The WYJŚĆ Z CIEMNOŚCI Foundation
‘The journey begins in silence. Understanding arises from within, and meaning is found before direction.’
About the Foundation
We operate at the intersection of:
- Education
- Prevention
- Cultures
- Psychological support
Where do we operate?
The foundation operates in Gdańsk, with plans to expand throughout Poland based on modern technologies. If necessary, we also go beyond the country's borders, cooperating with other foundations, associations, public institutions, the media, scientific and cultural circles, and Polish parishes.
The Foundation's goals:
The aim of the Foundation is to protect:
- mental health,
- combating violence,
- supporting the personal and emotional development of people in crisis.
How do we achieve our goals?
In particular, the Foundation pursues its objectives by:- combating addiction, including drug addiction, and psychological and emotional violence,
- supporting people experiencing abusive relationships, emotional abuse, mental health crises and life crises,
- promoting mental health, emotional wellbeing and safe interpersonal relationships,
- conducting educational and preventive activities in the field of addiction, violence, personal and emotional development,
- organising workshops, training courses, social campaigns, conferences and educational meetings,
- publishing activities, including the publication of books, magazines, educational and scientific materials,
- implementation of artistic and social projects promoting mental health and empathy,
- supporting research, analysis and initiatives concerning addiction, violence and emotional disorders,
- cooperation with public institutions, the media, scientific and cultural circles, and other social organisations with similar objectives,
- conducting information and promotional activities and educational platforms, including websites and social media.
The meaning and idea behind its creation
Fundacja Wyjść z Ciemności powstała z potrzeby realnej odpowiedzi na cierpienie, które często pozostaje niewidoczne, nienazwane i bagatelizowane.
We deal with what happens between words, in relationships, in homes, in families and in the human psyche — where psychological violence, addictions and toxic bonds destroy self-esteem, security and identity.
We believe that it is possible to emerge from darkness if a person is listened to, understood and equipped with the knowledge that allows them to name what they are experiencing.
The main areas of the Foundation's activity
1. Mental health and recovery from crises
We work to protect the mental health of individuals:
- experiencing psychological and emotional violence,
- living in toxic family or partner relationships,
- affected by addiction (their own or that of loved ones),
- experiencing identity and emotional crises.
We show that a crisis is not a weakness, but a sign that change, support and a safe space for recovery are needed.
2. Counteracting psychological violence and gaslighting
One of the key areas of our activity is education on psychological violence, including phenomena such as:
- gaslighting,
- emotional manipulation,
- depreciation and belittling,
- blaming others,
- isolation and control.
We help people recognise violence, understand its mechanisms, and regain trust in their own emotions, thoughts, and boundaries.
3. Education, prevention and social skills
The Foundation conducts educational and preventive activities aimed at:
- young people,
- adults,
- families,
- local communities,
- schools, institutions and social organisations.
We teach:
- healthy relationships,
- communication based on respect,
- empathy as a social competence,
- recognising early signs of violence and crisis,
- responsibility for one's own boundaries and emotions.
4. Culture, art and words as tools for healing
We believe that words, images and art have therapeutic power. That is why one of the Foundation's areas of activity is:
- publishing activities,
- artistic and social projects,
- book and educational publications,
- social campaigns.
Art allows us to touch upon difficult subjects without violence — and gives a voice to those who have been silent for a long time.
5. Cooperation and systemic action
The foundation does not operate in isolation. We cooperate with:
- other foundations and associations,
- public institutions,
- educational and scientific communities,
- media,
- local communities.
We build bridges instead of walls because we believe that real social change requires cooperation and trust.
Why ‘Coming Out of Darkness’?
Darkness is:
- no name for the harm experienced,
- loneliness in a relationship,
- shame, guilt and confusion,
- living in constant emotional tension.
Coming out of the darkness is:
- regaining one's voice,
- understanding oneself,
- setting boundaries,
- restoring self-esteem,
- return to the light — understood as awareness, empathy and responsibility.
Our message
Empathy is not a weakness. It is a great power that needs to be discovered. The power to do good and give love — responsibly.
Founder
Adam Szotyński
A dear man. Author, entrepreneur and initiator of spaces where change is possible.
In his work and activities, he combines personal experience with in-depth reflection on the human psyche, relationships and the mechanisms of different personalities. He is the author of books born out of a need to understand himself, others and the world in which we are increasingly losing meaning rather than direction.
Founder of the Wyjść z Ciemności Foundation, whose mission is to accompany people in the process of overcoming crises, dependencies and relational traps. He believes that real change begins with the courage to look deep inside oneself — without illusions, but with hope.
An entrepreneur who builds his own businesses based on responsibility, stability and long-term development. Through the activities of accounting offices within the Global Select Group, he supports others in organising their external reality, knowing that order in the world begins with internal order.
He values continuous development — personal, relational and spiritual.
The Wyjść z Ciemności Foundation was established as a natural continuation of this path — out of a need to give meaning to experiences that teach empathy, courage and responsibility for relationships.
If you feel that what you are reading also touches on your own story, you are not alone. The Wyjść z Ciemności Foundation is a space where you can begin to understand and rediscover yourself.
The Foundation has legal personality and operates on the basis of the provisions of the Act on Foundations and its own statutes. The Foundation is supervised by the minister responsible for health.