exFamily.org > chatboards
> genX > archives
> post #2437
Great tips about organizations for departees!
Posted by WC on July 28, 2002 at 06:24:10:
Goth posted below:
"...I wish that exers could maybe get together, find some sponsors or something that could set up a halfway home for SGA's where they could go and learn to develop their own personalities and get therapeutic help to do so. Part of that recovery process would be to have no pressures on them to conform to any pre-set doctrinal 'guidance', solely to develop their own personality to begin with, and to get support on becoming independent after years of family institutionalization. It takes awhile to unload and then get a sense of individuality after something so all-encompassing. And it is scary at first to take steps towards your own independence.
"There are halfway houses in Houston, for example, that help women for up to 18 months. (More depending on age at other places). They teach basic living skills while people go to groups, work in a thrift shop (which partially funds the place) and do chores to clean the facility. There are no rental charges. for the first 90 days, no working is allowed (with exceptions if someone is functioning at a higher level, and can do with less group, class time.) Classes are for i.e. Computer Skills, resume writing, budgeting. Yoga classes are optional and used for physical exercise and stress release. Most workers at the particular facility I speak of are Christian, but they do not foist their beliefs upon the women. Those who choose to can attend weekend religious services. Or go and explore outside services of their choice. Or none, if that is what feels safest."That is great, Goth. Please could you try to locate the contact info and websites if any? Thanks!
Ray posted:
"there is one geared for folks coming out of highcontrol communal groups..'meadow haven' go to 'www.neirr.org' for info. the ministry has been involved for 10 years, the transitional home is just opening now, after 3+ years of work. if you have folks to refer, call or email them.
"one issue w/ sga's is that when they first leave the group, it seems often they are not looking for 'help' in the way you speak. a place to stay and some space to experiment w/ peresonal liberty, party, etc. is sometimes more on their minds. even for fga's, the need for help becomes apparent often in spurts, as life's crises often are what drive us to seek help.
"i really thank God for caring knowledgable wise professionals who have been there to help us."Thanks, Ray! I followed those links, and put the results of my web research into our resources page, under Social and Aid Organizations.
I believe there was at least another suggestion or 2 on this board but I can't find them right now. Does anyone else have links or info on safe-houses, half-way houses where people leaving can get shelter and aid?
