Letters Of Endorsement/Support

Endorsement from Dr. David Litts

Special advisor to the US Surgeon General for suicide prevention

September 20, 2000

Dear Miss Spencer:

Congratulations on your August 27^th staging of the With One Voice musical. The program was superb!

I am pleased to provide you with this letter of support based on my understanding of With One Voice's comprehensive approach to school-based suicide prevention. With One Voice appears to address seven of the 15 key recommendations put forth in the Surgeon General's Call to Action to Prevent Suicide-1999. In concept, it offers a unique, multi-faceted approach designed to establish a durable infrastructure in each community to better serve the needs of at-risk youth long after the With One Voice staff moves onto its next venue. Additionally, the intense musical presentation grabs the attention of adolescents. While respecting the boundaries of tastefulness, it brings a refreshing, yet honest, message of hope to those struggling with the terrible pain of abuse, addiction, mental illness, and suicidal behavior.

As you are aware, the Surgeon General's Call to Action recommends evaluation and research on suicide prevention programs, both to ensure they are effective and to look for opportunities for improvement. I believe it would be very helpful to the cause of our Nation's suicide prevention effort if With One Voice could undergo systematic evaluation in several different school settings to determine to what extent this approach reduces risk factors and increases protective, factors regarding suicide. I wish you great success in this endeavor. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (*Contact With On Voice to request telephone number*).

Endorsement from Miss Jade Smalls

Runner-up Miss America 2000

Former Miss Illinois

National Speaker on Suicide Prevention

To Whom it may concern:

This letter is in support of With One Voice suicide prevention organization. For the past four years, I have been an advocate of suicide prevention having collaborated with leading organizations such as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the National Institute of Mental Health. As well, I was fortunate enough to have fallen under the mentorship of many prominent individuals in the fields of mental health and Suicidology such as Dr. David Clark of the Rush Institute in Chicago and Dr. Steven Hyman of the National Institute. However, the most important part of my role has been in my travels this past year as Miss Illinois to over 200 schools in the state of Illinois as well as across the U.S.

During my speaking tour on youth suicide prevention, I saw first-hand that while the need for suicide prevention was great, the tools were few and far between. I was able to not only speak to our nation's students but I was given the opportunity to Listen to the voice of the next generation. In every school, kids raised their hands saying that suicides had affected their lives. They have been attempters, amateur counselors and even survivors left behind in the wake of a lost friend or family member. Fortunately, I was also greeted by thousands of young people who said that they were not going to stand around and watch this epidemic continue to wipe out their population. Simply put- they were desperate to help. This is where With One Voice comes in.

Throughout my research and my travels, I have not come across another organization that has used the arts to combat this epidemic in such a powerful, yet effective and safe method. I am excited about this amazing and potentially life-saving program. There are many programs out there right now. Unfortunately, many of them have not been created with a well-rounded philosophy that includes preparatory work as well as follow through procedures. With One Voice has taken it upon themselves to do more than simply stir up emotion, spit out statistics or solely depend on the reading off of local resources. They have created an outreach effort that includes preparing the schools in facilitating discussions on suicide, dealing properly with reactions to the important and necessary emotional response to their artistic presentation, and in guiding those students in need of professional mental health resources. They have had the foresight to also include follow-up efforts to insure that the school has made the most, educationally and emotionally, out of their previous visit.

Lastly, but importantly, With One Voice has proven itself to be an organization concerned with the ever growing availability of new research. They are not content to remain stagnant and let the breakthroughs in suicide prevention pass them by. One of their goals is to undergo evaluation by the American Association of Suicidology. The AAS is known for their rigorous evaluation efforts and will be concerned with assuring not only the success of, but also the scientific correctness of the program. As a result of their willingness to be evaluated, With One Voice will be a part of furthering scientific research on the effectiveness of in-school programs. This is uncharted territory

Please know that I am sincere in my extreme praise of With One Voice. I have heard so many students say that they had been sworn to secrecy by a suicidal friend or were in the midst of struggling to aid a troubled loved-one. As an artist and an advocate, I know that a dramatic musical which brings to life not only the realities of suicide but also the dire need for intervention from those friends who care would do so much to restore hope in our schools. Never before has sciences research and the arts been combined in such a wonderful fashion. I am excited to know that an organization such as yours is considering spreading the message of hope and perseverance to our nation's youth through an outlet of this nature. I am writing to assure you that With One Voice would be an amazing endeavor to support.

