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 Endorsements
for Jan Goff-LaFontaine Seminars and Speaking Engagements
Seminar attendees write back these evaluations:
I would encourage anyone who is looking to do a
similar event to raise awareness about violence against women or to
encourage women’s voices to invite [Jan Goff-LaFontaine] for a similar
event/forum. The presentation was very personal not only to our
organization and the people attending the session but to the speaker,
which made it real and easier to connect to. Each person in her project
was someone she spent time with and got to know so the stories weren’t
just stories but actual experiences that she was able to share with us.—attendee
at the University of Pennsylvania Seminar
****
[Jan Goff-LaFontaine] was well-spoken, generous, and had a great
presentation. I think the material presented beginning from the
introduction of your sister who was affected, to general statistics, to
stories of healing and the Q&A was paced wonderfully. It was very
captivating throughout. That she’s a wonderful artist with a big heart
and that all women of adolescent to middle age would benefit from this
event.—attendee at the Daytona Beach Community College Program
****
It [was] extremely powerful and inspiring. In fact Friday was the first
time in over a year that I once again saw, literally, why I have a
passion for this career [in providing abused women services]. I bought
Jan's book and had a pleasant conversation with her about how her book
can be a valuable resource since so much is learned from survivor's
stories.—attendee at the Aurora Health Care Seminar
****
"Your photography, and your approach to women, healing and life are
remarkable and inspirational. I love your focus on the beauty and
strength of woman who have been abused and assaulted. Such tragedies
make it too easy for women to retreat and ask ‘why me?.’ But these
injustices compel us to advocate and change the world, one person at a
time. Through healing we find strength and pass it on, and your art
highlights this beautifully. You are an inspiration to us all." V.D.,
attendee
at the University of Pennsylvania Seminar
****
"My friend really need your book and hugged it tight. You change
lives!" D.C.,
attendee
at the University of Pennsylvania Seminar
****
From a health-care provider for abused women:
Wellness Center of Door County, Inc
October 26, 2005
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing this letter in support of Ms. Jan Goff-LaFontaine’s
presentation based on her project, Out of the Shadows and her book
titled Women in Shadow and Light Journeys from Abuse to Healing. I have
watched this project grow from the early stages and recently invited Jan
and Jeanne Kuhns to do a presentation at the WI Family Planning and
Reproductive Health Association. The auditorium audience of nearly 100
was comprised of providers, ancillary staff, local and state policy
administrators.
Their presentation is unique because of the content and their method of
delivery. Jan’s ability to succinctly articulate the essence of this
project captured on few simple yet powerful slides conveys the strength
and beauty of the journeys of these women. Jeanne’s personal account of
her involvement and her healing journey synergized by this project makes
an indelible mark on the audience. Her speaking and singing voice
resonates with incredible passion and emotion. Within a few minutes the
entire audience is captivated by the presentation of these two women.
I think the following written comments from attendees best describe the
reason why your organization needs to strongly consider their
presentation:
“Jan shared the perspective of what it takes to develop a project of
this significance; while Jeanne helps us all realize that we can’t just
look at a person and determine what’s going on in an individual’s
life….because of this I know I have a new sense of urgency to increase
the public health efforts to help eliminate family violence.”
“We were so blessed with their presence. Their talents go beyond art,
music and photography…they capture the despair, pain and humiliation of
abuse/assault while at the same time the promise of healing and
wholeness. Jeanne’s willingness to share her personal story brings it
all home!”
“The process of the healing taking place in the women……was so very
moving. I wanted every woman to be able to experience this
presentation.”
There are no gruesome details about what these women physically
experienced; the emphasis is on their journey to healing. This is a
story that needs to be conveyed and your organization is an important
avenue for this information to be disseminated to men and women across
our country.
If you need further information about the impact of this work or their
delivery, please feel free to contact me. They have what it takes to do
this presentation to an audience no matter what the size or
socioeconomic status. Their voices need to be heard by your members and
I am confident that your expectations will be exceeded by inviting them
to speak at your next meeting.
Sincerely,
Michele Geiger-Bronsky MSN, APNP, BC
Executive Director/Nurse Practitioner
Wellness Center of Door County, Inc
****
For over three decades I have spent my professional life working with
others to achieve equality for women on campus and beyond. Unfortunately
much of this work requires addressing violence against women After
attending a campus workshop by Jan Goff-LaFontaine, based on her book
Women in Shadow and Light. I was taken by the impact it had on the
students and the power of the presentation on me and other
professionals. Jan Goff-LaFontaine’s refreshing and open style created a
special environment where a diverse group of students could ask many
questions, engage each other in dialogue, increase their desire to learn
more and prepare to take action to end violence in women’s lives.
This book and its workshop contributes to our understanding of the
devastating impact of the many forms of abuse that women endure and more
importantly of the inextinguishable light inside each woman as she
conquers her fears and finds hope and healing.
Through their own words, with Jan Goff LaFontaine’s poignant commentary
and the accompanying photo’s, we learn how diverse groups of women
stepped out of the shadows of their past abuse into the light of their
present power. This book/workshop reminds us that shadows can only be
cast if illumination is present. And we learn how a flicker of light can
set a fire that frees each woman’s indestructible spirit from a painful
past and creates an enduring hope for the future.
This is a book/workshop for everyone. For survivors, for those who love
survivors, for those who seek to help survivors and for those who wonder
about the strength, beauty and power of women healing ourselves and
helping each other. Women in Shadow and Light provides a much needed
contemporary and engaging view of violence against women from the
perspective of women’s strength. This is a radiant portrayal of
different women’s journey from pain to power.
I wholeheartedly endorse this program and encourage others to bring this
program to your campus.—Elena Marie DiLapi, LSW, QCSW Director,
University of Pennsylvania Women’s Center
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