VOICES October Newsletter
Dear Families and Friends,
September was a busy and emotional time, and we would like to share highlights of our Symposium, anniversary events, and programs. A special thanks to LinCT-AA, INVICTM, NYPD Shield, our 9/11 partners, 9/11 Day, our knowledgeable presenters, and dedicated volunteers and staff for their contributions in making the events a success.
Looking ahead, we hope you join us at VOICES Always Remember Gala on November 13th, as we Honor Those Who Serve. We are proud to recognize Rebecca Weiner, NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence & Counterterrorism with VOICES Leadership Award and the Vigiano family with VOICES Legacy Award.
This month we are hosting several programs to meet the needs of the 9/11 Community. As a follow up to the Symposium, Special Master Allison Turkel will provide updates on the Victim Compensation Fund established for 9/11 Survivors and Responders who have illnesses resulting from exposure to toxic air. Allison will be joined via webinar by a panel of attorneys who will discuss questions that have arisen about the program.
October is World Mental Health Month, that aims to address mental health issues in an empathetic manner, fostering a unified voice that empowers individuals to create lasting change. Peer support groups play a vital role in healing after trauma. Due to increased interest, we are pleased to announce two new support groups – the 9/11 Next Generation for young adults who were children at the time of their loss, and an additional Survivors support group.
As Yom Kippur begins, we honor this sacred time of reflection and renewal for all who observe.
With warm regards,
Mary Fetchet & the VOICES Team
VOICES 2025 Always Remember Gala
New York Athletic Club | 180 Central Park South
Thursday, November 13th - 6:00pm EST
Join us for an inspirational evening as we Honor Those Who Serve! