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Founder
Damian DePauw Damian DePauw is The President and Executive Director of Individuals Making Positive Advancements in their Communities Together, Inc. Damian has worked for social justice in the non-profit sector since the age of 21. He has worked as an advocate and counselor for those with mental illness and substance use disorders, as a counselor for troubled youth, and as a counselor and advocate for those with criminal histories. He is a community organizer, activist, and advocate for the poor and disenfranchised. After struggling with his own mental illness, addictions, and criminal involvement, Damian set out on his path of recovery and dedicated his life work to helping those who struggle as he has. IMPACT!, Inc. is an expression of that experience. "Somewhere along the line I guess I realized you don't have to have a PhD to help people. I've worked alongside professionals who weren't so good at their job and I've also worked alongside some average people who were able to help others more effectively than the so-called professionals. Experience is the best teacher. I've met great men and women from all walks of life who are able to help others simply because they care." "IMPACT!, Inc. is founded on that principle. Everyone has skills and abilities that can be used for good, and everyone has something that has effected them that they would like to do something about. We all have some cause that is dear to us. Most people just don't know how they can help a cause that they believe in. I formed IMPACT!, Inc. to help ordinary people find that outlet; to help people realize what skills they have and then connect them with causes that they would like to contribute to. It is a simple concept, but if we all did something, if we all gave just a little of our time toward something greater than ourselves, the impact we would have would be beyond anything the world has ever seen. Edgar Cahn said "We have what we need, if only we use what we have". I believe that. It doesn't always take an expensive program or people with advanced educations in human services to make a difference. It takes everyday people who care enough to act. That is what IMPACT!, Inc. is about." |
Our Projects
The Star Project is an initiative of local organizations, businesses, and individuals dedicated to overcoming homelessness, food insecurity, and substance use disorders. The Star Project started in Newburgh, NY by Damian DePauw of IMPACT!, Inc. and Edwin Martinez of giveChain, both members of We Are Newburgh working for positive change in the City of Newburgh. The project was inspired by Rosa's Fresh Pizza in Philadelphia where Mason Wartman and his team employ a similar model.
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The Together We Can Timebank is a platform to build a stronger community fabric for Newburgh, NY. Through the timebank, people commit acts of service to others who need help in some way. People "bank" their hours in the timebank and when they need help with a project of their own, they "spend" their credits by posting the need in the timebank. Other members respond and the circle of giving continues.
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IMPACT!, Inc. | 120 South Street. Newburgh, NY 12550 | 845-432-4033 | Contact Us
