Who do I ask for a reference after a layoff? (update)

I worry a reference will only confirm dates of employment. There are 9 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. A colleague offered to vouch for me. Who did you use?

Use a professional network to find a former manager. Many will still write a note.

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it 10 months ago, and it got easier once I kept a simple log of every call and form.