VOICES April Newsletter
Dear Families and Friends,
Spring is finally here in the northeast! April marks the start of several of our community events, beginning with VOICES Building Bridges Luncheon on April 17th, and continuing with our 25th Anniversary programs, including our Annual New York City Symposium and Commemorative Luncheon.
This month is designated as National Stress Awareness Month. During these unsettling times we are providing programs to relieve stress and anxiety. Many of our community members report a mix of emotions as the 25th Anniversary approaches. With that in mind, in partnership with the American Group Psychotherapy Group, we are hosting a virtual gathering for fellow family members, responders, and survivors—to connect and support one another.
Reflecting on Stories from 9/11 To Today, we remember FBI Director Robert Mueller, and we recognize Dianne Brudnicki and her talented art students whose gift of artwork helped families heal in the aftermath of 9/11.
To those who celebrated Passover, we hope your Seders were filled with meaning, connection, and joy. To those who celebrated Easter, we hope your holiday was filled with beauty, love, and renewal.
As always, feel free to contact our office at 203-966-3911 or email us at support [at] voicescenter.org (support[at]voicescenter[dot]org) if we can be of assistance.
To sign for our monthly newsletters or our email list, click here
With warm regards,
Mary Fetchet & the VOICES Team
VOICES Building Bridges Luncheon
Honoring Stewards of Memory
Friday, April 17th, 2026
The Country Club of New Canaan
Registration 11:00am | Luncheon 12:00pm to 2:00pm
Join us for VOICES Building Bridges Luncheon, as we Honor Stewards of Memory – Alice Greenwald, former President and CEO of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and James Young, world-renowned historian and Professor Emeritus at UMass Amherst.
Veteran journalist Brian Williams takes the helm as our Emcee! We will hear reflections from long-time supporter of VOICES, Dede Bartlett and New Canaan resident Craig Schubert will share his personal story of survival evacuating the WTC South Tower on 9/11. The Broadway star and former Phantom of the Opera, Ciarán Sheehan will grace the stage with a musical performance. Only a few seats available.
Our Voices Together
A Gathering in Anticipation of the 25th Anniversary
Thursday, April 23rd - 7:00pm EST
Join us for a virtual gathering of fellow family members, responders, and survivors to connect, converse, and support one another. In partnership with the members of the American Group Psychological Association (AGPA), we will reflect on the upcoming 25th Anniversary and what it means both personally and collectively.
Together, and then in smaller break-out groups, we will share thoughts on planning for and commemorating the 25th Anniversary of 9/11, and discuss the complicated feelings that can arise in anticipation of this important milestone.
VOICES 12th Annual Golf Outing
Monday, June 8th, 2026
Quaker Ridge Golf Club
146 Griffen Ave, Scarsdale, NY
Only a few foursomes left! Join us for our 12th Annual VOICES Golf Outing. We’re proud to return for our seventh year at Quaker Ridge Golf Club, where a day of great golf, delicious food, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere await.
It’s always a joy to reconnect with our returning “regulars,” and we look forward to welcoming new golfers into the VOICES family. Thank you for being part of this important day. Your support helps VOICES continue to provide programs and services that heal, inspire, and build resilience.
In recognition of the 25th Anniversary, VOICES NYC Symposium has expanded to 3 days – September 8th to September 10th. Once again, the Symposium is presented in partnership with our 9/11 Community Partners, LinCT-AA and INVICTIM. The event will be held at the NYC Downtown Marriott Hotel, and broadcast live.
On September 11th VOICES is hosting a Commemorative Luncheon for 9/11 Family Members to gather following the Reading of the Names. Details and tickets will be available soon. For sponsorship opportunities, Click Here.
Remembering Former FBI Director Robert Mueller
Robert Mueller became Director of the FBI on September 4, 2001 – just one week before the terrorist attacks on 9/11. In 2002 Director Mueller convened a series of meetings with 9/11 family members at the FBI Headquarters. Our conversation focused on the establishment of the 9/11 Commission, transparency, accountability and acceleration of the agency’s efforts to prevent another terrorist attack.
In the years following, Director Mueller led a sweeping transformation of the FBI from a law enforcement agency into a proactive intelligence and national security agency. We will always appreciate his efforts. At VOICES 2015 Gala, he shared his experience.
