This summer, we are seeing the power of community in action.
This month has reminded us that movements aren’t built overnight—they’re built one conversation, one courageous act, and one community connection at a time.
Over the past several weeks, we stood outside a federal courthouse in support of a survivor seeking justice. We celebrated freedom alongside thousands of our neighbors in the Orleans Fourth of July Parade. We welcomed visitors at Orleans Night with the Firebirds. We watched members of our community receive recognition for their books and advocacy, and we continue creating new opportunities for education, healing, and connection.
None of this is possible because of one person or one organization.
It’s possible because of a growing community of survivors, families, friends, advocates, volunteers, and supporters who believe that truth matters.
Together, we aren’t simply building an organization. We’re growing a movement.
Thank you for being part of it.
Truth in Action
Federal Judge Allows Oliver Ortolani Lawsuit to Move Forward
Earlier this month, members of Rock Harbor Truth traveled to Boston to support Oliver Ortolani as the U.S. District Court heard arguments on the Community of Jesus’ Motion to Dismiss.
Following the hearing, Judge Leo T. Sorokin denied the defendants’ Motion to Dismiss, allowing the lawsuit to move forward on all counts, including allegations involving child labor and trafficking.
While this ruling does not determine the outcome of the case, it represents an important step forward by allowing the claims to be heard in court.
We remain committed to supporting survivors and advocating for truth, accountability, and healing.
Community Spotlight
This month’s Community Spotlight goes to the many volunteers who spent countless hours designing, building, decorating, walking, and supporting Rock Harbor Truth’s Fourth of July float.
Your creativity and generosity helped us share a message of hope with thousands of parade attendees.
Thank you for making the vision a reality.
Interested in Volunteering?
Email Bev here
Whether you have a few hours to give or would like to become more involved, we’d love to hear from you.
Community in Action
Rock Harbor Truth continues to become part of the broader Cape Cod community.
We were honored to participate in Orleans Night with the Orleans Firebirds, connecting with neighbors, answering questions, and sharing more about our mission.
We’re also excited to announce that Rock Harbor Truth now has an Educational Resource Center in Orleans, generously donated by our President, Shawn DeLude. This new space represents another step forward as our programs and outreach continue to expand.
Growing up inside the Community of Jesus, holidays often meant more work than celebration. Many of us marched in parades because we were expected to—not because we chose to. This year, children from the Community once again marched in the parade, just as many of us once did.
But this year, we marched because we were free to choose.
Our float celebrated childhood, freedom, hope, and belonging. We handed out sidewalk chalk, waved to children, and watched something extraordinary happen as the parade route came alive with applause, cheers, and encouragement.
Thank you to everyone who helped design the float, walk alongside us, hand out sidewalk chalk, and make the day so meaningful.
Learning Together
Dessert & Learn Begins In September
Healing doesn’t happen only through therapy.
Sometimes it begins through education, conversation, creativity, and the courage to tell our stories.
That’s why we’re excited to launch our new Dessert & Learn Series.
Thursday, September 10, 2026
7:00 PM ET
Registration link will be available soon
Dessert & Learn sessions will continue on the second Thursday of alternating months.
Happy Hour with Rock Harbor Truth
Our survivor-centered Happy Hour with Rock Harbor Truth gatherings are underway.
These informal virtual meetups provide an opportunity to:
- Reconnect with old friends
- Meet new people
- Share updates
- Build community
- Support one another
Upcoming Happy Hour Dates
Second Thursday of August 7:00 PM ET
We hope you’ll join us on August13th at 7 pm
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83549567284?pwd=bqhHBavpMLGpovkdG1ZiI8Nyp7qeUy.1
Action Alert: Massachusetts Survivors
Justice Law Collaborative is asking supporters to help advance H.4539, legislation that would strengthen legal protections and expand opportunities for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to seek justice.
If you live—or once lived—in Massachusetts, please take two minutes to contact your legislators.
