These stories highlight the strength, resilience, and courage of the individuals we serve. Shared anonymously to protect privacy, each story reflects the real impact of Holding Out HELP and the hope that is possible with support.
Money impacts nearly every aspect of a person's life. It determines where they live, what opportunities are available to them, how they access healthcare, whether they can pursue education, and even whether they can leave unsafe situations. Yet for many individuals from polygamous and other insular communities, financial education and financial independence were never part of their upbringing. While every client's story is different, financial control and financial abuse are
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.
Leaving a polygamous community can feel isolating and overwhelming, especially without resources or trusted support. This story shares how access to information, legal aid, and unconditional care made a new life feel possible.
