About
OUR MISSION
IMPACT PSA is a Nonprofit 501(c)3 Multimedia Production Company. It is our mission to utilize diverse media platforms to heighten public awareness and advance knowledge about the signs and scope of Elder Abuse.
OUR HISTORY
IMPACT PSA was founded by executive producer Bonnie Matchinga as the result of her personal discovery of an egregious case of elder abuse taking place in her own neighborhood.
The victims, a matriarch of 92 years, experiencing mild dementia and her 63 year-old mentally challenged daughter, lived alone in the home that had been in their family since 1917. Their large two-story home was valuable real estate, and both had wished to live out their lives there. House rich but cash poor, the vulnerable ladies were easy prey for an abuser.
The charismatic minister appeared at this most vulnerable point in the ladies’ lives. Endearing himself with attention and small favors, the abuser methodically gained their trust. Isolating them and creating complete dependence led to his gaining their Durable Powers of Attorney! Ultimately their abuser convinced them to “gift” him their home so he could “take care of them.”
Bonnie alerted other neighbors and collectively they sought assistance within the system. But unfortunately, it became clear that there was no effective system in place to deal with this type of abuse.
Many months passed and finally the case was taken on by the District’s Attorney’s office. During a pretrial hearing, a Superior Court Judge determined there was sufficient evidence to prosecute the minister for Elder Abuse. But by then the older victim had passed away. During a visit just before her death, she had asked Bonnie if she “could take her home.”
As trial dates were continued and pushed farther away, months became years until the original Prosecuting Attorney was transferred during a structural transfer schedule. The Prosecutor inheriting the case immediately expressed a lack of interest citing difficulty in proving white collar crime especially that of a minister! After delaying more than another year, that Prosecutor dropped the case without notifying anyone, including the Department of Health Services which had officially brought the case to the District Attorney.
For Bonnie the careless dismissal of this criminal case underscored a need to increase awareness and knowledge about Elder Abuse. Her professional film experience in television and advertising inspired her to incorporate IMPACT PSA with the mission to utilize visual media in expanding public knowledge of this abuse.
Note: Years later the case was won in Civil Court. The minister was ordered to return the house. Tragically by then, both his victims had passed away.
LEADERSHIP
Bonnie MatchingaFounding President, Executive Producer, Director
A member of the Directors Guild, Bonnie has been working in varying aspects of the film and television industry for most of her career.
In New York, in her position as VP Executive Producer with New Directions Film Co., Bonnie produced hundreds of television commercials for prominent AD Agencies and high-profile clients such as Ford Motor Co., General Motors, Procter & Gamble, General Foods, McDonalds and more.
Following her marriage, Bonnie relocated to Los Angeles where she began Producing for American International Television (AITV) doing both television series and movies made for television.
Bonnie is the CEO of The House Production Company where she produces commercials and develops longer format media content. Her discovery of a case of Elder Abuse ultimately compelled her to incorporate the nonprofit production company IMPACT PSA with the mission to bring attention to Elder Abuse via visual media.
In collaboration with Producer Sue Berry, Bonnie writes and Directs all IMPACT’s Public Service Announcements for the ongoing campaign “Elder Abuse. There’s Just No Excuse.” as well as all projects the organization creates on behalf of other 501© 3 Nonprofits.
Sue BerryProducer, Director of Development
Under her banner production company Shocast Entertainment, Sue Berry has produced hundreds of hours of commercial and television media projects overseeing all aspects from pre-to post-production and earning many awards throughout her career.
As IMPACT PSA’s Director of Development and Production, Sue maintains her producer acumen with a hands-on approach to all IMPACT’s projects. She is active in every aspect of content development and co-creates with Bonnie in developing our Elder Abuse PSA content as well as IMPACT PSA projects produced for other nonprofit organizations.
BOARD MEMBERS
IMPACT PSA Inc. is governed by a creative and committed Volunteer Board.
Bonnie Matchinga, CEO & Founding President
Susan Berry, Treasurer
James McKenzie, Secretary
Cynthia A. Zuzga, a Superior Court Commissioner
CONTACT
IMPACT PSA provides our Public Service Announcements free of charge to any 501©3 nonprofit organization specializing in issues affecting older adults.
Email: Producers@ImpactPSA.org
IMPACT PSA Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All contributions are tax-deductible as allowable by law.