VOICES May Newsletter
Dear Families and Friends,
We began the season with our Inaugural Building Bridges Luncheon honoring Emmy Award-winning journalist Bob Woodruff. Guests were treated to moving testimonials and a Broadway medley.
In April we also participated in several events, including the Leadership in Counter Terrorism Conference in Toronto, Canada, and the retirement celebration of our longtime friends Frank DePaolo and Dina Maniotis from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in New York City.
This month we are hosting several webinars - Accidental Advocates highlighting the efforts of Young Champions of Gun Reform and a rebroadcast of a Meet the Author conversation with Dr. Sajjan Gohel, a world-renowned expert in global terrorism and author of Doctor, Teacher, Terrorist.
May 30 marks the 22nd Anniversary of the closing of the rescue and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center site. As the anniversary approaches, we pay tribute to all those who worked in the recovery efforts and to those who survived.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Promoting mental health care is an important part of VOICES mission, and we have provided links to information and resources that may be helpful to you and your family.
Please contact our office if we can be of assistance.
With warm regards,
Mary Fetchet & the VOICES Team
Accidental Advocates Webinar
Young Champions for Gun Reform
Thursday, May 21st - 1:00pm EST
Join us for an online conversation with three young gun reform activists - Xander Cohn, Sam Schwartz and Drew Spiegel. These college students have thrust themselves into advocacy work after personally experiencing a mass shooting.
In 2018, Sam’s cousin was killed during the Parkland shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Xander’s cousin was killed when a gunman opened fire at the Independence Day Parade in Highland Park, Illinois in 2022. Drew was participating in the parade and was next in line to march when the shooting began.
As staunch proponents of gun law reform, Xander, Sam and Drew will discuss their journeys and how they are advocating for change to make the United States a safer place. Participation is free, registration is required.
Join us for a rebroadcast of
VOICES Meet the Author: Dr. Sajjan Gohel
Author of Doctor, Teacher, Terrorist
Thursday, May 23rd - 7:00pm EST
Join us for a rebroadcast of a compelling conversation with Dr. Gohel about the infamous commander of Al-Qaeda, Ayman Al-Zawahiri who succeeded Osama bin Laden in 2011. Al-Zawahiri collaborated with shadowy elements in Pakistan and Iran as the terrorist group reconstituted itself in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.
Dr. Sajjan Gohel, author of Doctor, Teacher Terrorist: The Life and Legacy of Al-Qaeda Leader Ayman Al-Zawahiri. Dr. Gohel is a world-renowned authority on global security issues, international terrorism and emerging geopolitical threats.
Participation is free, registration is required.
VOICES 10th Annual Golf Outing
Monday, June 10, 2024
Quaker Ridge Golf Club
146 Griffen Ave, Scarsdale, NY
Registration is Open! Get set for an extraordinary experience at VOICES 10th Annual Golf Outing. We are thrilled to host our event for the fifth year in a row at the glorious Quaker Ridge Golf Club. For many of you, this will be a welcome back!
For more information, contact Frank Fetchet at: ffetchet [at] voicescenter.org (ffetchet[at]voicescenter[dot]org) or call 203-966-3911
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Although not commonly discussed, mental health conditions are actually very common and treatable.
Statistics show that mental health conditions are on the rise – while access to care is becoming even more difficult, especially among our young adult population and those groups who are marginalized.
Only a mental health professional can diagnose conditions like depression, anxiety or PTSD, but it is important for you to be aware of what to watch for, so you know when to seek professional help.
Congratulations to
VOICES 2024 Building Bridges Honoree
Bob Woodruff
Our thanks to all who joined us at VOICES Inaugural Luncheon as we honored Emmy Award-Winning Journalist, Bob Woodruff with the 2024 Building Bridges Award. Bob inspired the audience with his journey of recovery after suffering a TBI, and his commitment to helping returning veterans and their families.
A special thank you to Mary Staples, who shared her reflections about our Parents Helping Parents Support Group, and Matt McCauley and Jeannie Kelly who discussed the continued needs of 9/11 responders and survivors. Learn more.
LinCT-AA Counter Terrorism Conference
Toronto, Canada
The Leadership in Counter Terrorism Alumni Association (LinCT-AA) hosted its annual conference – Five Eyes, One Mission April 15-17 in Toronto, Canada. The conference brought together hundreds of the world’s leading counter terrorism, security and victim supporting organizations.
Mary Fetchet, VOICES Founding Director was honored to moderate a panel with INVICTM members – Levant Altan, Pete Sparks, Dr. An Verelst, and Danielle Bottineau. The panel entitled, Preparing for, and Responding to, Large Scale Events provided critical insights into incorporating a victim-centered approach into law enforcement preparation and response strategies.
Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
Honors Frank DePaolo and Dina Maniotis
The City of New York Office of the Chief Medical Examiner celebrated the careers and contributions of former Executive Deputy Commissioner and Chief of Staff Dina Maniotis and Deputy Commissioner for Operations and Investigations Frank DePaolo, both recently retired after decades of combined service to OCME and New York City. VOICES was privileged to be among the colleagues past and present, friends, and family members in attendance.
Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jason Graham led the afternoon of honors noting that Dina and Frank served as executive leaders during the most challenging times. As part of the ceremony, the newly named Frank DePaolo Operations Center was unveiled. The Center embodies the “unity of effort, unity of command” operational model that Frank created and championed throughout the Forensic Operations and Investigations division during his tenure.
All of us at VOICES are grateful to Frank and Dina for their dedication and commitment in the aftermath of 9/11. For over two decades their tireless work has provided comfort to thousands of 9/11 families.
Remembering Jeanette Costello
The VOICES organization mourns the passing of Jeanette Costello, a cherished member and dedicated volunteer. Her tireless efforts enriched our 9/11 Living Memorial Project.
Beyond her altruism, Jeanette's vibrant spirit touched countless lives, fostering warmth and joy within her community. In her memory, we honor her legacy of love, generosity, and unwavering kindness.
Mindful Moment Meditation
Friday, May 10th
Join VOICES for this month’s Mindful Moment Meditation facilitated by Meg Rooney – Serenity Within: Mindful Awareness for Mental Wellness.. Participation is free and registration is required.
VOICES Support Groups
VOICES is committed to providing long-term support and access to resources, mental health care, and programs that promote resilience. Our Community Peer Support Groups provide an opportunity to connect and discuss shared experiences.
