VOICES August Newsletter

/ 9 August 2024 /

Dear Families and Friends,

Last week we announced the September 9th agenda for VOICES 2024 NYC Symposium. Among our distinguished speakers, Robert Wells, Executive Assistant Director, FBI Counterterrorism Division will provide opening remarks. The September 10th schedule will be released shortly. We hope you will join us in person or online!

July was a busy month. I was invited to speak at the 2024 Summit on Mass Violence Victims & Survivors (NMVC) conference in Pittsburgh, PA. The Summit brought together government agencies, members of the NMVC Survivors and Providers Steering Committee, and individuals impacted by acts of mass violence. Through our collaborations we are making a difference, helping victims and communities heal.

On July 24th I was especially honored to attend Senator Joseph Lieberman’s Memorial Service held in Washington, DC. Those who spoke shared heartfelt and endearing testimonies about the tremendous impact Senator Lieberman had on so many. Take a moment to view the service through the link provided below.

Last week, the Department of Defense issued a statement regarding a plea bargain arrangement with three of the conspirators responsible for the September 11th terrorist attacks. Within days, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reversed the decision. The turn of events demonstrates the long-lasting turmoil that still impacts 9/11 families 23 years later.

As the anniversary approaches, we are hosting Our VOICES Together Support Groups for 9/11 victims’ families, responders and survivors. The virtual gatherings are scheduled on Wednesday, August 28 at 7:00pm and September 18 at 7:00pm. The groups will be facilitated by our colleagues from the American Group Psychological Association. Participation is free and registration is required.

On a lighter note, mark your calendars for Thursday, November 14! Once again, we are hosting VOICES Annual Always Remember Gala at the magnificent New York Athletic Club. More information to come about our inspiring honorees!

With warm regards,
Mary Fetchet & the VOICES Team

September 9 and 10, 2024

New York Marriott Downtown | 85 West Street, New York City

Bringing Communities Together is the theme of VOICES 2024 NYC Symposium. The two-day event highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in preparing for and preventing acts of mass violence.

The September 9 program brings together professionals from law enforcement, counterterrorism, emergency management, corporate security, and victim-serving agencies. Presenters will share strategies, lessons learned, and firsthand experiences when responding to tragedies.

The September 10 program brings together victims’ families, responders, and survivors, and the organizations who are dedicated to serving the 9/11 community. Presentations underscore VOICES mission to provide long-term support that addresses the ongoing needs of all those impacted by 9/11.

Click here to learn more about the Symposium.

Our Voices Together

A Virtual Gathering of the 9/11 Community

Before & After the 23rd Anniversary

Wednesday, August 28th – 7:00pm EST

Wednesday, September 18th – 7:00pm EST

As the 23rd Anniversary approaches, we are hosting Our VOICES Together, two virtual gatherings for the 9/11 community to come together. Victims’ families, survivors, responders and families of those who have died of 9/11-related illness are invited to attend.

Our VOICES Together provides a safe and welcoming space for the 9/11 community to engage in peer support in advance of and following the anniversary. The meetings are held on zoom and facilitated by clinicians from the American Group Psychological Association.

Senator Joseph Lieberman Memorial Service

Earlier this year, we lost Senator Joseph Lieberman, a patriot, a dear friend to VOICES and the 9/11 Community, and simply a wonderful man. I was honored to attend Senator Lieberman’s funeral in March as well as his memorial service in July at the Washington Hebrew Congregation in D.C.

Among the distinguished speakers were former VP Al Gore, Senators Susan Collins and Lindsey Graham, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the Senator’s dedicated, longtime colleague Clarine Nardi-Riddle. All reminisced about Senator Lieberman, his numerous contributions, and his loyalty and friendship.

Senator Lieberman served the state of CT on 9/11, and we at VOICES had the pleasure of working together during our efforts to advocate for the 9/11 Commission. Along with Senator Susan Collins, and Reps Chris Shays and Carolyn Maloney, he guided its formation and implementation. “The 9/11 Commission simply would not have been created without Senator Lieberman’s leadership and ability to work across the aisle,” said Mary Fetchet, VOICES Founding Director.

We send our continued condolences to Hadassah and Senator Lieberman’s family. May his memory be a blessing.

Click here to watch the recording of Senator Lieberman’s memorial service.

Congrats to VOICES Board Member, Dr. Richard Edwards!

Dr. Richard Edwards, was recently recognized with the National Association of Social Workers Lifetime Achievement Award.

Through his distinguished career, Rich has made significant contributions to the field of social work in various academic and leadership roles, including as Dean at Case Western Reserve, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and as Chancellor and Interim President at Rutgers University. The tributes of individuals from around the world speak to the many lives and careers he has influenced over the years.

We have known Rich since 2009 when we opened a satellite office in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Over the years Rich has been committed to advancing our work and guiding our commitment to social work practice while serving the 9/11 Community. Currently, we are proud that Rich serves as Vice Chair of VOICES Board of Directors. Learn more.

Mass Violence Victims & Survivors Conference

Last month, VOICES Founding Director, Mary Fetchet was invited to speak at the 2024 Summit on Mass Violence Victims & Survivors (NMVC) conference in Pittsburgh, PA.

As a member of the NMVC Survivors and Providers Steering Committee, Ms. Fetchet participated in the panel, Bringing It All Together: Recommendations from the NMVC Partner Leadership Council and Next Steps. Ms Fetchet joined Dr. Alyssa Rheingold, Director, NMVC Director, Response, Recovery, & Resiliency Division and Dr. Angie Moreland, NMVC Associate Director. The Summit concluded with moving remarks from Kristina Rose, Director, USDOJ Office for Victims of Crime and Dean G. Kilpatrick, Ph.D., NMVC Director.

VOICES was honored to participate and share our 23 years of experience serving the 9/11 Community, highlighting the importance of a victim-centered approach when helping communities respond to mass tragedies in the US and abroad.

Preparedness Awareness Initiative

Preparedness begins at home and is vitally important in all aspects of our lives – family, community and work.

This month we are featuring Summer Safety Tips from the American Red Cross. Summer is a time when we enjoy a variety of water sports. Learn about water safety. Learn more.

Mindful Moment Meditation

Friday, August 9th

Join VOICES for this month’s Mindful Moment Meditation facilitated by Meg Rooney – A Summer Meditation. Participation is free and registration is required.

VOICES Support Groups

VOICES is committed to providing long-term support and access to resources, mental health care, and programs that promote resilience. Our Community Peer Support Groups provide an opportunity to connect and discuss shared experiences.

Upcoming Support Groups

VOICES August Newsletter

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