Learn more and take action:
https://justicelawcollaborative.com/justiceaction/
Rock Harbor Truth staff and volunteers joined the Justice Law Collaborative and other advocates in front of the State House in Boston on July 14th to push for this bill to be passed.
Justice shouldn’t expire. Survivors deserve to be heard.
Survivor Stories
Sarah Patrick, author of Binding Shame, recently served as the keynote speaker for the Haliburton County Speaker Series in Ontario, Canada, sharing her story and helping educate new audiences about recovery from high-control environments.
Top Five Questions This Month
Q. Why is the Oliver Ortolani lawsuit important?
A: Oliver’s lawsuit raises serious allegations involving child labor, child trafficking, educational neglect, and abuse at the Community of Jesus and affiliated entities. In June, a federal judge denied the defendants’ motions to dismiss on all counts, allowing the case to move forward. While the Court has not ruled on the merits of the allegations, the decision means these claims will now have the opportunity to be heard and examined through the legal process.
Q. What was the message behind the Fourth of July float?
A: Our theme was Every Child Deserves a Childhood. We chose to celebrate childhood, hope, belonging, and the freedom to build new lives. The float was a reminder that every child deserves to grow up safe, loved, and free to dream—and that healing is possible.
Q. What is the Dessert & Learn Series?
A: Dessert & Learn is a free virtual educational series hosted by Rock Harbor Truth. Every other month, we’ll welcome authors, clinicians, advocates, and other experts to share practical information on healing, trauma recovery, storytelling, employment, financial wellness, and survivor resources. Bring your favorite dessert, log in from home, and join the conversation!
Q. What’s coming up next?
A: We will be holding a Stand for Truth Rally in Orleans on August 9th. Rally’s will also take place in September for the Summer Series. Survivors will be speaking at the First Parish Brewster Unitarian Universalist on September 20th. Keep an eye on our Calendar of Events on our website!
Q. How can I get involved?
A: There are many ways to be part of the movement! Attend a Truth event, join a Dessert & Learn session, listen to and share The Cult on the Cape, subscribe to our YouTube channel, leave a Google review, volunteer, invite others to subscribe to The Truth, or simply start a conversation. A monetary donation to Rock Harbor Truth also supports survivors and our critical mission. Every action—big or small—helps build awareness, support survivors, and grow the movement.
Stay Connected
Whether you’re a survivor, supporter, family member, advocate, or simply someone interested in learning more, there are many ways to stay connected and help amplify survivor voices.
Listen, Follow & Share
The Cult on the Cape continues to grow, reaching more than 30,000 streams and downloads since beginning in November.
Follow, rate, review, and share the podcast to help more people discover these important stories.
Subscribe on YouTube
Podcast episodes are now available on YouTube, complete with transcripts and video content.
Subscribing helps us reach new audiences and makes survivor stories more accessible.
Help Us Grow The Truth
If you find value in this newsletter, please consider sharing it with friends, family members, former members, professionals, and others who may be interested in survivor advocacy, recovery, and accountability.
Every new subscriber helps expand awareness and strengthens our community.
Share our newsletter sign-up link:
https://mailchi.mp/36f928d6e241/newsletter
Join the Conversation
Connect with us on social media and participate in ongoing discussions about recovery, resilience, survivor advocacy, and current events.
Facebook
Instagram Reddit — Comment on some of the subreddits that discuss the Community of Jesus or start your own thread!
Anyone heard of the Community of Jesus on Cape Cod? : r/Episcopalian
The YouTube Video: The Community of Jesus
Does Anyone Knows If They’re Catholic? : r/Catholicism
Orleans Cult Being Cultish : r/CapeCod
Leave a Google Review
Positive reviews help people find Rock Harbor Truth when searching for information and resources related to high-control groups and survivor support.
Looking Ahead
This month, survivors stood in places many once believed they never could—a courthouse, a parade route, a community stage, a baseball field.
Every one of those moments sends the same message:
You are not alone.
We’ll keep walking.
We’ll keep learning.
And together, we’ll continue reclaiming the light.
Rock Harbor Truth
Reclaiming the Light
www.rockharbortruth.org
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