30 years of impact
a timeline of events
Impact Society is filled with gratitude and pride for the journey traveled leading to its 30th anniversary. Over the past three decades, its relentless dedication to empowering youth has impacted over 250,000 young lives. Through evidence-based programs, Impact Society has helped nurture resilience and mental well-being in countless individuals as the Heroes outcomes ripple from student, to school, to communities as a whole. As the organization celebrates this milestone, it acknowledges the unwavering support of its team, facilitators, and supporters who have stood by every step of the way.
1994-2000
-
1994 marks the year Jack and Collette Toth founded the Jennifer Janz Society for Families in Turmoil in loving memory of Jennifer Janz, who tragically passed in 1991. Their mission was to become a highly motivational organization, equipping youth through education, activities, and a caring environment to become successful members of society.
The original intent was to work with troubled youth but this soon shifted after discovering the importance of equipping every youth with the tools needed to live a flourishing life.
-
The Heroes program stemmed from years of youth involvement and mentorship from founder, Jack Toth. His involvement in mentoring and supporting youth mental health in schools began to gain attention from admin. Eventually, he was asked to begin officially teaching his principles for life with a timeline of one week to build out a curriculum.
Jack took what practices and ideas he had and developed the first version of Hereos, a text heavy, 180 page program that would begin changing lives. The roll out of the new innovative SEL program began in two Calgary schools: Balmoral Junior High and Terry Fox Junior High.
-
The Jennifer Janz Society changed its name to Impact Society For Children and Families Living in Turmoil (Otherwise known as Impact Society)
FUN FACT: Impact is an acronym? This stands for: Inspiring Motivation and Positive Action in Children and Teenagers.
2001-2005
-
Impact Society began a partnership with Calgary Police Service to develop the ‘About Face’ workshop.
Developed by CPS Constable David Harty and Jack Toth, this program was a groundbreaking youth diversion initiative aimed to provide guidance and support to young individuals facing legal complications.
‘About Face’ won a National Policing award for innovative and effective community policing programs.
-
in 2002, Impact Society was honored to receive the Queen's Jubilee Award from Canada’s Governor General, recognizing its significant contribution to the well-being and development of Alberta's youth.
-
In 2003, an advisory council was developed, a group that was instrumental in the growth of Impact Society. In just 4 years, the council had completely reshaped Impact Society by improving its business plans and bringing new donors and contributors to the table.
-
Impact Society received the Alberta’s Promise Red Wagon Award in recognition of its steadfast commitment to investing in the well-being and future of youth. This initiative was developed to encourage individuals, and organizations to enhance community resources to further the well-being of children.
This recognition began in 2003, making Impact Society among the first groups to receive this honour.
-
The Pitch and Hitch, Impact Society’s ongoing western themed gala, first occured in 2005. The first year welcomed 200 attendees ranging from professional chuckwagon drivers to corporate representatives. Hosted at the Greenwood Inn, the event brought in nearly $60,000 in donations.
2006-2010
-
Impact Society began collaboration with Dr. Wayne Hammond on resiliency measurements and understanding of strength-based education.
This partnership led to the development of pre and post resilience assessments, making Impact Society one of the first charitable organizations in Canada to adopt this form of evaluation process.
Furthermore, it connected Impact Society with the Toronto School Board due to the evidence to support the growth in resilience from Heroes Programs.
-
Thanks to the advisory board, Impact Society became connected with TransCanada (now TC Energy) leading to an opportunity that would transform the future. The resounding outcomes of Heroes programs empowered TransCanada to give their longest and largest commitment up until that point: a $1.2M investment over 4 years. This launched Heroes across Canada by TransCanada.
-
In 2007, Jack was awarded the Calgary Stampede Community Legacy Award. This award honours those who practice western hospitality, integrity, pride of place, and commitment to their community.
-
In 2010, Impact Society launched Heroes 2.
FUN FACT: This program was the first Heroes course developed. However it became clear that a social-emotional skill building program was essential to lay the foundation for a leadership course. This highlighted the importance of giving back and leading from ones strengths to do so.