Messages of Hope, Peace, and Love
A Gift for the Children Affected by September 11th
Art has a unique ability to give shape to emotions that are often too complex for words. In the wake of September 11, Dianne Brudnicki, Director of the School of Art and Innovation and the Seattle Art Project invited her art students to channel compassion into creativity, encouraging them to craft messages of hope, peace, and love for children affected by the tragedy.
For 25 years, Dianne has been a cherished friend of VOICES, attending our symposium in September, and bringing gifts of artwork for the 9/11 families. VOICES collaborated with Dianne to distribute “Messages of Hope, Peace and Love”. What began as a classroom assignment quickly grew into something much larger – eventually becoming a published collection of artwork that offered comfort, connection, and a reminder that we were not alone in our grief. This book is just one example of how Dianne has honored her promise to help heal the 9/11 community. View Messages of Hope.
Passing the Torch: 9/11 Lessons for Young Leaders
VOICES Executive Director, Mary Fetchet recently spoke to a large gathering of Service League of Boys (SLOBS) and their parents at New Canaan High School. She shared the story of 9/11 and explained how Voices Center for Resilience was founded in the aftermath of the attacks, helping the students understand the mission and impact of the organization.
The SLOBS have already made a meaningful difference, volunteering their time to assemble Emergency Preparedness Backpacks that were distributed in our preparedness workshops. Their dedication and service exemplify the spirit of giving back and supporting others in times of need. We look forward to working with these dedicated young men in the coming months.
VOICES Hosting Peer Support Group for Twins
VOICES is offering a peer support group for those who experienced the loss of a twin. During a recent conversation with Margaret Mauro, whose twin sister Dorothy died on 9/11, we discussed the unique experience of those who have lost a twin. In response, last month we held a focus group to reconnect 9/11 twins in advance of the anniversary.
Over 46 individuals lost a twin on 9/11. When a twin dies in a tragedy like the September 11 attacks, the impact on the surviving twin can be especially profound because their relationships are often marked by an unusually deep emotional bond and shared identity. Beyond the overwhelming grief that accompanies any sudden loss, the surviving twin may feel as though they have lost part of themselves, struggling with questions about who they are without their other half.
Our next Twins Group will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, April 28 from 12:00 to 1:30 pm EST. If you lost twin on 9/11, join us at our next meeting by completing this form.
Mental Health Focus
April is National Stress Awareness Month, a time to highlight the impact stress can have on our health. Managing stress is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, supporting both mental and physical well-being while helping prevent the worsening of health conditions.
Everyone experiences stress differently, but it is often described as physical, mental, or emotional strain in response to feeling anxious or threatened. Learning healthy coping strategies and seeking the right support can help reduce its effects. Left unmanaged, long-term stress can contribute to headaches, depression, and serious conditions like stroke and heart disease.
Taking care of yourself is key to managing stress. Healthy habits like eating well, exercising, sleeping enough, and taking breaks can make a meaningful difference. It also helps to talk openly with someone you trust and recognize when you may need additional support from a professional. Learn more.
Mindful Moment Meditation
Holistic Stress Management for Better Health
Join us for Holistic Stress Management for Better Health, a meditation presented by the talented certified yoga instructor, Meg Rooney.
Peer Support Groups
VOICES provides monthly virtual and in-person support groups, providing a welcoming opportunity to discuss shared experiences and resources to build resilience. Our groups are facilitated by our professional staff. Are you interested in joining our support groups or have a suggestion for a new group? Click here.
Survivors (1st Wednesday, Virtual)
Wednesday, May 6th
12:00pm to 1:30pm EST
Survivors (2nd Wednesday, Virtual)
Wednesday, April 8th
12:00pm to 1:30pm EST
Survivors (3rd Wednesday, Virtual)
Wednesday, April 15th
12:00pm to 1:30pm EST
Victims' Family Members (Virtual)
Tuesday, April 14th
12:00pm to 1:30pm EST
Responders (Virtual)
Tuesday, April 21st
12:00pm to 1:30pm EST
Next Generation (Virtual)
Tuesday, May 5th
9:30am to 11:00am
Parents Helping Parents (In-Person)
Wednesday, April 15th
9:30am to 11:00am
Preparedness Awareness
Preparing for an emergency begins at home and is vitally important in all aspects of our lives.
This month we are featuring:
Cyber-Attack Preparedness
