VOICES December Newsletter

VOICES December Newsletter

/ 3 December 2025 /
Voices Newsletter
 

Dear Families and Friends,

We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Thank you to everyone who supported VOICES 2025 Always Remember Gala—it was truly a night to remember! Congratulations to our Leadership and Legacy Honorees and thanks to all that made the evening a wonderful success!

Last month we hosted two presentations on the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). The first featured an overview by VCF Special Master Allison Turkel and her team. The second, led by 9/11 attorneys Michael Barasch, Noah Kushlefsky and Matthew McCauley, offered insights based on their experience assisting thousands of survivors and responders. Participants submitted nearly 1,000 questions, underscoring the need for clear, accessible information about these vital programs. Links to the webinars are included below.

December is Seasonal Depression Awareness Month. The holidays can be challenging, so this month our programs focus on mental health and self-care. Dr. Margaret McKinnon will present the first in a two-part series, Navigating the Holiday Season: Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing. We’ve also included links to Connie Palmer’s Managing Grief During the Holidays and Meg Rooney’s mindful moment meditation, Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder.

On November 19, I attended the ASIS luncheon, where NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch was honored as Person of the Year. It was a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the Commissioner’s leadership and connect with colleagues dedicated to law enforcement and public safety.

As always, feel free to contact our office at 203-966-3911 if we can be of assistance.

With warm regards,
Mary Fetchet & the VOICES Team

 
 
Navigating the Holiday Season
 
Navigating the Holiday Season
Supporting Mental Health & Wellbeing
 
Presented by: Margaret McKinnon, PhD, C Psych
 
Wednesday, December 17th - 7:00pm EST
Wednesday, January 7th - 7:00pm EST
 
 
As the holiday season approaches, those who have suffered a life-altering loss may feel pressured to participate in festive activities while experiencing complex emotions.
 
Dr. Margaret McKinnon is conducting a two-part series in December and January to discuss the trajectory of trauma, loss and unresolved grief. She will offer practical skills to help navigate the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and the days following. After each presentation, Dr. McKinnon, Mary Fetchet, LCSW, and Kara Cooper, LMSW, will facilitate breakout sessions to continue the conversation.
 
 
 
VOICES 2025 Always Remember Gala
 
VOICES 2025 Always Remember Gala
 
VOICES 2025 Always Remember Gala was held at the New York Athletic Club on November 13th. Congratulations to our Leadership Honoree, NYPD Deputy Commissioner Rebecca Weiner and our Legacy Honorees - James, John, Joseph, and Kathy Vigiano. A highlight of the evening was a spectacular musical performance by Broadway star, Laird Mackintosh. We are grateful to all who supported the event and contributed to making it a night to remember! View photo gallery and video.
 
 
 
ASIS Person of the Year Luncheon
 
ASIS Person of the Year Luncheon
 
On November 19th, ASIS held its annual Person of the Year Luncheon honoring NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Many accomplished individuals working in law enforcement and the security industry were in attendance, including former NYPD Commissioners William Bratton and James O’Neill, former NYPD Dept. Commissioner John Miller, and FBI ADIC Chris Raia.
 
The event holds special meaning to VOICES Director Mary Fetchet as she was recognized as Person of the Year in 2024 when Governor Thomas Kean delivered the Keynote Address.
 
 
 
Updates on the Victim Compensation Fund
 
Updates on the Victim Compensation Fund
 
The VCF is a crucial program for survivors, responders and their families. In an effort to update the 9/11 Community, we hosted two informative webinars.
 
VCF Special Masters - Updates on the VCF presented by Special Master Allison Turkel, Deputy Special Masters Nicole P Smith and Stefanie Langsam. The presentation provided an overview and update on the VCF, including proof of presence, the timing and amendments to claims, and responses to questions submitted by participants. View Webinar.
 
9/11 Attorneys - Updates on the VCF presented by Michael Barasch, Noah Kushlefsky, and Matt McCauley. Based on their experience working with thousands of survivors and responders, the attorneys provided additional insights, clarification, and guidance to help participants better understand the VCF process. View Webinar.
 
 
 
VOICES Annual Needs Assessment
 
VOICES Annual Needs Assessment
 
Your opinion matters! This September marks the milestone of the 25th Anniversary of 9/11. As we plan our programs for the year ahead, we are conducting a survey to assess the needs of VOICES community. Your insights will help guide the development of our support services and programs.
 
The survey will take approximately five minutes to complete, and responses are confidential and for internal use only. Thank you in advance for your participation! Click here for the survey.
 
 
 
Mental Health Focus
 
December is Seasonal Depression Awareness Month, a condition referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder. (SAD). As the days get shorter and there is less daylight, you may start to feel sad. While many people experience the “winter blues,” some may have a more serious diagnosis of SAD. The first step is to determine how much your symptoms interfere with your daily life.
 
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a condition triggered by reduced exposure to sunlight during the shorter winter days. It is a recognized mental health disorder and is most severe during December, January and February. Some steps you can take - get out for a daily walk, add Vitamin D to your diet, plan activities, and socialize with your family and friends.
 
 
Mindful Moment Meditation
 
Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
 
Join Meg Rooney as she defines SAD and guides us through a mindfulness practice, a tool that can be used to help manage symptoms.
 
 
Mindful Moment Meditation
 
 
Managing Grief During The Holidays
 
Presented by: Connie Palmer, LCSW
 
Grief is always painful, but sometimes it feels like someone turns up the volume on our grief during the holidays. This workshop explores personal experiences of loss during the holiday season.
 
Video   |   Podcast
 
Managing Grief During The Holidays
 
 
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.
 
Peer Support Groups
Survivors (1st Wednesday, Virtual)
Wednesday, December 3rd
12:00pm to 1:30pm EST
 
Survivors (2nd Wednesday, Virtual)
Wednesday, December 10th
12:00pm to 1:30pm EST
 
Survivors (3rd Wednesday, Virtual)
Wednesday, December 17th
12:00pm to 1:30pm EST
Victims' Family Members (Virtual)
Tuesday, December 2nd
12:00pm to 1:30pm EST
 
Responders (Virtual)
Tuesday, December 9th
12:00pm to 1:30pm EST
 
Next Generation (Virtual)
Wednesday, December 16th
9:30am to 11:00am
 
Parents Helping Parents (In-Person)
Wednesday, December 3rd & 17th
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:
Preparing for Winter Driving
 
 
Preparedness Awareness