2022 Year in Review

 

Dear Families and Friends,

As we begin the new year, we are proud to share VOICES milestones for 2022, and highlight the important contributions of our colleagues and friends who have supported our work.

Since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, VOICES has been honored to offer long-term support for thousands of victims’ families, survivors and responders. Our work over the past 21 years has provided us with the expertise required to help other communities prepare for and respond to acts of mass violence.

Last year marked several important accomplishments through collaboration with our long-standing, trusted partners. VOICES contributed the last missing photograph to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, a culmination of our 16-year shared commitment to complete the In Memoriam Exhibition. Our 2022 Symposium was co-hosted with the Leadership in Counter Terrorism Alumni Association and International Network Supporting Victims of Terrorism and Mass Violence resulting in the expanded participation of over 1,300 individuals from 28 states and 16 countries.

At VOICES 2022 Always Remember Gala, former NYPD Commissioner William Bratton and former FDNY Commissioner Thomas Von Essen were recognized for their significant contributions and the leadership they exemplified during their tenure. Our partnership with dozens of subject matter experts has enriched our support groups, our educational programs, and our annual symposium.

In 2023, we renew our commitment to provide the support that is needed for the 9/11 community, while working with our partners to help individuals and communities impacted by other tragedies, both locally and nationally.

As always, we are grateful to our donors, sponsors and volunteers whose generosity allows us to provide meaningful support services and programs free of charge. Their investment in our work today is building resilient communities for tomorrow.

Warmly,
Mary Fetchet, LCSW
Founding Director

VOICES was proud to provide the last missing photograph – that of Antonio Dorsey Pratt – to complete the collection of the In Memoriam Exhibit at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. On June 29, 2022, VOICES staff gathered at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum with Alice Greenwald, former President and CEO, and her staff to witness the installation of Antonio Pratt’s photograph. This momentous occasion was the culmination of a shared commitment that VOICES and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum began over 16 years ago, to ensure that the 2,977 lives lost on September 11, 2001 are commemorated in a meaningful way. VOICES 9/11 Living Memorial Project, an online memorial launched in 2006, contains over 87,000 photographs of those who perished on 9/11. Read more about this story.

 

VOICES was honored to host the first day of the symposium, Building Trust During Turbulent Times, with our longstanding partners Leadership in Counter-Terrorism (LinCT) and International Network Supporting Victims of Terrorism and Mass Violence (INVICTM). Presentations included lessons learned by individuals serving in leadership roles in law enforcement, government agencies and victims’ services, in the United States and abroad. The evening program opened with remarks from Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, followed by highlights of the documentary Are We Safer Today?, and a discussion with 9/11 Commission Chair, Governor Thomas Kean, producer Bob Massie and other key stakeholders. View presentations and photos.

 

Looking Beyond the 20th Anniversary addressed many outstanding issues that continue to impact the 9/11 community. Dedicated professionals who have devoted their careers to providing critical support to all those impacted by 9/11, shared their expertise, and provided updates. Sessions highlighted mental health considerations, commemoration, compensation, and pending litigation. The program included an introduction of Beth Hillman, incoming President and CEO of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and Dr. Jason Graham, Chief Medical Examiner of New York City. The Symposium concluded with a moving performance sponsored by the soon-to-open performing arts center located at the WTC site. View presentations and photos.

VOICES provided over 25 virtual workshops facilitated by subject matter experts who focused on relevant topics including grief and loss, trauma, anxiety, depression, suicide awareness, PTSD and building resilience. National Awareness Campaigns on mental health and wellness were conducted, and psycho-educational materials and tips sheets were distributed to promote further awareness. Click here to view our upcoming workshops and webinars.

 

VOICES hosted a series of Meet the Author presentations beginning with New York Times Bestselling Author and Chair of VOICES Board of Directors, Bonnie McEneaney McNamara who discussed her novel, Messages: Signs, Visits, and Premonitions from Loved Ones Lost on 9/11. Dr. Elisha Goldstein conducted a master class on Uncovering Happiness: Overcoming Depression with Mindfulness and Self-Compassion. Fred Guttenberg, father of Jamie who perished in the Parkland shooting, and brother of Michael who died of 9/11 related illness, discussed his personal experience and his book, Find the Helpers.

 

Peer-to-Peer Support Groups are facilitated by VOICES clinical staff to provide a supportive community for those with shared experiences. Last year’s groups included discussion and focus forums, support groups for victims’ families, survivors, and responders. In 2022 we launched several virtual and in-person bereavement programs, including a Parents Helping Parents group for those who have lost a child, and a peer support group for survivors of the Oakland Elementary School shooting. View our upcoming support groups.