References when my manager was laid off too

I worry a reference will only confirm dates of employment. There are 7 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. I have one former client who liked my work. How do you ask politely?

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it last year, and it got easier once I kept a simple log of every call and form.

A client reference worked well for me. It shows you deliver outside the company too.