To Whom It May Concern: life is valued above all things. We all need help and encouragement as the trials of life beat us down, but exactly how difficult it is for each of us depends on the environment we grow up in, the issues we deal with, and the character of the people around us. In addition, no one can know how hard another person's life may be. It never hurts for one to be as supportive and understanding as possible. "With One Voice" presents powerful and enlightening theatrical scenarios that confront the devastating and cruel realities of life. These are realities most of us wish did not exist – suicide, abuse, depression and the list goes on. Kim Spencer, writer and producer of "With One Voice" has created a way to address these delicate issues. was once said that "Music is healing," that it truly does touch the mind, heart and soul. Kim and her team know the meaning of friends, the importance of reaching out to others and the integrity of the message they convey.  I have watched Kim's performance, and the effects it had on me still linger in my heart. It allowed me to step back, appreciate what I have and realize sometimes that others may not be so fortunate. years of persistence, education and working hard at "With One Voice," Kim and her team are now rewarded with being able to spread their message on tour. Luck, Kim! I hope you are able to touch many more lives as you have mine.

L. Coleman

    Powerful, emotionally gripping and educational - With One Voice has crafted a venue for reaching youth and their families. The voices and songs of With One Voice touches our hearts, inspiring and motivating us to reach out. What better way to embrace our youth than through the language of music and drama.

    With One Voice educates our youth about suicide and violence. They assist teachers and school administrators in developing crisis intervention programs. With One Voice allows students to know they are not alone in their pain but that help and support is available.
    It is becoming more evident that we can no longer ignore problems with suicide and youth violence. With One Voice provides the opportunity to address violence  through music and drama and begin the work of reducing the effects of suicide and youth violence.
    As a clinical social worker for over twenty years, a member of both the Michigan Association of Suicidology, the American Association of Suicidology, a board member of Michigan's Yellow Ribbon Program and a facilitator of Grief After Suicide support groups, I commend the  professionalism, sensitivity and talent of program designer Kim Spencer, her cast and crew for bringing us With One Voice. I recommend that all schools and community organizations arrange a performance of With One Voice. It is through education, families and communities working together that we can help reach our youth and stem the trends toward violence in our communities.

    Vanessa Maria Lewis MSW, CSW

Supported by:United Way, Los Angeles County Departments of. Mental Health, Health Services, Children's and Family Services United Hostesses' Charities Culver City Guidance Clinic Guild City of Los Angeles City of Inglewood Board of Directors: Shelley M. Cohen Veiiira Virzi Cook Bess Driist, Ed.D. Patsy Flanigan   Arthur Glover Bonnie Strauss Gould Mariette Hartley Nathaniel Jackson, Pli.D. William K. Mills Mayra M. Prado, M.F.C.C. Donald R. Rogers, M.Div., M.S. Jon Rubin Linda Shahinian Richard Sharpe Ruth C. Smoot Officers of the Board: VERA M. JASHNI, Ed.D. President PAULINE C. DOLCE Executive Vice President LEE LEIBMAN Vice President BARRY SMITH Vice President BEATRICE S. STERN Vice President LYN CARON Treasurer CHER] RENFROE YOUSEM Secretary

S E R V I C E                        T R A I N I NG                        R E S E A R CH

COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH

Jay Nagdimon, Ph.D.

Director, Suicide Prevention Center

To Whom It May Concern:

I am offering my endorsement to the production With One Voice as the Director of the Suicide Prevention Center of Didi Hirsch Community Mental Health Center. I personally have met with Ms. Kim Spencer and have seen a production of With One Voice at a local church.

I was very impressed with With One Voice's ability to draw in its audience. I think it will be well-received by local youth as well as adults. The Southern California region does not have mandated suicide education and prevention course work in its school systems. With One Voice would add an attractive option for schools wishing to address this important issue.

4760 South Sepulveda Blvd. Culver City, CA 90230-4888

Administration and Program 310/390-6610 Client Services 310/390-6612

Crisis Services 310/390-8896 Fax 310/398-5690

Larry Sayre, Ph.D.

Licensed Psychologist

I recently had the good fortune to attend a rehearsal of the production With One Voice. It is a powerful and moving musical educational program aimed at high school audiences with the goal of reducing violence whether aimed at self or others. A number of the cast and supporting staff have personal experience with suicide, physical abuse, sexual abuse, substance abuse and the psychological impact those acts have on teenagers and their families- However, it is not only that personal experience which contributes to the success of the program, but the fact that the company is made up of professional entertainers and/or educators. This is not a community theatre production, but a well written and performed professional production with original music.

It is a well established fact that music has a major impact on teens. It is not without reason that psychologists, educators and parents are concerned, if not alarmed, over the negative message, certain types of popular music convey. It stands to reason that music which appeals to the teens and which has a positive message might have the opposite effect.

I believe With One Voice is such a musical program, When paired with the educational aspects of the program, I am very optimistic about the positive impact that this program can have on reducing the effects of violence on our youth.

