May 24 1999

ARTICLE TOOLS

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When Amy Dupree, a tall, blonde, topless dancer in Dallas, felt she could no longer carry on night after night of seminude dancing, she turned to an unlikely source for help: Preston Road Church of Christ in Dallas.

With the Dallas church backing her, Dupree last year founded Amy's Friends, which so far has assisted more than a dozen topless dancers and others in the sex-entertainment field in leaving their work. The 31-year-old Dupree now is married and works with a company that supplies pagers to medical personnel.

Topless dancers, strippers, nude models, and employees of escort services have called Amy's Friends hotline (972-520-3400) for help in breaking away from such jobs. Amy's Friends offers a support group led by 30 women mentors in the church.

Also, some former dancers have received help with rent, utilities, and childcare. All receive assistance in finding different employment.

During the support-group sessions held in homes of church members, the women discuss their lives and study Twelve Steps for Christians, a book that encourages people to admit wrongdoing and move ahead.

No false hopes are offered to those seeking to exit the business, says Jean Towell, an Amy's Friends volunteer. The congregation offers a three-month program to help individuals and then assesses the situation.

"We've had some successes," Towell says. "But some make $500 a night. They don't want to give up the money. If they have children and a lot of bills to pay, they are scared to try a regular job."

After hearing a sermon about the body being the temple of the Holy Spirit, Dupree says she had to quit dancing.