SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - “Holding Out HELP” is a new charity in Utah that wants to help the women and children of polygamy. What’s different about this group is that its founder doesn’t care if those women and children are in polygamy or out; it does not matter whether they’re trying to leave a polygamist community or staying put. “HELP stands for helping, encouraging and loving polygamists,” said Tania Towell. “We want to love them and help them in their place – wherever they are – no judgments.”
What’s more, Towell has no “ax to grind” on the polygamist issue. She has no prior connection to polygamy. She is not supporting any legislative agenda. Towell simply wants to help those who need it. Anne Wilde is with Principle Voices, a group that supports polygamist rights. She said, “I think this is a very Christian thing she’s doing. I think it’s marvelous.” Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff also gave his endorsement, “It’s all about healing – all about opening up.”
The goal of “Holding Out HELP” is to provide shelter, food and clothing to those who want to leave polygamy and start a new life. And for those who want to stay with their families and community, Towell talks of counseling, legal assistance and support.
Towell’s first experience with polygamists came after volunteering her home as a temporary shelter for women leaving polygamy. The women and children she welcomed at the door were nothing like she imagined. They did not come from the Jeffs group, so they didn’t wear the pioneer style clothing and their hair was not in the “polygamy do”. She said it was an eye opener. The two women were, in her words, “some of the sweetest ladies”.
Saturday evening “Holding Out HELP” kicked off with a dinner and silent auction fundraiser. Towell hoped for around 50 people. Instead she welcomed nearly 200. It was a good start for a group with an ambitious mission.
For more information, visit the website www.holdingouthelp.org or call: (801) 548-3492
Story by Brent Hunsaker
