by Lauren Snyder
On the 35th anniversary of helping legally blind people in New York City gain their independence, most people would have celebrated, been recognized by the company, but for Therese Snyder, it was just another day of service. Like the saint for whom she is named, "St. Therese, the little flower," Snyder works in small ways to improve the lives of blind and vision impaired adults and children who come to her agency, Catholic Guild for the Blind (CGB). This small, family-like environment has flourished under her leadership and in 2003, celebrates its 50th year of helping legally blind residents of New York City.
Born in Scranton, Pa., Therese Snyder lost her vision as a child from glaucoma, a disease that afflicts many more adults than children. With the support of her loving parents, Snyder went on to graduate from Boston College with a master's in social work. Her service to help other blind and vision impaired people began when she was recruited to head the Catholic Guild for the Blind in 1968. Then Director and founder of CGB, Msgr. Robert Ford, recognized Snyder's potential not only to expand the programs and services, but to be a living role model to other blind and visually impaired people. Over the 35 years since her start, CGB has grown from a two-person organization to one that currently employs 12 people. By keeping the agency small, clients can receive specialized services that address their needs. Legally blind New York City residents of all faiths, religions, ethnic backgrounds, ages and socio-economic status can benefit from a variety of services. These include: orientation and mobility training, personal home management skills, computer keyboard instruction, training in computers and assistive technologies, English as a Second Language (ESL), academic instruction, diabetic education, placement and job readiness skills for high school students. Additionally, people can receive assistance in a host of social services at CGB and the larger network available at the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York.
Snyder always makes time for the legally blind person and her dedication to the blindness community extends beyond her work. In 1976, Snyder established the New Jersey chapter of the American Council of the Blind. She served as president for two terms. She joined other activists in the field to work for a safer New York subway system by getting the MTA to install security gates between cars, thereby eliminating a dangerous hazard.
Snyder continues to champion the cause of the ordinary blind person, to improve the daily life of all blind and vision impaired people. A great advocate for others, Snyder has been less adept at always advocating for herself. Her honesty, modesty and shy personality meant she received little recognition either from her workplace or from organizations in the field. But she received and continues to receive recognition from where it matters most -- blind and visually impaired people who recognize in her the courage, determination and extraordinary vision that inspire them as they strive for independence.
The true test of independence as a woman came in becoming a parent. After the death of her fianc�, Snyder forged ahead and adopted a blind child from South Korea. Single parenting was less common 20 years ago, but Snyder relates, "I believe it was divine providence that helped me in this process." Snyder's qualities of tenderness, affection and creativity helped mold a self-confident, independent daughter who recently graduated from the London School of Economics with honors in international relations.
The scope of Snyder's accomplishments is ever-growing as she keeps her attention to ensure that legally blind people who come to CGB continue to receive all the assistance they need to gain self-esteem, confidence and independence. The loyalty of thousands of consumers who have been helped by Snyder can be seen as many past consumers return to visit and to express their appreciation to this ordinary woman with extraordinary vision.