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

Join us on September 9th and 10th for clinically informed presentations from leading researchers, mental health practitioners and victim support organizations and insightful presentations, panel discussions and peer-to-peer opportunities designed to promote healing and resilience

VOICES 11th Annual Always Remember Gala will be held on Tuesday, September 24 at the New York Athletic Club in New York City. Our annual gala is always a testimony to the strength and resiliency of the 9/11 community as we come together to reflect and remember.

All of us at VOICES are deeply saddened by the loss of our cherished friend and leader, Kurt Wolfgruber, who passed away last week after courageously battling pancreatic cancer. For over a decade, Kurt served as VOICES Chairman of the Board guiding the organization with integrity, compassion and enthusiasm.

It is with deep sorrow that we regret to inform you that our dear friend and leader, Kurt Wolfgruber, passed away peacefully this morning following a brief, but serious illness. For over a decade Kurt served as Chairman of the Board at Voices of September 11th, with dedication and commitment to ensuring all those impacted by 9/11 had the support they needed to heal.

Responders and survivors stricken with 9/11-related illnesses need our help. In the days and months following the attacks, over 90,000 responders who worked in the recovery effort and 400,000 survivors who lived, worked, or went to school in the area were exposed to toxins in Lower Manhattan. Today over 40,000 are in treatment for life-threatening illnesses, including over 100 cancers. With each passing day others are diagnosed and sadly, over 2,100 have died.

During the month of May we are promoting Mental Health Awareness, a cause that is near and dear to our hearts. VOICES has always been a staunch proponent of promoting resiliency through education and connecting individuals with resources that promote mental health wellness. Building awareness and destigmatizing treatment for mental health conditions is the first step.

On March 28 and 29, VOICES hosted "Preparing for After: Planning for Effective Response Following Acts of Mass Violence" at Grace Farms, in New Canaan, CT. The trainings provided an overview of VOICES preparedness trainings that document best practices for community stakeholders in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from acts of mass violence.

The heartbreaking news of the recent suicides of two Parkland students and the father of a child who was killed in the Sandy Hook shooting is a sobering reminder of the profound long-term impact these tragedies have on families, survivors, and the community-at-large. At this somber time, we offer our sincere condolences to their families and friends as they try to come to terms with yet another unimaginable loss.