VOICES March Newsletter

VOICES March Newsletter

/ 2 March 2026 /
Voices Newsletter
 

Dear Families and Friends,

Despite the wintry weather and Punxsutawney Phil seeing his shadow, we remain hopeful that Spring is around the corner!

Our enthusiastic luncheon committee is busy finalizing details for VOICES Building Bridges Luncheon: Honoring Stewards of Memory. Veteran journalist and news anchor Brian Williams will serve as our Master of Ceremonies and moderate a conversation with VOICES 2026 Building Bridges honorees – Alice Greenwald and James Young.

This month we are hosting the final session of our 3-part series, Resilience in Practice, presented by Ali W. Rothrock. The presentation is focused on Survivor’s Guilt, a condition that individuals often experience in the aftermath of trauma.

Dr. David Prezant, Chief Medical Director of the FDNY, recently joined us to provide an informative Update on the WTC Health Impact. We have provided a link to the broadcast for those who may have missed the conversation.

A special note of interest to our golfing members – registration is now open for VOICES 12th Annual Golf Outing, to be held at the majestic Quaker Ridge Golf Club in Scarsdale, New York on Monday, June 8.

On a more somber note, we recently lost two statesmen – Lee Hamilton and Jesse Jackson – extraordinary individuals who dedicated their lives to the greater good of our nation and made immeasurable contributions to protecting our democracy. We send our sincere condolences to their family and friends.

As always, please contact us by email at info [at] voicescenter.org (info[at]voicescenter[dot]org) or call 203-966-3911 if we can be of assistance.

To sign-up for our monthly newsletters or our email list, click here

With warm regards,
Mary Fetchet & the VOICES Team

 
 
Resilience in Practice
 
Resilience in Practice
Survivor's Guilt
 
Presented by: Ali W. Rothrock, MAHS CTR
 
Wednesday, March 25th - 7:00pm EST
 
 
The third and final session focuses on Survivor’s Guilt: Moving from Burden to Belonging. Survivor's guilt is a common and often unspoken reaction in the aftermath of trauma.
 
This session creates space for naming it, understanding it, and moving toward integration. Survivor’s guilt is often carried in silence, but working through it can be a powerful step toward healing and post-traumatic growth.
 
 
VOICES Building Bridges Luncheon
 
VOICES Building Bridges Luncheon
Honoring Stewards of Memory
 
Friday, April 17th, 2026
 
The Country Club of New Canaan
Registration 11:00am | Luncheon 12:00pm to 2:00pm
 
 
Registration is open for VOICES Building Bridges Luncheon! This September marks the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 and the founding of VOICES in response to the attacks. In recognition of these milestones the theme of our luncheon is Honoring Stewards of Memory. Veteran journalist and news anchor, Brian Williams will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
 
 
VOICES 12th Annual Golf Outing
 
VOICES 12th Annual Golf Outing
Registration Opens Soon!
 
Monday, June 8th, 2026
 
Quaker Ridge Golf Club
146 Griffen Ave, Scarsdale, NY
 
 
As we recover from the blizzard in the northeast, we are looking forward to VOICES 12th Annual Golf Outing more than ever! By popular demand we are back for our seventh year at Quaker Ridge Golf Club in Scarsdale, New York. Register now for an extraordinary experience with great golf, delicious food, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes the day truly special. We love the camaraderie among our returning “regulars” and are excited to welcome first-time golfers to the VOICES family.
 
 
 
From Tragedy to Accountability: Securing the 9/11 Commission
 
From Tragedy to Accountability: Securing the 9/11 Commission
 
In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks, VOICES Co-founders Mary Fetchet and Beverly Eckert joined Carol Ashley, Carie Lemack, Bill Harvey, the Jersey Girls, and others to form the 9/11 Family Steering Committee, (FAC) a coalition demanding answers and accountability from the government. The FAC met with lawmakers, testified before Congress, held press conferences, and repeatedly pressed for an independent investigation into government failures that contributed to the attacks. Their efforts ultimately led to the creation of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States in 2002.
 
