VOICES 2023 Year in Review
Dear Families and Friends,
As we begin the new year, we are proud to share VOICES 2023 Milestones! This past year marked important achievements through our collaboration with both long-standing and new partners. Our partnership with subject matter experts has enriched our programs to provide long-term support, education, and training.
In 2024, VOICES remains committed to supporting victims’ families, responders and survivors, while working in collaboration with our partners to share lessons learned and help communities prepare for and respond to tragedies, in the United States and abroad.
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. Your investment in our work today is building resilient communities for tomorrow.
With warm regards,
Mary Fetchet & the VOICES Team
Support
In 2023, VOICES provided thousands of hours of support services, individual consultation, referrals and peer-to-peer support groups facilitated by clinical professionals. Our psychoeducational programs included monthly, virtual workshops and webinars by acclaimed authors and mental health professionals who shared their expertise on a variety of relevant topics that promote resilience. Below are a few presentations:
Presented by: Maureen Underwood, LCSW and Marney Rohda
Presented by: Carolina Bautista-Velez
Presented by: Allison Gilbert
Presented by: Elisha Goldstein, PhD
Presented by: Ken Druck, PhD
Education
VOICES broadened our public-private partnerships with national and international organizations to share lessons learned with a multi-disciplinary network of professionals.
VOICES 2023 Annual Remembrance Symposium was held in partnership with the Leadership in Counterterrorism Alumni Association and International Network Supporting Victims of Terrorism and Mass Violence, along with individuals who have dedicated their careers to assisting the 9/11 community. The two-day event brought together distinguished national and international experts in homeland security, law enforcement, emergency response, mental health, litigation and victim services. Over 1,300 individuals from 28 states and 16 countries participated. Click here to view the presentations.
VOICES is a co-investigator in the World Trade Center Survivor Grief Study, led by scientists from the Uniformed Services University Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS). VOICES joins Columbia University’s Center for Prolonged Grief, and the World Trade Center Health Registry as a subrecipient. The 3-year research project, funded through a CDC grant is examining the effects of bereavement amongst WTC Health Program survivors. VOICES offers a unique perspective as we assist with this groundbreaking research.
VOICES Digital Resource Library, an ever-expanding collection of over 5,300 evidence-informed resources includes Webinars, Training Materials, Research Reports, Tip Sheets, VOICES Historical Documents, Publications, Videos, and Artwork. The digital collection is a valuable resource for those impacted by tragedy, service providers, mental health professionals, emergency managers, and scholars. The Resource Library honors the memory of the late Kurt Wolfgruber, who served as VOICES Board Chairman.
ASIS International, a global security network recognized VOICES Executive Director, Mary Fetchet as Person of the Year at their annual luncheon in NYC. ASIS Chairman, Brian Reich stated, “Mary's unwavering dedication and tireless efforts in advocating for the rights and needs of victims, their families, and first responders, particularly in the aftermath of the tragic events of 9/11, have truly set her apart… Her outstanding efforts and leadership have made a profound impact on our city, making her a true beacon of hope and inspiration.”
Training
This year VOICES expanded our efforts to share lessons learned and help communities prepare for and respond to emergencies through community programs and training.
In partnership with STAR, Inc., VOICES hosted a series of community-based presentations entitled, A 22-Year Journey From 9/11 to Today: Helping Families and Communities Prepare for Emergencies. Mary Fetchet discussed her personal experience and lessons learned. Local and state emergency managers and service providers participated in a panel discussion about their preparedness plans and shared resources.
This year we are excited to launch VOICES Community Preparedness Training: A Victim-Centered Approach to Prepare for, Respond to, and Recover from Tragedy. The 2-day training prepares emergency managers, community stakeholders and service providers. The 17 modules are based on 22 years of experience and research findings working with victims’ families, responders and survivors.
Fundraising
VOICES annual gala and golf outing are always a highlight! Each year we look forward to gathering together to celebrate and recognize those who have given generously of their time, talent and treasure.
VOICES 22nd Annual Always Remember Gala was held at the New York Athletic Club with ESPN’s Mike Greenberg serving as our Master of Ceremonies. Governor Tom Kean and Congressman Lee Hamilton were presented with VOICES Leadership Award in recognition of their steadfast bipartisanship while serving as Chairs of the 9/11 Commission. Alice Greenwald, former President and CEO of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum was recognized with VOICES Legacy Award for her unwavering vision during her tenure. To view remarks from each of the honorees, click here.
VOICES 9th Annual Golf Outing held at the magnificent Quaker Ridge Golf Club was a great success with 31 teams and 124 golfers. The beautiful weather made for another successful Golf Outing on a world-class championship course. A special thanks to Golf Outing Co-Chairs, Benny Bryce and John Reilly and their committee: George Bodenheimer, Bill Cobb, Trish DeSantis, John Duffy, Bill Fessler, Frank Fetchet, Jack Loop and Mark Silverman.
Your Support Makes a Difference!
Thanks to the generosity of so many, VOICES has provided critical support and programs for thousands of victims’ families, responders and survivors, as well as education and training to prepare communities to respond to tragedy. Help us help others by contributing to VOICES to support our work in 2024!
To watch our testimonial video and hear how VOICES is making an impact in the lives of so many, click here.