There is no such thing as a free lunch! If this program is to reach America's youth, somebody has to pick up the check. Our schools need their meager budgets to provide the best education possible to our youth. So that even the poorest school districts (those at the highest risk) can enjoy the benefits of this program, the company made the decision to fund their production through corporate and foundation grants. I know that there are many worthy applicants for your support, but remember the Surgeon General's recent report which places suicide as the eighth leading cause of death in America. I urge you to join me in providing the financial support necessary to bring this program to our youth.

For more information, visit the With One Voice website at or call (419) 448-8227.

Larry E. Sayre, Ph.D.

Psychologist

Tucson, Arizona 

To whom it may concern,

I have been involved in suicide prevention efforts since 1975, and have been active with the Michigan and American Associations of Suicidology. During that time I have seen and presented many kinds of programs geared to reach teenagers and young adults. The play presented by With One Voice (WOV) uses music and drama as a powerful vehicle to provide understanding and problem solving to these kids in a "language they can understand".

More importantly, WOV provides training, information, and exercises for schools and youth organizations so the play is not a stand alone program, but rather creates a context for education, discussion and an opportunity to respond to the emotional needs of the audience. It gives permission and encourages young people to seek help if they are experiencing serious problems that could end with the loss of their life. As long as young people are making the choice to end their lives, I think we need to do everything we can to try to reach and help them.

As the mother of two teenagers, I recognize that our past behavior of not talking about problems hasn’t helped our kids. Not only do we need to talk about the real feelings and experiences kids have, but we also need to teach them ways to cope so they don’t use suicide as a "permanent solution to a temporary problem."

Mary Leonhardi, MSW, ACSW

Several years back a young lady confided in me that she was depressed. Her parents were divorced and her mother was extremely unhappy and bitter. We ate lunch in my classroom together everyday so that I could listen to her concerns and allow her to have a confidant. "Cathy" walked into my room one morning and informed me that she had swallowed a full bottle of aspirins earlier that morning and didn’t feel well. Of course, Cathy was immediately taken to a nearby hospital. Fortunately, she survived her suicide attempt. Cathy felt comfortable with me and chose not to seek the help of our high school guidance counselor. Although I felt great compassion and empathy for Cathy I was not qualified to help her. As a classroom teacher I was not prepared to handle the seriousness of her problem. Had our school implemented some sort of crisis intervention team or plan I may have been able to help this young lady before she attempted to end her life.

"With One Voice" empowers schools with the knowledge I needed so desperately. The program Kim Spencer designed helps students realize that they are not alone in their pain and that there are people in their school who can help. Not only does "With One Voice" encourage students to seek help but guides schools in developing an entire crisis intervention strategy. The entire school staff is given the gift of learning how to recognize students who are struggling to cope. "With One Voice" provides teachers and administrators a plan of action to help these sad young people. In this world of escalating violence, especially in the schools, it has never been more important to address these serious issues facing America’s students and to provide assistance to these students. As one unknown man once said, "…there are not as many bad kids as there are sad kids."

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing this letter in hopes to be heard.  I have struggled with Anorexia Nervosa for almost 10 years of my life.  At 5'3" and dropping to 60lbs--I guess I was a walking miracle.  I thank God everyday that I am on my way back to a healthy life.  My road has not been easy, but one positive impact on my turn around was a Suicide Awareness program entitled "With One Voice."  This production made me realize I wasn't alone, and that there is someone out there for everyone, who is willing to help.  The show and cast made me realize that I didn't want to die, and that's really what I was doing.  It's what any of us are doing with an Eating Disorder---it is our own little way of Suicide.

I am aware that your organization works with schools, and I would strongly recommend you to consider arranging a performance in your area.  Through my recovery, all I ever hoped for was to be able to help another person in this struggle-to help in any way I could.  I know that seeing this show made a difference in my life, and it can touch many others.

More Letters of Endorsement for
With One Voice

College Students

    "As I watched the presentation, sitting on the edge of my seat, there wasn't a thing in this world that could have drawn my attention away. The drama in this show is a excellent portrayal of scenes that would lead to suicidal tendencies, attempts, and successful attempts. Each scene, along with the powerful message of the lyrics to the music that went with each scene, had an overwhelming sudden impact on me. I don't think that there was one person at the performance that wasn't moved in one way or another by the power if it all. As the performance was coming to a close, I was left with very important information and advice. This advice is the whole purpose of With One Voice, in my opinion, was meant to be. The bottom line was that no one had to deal with suicide alone. Through these people, a whole new light was shed on my life, as I was convinced that my life was far from being over. It had only just begun and I had With One Voice to thank for helping me see that and for helping me get on the right track in facing my problems"

Frank J. Lewis

    "The entire production was very well done and surely touched the audience in very special ways, myself included!! My senior year in high school I lost one of my best friends to suicide. My freshman year here at Heidelberg my girlfriend back home was killed in a car accident. Emotions are funny! It has been over three years for both incidents yet until sitting back and listening to your show I hadn't had a true down to earth cry. I left the program early and did just that, CRY!"

