Planning our first event was exciting and scary at the same time. We were so excited to take the next step for Hope After Polygamy in establishing itself as a nonprofit and give out the first Hope After Polygamy Scholarships. We were all in new territory as founders of this nonprofit, but our hearts were in it to give what we could and make it all come together. We’d teeter into worries wondering if anyone would even come, you know all the worries you have when planning a big event. As founders we do not take any income from the nonprofit, so we have each been juggling our personal day jobs while establishing and planning the event. So to say the least, we were very nervous about it all coming together. We were certainly not prepared for the insurmountable support that came in that night. We over sold our event, having to close our ticketing, and we made enough to give each of our scholars $500 or more to begin or continue their journeys into their education after polygamy.
Read moreSuccess Story: Michelle Michaels
Michelle Michaels is a strong-minded woman raised in the Kingston Order, with a very unique story. Michelle was one of the fortunate girls allowed to receive an education. However, many people in polygamy, especially women, do not earn an education without stipulations. Michelle was no different. Like most of the Order children, she attended the Order's school, Ensign Learning Center, for her elementary years. She was taught only by school teachers who are members of the Order community. She attended school with other children from polygamy. Michelle recalls knowing for years that she would leave the Order if "things did not change" when she became older. She kept her head down, avoided whatever punishments she could, and observed the world around her, figuring out how she could survive. Michelle was further blessed to pursue her college education without having to be married; however, this came at a cost. She was not allowed to pursue the degree and education she desired for her own career. In fact, she remembers her father telling her that her dreams of becoming a school math teacher were “stupid” and “would not help advance the Order.”
Read moreSuccess Story: John Joseph Robinson
Photo Courtesy of John Joseph Robinson
Joseph Robinson has a very unique story in that he was kicked out of the Kingston polygamy group for questioning authority in how they were neglectfully treating his mothers cancer. While in the Order, he was required to pursue his degree in physics with the intent to have him work in the Kingston labs. After being kicked out he had the freedom to choose his own career, in which he changed his major two times before deciding to major in finance. He was able to receive a scholarship that allowed him to continue his education at the University of Utah. He further received assistance through Holding Out HELP in paying for books and providing a host home. In a world of suffering and pain he found strength and hope through magic. He was able to use magic as a resource to help him emotionally cope as he transitioned out of polygamy. He was also able to use magic to support himself financially, as he hosted magic shows within the community and started a YouTube channel @MagicPranksJohn. In his own words, he shares a little excerpt of his story which emits his zest for life.
Read moreSuccess Story: Andrea Brewer
As one of the goals of our nonprofit, we want to share success stories in hopes that those who are on their own journeys can find strength and inspiration as they relate to others. We want to share hope that you too can be successful. The Order, the FLDS, the AUB, and the polygamous leaders who said you will be miserable if you leave are wrong, you can have happiness and success, God does not torture you and punish you for leaving. One story after another, we will share the hardships, the struggle, and the success of people taking back their lives, taking control of their futures, and finding freedom to pursue their dreams. Success is defined in so many different ways; it is not always the goal at the end, but rather any small or big accomplishment that has been obtained along the way. We want to use this portion of the blog to highlight the struggle and accomplishments of those out of polygamy.
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