VOICES May Newsletter

/ 8 May 2025 /

Dear Families and Friends,

I hope you are enjoying the spring weather - April showers bring May flowers!

In recognition of May as National Mental Health Awareness Month we are launching a new feature in our monthly newsletter – Mental Health Matters! Each month we will highlight a different aspect of mental health, along with resources and opportunities to learn.

VOICES continues to promote preparedness by providing workshops and tipsheets. This month we are excited to host a virtual workshop Preparing Individuals and Families for an Emergency.

On May 30, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is hosting a commemorative event to mark the 23rd Anniversary of the closing of the 9-month rescue and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center site. As the anniversary approaches, we pay tribute to the 90,000 responders and 400,000 who survived, thousands of whom rely on the WTC Health Program to provide treatment for mental health and life-threatening medical conditions.

Last month Frank and I were honored to attend Governor Tom Kean’s 90th birthday celebration at the NJ Performing Arts Center. Throughout Governor Kean’s distinguished career and while serving as Chairman of the 9/11 Commission, he has been a dedicated public servant and a longtime supporter of VOICES work.

On this Mother’s Day, we send our sincere wishes to all mothers, including those who nurture someone special in their life. We recognize that the day may be challenging for those who have lost a mother or a child. Know that all of us at VOICES hold you in our hearts and will be thinking of you.

With warm regards,
Mary Fetchet & the VOICES Team

VOICES Annual Golf Outing

Monday, June 9, 2025

Learn More

Only 4 weeks to go, and registration is in full swing! Join us for a special day of golf to be held once again at the majestic Quaker Ridge Golf Club in Scarsdale, NY. VOICES Golf Outing will take place on Monday, June 9th just before Father’s Day. A day on the green would be a fabulous gift!

Funds raised from the event support VOICES programs. If you're unable to attend, but would like to make a donation, click here.

VOICES Preparedness Workshop

Preparing Individuals and Families for an Emergency

Thursday, May 29th at 12:00pm EST

Virtual Presentation

Learn More

Are you and your family prepared for an emergency? VOICES is offering an online Preparedness workshop to provide individuals and families with strategies to prepare in advance of an emergency. Led by Stephanie Landau, VOICES 9/11 Community Project Director, participants will learn the basic components of how to be better prepared at home, work and in the community, whether sheltering in place or evacuating.

Mental Health Matters

May is designated as National Mental Health Awareness Month. This is an opportunity to focus our conversation on mental health and wellness, by promoting understanding and resilience, and breaking down stigma and barriers to treatment. Through learning, checking in on loved ones, or engaging in self-care, there are many ways we can support mental health.

VOICES website provides information to promote awareness about mental health conditions and treatment. Learn more.

VOICES Welcomes Kara Cooper, LMSW

Join us in welcoming Kara Cooper as VOICES Director of Social Services. Kara will lead our mental health and wellness initiatives, including support groups, assessments and referrals. Kara follows in the footsteps of Virginia Dwyer-Aoyama, who many of you have worked with over the years. We thank Virginia for her dedication and important contributions and wish her well.

Kara has over 25 years of experience specializing in trauma-informed care, and in providing community support and programs that foster resilience and healing. On 9/11, Kara was working at NYU and continued at the university for over 13 years, witnessing firsthand the immediate impact and long-term recovery in the aftermath of the tragedy. Learn more.

World Trade Center Health Program Update

Recently, there have been significant disruptions in the WTCHP caused by the firing of Program Director Dr. John Howard and other staff. Currently over 137,000 responders and survivors rely on the WTCHP for monitoring and treatment of mental health conditions and life-threatening illnesses due to their exposure to toxins in the months following 9/11.

As a result of the efforts of John Feal and other activists, an announcement was made that Dr. Howard and WTCHP staff have been reinstated. Their reinstatement ensures the responders and survivors will receive the treatment they need and deserve. However, additional funding will be required in the coming years to avoid significant shortfalls. To view an interview with FealGood Founder, John Feal, click here.

May 30, 2002 Commemoration – 10:30am EST

To commemorate the 23rd Anniversary of the formal end to rescue and recovery operations at Ground Zero, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum will honor the courage and sacrifice of 9/11 rescue, recovery, and relief workers; commemorate those who have died due to 9/11-related illnesses and injuries; and recognize the spirit of survivors and members of the downtown community with a special ceremony that is open to the public. The ceremony is also available online to watch live.

9/11 community members are also invited to visit the Museum prior to the ceremony. Tickets for this group can be reserved here.

A Birthday Salute to Governor Thomas Kean

On April 21st Governor Thomas Kean, celebrated his 90th birthday. Mary and Frank Fetchet were honored to be among the hundreds of friends and colleagues in attendance to celebrate this important milestone. We first met Governor Kean in 2002 when he was appointed Chairman of the 9/11 Commission and were inspired by his steadfast leadership in leading a bipartisan investigation. Governor Kean’s legacy as a distinguished public servant exemplifies extraordinary decency and commitment for the greater good. We are privileged to know Governor Kean, and are grateful for his friendship and support of our work.

Monthly Encore Presentation

Coping Strategies for Adults and Children

Presented by: Dr. Suzanne Phillips and Dr. Craig Haen

Building resilience while coping with uncertainty, anxiety, worry, anger fear loneliness and loss.

Video | Podcast

Preparedness Awareness

Preparedness begins at home and is vitally important in all aspects of our lives – family, community and work.

This month we are featuring National Wildfire Awareness

Learn more

Mindful Moment Meditation

Friday, May 9th

10:30am - 10:45am EST

Join VOICES for this month’s Mindful Moment Meditation facilitated by Meg Rooney – Breathing Through Anxiety. Participation is free and registration is required.

Register Today

Peer Support Groups

VOICES is committed to providing long-term support and access to resources, mental health care, and programs that promote resilience. Our Peer Support Groups provide an opportunity for participants to connect and share experiences.

View Upcoming Support Groups

VOICES May Newsletter

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