This Monday, May 30 marks the 148th observance of Memorial Day, where we honor and remember the brave men and women who have lost their lives while serving in our military. Since September 11, 2001, more than 2.5 million service members have been deployed to the Middle East, and thousands have given their lives in the line of duty. Their dedication to serving our country continues to ensure the protection of our freedoms as American citizens, and this weekend is a time to honor their lives and pay tribute to their unwavering commitment.
Through a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, VOICES has created Voices of Experience: Helping Communities Heal After Traumatic Events, a training program based in part on the research findings from our Preparing for After Resource Kit. The training assists communities in preparing for acts of terrorism, mass violence, and natural disasters and is intended for a broad range of community stakeholders. VOICES team and partner organizations conducted two pilot sessions of the training, in Brigantine, NJ and at our New Brunswick office.
On Wednesday, April 6, 2016, VOICES hosted our New Jersey Symposium, "Promoting Resiliency in Communities Impacted by Trauma." The event featured presentations by accomplished subject matter experts and clinicians working in the fields of trauma, grief and disaster mental health.
VOICES New Jersey office is enriched by the wonderful social work interns who come to us through our partnership with Rutgers University. Since the New Jersey office opened in 2009, we have been fortunate to have students from the School of Social Work participate in our academic year internships, where they work alongside of staff to provide support services and assist with educational and commemorative events. This year, we were privileged to have Katie Loane and Cara Leahy as part of the VOICES team.
On Sunday, April 24, VOICES participated in the 9/11 Memorial's 5K Run/Walk and Community Day, along with our partners from the Mental Health Association of New York City. Visitors to VOICES booth received information on the World Trade Center Health Program and participated in a Memorial Quilt arts project, creating squares in memory of the responders and survivors who have died of 9/11-related illnesses. Pictured above with VOICES Project Director Stephanie Landau is September 11 Memorial & Museum President Joe Daniels. Learn More.