Tomorrow we commemorate the 19th Anniversary and honor the 2,977 precious lives lost on September 11, 2001. The anniversary is also a time to pay tribute to all those who have been affected since - the 3,000 responders and survivors who have died of 9/11-related illnesses, and their grieving families.

This month marks an important milestone in the history of our organization as we announce the change of our name to Voices Center for Resilience (VOICES), and the launch of our new website, VoicesCenter.org. From 9/11 to today, we help families and communities heal after tragedy.

As we approach the 19th Anniversary our staff is busy finalizing plans for VOICES 2020 Annual Symposium. The two-day event will be held on September 9 and September 10. Our partners from the American Group Psychotherapy Association will also facilitate peer-to-peer support groups on September 16. All programs are virtual.

During these stressful times, understanding the physiology of stress and scientifically proven coping practices can be the key to enhancing resilience. Join our panel of experts: Mickie Brown, Krishna Dholakia, and Jeffrey Zahn as they explore topics.

Alongside the coronavirus pandemic we are also experiencing a pandemic of grief. This webinar will explore and normalize the grief resulting from the many types of loss due to the coronavirus. It will discern healthy and unhealthy grief beliefs, teach you what to say and not to say to someone who is grieving and develop skills to support others during this time of such great loss.

This Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at 10:00AM EST, VOICES welcomes Mickie Brown, RN, HN-BC to discuss Mindfulness in the Time of a Pandemic and Social Unrest. This webinar is part of the VOICES Coronavirus Response Program, is free and open to the public. Registration is required.

Join us for an interactive presentation by Mel Schwartz, psychotherapist, marriage counselor, and two-time TedTalk presenter. What could be more essential - particularly in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic - than learning to cultivate your emotional, psychological and relationship resilience?

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.