Testimonials
Testimonials
       
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Simon to the rescue!
Show Helped 7-Year-Old Tell Of Abuse; Teen Now Believes It Saved Her Life
By the time Justine Lagner saw a performance of Simon Says, "Just Tell" she had suffered months of sexual abuse by a male family member.
Justine was just 7 years old. The man never raped her, but he would take off her clothes, touch her and sometimes kiss her. Or he would take off his clothes while watching her play. He tried to tell Justine it was just a game, but she never felt comfortable.
She just didn't know what to do about it.
Then, two days before Christmas, Justine's school hosted the puppet show on the signs of child abuse. One of the main characters learned how to talk to an adult about an abusive situation, and the second-grader saw herself onstage.
"I felt like I finally knew what was going on, and what to do," said Justine, now 16 and an 11th-grader in Virginia Beach.
"I remember being upset or sad -- I just finally knew what to do. Because when it's going on, you wonder, 'Hey, is this wrong?' but you're not sure because you trust this person who's supposed to love you, and you don't think he'd do anything wrong."
An excerpt from an article by Alison Freehling
Feb 12, 2003; Daily Press; Newport News, Va.Quotes
What Community Leaders Are Saying
I can personally attest to the success of the program due to the number of children who have attended Simon Says, "Just Tell" and then came forward to tell of their "nightmare." The program s ability to relate to children on their level and to easily explain what is a "good touch" verses a "bad touch" makes this program an absolute must for every young school age child. Cases that may have never been revealed, nightmares that may never have been ended if not for the award winning program."
Lt. R.W. Greenwood, Police Department
Virginia Beach, Virginia"This program has proven to be an effective tool in combating the epidemic of child abuse that now exists in our country. I feel strongly that if you review this program, you will want to present it to your community. Law enforcement can t do it alone! Together with Simon Says, "Just Tell" we are reaching our community s children."
Frank Drew, Sheriff
Virginia Beach, Virginia
"The use of puppets as adult surrogates allows young children to ask questions and receive information about the sensitive issue of child abuse. Many more children will be educated about child abuse prevention as you expand your program to other parts of the city thank you for bringing your program to New York City. I look forward to continuing our partnership."
Howard Safir, Police Commissioner
City of New York"Children's Performance Workshops – what a great way to educate children on the subject of abuse! They approach the very delicate topic and other safety issues in a very creative way. I'm impressed with the research, passion and sensitivity these folks put into it. Our students at An Achievable Dream Academy were thoroughly engaged in the program and loved Simon. Who says a puppet can't be a role model? ...Nothing should get in the way of a child's dream."
Walter S. Segaloff
Founder and Chairman
An Achievable Dream, Inc.
Newport News, Virginia"I admire the work of Children's Performance Workshops and its child abuse prevention program, Simon Says, "Just Tell" It has reached millions of children, particularly those who have needed to hear this message. The children really relate and learn because the message about abuse and how to stop it are told in such an interesting way. It's right on target!"
Dr. Katharine Kersey
Chairperson, Department of Child Studies
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VirginiaSimon Says, "Just Tell" is a dynamic presentation that effectively reaches out to children teaching them to recognize, confront and reveal child sexual abuse. Simon captures the hearts of all, making children laugh, listen and learn as he entertains them with ways to report abuse. I applaud Regina Marscheider on her undying commitment to this endeavor."
Toora Burton
Department of Social Services
Portsmouth, Virginia"If I had been fortunate enough to have seen such a performance in an elementary school, I would have known what course of action to take with the family member who was touching me."
Anonymous parent
United States"Simon saved my life."
Words spoken by a sixteen-year-old girl in discussing Simon, Children's Performance Workshop's mascot against child abuse. One Christmas Eve, Justine disclosed sexual abuse by her step-father to her mother after seeing a performance of Simon Says, "Just Tell" when she was seven years old.
Justine
United States"From the moment we met Regina Marscheider, we knew she was special. But as time passed we realized that she was even more than that. With her contagious enthusiasm, dedication and talent she has made a life-changing difference in so many children's lives with her (child abuse prevention program). She has made a difference in our lives as well. Regina approached us to write a song for her program which would serve as an anthem for abused children. No simple task, but we were determined to rise to the occasion. "We the Children", the result, is the song we (Parachute Express) are most proud of, and we are thrilled to have made a contribution to such a worthy cause."
Parachute Express
Nationally Recognized Children's Musical TroupeRegina and Children's Performance Workshops have been recognized by numerous local, national and international organizations, including the FBI, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the Foundation for the Improvement of Justice and the Virginia Education Association, for her successes and undying commitment to improve the lives of children everywhere. She has appeared on the Today Show and the Dr. Laura Show and has been featured in magazines including Southern Living, Dr. Laura Perspective, and the U.S. Navy's Jet Observer. Children's Performance Workshops has the proud distinction of being endorsed by former Jerry W. Kilgore, Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Children's Performance Workshops is making a difference!
