You Don't Have to Speak Loudly to Take a Stand
Your story matters. Even if you're not ready to tell it yet.
The Empowering Story (TES) isn't built on shouting or oversharing — it's built on quiet courage. On the gentle but radical decision to heal. To listen. To grow. To choose softness in a world that often rewards silence or rage.
The Empowering Story (TES) isn't built on shouting or oversharing — it's built on quiet courage. On the gentle but radical decision to heal. To listen. To grow. To choose softness in a world that often rewards silence or rage.
This is not just another platform. It’s a healing space created for survivors and allies who want something deeper:
- More clarity
- More connection
- More peace
- And a path forward that honors your pace
Through writing, reflection, and community—free essays, supported subscriptions, and guided programs—we’re building something different:
A quiet revolution.
And you’re already part of it.
JD
by Jean Dorff
🌍 WHY THIS MATTERS NOW
Why The Empowering Story exist — and why it needs you.
Even in 2025, there is a cultural silence around abuse—especially the kind that happens within families and behind closed doors.
Survivors are still told to move on quietly. To not make it worse. To not make a scene.
But healing isn’t about forgetting.
It’s about transforming.
It’s about reclaiming what was taken—story by story, breath by breath.
It’s about transforming.
It’s about reclaiming what was taken—story by story, breath by breath.
The Empowering Story is no longer just a program.
It’s a growing movement. A quiet revolution.
A space where survivors and allies choose truth over silence, and healing over harm.
It’s a growing movement. A quiet revolution.
A space where survivors and allies choose truth over silence, and healing over harm.
When a survivor rewrites their story, the ripple doesn’t stop there. It touches children, communities, systems. It shifts culture.
But no movement grows alone.
That’s where you come in.
Whether you read, subscribe, support, or share—you help keep this message alive.
👣 WHERE YOU MIGHT BE TODAY
We meet you exactly where you are. No rush. No demands. Just presence.
You might be:
- Quietly holding your story, unsure if it’s ready to be shared
- Walking through waves of shame, grief, or confusion that won’t let go
- Searching for something that feels helpful—but also safe
- Realizing that writing or speaking your truth might actually change everything
Whether you’re just starting to explore or already finding your voice, this space is here for you.
You don’t have to commit to a program, a book, or public healing.
You just need to choose what feels supportive right now.
You just need to choose what feels supportive right now.
This is healing on your terms. At your pace. In your way.
And we’ll walk beside you, every step you allow.
And we’ll walk beside you, every step you allow.
🌱 THREE PATHS, ONE PURPOSE
Choose What Supports You Most — Right Now
This is not a ladder. It’s a circle — a gathering of choices that honor where you are today. You don’t need more. You need what fits.
Each tier is a gentle invitation—not to do more, but to feel more held.
Tier 1: Quiet Listening
(Free on Substack)
For when you need space, insight, and solitude—but still want to feel gently held.
- Survivor-centered essays and reflections
- Soft prompts to guide your journey
- Occasional audio notes and gentle updates
- Optional: pledge paid support if and when you're ready
A place to receive—no pressure, just presence.
💡 Want to support the writing? You can pledge $5/month on Substack. This doesn’t include TES community benefits — just helps keep the public voice alive.
Tier 2: Quiet Connection
($33/month via TES platform)
For when you’re ready to be part of something—softly, safely, and without pressure.
For when you’re ready to be part of something—softly, safely, and without pressure.
Includes everything in Quiet Listening, plus:
- Reflective questions with select posts
- Private TES community space (non-Facebook)
- Monthly live reflection circle (not recorded)
- Invitations to live author sessions and gatherings
- 25% discount on TES-published books
- Free audiobook when you purchase a TES book (select titles)
A space to connect, reflect, and gently belong.
Tier 3: Quiet Power
($77/month via TES platform)
For when you’re ready to go deeper—to speak, ask, grow, and contribute in new ways.
For when you’re ready to go deeper—to speak, ask, grow, and contribute in new ways.
Includes everything in Quiet Listening + Quiet Connection, plus:
- Monthly live webclass with Jean (includes replays)
- Priority Q&A and hot-seat coaching
- Early access to intensives, workshops & new titles
- 40% discount on TES-published books
- Personal thank-you + Founders Circle invitation
A path to embody your healing and ripple it outward.
YOUR JOURNEY
Which one reflects where you are now?
No pressure. No judgment. Just a quiet place to begin.
No pressure. No judgment. Just a quiet place to begin.
🎖️AMBASSADOR INVITATION
Be part of the inner circle that shapes what comes next.
As a TES Ambassador, you’ll receive full Tier 3 access for the price of Tier 2: $33/month for your first year.
But this isn’t just about cost. It’s about contribution.
Ambassadors are invited to:
- Get early access to new content, features, and workshops
- Offer insights that help shape how this community evolves
- Receive direct invitations to behind-the-scenes gatherings
- Be part of the small circle that makes big healing possible
This isn’t a discount.
It’s a declaration.
It’s a declaration.
That you believe in what this is.
And you're willing to stand with it—even softly, even quietly.
