Dear SNAP Community,

As we begin a new year, I want to reflect on where we have been, where we are now, and where we are heading.

This past year has been one of significant effort, growth and at times, strain. SNAP is a survivor-led organization made up of people who care deeply and hold strong convictions. That reality can be both our greatest strength and sometimes a source of tension.

Substantial progress is being made, especially since July when a SNAP working group selected SNAP’s first professional Executive Director, Angela Walker. During this period, important steps have been taken to strengthen SNAP’s foundation, systems, and capacity to serve.

SNAP has modernized its website, integrated new accounting and database systems, and secured a pro bono forensic IT review. We implemented a social media policy that has significantly increased engagement and launched new LinkedIn and YouTube channels. We have expanded the Board with three new members from SNAP’s volunteer corps and allied organizations. We have professionalized digital fundraising, communications, and trauma-informed practices.

We also held professionally facilitated meetings requested by some volunteers to hear concerns and work through disagreements. The facilitator’s recommendations are expected soon. We successfully produced the 2025 SNAP Conference, one of the best attended in recent years, and continued advancing Conclave Watch, a worldwide grassroots initiative holding leadership in the Catholic Church accountable for protecting perpetrators of sexual abuse.

Viewed holistically, these steps represent major progress toward a stronger and more effective SNAP, and reflect sustained, good-faith efforts by the Board, the Executive Director, her team, and volunteers to listen, engage, and improve.

And still, there is more to do.

I remain committed to continuing the work of moving SNAP forward as a professional, transparent, and resilient organization, while never losing sight of why we exist: to support survivors at the grassroots level.

I also need to address some recent public discourse that was brought to my attention.

A claim has appeared on social media that I accepted a salary while serving as Interim Executive Director. I want to be clear about this. During that 15-month period, I voluntarily did not collect the Executive Director salary. SNAP’s official IRS filing, Form 990, reflects this accurately. In fact, I donated money to SNAP. I have given, not taken. It is disappointing to my wife and me that our sacrifices have been mischaracterized.

Thank you to all who continue to believe in SNAP’s mission. We are on track to achieve the changes and growth the board and community members outlined in 2024 when our three-year plan was first unveiled. I expect 2026 to be a pivotal, transformational year, and I can’t wait to see the progress we make to support survivors, help them seek justice, and hold abusers accountable.

With respect and gratitude,

Shaun Dougherty

President, SNAP Board of Directors

Through public action and peer support, SNAP Survivors Network is building a future where no institution is beyond justice, and no survivor stands alone. Our global community works to end sexual abuse in faith-based organizations by transforming laws, institutions, and lives.

Please support SNAP’s vital mission.