VOICES August Newsletter

/ 5 August 2025 /

Dear Families and Friends,

Planning for VOICES 2025 NYC Symposium is well underway, and our panel of experts will present a very informative program. Once again, the presentations will highlight the critical work of international experts in law enforcement and counterterrorism, as well as the tireless efforts of our 9/11 partners who continue to serve the 9/11 Community. The agenda and a list of confirmed speakers to date is available on our website. The Symposium is free. We hope you will register to join us in person or online!

Thanks to the support of 9/11 Day and AmeriCorps the VOICES Symposium will include our second annual 9/11 Day of Service Project. Attendees will help assemble Preparedness backpacks that will be distributed at the event, and at upcoming preparedness trainings.

As the anniversary of 9/11 approaches, we are providing several timely programs. On Wednesday, August 13th Zaneta M. Gileno, LCSW, CT a grief professional and social worker, will present a webinar, The Evolution of Grief: Promoting Resilience After Loss.

Additionally, in September we are hosting Our VOICES Together Support Groups facilitated by our colleagues from the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA). The virtual gatherings are planned annually for 9/11 victims’ families, responders and survivors to come together in advance of, and following the anniversary.

The families, colleagues and friends of those who died or survived the mass shooting in New York City last week, continue to be in our thoughts. If you or someone you know was impacted, please contact our office at 203-966-3911 or via email at support [at] voicescenter.org (support[at]voicescenter[dot]org).

With warm regards,
Mary Fetchet & the VOICES Team

The Evolution of Grief

Promoting Resilience After Loss

Presented by: Zaneta M. Gileno, LCSW, CT

Wednesday, August 13th - 7:00pm EST

Learn More

Join us for an informative presentation exploring the evolution of grief - the past, present and future impact on those who experience a traumatic event.  Professor Zaneta Gileno, LCSW, from the Columbia School of Social Work will highlight how the grieving process has no timeline, and if overlooked by friends, family or professionals can be a deterrent to healing.  Zaneta will also discuss cumulative loss and the impact of current events on the healing process.

VOICES 2025 NYC Symposium

New York Marriott Downtown | 85 West Street, NYC

September 9th | Professionals

Global Security, Law Enforcement, and Emergency Services

September 10th | 9/11 Community

Global Security, Law Enforcement, and Emergency Services

Learn More

5 weeks to go for VOICES 2025 NYC Symposium! We are proud to host the event in collaboration with the Leadership in Counterterrorism Alumni Association (LinCT-AA), the International Network Supporting Victims of Terrorism and Mass Violence (INVICTM), NYPD Shield and several of our longstanding 9/11 Community Partners. The event is held in person and broadcast live. The program is free, but registration is required. Visit our website to view a list of confirmed and agenda to-date. More to come!

Our Voices Together

A Virtual Gathering of the 9/11 Community

Wednesday, September 3rd - 7:00pm EST

Wednesday, September 17th - 7:00pm EST

Learn More

VOICES is hosting Our Voices Together virtual gatherings with our longstanding friends from the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA). Led by Dr. Suzanne Phillips and Dr. Craig Haen, the groups are facilitated by AGPA clinicians and the VOICES staff. These supportive gatherings have been held annually in advance of and following the 9/11 Anniversary. The program provides an opportunity for the 9/11 community to prepare for and reflect on the anniversary by discussing personal thoughts, memories, and shared experiences.

Preparedness Workshops

In July, VOICES hosted several Preparedness Training workshops both in person and online. At the Horizons Health and Wellness Fair at New Canaan Country School, VOICES staff met with rising 10th graders from Norwalk and Stamford to discuss the importance of emergency preparedness, including assembling a preparedness backpack, gathering supplies and emergency contact information, and identifying individuals who can provide support.

A session was also held at the Norwalk Senior Center where attendees learned about creating personal safety plans and accessing local resources. The workshop emphasized the importance of staying informed and connecting with others during emergencies. To expand our outreach, VOICES also offered several online sessions to share the emergency training with individuals and families nationwide.

Update on Military Commissions at Guantanamo Bay

Last month, VOICES held a webinar to update the 9/11 community about the Military Commissions at Guantanamo Bay. Journalist John Ryan and 9/11 family members Deborah Garcia and Colleen Kelly provided an informative description about their personal experiences in preparing for and attending the proceedings. The conversation was so insightful, that we decided to continue the conversation with a panel discussion at VOICES 2025 NYC Symposium.

An announcement has been made that a new judge, Lt. Col. Michael Schrama was appointed to the case following the retirement of Col. Matthew S. Fitzgerald in June. Schrama will be the fifth judge to preside over the long-running case. The calendar has now been set for the remainder of the proceedings for 2025 at GITMO. For those who may be interested in traveling to attend any of the upcoming proceedings for U.S. v. KSM, et. al. at the legal complex on Guantanamo Bay, support [at] voicescenter.org (please reach out to us) for more information.

Observed on August 30, National Grief Awareness Day acknowledges that grief, in all its forms, is a natural human response and is essential to fostering resilience and promoting empathy, healing, and support.

National Grief Awareness Day, on August 30, is a recognition that grief, in all its forms, is a natural human response and is essential to fostering resilience and promoting empathy, healing, and support.

VOICES Resilience Tipsheets highlight ways to promote wellness and wellbeing in our lives during times of adversity. Learn more.

Encore Presentation:

The Ripple Effect of Trauma

Presented by: Robin Gurwitch

Understanding and Supporting Those Impacted by Mass Violence.

Video | Podcast

Mindful Moment Meditation

Meditation for Mind, Body and Soul

Join us for Meditation for Mind, Body and Soul, a meditation presented by the talented certified yoga instructor, Meg Rooney.

Watch Now

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.