Recommendation Letter (a1)

Letter of Recommendation for Dell Deaton

January 1, 2004

To Whom It May Concern

From the first verbalized thoughts of "what will happen to me," I have come to a stage in my life where my future looks bright and full of hope. I would say that Dell Deaton, the leader of Divorce Peer Fellowship (DPF) has played an important role in this transformation.

I joined DPF almost a year ago and have quite regularly attended the meeting every Wednesday. The group mainly consists of Americans, from various parts of Michigan. Occasionally, some non-American members have attended. Despite my being a non-American and of a different religion, I have always felt a part of the group. I think this is because of the way Mr. Deaton has set the tone of non-judgmental attitude, openness and acceptance of each other irrespective of ethnic, financial, religious and any other background.

At times, one-on-one, Mr. Deaton has pointed out a situation to me and said, "I don't know how it may be viewed in your culture." This comment made me thin that rather than imposing his ideas he is showing his sensitivity to my different experiences and his ability to open the door for a dialogue.

Mr. Deaton has always been available to the participants on weekdays and even weekends. Several of us, under [distress], have contacted him via e-mail or telephone. Having said that, he has also weaned people away from [this] so that they can rely on themselves in difficult times.

Due to his exceptional observational and mediating power, Mr. Deaton has drawn out troubled people in such a way that they start talking about their problems very comfortably. He has helped several of us draw ourselves about a situation and get unstuck. He encouraged us [to] analyze the situation objectively and thus change our behavior pattern. This required tremendous patience, which he has, in abundance.

In short, Mr. Deaton's ability to successfully mediate and lead the group has a rippling effect. It not only positively affects the life of people who come to the group. but also to their families, friends and relatives.

I would, wholeheartedly, recommend the continuation of Mr. Deaton's work and DPF for years and years to come....

— International

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