VOICES July Highlights
Dear Families and Friends,
As we head into summer, we hope you are taking time to relax.
Preparations are underway for our 22nd Annual Remembrance Symposium to be held on September 9 and 10 in New York City. Once again the event will be hosted in partnership with the Leadership In Counterterrorism Alumni Association and the International Network Supporting Victims of Terrorism and Mass Violence. Sponsorships are available and registration is open!
VOICES 9th Annual Golf Outing was held on June 12th at the prestigious Quaker Ridge Golf Cub in Scarsdale, NY. The event was a wonderful success thanks to our Golf Committee and the 123 golfers who participated. Most importantly, funds raised from the event allow us to provide free programs and support services for thousands of individuals and families.
As July is Mental Health Awareness month, we have included links to last month’s webinars that may be of interest - Uncovering Resilience: The Power of Connection and Community and Helping the Helper: Understanding Vicarious Trauma and Compassion Fatigue.
The newsletter includes information about two important pieces of legislation that directly affect the 9/11 Community. The bipartisan Ensuring Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act closes loopholes in 2016’s Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA). The 9/11 Notice Act would require businesses and institutions to inform individuals who returned to the Ground Zero area in the days and months after the attacks, of their potential eligibility for the WTC Health Program and the Victim Compensation Fund.
As Independence Day approaches, we wish you a celebratory 4th of July. Our office is closed on July 3 and 4 in observance of the holiday. We are back in the office on July 5 if we can be of assistance.
With warm regards,
Mary Fetchet & the VOICES Team
VOICES is hosting its 22nd Annual Remembrance Symposium on September 9 and 10 in NYC. Presented in partnership with Leadership in Counter-Terrorism Alumni Association (LinCT-AA) and International Network Supporting Victims of Terrorism and Mass Violence (INVICTM), the two-day event brings together distinguished professionals working in national security, law enforcement, and victim services.
The September 9 in person program is invitation only, but all are invited to view the program via live stream. The September 10 program is open to all – both in person and live stream. Sponsorship opportunities are available, and registration is open!
A FREE VOICES VIRTUAL EVENT
Friday, July 14 at 10:30am EST
Join VOICES for our monthly Mindful Moment series with certified yoga and wellness instructor, Meg Rooney. The theme for July is, "Reclaiming Hope." Together we will pause from the busy nature of our days to breathe, reconnect and begin again - feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Participation is free and registration is required.
On Monday, June 12, VOICES hosted its 9th Annual Golf Outing at Quaker Ridge Golf Club. We were thrilled to have 31 teams compete on this beautiful, world-class championship course. The great weather and venue made for another successful Golf Outing.
Thank you to our entire Golf Committee, Sponsors, and Volunteers for making this year’s Golf Outing another great event. A very special thanks to 9/11 Survivor and Responder, Vincent Caprio for his moving remarks.
Uncovering Resilience
The Power of Connection and Community
Dr. Elisha Goldstein discusses the importance of community as well as the science behind why connection is essential to healing. He uncovers major obstacles that prevent recovery while guiding us toward resilience for greater health and well-being.
Helping the Helper
Understanding Vicarious Trauma & Compassion Fatigue
Carolina Bautista-Vélez defines Vicarious Trauma and Compassion Fatigue. She discusses the signs and symptoms of both syndromes, and teaches us how to develop important coping skills in order to cultivate resilience.
Fireworks and PTSD
The US Department of Veterans Affairs has published information to promote awareness about the effect of fireworks on those who suffer from PTSD. For those who have experienced a trauma, it is common for loud noises, intense light or smells to cause distress. Learn tips to manage symptoms, and be aware of potential triggers for family and friends who have PTSD.
The Ensuring Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act was recently introduced by Senators Grassley, Cornyn and Menendez in a bi-partisan effort to close loopholes in 2016’s Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA). JASTA was enacted to help the families of 9/11 victims seek financial compensation from nations who sponsored terrorism. Minor edits to the original bill will ensure that family members can continue to pursue justice in the way the original Act intended. Learn More.
Governor Kathy Hochul is reviewing the unanimously signed 9/11 Notice Act that ensures people who were in Lower Manhattan and Northern Brooklyn are made aware of their right to register for the World Trade Center Health Program and the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. If passed, employers and leaders of institutions will be required to inform anyone who returned to the exposure zones between September 2001 and May 2022 about their potential eligibility for the afore-mentioned programs. Learn More.
VOICES Peer Support Groups, led by VOICES clinical staff are held online. The groups provide a safe place to connect with one another, and acquire skills to build resilience. Participation is free and registration is required.
Caregivers
July 26; August 23 - Register
Family Members
July 17; August 7 and 21 - Register
Survivors
July 11 and 25; August 8 and 22 - Register
Responders
July 24; August 28 - Register
Bereavement Group for Those Who Have
Lost a Loved One in the Past 3 Years July 13 and 27; August 10 and 24 - Register
Parents Helping Parents In-Person Support Groups
July 5 and 19; August 2 and 16 - Register