Violence Prevention | CHESS Foundation NFP | Nonprofit Support

Chicago families, students, and community members deserve to move through their day with greater safety and peace of mind. As part of our Violence Prevention program, the CHESS Foundation NFP is raising funds to provide Safe Life Defense Backpack Armor Panels — flexible, lightweight, water-resistant protection that fits discreetly inside everyday backpacks.

These panels deliver the same trusted multi-threat protection found in Safe Life Defense ballistic vests, now in a convenient backpack-ready design. They are Self Structured® for comfort and support, feature tapered edges for an easy fit in a wide variety of packs, and can even be used on their own.

Product Highlights

• Self Structured® for increased durability and an effortless fit

• Tapered edges for a perfect fit

• Durable 600d Polyester Carrier

• Water and stain resistant

• Dimensions: 11″ × 14″

Protection Levels Available

• Level IIIA (HG2) – Bullet, Strike & Slash Protection. Defends against common handgun rounds (.357, 9mm, .45 ACP, up to .44 Magnum and 12-gauge slugs) plus strike and slash threats.

• Level IIIA+ – All Level IIIA protection plus stab (up to 36J), taser, and many armor-piercing handgun/shotgun threats.

• HYPERLINE™ IIIA – Hyper-thin (0.19″) and lightweight proprietary composite with excellent blunt-force and multi-hit performance against handgun and shotgun threats.

• FRAS – Rifle-rated protection against .223 / 5.56 (including Green Tip, M193, M855, SS109) and 7.62×39 lead-core ammunition. At only ~5.3 pounds, it is among the most protective and comfortable backpack armor options available.

How Your Gift Helps

100% of funds raised (after platform fees) will be used to purchase Safe Life Defense backpack armor panels and distribute them through our community outreach, school partnerships, and 24/7 hotline (855-581-HOPE). Recipients may include students, families in high-risk areas, outreach workers, and others identified through our Violence Prevention efforts. We prioritize transparent, direct impact — approximately 85% of all foundation resources go straight to programs.

The CHESS Foundation NFP is a Chicago-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 86-3398992) founded in 2021 by Ronnell Winfrey. CHESS stands for Children, Homeless, Elderly, Sick, and Suffering. Our mission goes beyond emergency aid: we restore hope, address root causes, and empower people toward self-reliance and dignity. Royal blue is our color of trust.

Learn more and explore all of our programs at chesscharities.org.

Donate by text: 487777 to 801801.

Every gift moves us closer to safer streets and stronger communities. Thank you for standing with us.

With gratitude,

Ronnell Winfrey

Founder & Executive Director

CHESS Foundation NFP