The bi-partisan Commission, led by former New Jersey Governor Thomas Kean and former Congressman Lee Hamilton, conducted a comprehensive, bipartisan investigation into the attacks. Its 2004 report detailed intelligence and security failures while providing the most authoritative account of 9/11. The report’s recommendations led to sweeping national security reforms, including the creation of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) and improved coordination across the intelligence community, reshaping U.S. policy and safeguarding the nation.
 
 
 
Remembering Lee Hamilton, Reflections from Mary Fetchet
 
Remembering Lee Hamilton, Reflections from Mary Fetchet
 
Our country lost a true statesman with the passing of Congressman Lee Hamilton – a distinguished man whose leadership was defined by integrity, humility and an unwavering commitment to protecting our democracy and the security of our nation. I first met Congressman Hamilton in 2002 when he was appointed as Co-Chair of the 9/11 Commission, working alongside Governor Tom Kean. Throughout the Commission’s investigation and in the years following, I admired Lee for his bi-partisanship, principled leadership, and determination to strengthen our national security.
 
Lee Hamilton led by example, demonstrating that even in the most painful and politically charged moments in our nation’s history, it was possible to put country above party. One cannot help but wonder whether that level of mutual respect and shared purpose will ever be possible again. Lee was a national treasure, and his legacy is reflected in the countless contributions he made, the policies he shaped, and the lives he touched as a public servant. To the 9/11 community, he was a trusted ally – and to me, over the course of 23 years, he was a source of wisdom and a cherished friend. Lee will be sorely missed.
 
 
 
Update on 9/11 Health Impacts
 
Update on 9/11 Health Impacts
 
Dr. David Prezant, Chief Medical Director of the FDNY, recently joined us for an informative conversation on “Updates on 9/11 Health Impacts.” On 9/11 Dr. Prezant was at the WTC taking care of FDNY firefighters and EMS rescue workers. He was present during the collapse and its aftermath and helped with triage efforts.
 
Dr. Prezant explained the FDNY monitoring process that was in place prior to 9/11 that provided a baseline that helped identify the progression of WTC medical conditions. In addition, he provided important insights into the latest research, medical monitoring, and treatment options for conditions linked to exposure on and after September 11, 2001. Listen to the full discussion.
 
 
 
Mental Health Focus
 
Mental Health Focus
 
March is National Sleep Awareness Month! It’s a great time to check in on your sleep habits and the powerful role they play in mental well-being. Consistent, restorative sleep helps regulate mood, improve focus, and reduce stress.
 
March is National Sleep Awareness Month! It’s a great time to check in on your sleep habits and the powerful role they play in mental well-being. Consistent, restorative sleep helps regulate mood, improve focus, and reduce stress.
 
This month, consider making sleep a priority. Your mind and body will thank you. Learn more.
 
 
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy & Insomnia
 
Presented by: Dr. Erin O’Brien
 
Join us for a workshop on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia.
 
Video   |   Podcast
 
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy & Insomnia
 
 
Mindful Moment Meditation
 
Sacred Sleep
 
Join us for Sacred Sleep, 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, March 4th
12:00pm to 1:30pm EST
 
Survivors (2nd Wednesday, Virtual)
Wednesday, March 11th
12:00pm to 1:30pm EST
 
Survivors (3rd Wednesday, Virtual)
Wednesday, March 18th
12:00pm to 1:30pm EST
Victims' Family Members (Virtual)
Tuesday, March 11th
12:00pm to 1:30pm EST
 
Responders (Virtual)
Tuesday, March 17th
12:00pm to 1:30pm EST
 
Next Generation (Virtual)
Tuesday, March 3rd
9:30am to 11:00am
 
Parents Helping Parents (In-Person)
Wednesday, March 4th & 18th
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:
The Importance of Sleep
 
 
Preparedness Awareness