VOICES January Newsletter

VOICES January Newsletter

/ 30 December 2026 /
Voices Newsletter
 

Dear Families and Friends,

Happy New Year to all!

As we begin the new year, VOICES renews its commitment to our mission – providing support to those impacted, honoring the lives lost and collaborating with our partners to promote national security and help communities prepare for and respond to tragedy.

This year VOICES marks the 25th Anniversary since our founding, and the milestone of the September 11th attacks that changed our lives and our nation forever. The theme of our programs will focus on Remembrance, Renewal and Resilience by reflecting on our journey and the lives and stories of the 9/11 Community. Throughout 2026 we will also highlight the unwavering commitment and steadfast dedication of our partners.

January is Mental Health Wellness Month, and we are featuring two webinars that promote emotional well-being and resilience. Dr. Margaret McKinnon is joining us again on January 7, to continue the conversation – Navigating the Holiday Season: Moving Forward in the New Year. On January 28, Ali W. Rothrock is joining us for the first in a 3-part workshop series called, Resilience in Practice: Tools for Healing and Renewal.

As we begin this important anniversary year, we reflect on our past and look ahead to the future. Together, we will ensure that the legacy of the lives lost and the stories of those who survived will carry on — We Will Always Remember!

Once again, we wish you a happy and healthy new year, and look forward to our work together. Our office will be closed for the holidays and will reopen on Monday, January 5th. Feel free to contact us at support [at] voicescenter.org (support[at]voicescenter[dot]org) or call 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
Moving Forward in the New Year
 
Presented by: Margaret McKinnon, PhD, C Psych
 
Wednesday, January 7th - 7:00pm EST
 
 
As the holiday season comes to an end, those who have experienced a life-altering loss may still find it difficult to navigate the transition to the new year, which can feel full of reminders and pressures to "move on."
 
Margaret McKinnon, PhD, C Psych, will continue the conversation about processing trauma and grief and provide insights into the residual impact of navigating the holidays. She will highlight strategies that can be utilized while looking ahead to the new year.
 
 
Resilience in Practice
 
Resilience in Practice
Tools for Healing and Renewal
 
Presented by: Ali W. Rothrock
 
Wednesday, January 28th - 7:00pm EST
 
 
In Part 1 of this 3-part workshop, author and educator Ali W. Rothrock, MAHS, CTR will discuss The Three R’s of Resilience: Regulate, Resource, Ritual. The presentation offers practical tools and strategies to manage stress, strengthen wellbeing, and foster stability at any stage of healing.
 
The webinar includes understanding and supporting the nervous system, identifying inner and outer supports that help us recover, and creating grounding practices that restore agency and connection.
 
 
 
The Founding of Voices of September 11th
 
The Founding of Voices of September 11th
 
Voices of September 11th began in October 2001, when Mary Fetchet, who lost her 24-year-old son Brad, and Beverly Eckert, who lost her husband Sean Rooney, met at a gathering of Connecticut families. Together, they recognized the challenges families faced in accessing accurate information and support and navigating complex systems. Their shared realization and passion led to the formation of Voices of September 11th® (now Voices Center for Resilience).
 
As the milestone of the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 approaches, we are highlighting the Voices of September 11th – stories rooted in remembrance, renewal and resilience. By reflecting on our journey from 9/11 to today, we will commemorate the lives lost and document stories of survivors and responders. Throughout the year, these narratives will recognize the many individuals who have supported our efforts and walked by our side for a quarter of a century.
 
 
 
 
The Empty Chair
 
The Empty Chair
 
Does an empty chair signify honoring your loved one’s presence or remind you of their absence?
 
For anyone who has lost a loved one, holidays can often trigger mixed emotions that can be complicated by conflicting views - how do we honor our loved one’s memory without the painful reminder of their absence. How do we carry on family traditions that include their memory? How do you decide when family members have different points of view? Read more.
 
 
 
Mental Health Focus
 
January is Mental Wellness Month—a time for renewed focus on sustaining emotional well-being. Mental wellness is about our ability to manage stress, maintain healthy relationships, stay productive, and recover from challenges.
 
This month, we highlight how to care for our mental health and embrace practices that build resilience and positivity. Mindfulness, exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep all contribute to our mental wellness.
 
 
Encore Presentation:
Meet the Author: Happy Self
 
Presented by: Tracy Fox
 
Are you stuck? Would you like to find your happy self? Best-selling author Tracy Fox speaks about her book, Happy Self: A 3-Step Strategy to Elevate Your Inner Game.
 
Video   |   Podcast
 
Happy Self: A Three Step Strategy To Elevate Your Inner Game
 
 
Mindful Moment Meditation
 
Serenity Within
 
Join us for Serenity Within, a meditation presented by the talented certified yoga instructor, Meg Rooney.
 
 
Mindful Moment Meditation
 
 
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, January 7th
12:00pm to 1:30pm EST
 
Survivors (2nd Wednesday, Virtual)
Wednesday, January 14th
12:00pm to 1:30pm EST
 
Survivors (3rd Wednesday, Virtual)
Wednesday, January 21st
12:00pm to 1:30pm EST
Victims' Family Members (Virtual)
Tuesday, January 13th
12:00pm to 1:30pm EST
 
Responders (Virtual)
Tuesday, January 20th
12:00pm to 1:30pm EST
 
Next Generation (Virtual)
Wednesday, January 6th
9:30am to 11:00am
 
Parents Helping Parents (In-Person)
Wednesday, January 7th & 21st
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:
Power Outages
 
 
Preparedness Awareness