$$$…SNAP asks for donations to continue the Fight in Philly
The following SNAP appeal, which I endorse, was brought to my attention by Chicago survivor and friend Rick Springer.
Thanks, Rick.
And a big thank you to Barbara Blaine and all the hard-working folks at SNAP who are working so hard in Philadelphia for truth, justice, the American way , and the Christian gospel.
Dear SNAP Members and Supporters:
As news of indictments, the Grand Jury report and new survivors speaking up are exploding in Philadelphia, SNAP leaders are overwhelmed with many survivors, family members, reporters and concerned Catholics calling for information, solace and ideas on what to do. Our website has been receiving thousands of additional hits each day. We have all been burning the candle at both ends.
We are writing to you now because we need your help to continue meeting the challenges of this latest crisis.
One survivor who called could not stop crying and kept apologizing for his tears while he expressed his confusion as to why he could not stop. I told him that it would not always hurt so much and that he is brave to face this. He explained that he did not want anyone to find out, as he had not told anyone in his family. He thinks it would kill his dad and his mom would take it hard. He wants to protect them so he wants to remain anonymous. “But, he said, I just want to be counted. It happened to me, too.”
Another who contacted SNAP told how he thought he was the only one. He was shocked when he saw his perpetrator’s name on the list. He wonders if it happened to his childhood friends, too.
SNAP has been there to respond at every major turn.
One of the most significant actions taken by SNAP was releasing the document prepared by the Archdiocese for victims to sign saying they did not want the Archdiocese to tell police. Most of us survivors who went to church officials to report our abuse were encouraged not to go to the police. But we had not seen such an insidious document before this.
When SNAP got wind that the Archdiocese was going to announce the removal of 21 additional priests we immediately found a few members to head downtown to offer the perspective of survivors to the reporters covering the story. We stood outside the headquarters of the Philadelphia Archdiocese from 1 pm until 7 pm talking to reporters. We wanted to be certain that credit for this action be given to the brave survivors who spoke up and reported their abuse.
Most importantly SNAP speaks out and tries to garner media attention so that survivors know how to find us. Survivors and family members who previously had not told anyone about their abuse have contacted us and gathered information and moral support.
Since the Philadelphia Grand Jury report was released SNAP has:
· Summarized the findings made in the 124 page report into an easy-to-digest page and a half summary. (It is posted on our website homepage: snapnetwork. org).
· Issued an open letter to Catholics in Philadelphia on how to help and what to ask.
· Answered hundreds of calls from survivors, family members, reporters, and concerned Catholics.
· Wrote dozens of letters to the editor.
· Held 4 meetings offering information and support to survivors, loved ones and concerned citizens, including 2 private-confidential support group meetings.
· Scheduled to begin regular monthly support group meetings for survivors and loved ones in Philadelphia (we currently hold a monthly meeting in a suburb).
While we have focused a great deal of attention and energy in Philadelphia we have continued our regular work of responding to survivors and loved ones, holding support group meetings, exposing predators and the truth about clergy sex crimes at every opportunity.
None of our work could be accomplished without support from you and other supporters. Please know that we rely upon our members and supporters to meet our expenses.
We are writing to ask you to please consider two things:
Can you make a donation to SNAP now? Please consider sending a donation today in the mail, or click here to go to our website where you can make an online donation today.
Can you commit to become a “Sustaining Donor” and send a donation every month? If yes, please click here to provide the necessary information.
We know that you believe in our cause and support our efforts. We are grateful to all of you who have generously given previously.
SNAP is proud that it has been chosen as one of the “Best in America” by the Independent Charities of America because we use the donations given to SNAP so effectively.
Donations made to SNAP are stretched to have the greatest impact, to protect children and to make it easier for victims to report their abuse.
Thank you for your consideration!
Barbara Blaine
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