July 2025 Newsletter Content | | |
- Grant Recipient Highlights
- Spotlight on Scholarships
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- Growing our Digital Community
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As this board year ends, we offer our deepest thanks to two remarkable leaders.
Maureen Cotter, our outgoing President, led with quiet strength and vision—tackling the essential behind-the-scenes work that built the foundation for our success. From refining bylaws to guiding our transition to a 501(c)(3) and creating key roles, Maureen did it all. Though stepping off the board, she’ll continue mentoring and supporting us as she takes on CRM improvements. Thank you, Maureen, for your tireless dedication and inspiring leadership.
Ann Barwig, as Membership Co-Chair, helped grow our chapter to 510 members—placing us in the top 20% nationally. Her warmth, persistence, and drive helped strengthen and expand our community in lasting ways.
Maureen and Ann—thank you for your incredible service. You’ve left a powerful legacy.
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When a group of dynamic women invited me to learn more about Impact100 in 2017, I never dreamed that I would be your president nine short years later. But here we are, and I am humbled and honored to be here.
We accomplished so much in Season 8!
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Reaching 510 members places us in the top 20% of all chapters, a testament to the dedication of Membership Co-Chairs Ann Barwig and Judy Zanchi, the community captains, and the dynamic Membership Committee members. We will miss Ann as she is retiring from the board, and welcome Sarah Murphy as co-chair to create another dynamic duo.
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We awarded $500,000 in grants to five outstanding nonprofits in April, thanks to the tireless efforts of the Grants Committee led by Joan Gibbons and Kelly McIntyre.
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Communication Committee Chair Brigite Babine oversaw a complete overhaul of our website, making it look effortless. We have expanded this committee to include Marketing and welcome Joan Carter as co-chair.
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We launched Culture Club, Impactful Conversations, and Welcome Circle during Season 8 to rave reviews. Member Engagement co-chairs Roseann Wolcott and Debbie Adams and their fabulous committee creatively aligned our strategic mission with our member engagement events.
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We had record attendance at our Season 8 kickoff last November and our Grants Awards Celebration in April. Events co-chairs Beth Lonnes and Kim Rosen delivered two extraordinary events with the help of wing woman Karen Homer. Kim is moving into the role of Vice President, and Karen is moving into Kim’s spot as Events co-chair for Season 9. Kim also served as Secretary and has been working on getting our digital infrastructure organized – a necessary but thankless job. Welcome to Dawn Dipzinski, who is serving as Secretary this year.
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A huge THANK YOU to Treasurer Genevieve George, who kept our finances running smoothly during a time when we had no bookkeeper. Keeping our chapter perfectly aligned financially is a major undertaking, and we could not have done it without Genevieve.
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As we have grown, the work has grown exponentially. We contracted with a part-time administrative and operations professional, which has been a game changer. Having Stephanie Gardiner on board allowed us to reach our stretch goal of 500 members.
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President Maureen Cotter continues to awe and inspire me. She drove the hard work on all the “un-sexy stuff,” such as organizing our bylaws, guiding us through our launch from an incubator project to a stand-alone 501(c)(3) organization, creating the job description for our Operations and Administrative Assistant, and much more. Though she is leaving the board, she will still be my mentor and will turn her attention to more un-sexy stuff like our CRM system and learning to be a Super-User. From the bottom of my heart – THANK YOU MAUREEN!
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Past and present board members established three strategic imperatives at our Strategic Planning Session in May:
- Continue to improve the quantity and quality of Letters of Intent that lead to grant applications.
- Expand communication and marketing efforts.
- Focus on member retention to achieve 90% renewal.
Please invite someone you know who is not yet a member to consider joining us in Season 9.
We have truly made an IMPACT in Martin County, but there is so much more to be done!
Make each day count,
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ARC of Martin County – Caring Café: Food from the Heart
Seventeen individuals have now received barista and counter-service training at Caring Café, with six placed in competitive jobs in the community. The program’s catering arm is thriving, and ARC recently acquired a new building in Port St. Lucie for future expansion. Trainees have demonstrated impressive punctuality (95% on-time arrival) and are thriving in real-world work settings. One trainee, once shy and reserved, now beams with confidence while serving guests—a beautiful reflection of the impact this program is making!
