Stories

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

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

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.

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.

Joseph was only 13 when he mustered up the courage to flee from the shed he had been forced to live in for 3 months. You see, he wasn't worthy to be part of the family. He was considered rebellious for talking to apostates (those that were part of the religion but chose to leave).

Holding Out HELP is sharing this petition to support transparency and ensure FLDS members have access to clear information and the opportunity to have their voices heard.

A new suit can do more than change how someone looks—it can change how they feel. Thanks to UWM Men’s Shop, our clients are stepping into confidence and new opportunities.

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.

I left my polygamist community suddenly in response to an abusive situation. I did not have a clear plan in place as to how I would be able to take care of my four young children and myself.

Samantha was married in the Jordan Temple into the mainstream Mormon Church. Fifteen years later, when she became pregnant with her seventh child, her husband started making jokes about polygamy. Soon after, the joking became serious discussions.

Locked in a shed with a thin blanket in below freezing temperatures, Isaiah sat by the fire that he had built from scraps, fully convinced he would be dead by morning. Two years earlier, at the age of 14, Isaiah had been sent to a “house of hiding” in Wyoming with other troubled and “unworthy” FLDS boys.

Enoch was only 15 when his father came to Salt Lake City and signed over guardianship papers to the Gutzwiller Family. He was immediately enrolled in school, which was more difficult than he had anticipated.

DOCUTAH International Documentary Film Festival will be screening Prophet’s Prey at the O.C. Tanner Amphitheater in Springdale, Utah, on September 11 at 8:00 PM. Based on the New York Times bestselling book Prophet’s Prey by private investigator Sam Brower, the film follows his ten-year investigation into the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and the abuse of power by leader Warren Jeffs. Brower will be attending the festival and participating in a Q&

Sons of Perdition follows three teenage boys as they leave a polygamous community and try to build new lives. With limited education and little stability, they face major challenges but continue to pursue their goals and reconnect with family. The film highlights what it means to start over and, in partnership with Holding Out Help, raises awareness of the need for ongoing support and resources.