Find PEACE, Allow Traumas to HEAL through the Arts - We are a Non-Profit 501 (c) 3 Org
ENDORSEMENTS
WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR ALL YOU HAVE TO SAY!
Amy L. Billa
MA, LSW, Licensed Social Worker, Licensed School Counselor
So many of our young people encounter significant loss before they reach adult age. Whether through death, abuse, divorce, separation from a parent, serious illness, natural disaster or other life-changing event, our children are called to conquer life’s most serious happenings before they even finish their school years.
Elsie’s Adventures at her new school helps children to label and begin the journey through their feelings and potential grief associated with abuse and loss. The delightful pictures and opportunity for art therapy are combined with an easy-paced tale that will increase children’s sense of empowerment and knowledge. Parents, educators and counselors will want Elsie’s Adventures in their toolbox to assist children with opening a dialogue about loss and can facilitate the occasional difficult conversations about sexual abuse. As a mental health practitioner for over 25 years, I have found books and art to be one of the most effective ways to open safe and therapeutic communication with children about tragic events. I am pleased Elsie is available to assist those of us honored with the sacred mission of assisting children to cope with and heal from the effects of abuse and loss.
Comments from Viewers who have Experienced the Shine Your Light Show!
I had NO IDEA! I wish it were going to be here longer so the entire community could see this! The entire community NEEDS to see this!!”
The American Legion Auxiliary President,
“What an incredibly powerful show! Best I Have EVER been involved in... “
Amy S. Jones
MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Elsie's Adventures is a great tool that I will utilize when working with children who have experienced sexual abuse. Elsie can help children identify the feelings and emotions associated with sexual abuse. It will also help instill a sense of hope for all children.
Comments from Viewers who have Experienced the Shine Your Light Show!
“It was wonderful, powerful, emotional and amazing…….”
Former Volunteer Service Coordinator the North Carolina School for the Deaf
“Show was unsettling, disturbing and gut-wrenching so in summary, a success"
“Every health care worker and teacher should view the show”!
Former Director at the North Carolina School for the Deaf
“THE MOST POWERFUL SHOW EVER TO SHOW AT THE GALLERY!” Former Executive Director, Burke Arts Council,
......…I am speechless. This presentation moved me so and we are all blessed by your vision and dedication to bring the awareness of sexual abuse to us through a very powerful media. Thanks you for your spirit...
WOW! Beautiful, horrifying, moving, and wonderful! So glad I get the chance to see it! Great job!
“The show is awesome! What an accomplishment and what a gift to the community!”
.......just finished looking at your slide show... very powerful!
Cindy Peters, Ph.D.
Artists are not just “born,” they are shaped by their experiences and by their yearning to express them. In her book “Elsie's Adventures,” Kimberly Lajzer courageously transforms painful personal experiences into a gentle, supportive method for children who have lived similar experiences to begin to explore their feelings and needs, and to feel safe in the process. The book allows any child, (or adult, for that matter), to explore feelings of safety and security, fear and confusion, using artistic and expressive methods that are far more effective than words alone. Her book directs readers to methods of healing and the re-establishment of balance and safety. It emphasizes the importance of caring others who take action, who validate and witness without fear, judgment, or dismissiveness, and who help children to heal. This book, and all the books in this series, are extremely useful tools for helpers in all caring professions, as well as parents and others who love children, to help them to face difficulties and to work through them in a way that respects them and the challenging but heroic process of recovery. It is my privilege to recommend this series of books, and to have been an honored witness to Mrs. Lajzer's own courage. She is a testament to the word “survivor,” and she is a prophet of healing for children and adults.
Comments from Viewers who have Experienced the Shine Your Light Show!
“So glad you put this show on. It was a very positive thing for everyone involved…...”
M.A. AEd., NBCT
I WAS BLOWN AWAY!”
Caldwell County Shelter Home Executive Director,