-
Beginning in the late 2000s, Calgary Flames defensemen Robyn Regehr used his strengths to give back in a BIG way.
For every hit Regehr laid on an opponent, he would donate $75 to Impact Society on behalf of him and his wife Kristina.
-
The Calgary Board of Education partnered with Impact Society to name Heroes as a suggested resource for Grade 7 students.
2011-2015
-
In 2011, Impact Society began its ‘Meet a Hero Campaign’ with David Kelly. This campaign invited community leaders from professional athletes to fashion designers to visit local classrooms across the city of Calgary
This initiative empowered community leaders to support youth development by sharing their wisdom, advice, and encouragment in a way that would impact students for years to come.
-
In 2012, the first draft of Heroes @ Home was written and piloted. This ensured that our Impact extended beyond the classroom, leading to generations of resilient, thriving heroes.
-
The Legends program encompassed 8 full day leadership development sessions designed for professionals and was supported by Tarpon Energy.
-
The HAAR Awards (Heroes Awards and Appreciation Reception) was initiated and held annually for 5 years. This recognized students, educators, and Indigenous leaders based on how they radiate strength, character and leadership in their schools and communities.
-
Impact Society forged a strategic partnership with various local energy companies in pursuit of empowering Indigenous communities. The partnership strengthened relationships between the energy sector and Indigenous groups and led to revenues exceeding $2M from 2014-2018.
-
Heroes Digitization began where Impact Society established licensing fees and made online training accessible to Heroes Facilitators. This was a huge milestone in streamlining the customer journey.
2016-2019
-
Heroes are Warriors was developed and piloted in Siksika in 2017. The program is informed by Indigenous leaders, youth workers and elders and in alignment with the 7 teachings of love, respect, honesty, humility, courage, truth and wisdom.
-
The Impact Society developed a case for support with Haskayne School of Business. This led to the formation of Community Impact Club, inspired by the need for a university advisory group.
-
Students, Heroes facilitators, educators and community leaders gathered to celebrate the completion of Heroes. Students took the spotlight, sharing their stories about how Heroes had deeply influenced their lives. Over lunch, the leaders had the chance to chat with students around tables, sharing experiences and offering advice. It was a meaningful way for everyone to connect and be reminded of the value of building the confidence, character and integrity of youth.
-
In 2016, Heroes was introduced to the opportunity to expand and pilot in Ethiopia, Ukraine, South Africa, and Jamaica.
2020-present
-
Christopher Primeau steps into the role of Chief Executive Officer at Impact Society. Chris reimagined the future of Impact Society by implementing a multi-faceted revenue generation plan, including a three-year funding strategy.
-
Impact Society collaborated with the University of Calgary on a longitudinal study which has confirmed a 45% increase in long term resiliency of Heroes students.
Furthermore, Queens University recently published a comprehensive white paper analyzing the impact and effectiveness of Heroes 2, shedding light on its innovative approach to positive youth development.
-
Since 2021, Impact Society has exprienced a 300% growth with a 75% retention rate.
-
Through the partnership between Ladd Foundation and Impact Society, the organizations worked together to co-create a youth development program known as 1616.
The partnership led to a launch event called Heroes and Hockey which raised $64,000 for 1616 and Heroes programs.
-
The Heroes and Heroes 2 Programs underwent a rebranding, sponsored by the Calgary Flames Foundation.
-
The development and launch of the Heroes Hub has served as a pivotal technological advancement in enhancing the effectiveness of our programs. By consolidating all components of the Heroes Programs, including educator journals, supplemental videos, as well as blogs, podcasts, and organizational updates into one centralized platform, the Heroes Hub streamlines accessibility and encourages collaboration among educators.
-
As of the 2023-2024 school year, a variety of Heroes Programs now qualify for CTS (Career and Technology Study) credits. This means the online completion of Heroes 2, Heroes are Warriors, or Heroes @ Home can now qualify towards a students diploma.
-
The New Brunswick Centres of Excellence Partners in Education presented Impact Society with an award to recognize its significant contributions to New Brunswick Education.
discover what’s next for impact society:
stay in touch
Do you have a story/memory from your experiences with the Heroes Program?
We’d love to hear it!