Brave Little Bear
Dealing with unexpected pregnancy
Professional testimonies
and Marina Pryor
“This letter is to support the work and presentations by Bernadette Black.”
Supporting Young Parents.
“Bernadette’s address was extremely well presented, entertaining, real and extremely relevant to young people today. Feedback from several participants at the conference was that Bernadette’s address was inspiring.
“Teenage pregnancy is a significant issue in Australia and many young parents find themselves in situations where they are at risk of becoming disengaged from education, living in poverty and without support networks. Research shows that without support there are a number of potential negative outcomes for young parents and their children.
“It is therefore critical that young people are supported and encouraged and are given opportunities to reach their goals and dreams. Bernadette speaks very honestly about her story and enables young people to see how, despite whatever adversity they may experience, can still be given opportunities to achieve – if enough support and encouragement is provided.
“I strongly support the messages that Bernadette conveys in her presentations and I believe the messages are extremely important to young people today.”
Celina Sargent
Making Choices Project Officer, Tasmania
“We just finished the 'Bella Vita' weekend - which was the new camp for young single mums - mostly girls under 18 who'd had a baby, and no partner continuing on with them ( 3 of these girls had gotten pregnant at 13!). Bernadette Black came for the whole weekend as our key speaker and she was OUTSTANDING”
CEO Camp Clayton Ulverstone
“What every teenager needs to know...this book could save your teenager's life .....every High School student should hear Bernadette speak!"
Robyn Moore
“Thank you very much for speaking at our meeting last night. I must say that it has been a highlight of the year so far. I take my hat off to Damien for his assuredness and obvious love of his family. Thank you so much.”
Lewis Hamnett, Rotary Lindisfarne Hobart, October 2007
“They (the students) enjoyed reading the book because it covers so much and answers all their questions. They enjoyed looking at your photos of yourself and family and felt that they could relate to you.
“The library staff told me that is one of the most popular books in the library. Some staff are making their sons read it too.”
Catherine Jepson, Mt Carmel Secondary College
“Thanks again for your talk (Health Development class). The girls loved it and haven't stopped talking about it. They have all now read your book and there is a long waiting list in the library for others who want to read it.”
Year 10 and 11 co-ordinator, Mt Carmel Hobart, two weeks post engagement
“Everyone has a story...however not everyone has the courage or passion to tell it. What a remarkable woman and example you are. It should be an aim that every teenager hears your story.”
CEO Behold the Diamond, NSW
“Bernie came to speak to our Year 11 and 12 girls as part of their Christian Perspectives Course. Her presentation was captivating and you could have heard a pin drop as she dramatised that wholly private moment when she first saw the results of her chemist-bought pregnancy test in a public toilet.
“Bernie openly shared her story of being a teenaged mum and then continued to tell the girls that they needed to make the most of life, its choices and to grab it with both hands. Her strong faith and her determination to fulfil her destiny are ingredients of a story that impressed her audience.
“I would highly recommend Bernie as a most interesting inspirational speaker and her book as a poignant testimony of one courageous young lady. We will certainly be inviting her back.”
Ineke Laning
Dean of Students
Calvin Christian School, Hobart
“I am happy to recommend, without hesitation, Bernadette Black as a speaker for any event, especially events designed for young people.
“Bernie is bright, intelligent and articulate. She has the ability to connect with any crowd. Her personal life story of proving her critics wrong, and excelling where others predicted certain failure, cannot fail to move anyone who hears it.
“Bernie’s compelling story demonstrates that teenagers - in fact all people - can find the inner strength to rise above the dictates of others and refuse to conform to dominant and assumed expectations, to make healthy and life-affirming choices.”
Melinda Tankard Reist
Founding Director, Women’s Forum Australia (www.womensforumaustralia.org)
“Not only is your story inspirational, it is extremely educational and a much needed resource nd story that all young teenagers should hear about. Your sourage and determination makes you an excellent role model for teenagers and young mothers alike.”
Natalie Gned and Julie Kemp
Collegiate College, Year 11 teachers