Stories

Two former clients share their stories of leaving polygamous communities and finding strength, healing, and a new beginning with support.

Growing up in a fundamentalist polygamist group, I was prepared for labor and subjugation, not the real world. By eighteen, I lacked a basic education and the social skills to protect myself from exploitation. College felt like an impossible world—but the heaviest burden wasn't the schoolwork; it was the trauma. Through Holding Out HELP, I found the life-saving therapy I needed to heal. This month, I graduate with honors.

We have an amazing lawyer who we use to help our clients in unique situations. This case was no exception.

We are honored to present the story of a young couple who have found self-sufficiency through hard work and sheer determination.

Calvin came to us from the FLDS a few years ago. He was not in a good head space, and through therapy and support, he is now a thriving, independent young man.

I just wanted to tell you how grateful I am for all that you have done to help me ever since I have found you. I came here with almost nothing; almost no money or official papers to prove that I am a U.S. citizen.

My journey with HOH began after I woke up one morning in agonizing tears and paralyzed by fear, guilt, and shame. The memories that woke me up were new to me and I did not understand what was going on in me.

Dessert & Silent Auction Benefit March 12, 2021 7:00 to 9:00pm South Mountain Community Church Join us for our 2021 HOH Dessert and Silent Auction Benefit. The focus for the event is “Joy” amidst the pandemic and how “Together We Rise” to bring hope and healing. Come enjoy dessert, a silent auction, and encouraging stories while raising money for a worthy cause. This year due to Covid-19, we are making some changes to create an event that is safe and enjoyable. We are havin

Double your impact this season—donations will be matched up to $50,000 to support Holding Out HELP client

HOH has just opened their complex trauma center for those clients who are high risk and need extra attention and care.

Holding Out HELP goes MOBILE to collect spare change! All proceeds from Coin Up will go towards funding our new COMPLEX TRAUMA CENTER.

It was the summer of 2012 and Nathan showed up after leaving the FLDS with his 5 children in tow. He had never taken care of his children alone and his wife, who had left years earlier could not be found. ⁠

CRISIS FINANCIAL PLANNING - 6 THINGS YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW Prioritize bills –  Whether your job has been affected or not, look at all your bills and identify which ones are critical and those that you may not need to pay immediately. Do check in with service providers as some may be offering assistance or an option to temporarily skip payments. Reduce spending – You should start reducing nonessential and discretionary spending in the event things get worse. These expenses can

During challenging times, it’s important to care for ourselves and each other. Here are a few simple, positive steps to help you navigate uncertainty.

Even with uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, our fundraiser brought people together for a memorable night of support and impact.

Daniel, was born into the FLDS polygamist community. He was homeschooled until he was in the 7th grade and then worked all over the country doing construction as a child. When he was 16, his dad approached him and gave him an ultimatum...

Celebrate a month of "Firsts" and other stories of HOPE! We are fundraising to provide our clients with basic needs and "first time" experiences!

Faith leaders of all denominations came together on October 29, 2019 to pray, build relationships & break bread together. Governor Herbert feels this is important for the community.

Leah was 16 when she realized her life was going nowhere. She was not allowed a formal education and had only been homeschooled to the 7th grade. She longed for more. ⁠ She hitched a ride to St. George and jumped on a shuttle headed for Salt Lake City.

Our Founder, Tonia Tewell, was asked to speak at the Utah Special Victims Investigations Conference, along with a panel of HOH clients. Tonia presented a cultural sensitivity training on how to interact with those from polygamy and the panel shared their stories and how law enforcement could improve.