We’re proud to support these life-changing initiatives and look forward to more updates as the year progresses.
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Council on Aging of Martin County – ElderCare Mobile Outreach Program
This quarter, the Mobile Outreach team brought essential services to 335 seniors across 29 locations. Their Case Manager Navigator continues to meet older adults where they are—connecting them with resources like utility assistance, health care navigation, and emotional support. One senior received help repairing her A/C unit just in time for the summer heat, while another is being guided toward the PACE program to improve her long-term care. These mobile visits are truly a lifeline!
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Did you know you can help grow our membership by supporting the Impact100 Martin Scholarship Program?
Our scholarships cover 100% of annual dues for women who would like to participate in our Impact100 Martin community, but may not be able to afford the financial commitment at this time. By donating to the Scholarship Fund, you enable us to include more talented, passionate, diverse women to become informed philanthropists. Awarded applicants will participate in the work of our committees and be active members for one year from acceptance. A $1,000 donation will cover the cost of one Scholarship, however, we are grateful for any donation we receive.
To make a donation now, Click Here
If you know someone who would be an asset to Impact100 Martin, please encourage her to apply! Scholarship applicants may apply at any time and granting depends upon the availability of scholarship funds.
For any questions regarding these programs, please contact info@impact100martin.org or call 772-245-7770.
More information is available on our website: impact100martin.org
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Season 9 to Date
We have 45 members signed up for Season 9 on our way to 550! Thank you to all who have rejoined and to our newest members!
Please welcome these ladies who have joined in the past 30 days:
Together, we are creating positive, lasting change through collective giving.
| | | Name | Community | Referred By | | Liz Geischeidle | Mariner Sands | The late
Mary Geischeidle | | Fran Levin | Sandhill Cove | Jane Coutts | | |
We Need You!
The Membership Committee is looking for volunteers to help during the 2025/26 season.
- We especially need Community Captains for Mariner Sands, Loblolly, and Downtown Stuart to help continue fostering connection and engagement within this vibrant group.
- We are also forming a Young Professionals Committee to engage and recruit more young professionals into Impact100 Martin.
If you have an interest in helping out, please contact Judy Zanchi or Sarah Murphy at communitycaptain@impact100martin.org.
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A passion for empowering both women and the underprivileged has been the foundation and focus of Joan Carter’s life, our new board member and co-chair of the Communications Committee.
From her early career in graphic design and clinical education, through her time as a Navy Hospital Corpsman, to her progression into nursing, and then into the medical device industry, Joan has been motivated by her desire to improve others’ lives.
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Having collaborated on the design of innovative products in spinal surgery, she has now spent over 30 years consulting in the production of novel medical products, bringing many vital devices to market. She owns her own company, Carter Consulting, and is passionate about contributing to improved patient outcomes.
Joan’s service on numerous volunteer boards bolstered her enthusiasm for community service, although she seems most proud of her work as a Girl Scout leader and Gold Award Mentor. In addition, she has raised a globe-trotting daughter with whom she manages to get together, sometimes at home and often at far-flung destinations, at least twice a year. In the seconds available, she loves going to the theatre, art shows, and enjoys anything to do with the water.
Joan moved to Florida in 2021 and immediately began seeking ways to become integrated in her new community and exploring volunteer opportunities that aligned with her values. She believes the vision of Impact100 closely aligns with her own outlook, and we are fortunate to have her distinctive skill set and enthusiasm in our organization.
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Walking into my first planning meeting for Season 9 of Impact100 Martin, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But as introductions began, I knew I had found a community of passionate, driven, and welcoming women. When it was my turn, I proudly introduced myself as a “child whisperer”—a title that reflects my deep love for and natural connection with children.
The meeting was a wonderful gathering, complete with delicious food and thoughtful discussion. As a newcomer, I felt completely at ease. The environment was warm and inclusive, where questions were encouraged and ideas welcomed. I especially appreciated learning how the grant voting process works.
One of the most impressive aspects of Impact100 Martin is its commitment to connection. From welcome circles and personal phone calls to in-person and virtual gatherings, every member feels informed and included.
Beyond planning meetings, there are countless ways to get involved—book clubs, social hours, nature walks, and more. The five focus areas—Education, Family, Health & Wellness, Arts & Culture, and Environment, Preservation & Recreation—offer something for everyone.
