Judy grew up in Woodsfield, OH, the oldest of 11 kids, born into a very strict catholic family. She moved away from Woodsfield when she was 18 years old. Judy then lived in Madison, WI where she got married. She has lived in Lima, OH, Phoenix and Flagstaff, AZ and now lives in Marthasville, MO where she owns Heaven on Earth Bed & Breakfast.
In 1986 Judy learned from one of her sisters that one of her brothers had been sexually abused by the long time parish priest in Woodsfield. As the de facto mother for her siblings this disturbed her greatly, especially since her parents did not believe her brother when he disclosed his abuse.
In 2003 Judy found SNAP. She wished to do something to help victims to counter-balance her parents’ failure to accept that their own son and several relatives that had been sexually abused by this Woodsfield priest.
Judy always felt that she would have been a perfect victim. As a young girl she was unhealthily shy and afraid. She understands how a young person can be overcome by the abuse of power by clergy.
Judy credits her 3 wonderful children for helping her to grow up, gain confidence, and get out of an unhealthy 35 year marriage. She now leads a happy life with her new husband, Steven.
SNAP has become Judy’s passion. A few years ago she finally accepted something about herself; she was put on this earth to stir up trouble for those people who destroy kids’ lives and abuse their power.
Judy is dedicated to never stopping this work until she takes her last breath.
Judy Block Jones
Winter Appeal 2023
To our friends,
2023 has been a long year with many ups and downs for us all. As we close out the year, we at SNAP hope that you are feeling like you are on your way to being healthy, fulfilled, and happy. This past year has brought both successes and challenges. Thanks to the support you have shown in the past, we’ve been able to celebrate the good days and weather the stormy ones. Now, we are once again asking for your support as we work to support survivors new and old as we ‘Move SNAP Forward.’
At SNAP we are proud to have hosted a very well-attended conference in August 2023. This event allowed us to gather friends, survivors, advocates, and allies for a weekend of camaraderie and connection. We were so happy to be able to welcome many first-time attendees to gather in person and are already looking forward to the next conference.
To strengthen our movement for justice, healing, and prevention, SNAP will be expanding our peer support and providing more volunteer opportunities in the coming year. Through this great work, we are ensuring survivor voices are represented as we work for significant change that will benefit children and survivors.
Right now, survivors worldwide are getting the help they need from SNAP, and more and more reach out to us daily, but we need your help to keep those programs going and get our volunteers the training they need to thrive.
Your tax-deductible gift to SNAP can help offset the cost of our important mission. If you are not in a position to contribute, you can still support us by sharing this letter with those who can. As we continue to fight for survivors across the globe, your donation or sharing the great work SNAP does will help us continue our work to protect the vulnerable, heal the wounded, and prevent abuse.
Your donation ensures SNAP will be there for those who need us more than ever!
Warmly,
Michael W. McDonnell, C.P.S.
Interim Executive Director
Showing 1 comment