Dear Friends,

We have the honor of working with survivors everyday. We often have the privilege of following a survivor from their first phone call to SNAP when they are barely able to get the words out. We follow them through joining a support group, finding a therapist and beginning their healing process. It's incredibly valuable and rewarding work.

Survivors choose their own paths. For most, making the brave decision to tell a spouse, parent or close friend is their first step.

Admitting that it happened is no easy task. Some become SNAP support group leaders. Others quietly help new survivors through difficult times. Some survivors stuff envelopes and organize volunteers. Some speak publicly and write letters to the editor, telling their stories. 

But no matter how we choose to overcome our trauma, all survivors are heroes.

At some point in their healing, survivors realize this is about more than just exposing their predator. It's about protecting children. It's about changing how society treats the innocent and vulnerable, kids who live in fear, children who are afraid to go to sleep, children who cry for help.

That's why SNAP is so critcal. Day in and day out, we work tirelessly to heal the wounded, protect the vulnerable, and expose the corruption.

Many charities have people who believe in their cause but survivors are different. We do not just believe in the cause, we live it. We will do whatever it takes to expose predators and keep the children safe.

Just last month we heard from the mother of a child who is now 14. The priest who abused him was his father's best friend and his godfather. The priest began sodomizing him when he was five. When he was 10 he found the courage to tell his parents because he saw SNAP on television and realized that he was not alone. Just knowing that there were other survivors out there gave him the hope and strength he needed to come forward.

Today we are asking for your help to keep SNAP moving forward. When you donate to SNAP you are helping to protect children. This is not some abstract concept. It's the truth.

Your donation will make a difference. It will ensure that our website will continue to be a resource for survivors and supporters. It ensures the phone will be answered every day. It will ensure that child molesters will continue to be "outed" and parents will continue to be warned. A donation will help us put the secrets of child sexual abuse and cover up into the public eye, so that reforms will happen and lives will be spared.

Consider placing a tribute on our website for that "special person." Send us the name of the person you are honoring (please include what makes them special) and a donation of $100 or more. It's the perfect gift for the person who has everything.

All donations are tax deductible and can be made either on line through our website or sent to: SNAP, P.O. Box 6416, Chicago, IL 60681-6416. But we need your help today.

We are honored by your presence in SNAP and blessed by your generosity. Your donation this holiday season will make a difference in the lives of many innocent and vulnerable people who have come forward or are waiting for someone to reach out to them. Thank you for all your help and support.

Happy Holidays,

Barbara Blaine                                              David Clohessy
President                                                      National Director
snapblaine@gmail.com                              snapclohessy@aol.com
  
Mary Grant                                                   Barbara Dorris
West Regional Director                              Outreach Director
mgrantsnap@earthlink.net                       snapdorris@gmail.com