The iGroup Launches Women’s Self Defense Awareness Month with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office and Jointly Present Free Self-Defense Courses with the YWCA
By: Erin Robinson
SOUTHFIELD, Mich., September 18, 2009 – Southfield, Mich. based The iGroup, the region’s leading exclusive talent and modeling agency, has teamed up with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office to launch Women’s Self Defense Awareness Month in Oakland County for the month of October. As part of this initiative, the organizations will be collaborating with the YWCA of Metropolitan Detroit Oakland Branch and the Miss Michigan USA Organization to present free women’s self defense courses. The program will officially launch on September 24, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. when Oakland County Sheriff Michael J. Bouchard, Women’s Self Defense Awareness Month Spokeswoman and Miss Michigan 2009 Lindsey Tycholiz, along with the 2010 Miss Michigan USA winners, host a public and media preview event at the YWCA in Clawson. The preview, which is open to the public, will include information about Women’s Self Defense Awareness Month and demonstrate the key self-defense techniques that women will learn in the class. Tony DiMambro, lead talent agent for The iGroup, made the announcement.
The program, which was developed by The iGroup, identifies a need for women’s education on how to best protect themselves in the face of violence. The free classes will be held at the Oakland County branch of the YWCA, located at 839 South Crooks Road in Clawson, Mich. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays throughout the month. Each individual session will be led by Deputy Jen Miles from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office. Miles will instruct enrollees on the implementation of basic self-defense techniques during the four-hour program. The abbreviated class previews an extended course offered by the Sheriff’s Office, by which participants can earn official RAD certification.
“Through our representation of Miss Michigan, models and talent, we end up working with females in very high visibility careers,” stated DiMambro. “We have experienced first-hand the need for women to have the ability to protect themselves in various situations.”
“Every day countless women across the country are victims of assault or domestic abuse,” said Sheriff Bouchard. “Taking steps to safeguard yourself against any type of assault is a smart idea. We are pleased to be able to provide women with some of the tools they need to protect themselves.”
The YWCA of Metropolitan Detroit volunteered to house the individual classes at no cost, stressing the importance of educating women on proper self-defense techniques to instill the confidence to overcome violence. In addition to providing the facilities for the self-defense courses, the non-profit membership organization offers a variety of programs that create an environment conducive to empowering women.
“The YWCA is honored to team with all of the great Oakland County organizations to present this excellent women’s self-defense program,” said YWCA of Metropolitan Detroit President & CEO Emma L. Peterson. “Every woman should have access to the resources that prepare for a safe, healthy and empowered life.”
Melissa Pitchford of the The Miss Michigan USA Organization added, “We are thrilled to have both Miss Michigan USA and Miss Michigan Teen USA participate in this program and support instilling even more confidence in women.”
Those females wishing to attend the free class should wear comfortable athletic clothing and closed-toe tennis shoes. Sandals are not permitted. Women ages 18 and older are eligible to participate, along with those 14 and up who have parental supervision. To register for the program, interested individuals should choose either October 3rd, 10th, 17th or 24th for their desired class date and contact the Oakland County YWCA at (248) 435-9100 to reserve their spot.
For more information about Women’s Self-Defense Awareness Month and the classes offered at the YWCA, please visit www.theigroup.com.
Click to view and download a photo of Lindsey Tycholiz
Click to view and download a photo of Tony DiMambro
About The iGroup
Southfield, Michigan-based The iGroup is Michigan’s premier model and talent agency and the leading agency in the state that represents exclusive union talent for SAG and AFTRA. SAG membership enables the agency’s talent to work on major Hollywood films that require union membership of all principle talent. Recently, The iGroup has secured roles for its exclusive actors in the following major studio films shot in Michigan: Stone, The Irishman, Flipped, Gran Torino, Whip It, Up In The Air, Gifted Hands, Intent, Butterfly Effect 3, Demoted, Youth in Revolt, High School and Miss January. The iGroup’s expansive resume consists of more than a decade of experience representing the highest caliber talent in the region. From actors to broadcast veterans, product specialists to fashion models, The iGroup is the go-to agency that advertisers and casting directors turn to for their film, television, and commercial productions; voice over projects; auto and trade show events; print advertising campaigns and fashion shows. The iGroup also exclusively represents both Miss Michigan U.S.A. and Miss Teen Michigan U.S.A.
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