And you're willing to stand with it—even softly, even quietly.
Become an Ambassador. Help make space for healing that changes generations.
🌍 The Heart of the Movement
This is more than healing. It's a cultural shift.
The Empowering Story began as a writing program. It has become a movement.
A quiet revolution.
A refusal to stay silent.
A call to speak truth—gently, clearly, and together.
A refusal to stay silent.
A call to speak truth—gently, clearly, and together.
🔥 Healing Is in the Telling
When survivors tell their stories—not just disclose, but own—healing happens.
Not just inside them, but around them.
Not just inside them, but around them.
Every story becomes a thread in a new cultural fabric.
This is how cycles break.
This is how safety grows.
This is how cycles break.
This is how safety grows.
✊ What You’re Part Of
This is a movement of lived truth.
Of real presence.
Of choosing softness, even when the world expects armor.
Of real presence.
Of choosing softness, even when the world expects armor.
It’s for those who say:
“It stops with me.”
And mean it—with tenderness and resolve.
“It stops with me.”
And mean it—with tenderness and resolve.
💛 How You Support It
By subscribing—free or paid—you do more than read.
You amplify healing.
You fuel change.
You amplify healing.
You fuel change.
You help us:
- Publish survivor-led work
- Host reflection spaces
- Share tools for collective healing
This is the heart of The Empowering Story.
And it only grows when people like you say:
“Let’s build something different.”
💞 WHAT YOU'RE SUPPORTING
Your subscription is a lifeline—yours and someone else’s.
When you join The Empowering Story, you're not just investing in your healing journey.
You're making it possible for others to begin theirs.
You're making it possible for others to begin theirs.
💫 Every Subscription Supports:
- Scholarships for those who can’t afford the full TES program
- A safe, private platform—free from noisy, performative spaces
- Development of new tools for global survivor support and prevention
🌱 You’re Not Just Receiving
You’re helping rebuild what abuse tried to destroy:
Trust. Truth. Community.
Trust. Truth. Community.
This work only grows because people like you choose to believe in something better—and back that belief with gentle, powerful action.
🤲 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is this a step toward the full TES program?
Not necessarily. Many members never move into the full TES program — and that’s completely valid. These tiers aren’t a ladder to climb. They’re paths to choose, depending on where you are. You may shift. You may stay. All is welcome.
Not necessarily. Many members never move into the full TES program — and that’s completely valid. These tiers aren’t a ladder to climb. They’re paths to choose, depending on where you are. You may shift. You may stay. All is welcome.
Can I cancel anytime?
Yes. There are no contracts, no obligations. You’re always in control of your membership.
Yes. There are no contracts, no obligations. You’re always in control of your membership.
I’m already in TES or have completed it. Should I still join?
Yes. Many TES alumni stay involved through Tier 2 or 3 — to stay connected, inspired, and supported. This is more than a program. It’s a community.
Yes. Many TES alumni stay involved through Tier 2 or 3 — to stay connected, inspired, and supported. This is more than a program. It’s a community.
Will my name or story ever be shared?
Never without your clear, written permission. Your privacy and safety are foundational here. Always.
Never without your clear, written permission. Your privacy and safety are foundational here. Always.
Why is Tier 1 hosted on Substack?
Substack offers a quiet, distraction-free space for reading and reflection. It’s free, private, and easy to use — no app or account required. We chose this format to keep things simple and accessible.
Substack offers a quiet, distraction-free space for reading and reflection. It’s free, private, and easy to use — no app or account required. We chose this format to keep things simple and accessible.
9. 📢 WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Real words from real members (shared with consent):
Tier 1 Member
"I didn’t even know I needed this until I subscribed.
It’s like my story had a place to go — without judgment, without pressure."
Tier 2 Member
The monthly reflection circles feel sacred.
I come in raw… and leave softer, stronger."
Tier 3 Member
Jean’s sessions feel like he sees the parts of me I kept hidden — and welcomes them in."
10. 🛠 HOW TO JOIN
Becoming a Member Is Simple — Choose What Resonates With You Today
This isn’t about climbing steps or choosing “more.” It’s about what fits your current moment best. Whether you’re listening quietly, ready to connect, or stepping into your voice — there's a path for you.
👉 Step 1: Choose the tier that feels aligned with where you are right now.
🧭 You can move between tiers later. Begin where you are. Let it grow from there.
11. 🫂 A PLACE WHERE YOUR STORY MATTERS
This Is a Home for Quiet Power
You’ve endured. Adapted. Survived. Maybe you’ve tried to move on in silence.
But something deeper calls — a knowing that your story, no matter how softly held, deserves to be witnessed. Even if only by you… at first.
The Empowering Story is not about changing who you are.
It’s about reclaiming the truth of you — safely, gently, and in your time.
It’s about reclaiming the truth of you — safely, gently, and in your time.
And it’s about more than personal healing.
It’s about joining a movement —
to end the silence,
to break the chain,
to stop sexual abuse for the generations to come.
to end the silence,
to break the chain,
to stop sexual abuse for the generations to come.
Your healing is part of something bigger. Your presence here… matters.