VOICES February Newsletter
Dear Families and Friends,
VOICES is excited to announce the launch of our new series, VOICES Presents Accidental Advocates. We begin the program by recognizing the advocacy efforts of Susan Eckert Bourque and Karen Eckert, along with the Families of Continental Flight 3407. On February 12, 2009 VOICES Co-Founder, Beverly Eckert, along with 49 others perished in the crash.
Keeping with the theme of honoring those who are making a difference, April 10th we are hosting VOICES Inaugural Building Bridges Luncheon at The Country Club of New Canaan. The 2024 Building Bridges Award will be presented to Bob Woodruff, Emmy Award-Winning Journalist for the extraordinary fortitude he demonstrated after suffering a traumatic brain injury and his subsequent work supporting veterans returning from the battlefield.
February 20th we are rebroadcasting Dr. Robin Gurwitch’s presentation, The Ripple Effect of Trauma. For those who may have missed it, tune in for an informative webinar that identifies factors that contribute to trauma and offers strategies to strengthen resilience.
February is the month associated with matters of the heart. In fact, it is officially Heart Wellness month! We hope this Valentine’s Day you can reflect on fond memories of those who are important to you.
With warm regards,
Mary Fetchet & the VOICES Team
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
12:00pm to 2:00pm
The Country Club of New Canaan
95 Country Club Road | New Canaan, CT
2024 Building Bridges Honoree
Bob Woodruff
Emmy Award-Winning Journalist
Join us at VOICES Inaugural Building Bridges Luncheon as we honor Bob Woodruff, Emmy Award-Winning Journalist and ABC News Anchor.
We are pleased to present VOICES 2024 Building Bridges Award to Bob in recognition of the difference he has made in the lives of others. In 2006, he suffered a traumatic brain injury while on assignment in Iraq. In the face of great adversity, he demonstrated personal strength and determination while recovering. Since then, Bob and his wife Lee co-authored the book, In An Instant, a Family’s Journey of Love and Healing, while also establishing the Bob Woodruff Foundation to support veterans returning from the battlefield.
Tickets and Sponsorship opportunities are available here!
Ali Ewoldt
Renowned Broadway Actor & Soprano
David Hancock Turner
Composer and Music Director
Ali made her Broadway debut as Cosette in the 2006 revival of Les Misérables, and has starred on Broadway in The Phantom of The Opera, The King and I, Westside Story, and many other roles. David, an acclaimed pianist and composer will be accompanying Ali in a musical medley.
VOICES Presents Accidental Advocates
The Families of Continental Flight 3407
Presented by Karen Eckert and Susan Eckert Bourque
Tuesday, February 27th - 7:00pm EST
VOICES presents Accidental Advocates: The Families of Continental Flight 3407. Join us in conversation with Karen Eckert and Susan Eckert Bourque, sisters of VOICES Co-Founder Beverly Eckert who died tragically, along with 49 others, when their plane crashed near Buffalo, New York on February 12, 2009.
Karen and Susan, along with other family and friends of those who lost loved ones that day, were thrust into advocacy roles that led to comprehensive aviation reform. They have established a legacy that has raised the level of safety for every passenger who sets foot on a U.S. commercial passenger flight.
Karen and Susan will share their personal journey and efforts that continue today to promote aviation safety.
Register today and join us on February 27th.
VOICES Encore: The Ripple Effect of Trauma
Understanding and Supporting Those Impacted by Mass Violence
Presented by Dr. Robin Gurwitch
Tuesday, February 20th - 10:00am EST
Join us for the re-broadcast of Robin Gurwitch’s excellent presentation on The Ripple Effect of Trauma: Understanding and Supporting those Impacted by Mass Violence. Robin discusses traumatic stress, how immediate and long-term effects of exposure to trauma vary among individuals and what contributing factors influence the intensity and duration of those effects.
The presentation offers strategies to recognize and strengthen one’s protective factors that build resilience and lead to post-traumatic growth.
Register today and join us on February 20th.
VOICES Community Preparedness Training
A Victim-Centered Approach
Tuesday, March 12th
8:30am to 4:00pm
New Canaan Library
151 Main St, New Canaan, CT 06840
VOICES day-long training provides community stakeholders with a comprehensive, victim-centered approach to respond to the immediate, short and long-term needs of those impacted by acts of mass violence and other tragedies. Based on 22 years of experience, the training provides firsthand accounts, case studies and lessons learned for consideration when planning a whole community response.
The training is intended for community stakeholders including law enforcement, fire service, emergency managers, social service providers, mental health and public health professionals, NGOs, and faith-based organizations.
Space is limited and registration is required.
Save the Date!
VOICES 10th Annual Golf Outing
Monday, June 10, 2024
Registration begins March 1st
Quaker Ridge Golf Club
146 Griffen Ave, Scarsdale, NY
Get set for an extraordinary experience at VOICES 10th Annual Golf Outing. We are thrilled to host our event for the fifth year in a row at the glorious Quaker Ridge Golf Club. For many of you, this will be a welcome back!
We appreciate everyone's support. With your participation, VOICES will continue to provide impactful programs that build resilience.
For more information, contact Frank Fetchet at: ffetchet@VoicesCenter.org or call 203-966-3911.
Mindful Moment Meditation
Friday, February 9th - 10:45am EST
Join VOICES for this month’s Mindful Moment Meditation facilitated by Meg Rooney – Open Your Heart. 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.
We Remember
Remembering Joseph Zadroga
We are saddened by the tragic loss of Joe Zadroga. Joe was instrumental in the passage of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, named in memory of his son. It was an honor to know him, we send condolences to his loved ones. Read more.
Remembering John Ballantine Niven
The NYC OCME announced the identification of remains of John Niven. He was the 1,650th victim identified of the 2,753 who died at the WTC. Thanks to Dr. Jason Graham and the OCME staff for their commitment to identify all those lost. Read more.
Memorial to honor Parkland Victims
February 14th we remember the 14 students and 3 staff members who were senselessly killed in the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. On this 6th anniversary, our thoughts are with their families and friends. Read more.
