http://www.sltrib.com/polygamy/ci_11640252?source=rss
Excerpt
Tewell is the driving force behind a new nonprofit organization called Holding Out HELP, designed to offer services such as housing, legal assistance and counseling.
The inspiration for the new nonprofit came after Tewell's own experience helping a family.
Tewell volunteered to open her home as a "safe house" through another organization. Twelve months later, she got a call: A woman and her four school-age children, along with her own mother, wanted out of a Salt Lake Valley-based polygamous community. Both women were plural wives.
"My husband and I looked at each other and said, 'Oh boy, are we ready to take the plunge?'" Tewell said.
Tewell admits she had preconceived notions about the people she was about to welcome into her home.
"I didn't expect them to be educated, I expected them to be in full garb with braids, the image we all have of polygamists," she said. "When they arrived, they were some of the sweetest ladies you've ever met. There was nothing weird. They were just like our family."
At that doorstep introduction, Tewell hugged one woman, told her she was safe and "she just burst out bawling."
www.holdingouthelp.org
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2 comments:
this is awesome! I work with domestic violence victims and recently worked with a woman from a religious cult. I tried to find resources for her that were specific to her religion but found none and it was so frustrating. I share you obsession with the FLDS!
rose4jc2 from the nest
Big deal!
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