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Living in a religious community can be a wonderful experience. Anyone should be able to choose this lifestyle for themselves, and many people live happy and fulfilling lives in such groups.
For those who grow up in one and then decide to leave, however, life can be very difficult. Because parents in such groups own no private property, they are unable to provide financial assistance to their children. While the communities may provide leavers with essential needs, in many cases teens and young adults find themselves without the skillset necessary to manage money, employment, bank accounts, driving, shopping, and other critical life skills.
Those who understand the experience of leaving an intentional community realize that providing young leavers with a metaphorical parachute of basic necessities, guidance and life skills is an invaluable aid to helping them build a life in the outside world – to provide them, if you will, a Safe Landing. Thus the foundation was born.
Safe Landing Project does not encourage young people to leave religious communities or help young people to leave. Everyone should freely choose their own life path. We are simply here to assist those who have already left.
Items provided may include a basic wardrobe, help finding a place to stay, and assistance getting a driver’s license. Essential skills that are taught include how to write a check and open a bank account, what a credit card is and how (not) to use it, writing a resume, and how to find employment. Finally we provide guidance through the process of getting into college or a profession. When a young leaver's life takes a disastrous turn such as drug addiction, we do what we can to help them get back on the right track if they seek our help.
Safe Landing Project is still in its infancy and is operating on a shoestring budget. We need all the help we can get in terms of financial donations to provide support for these young people. Please donate here.