The past few months have been the most difficult period many of us have ever faced in our lifetime. While in the midst of a global pandemic, we have witnessed the senseless killing of George Floyd, followed by peaceful protests and ensuing unrest that resulted in violence and destruction of our cities. Words cannot adequately express the sadness and helplessness these events evoke.

The COVID-19 pandemic is the most serious global health threat we have faced in our lifetime - impacting communities, a nation, and the world. During this challenging time, we are all doing our part to support our communities, and VOICES is well-positioned to help!

I hope this note finds you and your family safe and healthy! We are all in this together! A phrase that rings true since our communities began enforcing social-distancing due to the COVID-19 virus. Typically, spring is a time of rebirth and renewal, when we gather to celebrate family traditions around Easter, Passover and Ramadan.

The spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) is the most serious global health threat our communities have faced in our lifetimes. Beyond the serious medical concerns, our staff at VOICES recognizes that during this stressful time one's mental health and wellness could also be in jeopardy, and monitoring the signs and symptoms is critical.

May the holiday season fill your home with joy, your heart with love, and your life with laughter. Wishing you and your family a happy holiday, and very best wishes for all good things in the New Year. With heartfelt thanks for your support and gratitude for our work together in the year ahead!

For families who lost a loved one on September 11th it has been eighteen years, yet the loss may still linger. For the family and friends of the 2,600 first responders and survivors who have died since 9/11, and for those who have suffered the loss of a loved one due to other circumstances, the holiday season may be challenging.

Few things are more meaningful than helping those who reach out to us asking for assistance. At Voices of September 11th we provide hope and healing. Last year we helped several thousand individuals who suffer from the effects of 9/11, as well as those who were impacted by other tragedies around the world.

The holidays are a time for all of us at VOICES to count our many blessings and thank each of you who have contributed to our work this year. Your generous support and donation of time and talent has provided us with the opportunity to help thousands of individuals, making a difference in their lives and the well-being of their families. The programs you support have given these remarkable individuals hope and healing.

VOICES hosted our Annual Resiliency Symposium and Information Forum on September 9 and 10 in New York City. The two-day event included presentations, panel discussion and workshops by leading experts who shared their expertise along with updates on available resources. This year we were honored to have a delegation from Canada in attendance, along with representatives from organizations working in the United States and abroad.

On Tuesday, the US Senate voted 97-2 in favor of the Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act, joining the House of Representatives in supporting legislation that will provide compensation for responders and survivors who are suffering and dying from life-threatening illnesses