Thank you,

Richard Kramer

High School Students

    "I had a friend who tried to commit suicide. Sometimes I felt like doing it myself over my boyfriend. But now I realize it's not worth hurting the ones you love. Thank you for letting me understanding the true meaning of life."                                                                                                        Freda Stahl

    "Speaking as a high school senior, I found "With One Voice" to be a powerful drama which handled the delicate situations and subjects with care and understanding. I would rather watch an innovative performance with real life people, statistics and situations, then listen to a lecture. This is a great program."

A student touched by

With One Voice

Professionals

    "I am moved to express my pleasure and awe at the very sensitive and compassionate way your group handled a very delicate subject. There is no doubt in my mind that you had a impact on one or more young person in your audience today."

Paul A. Neja Jr.

ACSW, LISW

  "With One Voice is a thing of beauty, something tender, sometimes shocking and always compelling. The production is of high quality, professionally produced and individual performances are outstanding. It is truly one of the most stirring emotional experiences I have ever encountered. Suicide is an issue of our times that we tend to ignore. With One Voice has the potential to help us understand the depths of despair that some young people experience and sensitize the audience to this critical issue."

Marilyn Shultz,

Assistant Director of Education.

  "Dealing with suicide begins with an awareness of its reality. To that awareness the production "With One Voice" had been developed. It is an honest and well done statement which deals creatively with a growing tragedy."

Rev. James Melter

Immanuel United Church of Christ

Parents Quotes

    "This performance brought back a lot of unwanted memories, but it has been good. I can talk about what I went through and I don't feel quite as much guilt about my cousin as I had through these many years. I will be 50 years old in a few months, and I am just starting to heal from the scars that were left by those horrible three months. If this performance has been able to do this for me after so many years, just think what it could do for young people just experiencing these things in their lives. "

Sincerely,

Diana Wade

     "I saw the show about 6 years ago and I still haven't forgotten it. When I saw the show it was almost as if I was looking in a mirror because, they portrayed exactly what I was feeling. From the show I learned that people do care and how much it would hurt the people who cared if I ended my life...I also know that if I hadn't gone to see the show, I may not be here to thank God for the wonderful life that I have, and enjoy my husband and my baby. I sincerely recommend that all highschool students see this show. Even if you have never thought about suicide, after this show, you never will."

Jaime Matthews

    "The participants of One Voice displayed a dynamic performance. They chose the most effective way to communicate with young people about suicide - MUSIC. They exposed their own personal, tragic experiences to everyone in attendance, opened our minds to the effect of suicide on friends, family and even strangers. At the end of the performance, I stood holding my daughters' hands, and as a mother, wanted to hold each performer's; telling them how much I cared."

Sincerely,

Kathleen Peck

After careful review, we have chosen your site as a winner of My ParenTime's Informed Site Award! --3-8-00

Holli's Triumph Over Tragedy - Mint Green Ribbon, Inc.
Stop the Abuse NOW!!

The Mint Green Ribbon Campaign for the Awareness of Abuse is proud to present the to this site for building awareness and making a difference.

"Your website is a High Quality page in both design and service offerings."  - MMSeekers.com

I have visited your site and I think it certainly deserves an award.   It is a good quality site and I hope that it fulfills all that you set out to achieve. - Piney Mountain Press, Inc.

We have reviewed your website and it has passed through our tests!" - Martin Rothchild

"We have just reviewed your site. We feel it is safe and family-friendly.  Also, it's obvious that you've put some effort into your website" - The Zilinsky Family"

Congratulations, With One Voice has won the Millennium Award. I reviewed your site and I thought it was very creative." - Shelly

"The design, content and personality of your site shines above the rest. Therefore.....you are a selected winner of the MNE WOW! Award" - Valerie Zilinsky

"I took some time and carefully checked out your site - With One Voice I am pleased to inform you that you have won the Jeffrey's Excellent Home Page (Silver Award)" -Jeffrey Ong 
  

"We have found that the content of your website to be interesting, the layout of your site was eye appealing as well as easy to navigate."  - Candle Comfort

Empowerment Award of Excellence

Outstanding Achievement Award

Olakov Creative Design Award

Pinnacle Club
Web authors Choice Award

Recognizing Efforts to Increase Awareness and Prevent Suicide!
The Official Jennifer Marcoux Website Award
Jennifer's family and I appreciate all that you do

Award of Merit - "This award symbolizes excellence and high quality standards, all demonstrated by your website."