I was especially inspired by the Culture Club’s newest project: a Community Quilt Mural honoring the nonprofits that have received Impact100 Martin grants. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate our collective impact, and I hope we find the perfect location soon.
I’m incredibly grateful to be a scholarship recipient and excited to contribute, learn, and grow alongside this amazing group of women. Season 9 is off to a powerful start!
Warmly,
Jessica Ockershausen
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Featured Event
Impact100 Martin Welcome Circle:
Your Gateway to Impact100 Martin Member Orientation
Open to ALL Members – New & Existing!
Get ready to unlock the full potential of your Impact100 Martin membership! Join us for an exciting and informative Member Orientation designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools to maximize your experience.
Discover the incredible benefits of utilizing our Website and Member Portal – your one-stop shop for everything Impact100 Martin. Learn how to:
- Connect with fellow members and expand your network.
- Stay informed on grants, events, and important updates.
Whether you're a seasoned member looking to refresh your knowledge or a new member eager to get started, this orientation is for you! Don't miss this chance to amplify your impact and make an even greater difference in our community.
Select one of the monthly options and mark your calendar to prepare for an enhanced Impact100 Martin experience!
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Member Engagement Events Listing:
Casual Golf - Play 9 holes for all skill levels
Friday Mornings 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Sailfish Sands in Stuart
Click Here to email Dawn by Wednesday each week if you're coming to play so she can book a tee time. It's pay to play directly at the course ($25/pp for 9 holes).
Social Hour
Thursday, July 24, 2025, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Drift Kitchen & Bar - 3793 NE Ocean Blvd, Jensen Beach
To ensure a comfortable experience for everyone at the venue, we're limiting attendance to 15. Please register to secure your spot.
Impact100 Martin Book Club – Gateway to the Moon by Mary Morris
Monday, Aug 4, 2025, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Location details will be provided to those registered by August 1, 2025
Welcome Circle: Your Gateway to Impact100 Martin Member Orientation
Tuesday, Aug 19, 2025, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Virtual Event - Link provided to those registered by 3:00 pm, Aug 18, 2025
Social Hour
Thursday, Aug 28, 2025, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
We're excited to host you, and to ensure we can accommodate everyone comfortably, we kindly ask that you register, as space is limited to 25.
Colab Kitchen - 100 SE M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Stuart
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You’re Invited! Join Us at the Impact100 Global Conference
Tides of Impact100: Renew, Recharge, and Rise
Early bird registration is now open for the Impact100 Global Conference, happening October 26-28 in beautiful Miramar Beach, Florida!
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This event is open to ALL Impact100 members—whether you’re a longtime leader, a new member, or simply eager to connect. Join members and leaders from across the U.S. and beyond for an unforgettable experience where you’ll renew your passion, recharge your energy, and rise together to create an even greater impact.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, collaborate, and be inspired. We can’t wait to see you there!
Register Now!
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As we launch our 9th Season of collective giving, we invite you to help amplify our mission online. A simple like, follow, or share helps raise awareness and Inspire others to join us in transforming the nonprofit landscape in Martin County.
Follow Us On Social Media
LinkedIn – Impact100 Martin County
Facebook – Impact100MartinFL
Let’s expand our reach and continue creating lasting change—together.
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We are so grateful to our sponsors – without them we could not exist.
We are a very lean organization and operate very frugally. We will ALWAYS give 100% of the $1,000 we collect from every woman to our nonprofits in the form of grants.
Operating our organization comes with expenses ranging from paid professional services, website and contact management system expenses, insurance, printing, and many other costs. While the $100 administrative fee that we ask every member to pay goes a long way to offset these expenses, it does not cover all of our expenses and that is where SPONSORSHIPS come in.
Our sponsorships are designed to be marketing and advertising opportunities for businesses and professionals and range from $750 to $5,000. Think of businesses you use…medical professionals, financial and insurance advisors, business owners for whom a group of more than 500 dedicated philanthropic women is an ideal target market…and ask then to consider partnership with Impact100 Martin as a sponsor.
If you have any questions or would like someone else to approach a business, please call our Impact100 Martin number, 772-245-7770, and leave a message so we may contact you.
For more information, please click here
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