I would be willing to help as I recently had an experience that upset me immensely. I bumped into and ex-jw whom I had known from my previous congregation. He looked really down and out. It was quite late at night and I was returning a DVD. He was rather evasive about where he was staying but I soon realized he was embarrassed and had no job. He mentioned that he had been mugged and his cell stolen. He said that he had recently spent some time with his Step Dad and I asked why he didn't stay with him until he found his feet. He said he couldn't as his Dad is an elder and that he is disfellowshipped. He had only gone to stay with him as it was "special circumstances" - a death in the family. His own Mom has been dead for a while now. (he is an only child)
When I said it's ridiculous that because his Dad is an elder and he is disfellowshipped, that this can come between families. Is'nt your family supposed to be there for you in a time of crisis. He became rather animated....said they have really messed up my life you know...no higher education, nothing to fall back on.....social outcast.
We parted but I felt so awful that I went driving around to see if I could see him, perhaps give him some money...buy him some food. I couldn't sleep that night. My heart aches for all those whose lives have been messed up and who feel they have nowhere to go. I hate it too when I talk to my JW mother who says they have a choice....what choice, they have no choice.....you either accept and come back or we disown you....and we do value our eldership more than you.....such heartlessness!
You are very kind. I just read a quote today which I found so appropriate. ""Nobody can go back and start a new beginninng, but anyone can start today and make a new ending""