Holding out HELP fundraisers
By Alex Murphy
Holding Out HELP (HOH) will hold two Southern Utah fundraisers in November. HOH’s vision is to “Empower Polygamy Survivors to Thrive” — specializing in those transitioning out of polygamous communities.
The Beginnings
HOH began in 2008 after a family fled their polygamous community and ended up on Tonia Tewell’s doorstep in the Salt Lake area.
“I was a relatively new Utah resident,” she said, “and I was shocked at what was happening in the United States, and in God’s name — right in my own backyard.”
She learned of closed communities with marriages that were arranged. Education was often a low priority in these communities. Child labor and abuse were normalized and accepted. If members left or were kicked out, they would lose their family, friends, and entire social structure. Not long after this experience, Tonia founded Holding Out HELP.
My connection
I became connected with HOH through the woman who landed on Tonia’s doorstep. She and I became close friends through a church group of single moms 17 years ago. Since then, I have learned a lot about those trying to leave polygamy.
My husband, Greg, and I are volunteers who are heading up efforts to establish HOH in Southern Utah. Even though HOH has been based in Draper, they have been helping people throughout Utah, including Southern Utah. We are trying to relieve the Draper location of their huge work load and provide more direct services to local Southern Utah residents leaving polygamous cultures.
More about these efforts
It is estimated that there are 60,000-100,000 polygamists living in the western United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the majority of those folks residing in or around Utah. These groups, families, and individuals have a unique story. Most of the individuals HOH serves have faced forms of bondage and trauma.
The sex-trafficking issue has become well-known because of Operation Underground Railroad. Amid accusations of misconduct, Tim Ballard was removed as CEO and forced to leave that organization in 2023. It has been newly named OUR Rescue which fights trafficking and child exploitation worldwide.
Sadly though, sex-trafficking for underage girls and labor-trafficking for underage boys does not just happen in foreign countries. It also happens nearby. As a 501(c)(3) that is independently audited, HOH offers local victims from polygamous cultures the care, support, and resources to become independent and self-sufficient.
two fundraisers
The St. George fundraiser will be Friday, Nov. 8 from 6:00 to 8:30 pm at the South Mountain Community Church. The Cedar City fundraiser will be Saturday, Nov 9, 6:00 to 8:30 pm at the Courtyard Marriott.
We hope to see you there!