VOICES June Newsletter

/ 3 June 2025 /

Dear Families and Friends,

I am excited to announce that our enthusiastic college interns have arrived for the summer. They will be working alongside our staff on a variety of projects. Since they were born after 9/11, they will learn about the community we have served over the last 24 years, and how our work relates to their unique fields of study.

June is designated as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month—a condition that often strikes those impacted by and responding to tragedy. To raise awareness, we are hosting a webinar and providing links to information on our website.

Last month I participated in the Leadership in Counterterrorism Alumni Association (LinCT-AA) Conference held in Dublin, Ireland. During these turbulent times, it was very reassuring that these dedicated senior law enforcement and counterterrorism officials are determined to rise above the political fray and remain focused on keeping our countries safe through international collaboration. We also had an opportunity to visit Belfast, where we learned about the region’s history and efforts in reconciliation and peacebuilding.

On May 30th the 9/11 Memorial Museum marked the 23rd anniversary of the closing of the recovery effort. Attending the solemn ceremony with the responders and survivors was as emotional as the 9/11 anniversary. Sadly, so many are suffering from serious medical and mental health conditions and yet still fighting for the services they need and deserve.

As we approach Father’s Day, we honor and remember the fathers and the father-figures who have played an important role in shaping our lives. Reflecting on those we have lost can be emotional, and we extend our heartfelt thoughts to all who are grieving.

With warm regards,
Mary Fetchet & the VOICES Team

A Pathway to Healing

Recovering from PTSD

Presented by: Nicholas deSpoelberch

Wednesday, June 11th - 7:00pm EST

Learn More

Join us for an informative webinar about healing from stress and trauma. Those exposed to traumatic events are often at risk of developing symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD).

Nick deSpoelberch, LPC, from the Fairfield County Trauma Response Team (FCTRT) will provide a comprehensive overview of the impact of trauma. FCTRT is a non-profit alliance of mental health professionals dedicated to helping First Responders and the Connecticut community heal from trauma, tragedy and stress. Nick will be joined by Mike Markette, a Sergeant with Southbury Police Department and a town Peer Support Coordinator.

VOICES 2025 NYC Symposium

September 9th | Professionals

Global Security, Law Enforcement, and Emergency Services

September 10th | 9/11 Community

Victims' Families, Responders, Survivors, and Providers

New York Marriott Downtown

85 West Street, New York City

Learn More

Mark your calendars! VOICES is busy planning our 2025 NYC Symposium to be held on September 9th & 10th at the New York Marriott Downtown. The two-day event, held in person and broadcast live, is presented in partnership with LinCT-AA, INVICTM, and our 9/11 Community Partners.

If you would like to support the event, Sponsorship opportunities are available. Registration will begin next month.

VOICES 11th Annual Golf Outing

Announcing Golf Auction Items!

Monday, June 9, 2025

Learn More

Only 1 week to go, and registration is nearly full! Join us for a special day of golf at the majestic Quaker Ridge Golf Club in Scarsdale, NY. For those attending, get ready to bid on four unforgettable golf experiences that offer the perfect blend of luxury, challenge, and breathtaking scenery. View our auction items here!

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

Leadership in Counterterrorism Conference

LinCT-AA hosted its conference, Securing our Future by Remembering our Past in Dublin, Ireland last month. Mary Fetchet, an honorary member for over a decade, moderated a panel, Incorporating the Victim-centered Approach into Investigations, Inquiries and Commissions.

Panelists included, left to right Mary Fetchet; Baroness Helen Newlove LLD; Jelena Watkins, UK Chair CTPN HAPSS Committee; Detective Superintendent Luke Williams, UK Counter Terrorism Policing; and Barrister Maria McDonald, Deputy Director Ontario Provincial Police. The conference highlighted the importance of international collaboration in sharing lessons learned to prevent and respond to the ongoing threats of acts of terrorism and mass violence.

Welcome VOICES Summer Interns

Join us in welcoming our three talented and enthusiastic college interns, all rising seniors!

(Left to right) Andie Durkin lives in Darien, CT and attends the University of Richmond double majoring in Leadership Studies and Health Studies. Morgan Knoop is also attending the University of Richmond as a history and political science double major, and resides in Redding, CT. Ava Saladino from Stamford, CT, attends Colgate University and is majoring in Psychology and Film studies.

Our staff is excited to be working with the interns on a variety of projects, putting to good use their range of academic backgrounds and interests.

9/11 Memorial & Museum Glade Commemoration

On May 30th the 9/11 Memorial Museum commemorated the 23rd anniversary of the formal end to rescue and recovery operations at Ground Zero.

Beth Hillman, President and CEO of the Memorial Museum, provided moving remarks honoring the courage and sacrifice of rescue, recovery, and relief workers and members of the downtown community. She also paid tribute to the over 8,000 who have died since of 9/11-related illnesses. Importantly, Beth shined a light on the long-term medical and mental health care needed today for the over 137,000 responders and survivors who are suffering from 9/11 related illnesses.

To view Beth’s remarks, click here.

Mental Health Matters

June is National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month. PTSD can occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster or an act of violence. Symptoms may include flashbacks, distressing memories, and avoidance of people, thoughts, or places related to the experience.

Professional help, mindfulness, and grounding techniques can aid in managing symptoms. Support networks and trusted resources also play an important role in recovery. VOICES provides information to promote awareness about PTSD conditions and treatment. Learn more.

Living with Post Traumatic Stress: What is PTSD?

Presented by: Dr. Lisa-Ann Cuccurullo & Dr. Rebecca Matteo

Learn PTSD symptoms, treatments, and ways to live better.

Video | Podcast

Mindful Moment Meditation

Calming Your Inner Voice

Join us for Calming Your Inner Voice, a meditation presented by the talented certified yoga instructor, Meg Rooney.

Watch Now

Peer Support Groups

VOICES provides long-term support and programs that promote mental health care and wellness. Our peer support groups meet monthly and provide an opportunity to discuss shared experiences. Groups are facilitated by VOICES staff. Interested in attending VOICES Support Groups? Click here