15
April 1, 2022 • Schneps Media
Manes Peace Prize Foundation.
“Life’s WORC has become my
life’s work, literally,” Schneps
said, “preventing atrocities like
Willowbrook from ever happening
again. It takes vigilance, it
takes a commitment of a whole
community, and it takes the
generosity of those who are
willing to support our cause.
The support that Life’s WORC
has gotten for our 50th Anniversary
Gala is more than just
overwhelming and humbling,
but a statement that we remember
Willowbrook, and we care
to make sure that this never
happens again.”
“This 50th Anniversary Gala
is really a celebration of people
living with dignity in this vulnerable
community, in comparison
with what happened in
the past,” she continued. “It’s
Above: Victoria Schneps protesting the conditions at Willowbrook
State School. Left: Elizabeth, Lara and Victoria Schneps.
a celebration of a new chapter
that began with the bravery and
courage of a few, and the dedication
of many more to make sure
that what happened in the past
is never forgotten.”
Schneps said that Life’s
WORC now operates 50 group
residences, day programs, and
family centers for those with autism,
and will soon open a jobtraining
employment center.
“The Family Center for Autism
in Garden City is offering
art classes, music classes, cooking
classes — all things that
develop life skills for individuals,”
Schneps added. “At our
family centers, we are helping
not just those with autism and
special needs, but also their
families, with counseling and
other resources.”
Schneps is now a community
newspaper publisher, owning
and operating 88 newspapers in
the New York metropolitan area,
with her son, Josh Schneps. That
began in 1985 with her flagship
publication The Queens Courier,
but now includes such papers
FILE PHOTO
as amNew York Metro, the Long
Island Press, and Dan’s Papers,
serving New York City, Long
Island, Westchester and Rockland
Counties, Philadelphia, and
Palm Beach County, Fla.
Vicki said her inspiration to
join the news media was the reporting
done by Geraldo nearly
five decades ago, which gave a
voice to the voiceless, and taught
her the power of the press in
affecting change.
“I found purpose in publishing,”
Schneps said. “Our publications
are the beacons of reporting
by which New Yorkers
and people around the world
gather information and make informed
decisions, find opinions,
and become inspired to act.”
“While I see this as my job,
my love and devotion is, and
will always be, helping people
with developmental disabilities
and autism overcome challenges
and live fulfilling lives,”
she concluded. “That is my mission,
and I am proud of all those
who work with me towards
this goal.”