SNAP Program helps survivors of abuse cope
Sexual abuse of a child by clergymen is a horrific crime, a crime that takes place all over the world, including here in Fargo. And it can take survivors years to come forward, but one national group is doing everything they can to change that.
SNAP or, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, started in 1988 with a few members. But in the last two decades it's grown to a network of over 10,000. With 65 groups, they're trying to make Fargo the 66th, and for SNAP, the need is there.
Megan Peterson – Survivor and SNAP Volunteer: “It was life damaging. The abuse I endured shook me to the core.”
Megan Peterson was abused by her priest in Crookston for two years at the age of 14. She's one of the few who has come forward while the abuse was ongoing. Traveling the world with SNAP for the last few months, she now wants to reach out to others by starting a group here in Fargo.
Megan Peterson: “I just want to be here and do whatever I can so people can come forward and get help.”
These are the faces of kids, young teenagers at the time of their abuse. At the top is Victim's Outreach Director, Barbara Dorris, abused at the age of 12.
Barbara Dorris – SNAP Victims Outreach Director: “You're scared, you're frightened, you feel guilty. And to find out there are thousands that have had the same experience, it sort of lets you off the hook.”
For both Dorris and (last name) the most important thing a survivor can do is speak out. Call the police and talk to somebody, anybody.
Megan Peterson: “It is sad to see that this is such a big problem, but we're not naïve and we know it is a big problem. This is just the tip of the iceberg.”
Everything within SNAP is completely confidential, including all meeting locations and times. If you'd like to contact SNAP or donate to the cause, we've created a link on our website. Just go to WDAY.com and follow the easy link.
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
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