The Cost of Freedom

Freedom isn't free.  There is a price to pay and a fight to fight.

Leaving a cult group is one of the bravest things someone can do, especially if that person was born and raised in that group.  Having been completely sheltered from society at large, navigating the world outside of a spiritually abusive church or group can be as foreign as going to bed in the United States and waking up in China.

Everything is completely different.  The temptation to go back to the cult group is extremely strong.  It is the same reason why spouses and children go back to abusive spouses and parents.  When it is all you have ever known, abuse can actually seem more comforting than unfamiliar territory.

The problem is that once a survivor has new information from new surroundings, it is impossible to go back to the cult without some level of cognitive dissonance.  To stay means denying this new information.  To go means to be completely at odds with how to survive in a new climate. 

The survivor often gets stuck between these two environments...never quite trusting either one.

Mental health services are essential to this journey.  Psychologists and therapists who understand abusive dynamics can be a safe, sounding board for clients, empowering them to healing and well-being.

Unfortunately, most cult groups place a stigma on mental health services, so it is difficult for a survivor to get there in the first place.  And when a survivor enters or re-enters society, the sheer complication of getting and maintaining a job, finding housing, purchasing food, and educating oneself with undiagnosed PTSD involves all of their time and energy.  And there isn't usually money left over for perceived frivolities like counseling services.

Paradise Recovered and By The Glass Productions has committed a full 10% of our profits (and realistically more) to Wellspring Retreat and Resource Center in Albany, Ohio.  Wellspring is a facility that understands the needs of abuse survivors and assists with finding safe places for clients after treatment.

Because of the holistic nature of the Wellspring program, it is an expensive one for many cash-strapped survivors, though every effort is made to contain costs and work with clients.  For nearly 25 years, Wellspring has operated with thousands of clients to provide complete care...and the aftercare studies clearly indicate that Wellspring can help clients get their lives back or to begin all over again.

We are putting up our new webstore very soon.  But know this:  when you purchase any item from us, a full 10% of your purchase goes directly to Wellspring's Scholarship Fund.  10% of our profits from theatrical showings or DVD purchases will go directly to Wellspring. 

We want to help pay for treatment for those who desperately need freedom.

We believe strongly that every person should have the freedom to explore, to enjoy, and to engage life.  This is the nature of freedom.  And with your help and support, we can teach while we entertain.  We will continue to battle for the rights of survivors, and we appreciate your support.  

We will be announcing screenings the last week of September.  Please stay tuned.  Thank you for following us on our journey.  Each and every fan means more to us that we could ever say.

Do something to take care of yourself today.  You are worth it.