at Wisconsin State Parks.

Connect with Carolyn via email.

IMPACT Housing Summit Recap

THANK YOU to everyone who supported our Housing Summit on February 25th!

We are thrilled to share that the event was a resounding success, thanks to our collective teamwork and dedication. We were delighted to host 160 attendees, with breakout rooms overflowing with conversations and connections. Read more about our partners and special guest speakers.

The feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive, with many stating it was one of the best professional development events they have ever attended. It's not too late to provide your thoughts. Click here for the event form. ​

IMPACT's Coordinated Entry team shared important program updates during a Housing Summit breakout session. Check out the revised Coordinated Entry website landing page for ways in which to access the team, a description of the process they follow to help connect clients with housing services, and more.

Prior to calling IMPACT 211, Josiah had just about given up hope of finding a new refrigerator for his family. Their old one was broken, and he was unable to repair it or locate a new or used one that he could afford.

Maya, an IMPACT 211 community resource specialist, provided several possible appliance resources that Josiah had not yet contacted. After assessing for any additional needs and finding none, she texted the information to him. 

During a follow up call, Josiah shared that he was able to buy a new refrigerator through one of the options Maya had provided. He was reassessed for any new needs, but there were none — other than a reminder that 211 is available 24/7 should anything change. 

Follow-up calls allow IMPACT to make sure that the resources we provide really do help people change their lives for good. Our comprehensive resource database is continually updated and managed by a passionate, skilled team of professionals. 

Read more client stories here.

Since 1960, IMPACT has helped people take the first step toward changing their life, for good. We assess and guide those experiencing personal crisis toward resources to achieve stability; and collaborate with community partners to foster system improvement throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.