MO - Unnamed YMCA coach accused of child abuse
Some may question why we’re talking about a case publicly in which the victims don’t even remember the names of the abuser. But it’s important to remember two things.
First, the victims in this case were kids when they were abused. It’s not surprising that they would forget some details. It’s unlikely they ever even referred to the guy as anything other than “coach.”
If kids are to be safer from child predators, we must keep in mind that, especially when traumatized, kids are not likely to have perfect recollections of the trauma and all the circumstances surrounding it.
Second, it’s especially important to draw attention to a case like this. This man could still be abusing kids, whether at a school, a day care center, or another club like the YMCA. We’re hoping that by making this case public, others from that same YMCA where these boys were abused will remember more details, and can help create a clearer picture of who this man is, and where he is today.
If a child predator is jailed or deceased or widely known to be an offender, the need to “ring the alarm” and raise public awareness may be lessened. But this is a case that warrants widespread attention.
We hope that anyone who may have any information or suspicions about these alleged crimes will have the courage and strength to step forward, call police, and help expose this child molester so kids will be safer.
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