the taproots of impact society
Impact Society CEO, Chris Primeau, sits down with the founders Jack and Collette Toth to relive the legacy of the organization that has spanned a profound 30 Years. Chris lays the foundation for this remarkable feat with the statistic that 60% of organizations, whether businesses or charities, drop off in the first five years. This is not to say that the team didn’t face their own set of challenges. However, with their resiliency and reliance on taproot principles, the organization prospered through adversity.
early beginnings
The desire for helping youth sparked long before Impact Society was founded. Jack Toth's work in communities and schools drove his passion for helping youth thrive. It was in these early days that he saw far too many young people struggling with their mental health and choosing negative paths in life, reflective of his own reality as a youth. Fast forward to 1994, Jack and Collette took a leap of faith in starting the Jennifer Janz Society (later changed to Impact Society) by working out of an office in their basement. Being young parents to a 3-, 8-, and 10-year-old, Jack took a risk in quitting his full-time job in pursuit of his and Collette’s shared passion for helping youth. With Collette being the practical type and Jack acting as the visionary, they came together as a “dynamite duo” in leading the legacy we know today.
Image: Jack, Collette, and family, 1994
the hardships
Impact Society faced triumphs and downfalls like any other organization; however, as a nonprofit, they were bound to face a unique set of challenges. Jack recalls a time when finances were incredibly tight for him and his family. In a bid to afford new running shoes for his wife and son, he challenged himself to run in a fundraising event sponsored by Nike. Despite the physical setbacks working against him, he secured two new pairs of shoes for his family.
Collette recounts that the most challenging period for her was in 2016 when they faced a downturn, leading to the difficult decision of letting go of half of their staff. Parting ways with such a strong and supportive team of colleagues and friends put the organization's confidence to the test. Reflecting on this challenging period, she admits that negative thoughts plagued her by stating, “it would be so easy to quit right now”. However, Jack and Collette's commitment to the cause outweighed any doubt that faced them. This was a true testament to their taproots of faith and trust in one another, in addition to the belief that the work to help young people was far from over. They were truly living what they taught.
the highnotes
Despite the range of setbacks discussed further in the interview, the discussion closes with the markers of success for both Jack and Collette. Collette shares openly how the challenges faced during her childhood have turned into a redemption story where she is now using her walls as a platform to speak to others about their need to live from their strengths, and not their walls. Jack shares an emotional story about how he brought two struggling girls together through Heroes, helping them rewrite a life altering narrative. The positive reflections conclude with Jack sharing an anecdote about reconnecting with Jennifer Janz's father years after the founding of the organization in her memory. He revisits the heartbreaking notion that Jennifer's tragic story, was not in vain. Her passing created a ripple effect, positively impacting the mental well-being of youth worldwide, ensuring her legacy lives on.
a closing thought
By walking through 30 years of Impact, it is evident that without the commitment, resilience, and passion from the founders, employees, educators, students, and supporters, Impact Society would not be where it is today. With over a quarter million youth supported, the organization's goals are set high, aiming to support 1 million by 2030. As Chris states, “we stand on the shoulders of giants” as the organization continues to extend its impact by relying on the same fundamental taproots and model that started this movement 30 years ago. By living what they teach, Impact Society will remain vigilant in its pursuit of building resilient youth, communities, and nations.
“The power of the program is alive and well and the future is promising’”