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In Reply to: A de-tox house posted by Passing By on November 06, 2002 at 14:44:25:
I don't know, while I'd like to offer my help for something like this, it isn't as easy as it sounds. A few years ago my husband and I set up our Home as a half-way house for youth desiring to leave the group but not knowing where to start. Due to lack of funds, everyone had to work to support themselves, and turn in a percentage to us for paying bills, rent and food, etc. I wish they could have gone back to school and been in a better situation.
I thought of moving to the States and setting up soemthing there for departing kids, but with a lack of money and support (do you think the Family would set up an allowance for their youth to leave the group and integrate into society??) it was not a realistic dream. I would have had to find sponsors, and who wants to support the mistakes of a cult? I think the finance part would have been the hardest hurdle.
Then there was the question of did I want to be involved with young people who wanted freedom and to get out of the controlled situation? I didn't know if I was up to it.
Perhaps an advice hotline? An 800 number which is well advertised on all the exfamily sites so that anyone departing knows they can at least call that number and get some advice, counsel, and perhaps connected with someone in their area who can give them a place to land and start at?
If you could get together a list of exers who would be willing to open their doors to receive departing Family people, and you had a list of rules, like, you must find your own place within 3 months, you will be expected to find a job and give ($...) to your host home, etc. That way the hosts aren't landed with the entire burden of financially supporting someone for an indefinite amount of time, and the person is expected to get on with their life eventually.
Just an idea.
