WHAT: “Community and Strength: Post-9/11 Paths to Resiliency” Presentation
WHERE: New Canaan Library, 151 Main Street
WHEN: Wednesday, August 21 at 5:30 PM

New Canaan, CT, August 8, 2019- On Wednesday, August 21 at 5:30 PM the summer interns at Voices of September 11th (VOICES) will present “Community and Strength: Post-9/11 Paths to Resiliency” at the New Canaan Library.  The presentation is free to the public. A video will be included in the presentation that recounts survivors’ experiences and their paths to resiliency following 9/11, as well as the importance of VOICES unwavering support for the community at large.

Each summer, a team of interns from New Canaan High School and various colleges join VOICES, working alongside staff on a variety of projects. This year, high school intern Davis Whiteley worked together with college interns Sally Clayton, Paige Freyre, Abigail Deery, and Rachel Fox. Much of their work went towards exemplifying the resilience of the 9/11 community, in the form of a collection of video interviews.

Through the VOICES internship program, students gain a better understanding of the historic events of 9/11, those impacted by other acts of mass violence, and the personal stories of resilience shown by so many following catastrophes. The students research a chosen 9/11 topic, conduct interviews, and then produce a short video that will be presented to the community at the New Canaan Library, as well as to the students of New Canaan High School in the fall. The VOICES internship program is made possible through the generous support of the New Canaan Community Foundation.

“Today’s high school students have no personal memories of 9/11,” said Mary Fetchet, VOICES Founding Director.  “We believe that it is critical for students to understand what transpired that day, and the powerful acts of healing and giving back by so many that have happened since.  9/11 changed the world, and our community—so close to New York City—was directly impacted.”

“Having the interns teach this material to their peers has been very impactful,” added Ms. Fetchet.  “The students conclude their presentation with a call to action on how they, as the next generation of leaders, can give back to their communities, the nation, and the world.”

About Voices of September 11^th

Voices of September 11th (VOICES) is a non-profit organization founded in 2001 that provides long-term support services and access to mental health care for all those impacted by 9/11. The organization is led by Founding Director Mary Fetchet, a clinical social worker whose 24-year-old son Brad perished in the attacks on September 11, 2001. VOICES remains steadfast in our commitment to helping thousands of victims’ families, responders and survivors, by offering a wide range of programs that promote healing and resilience in their lives. More recently, the organization is assisting communities impacted by other tragedies.
 

For more information visit: www.voicesofseptember11.org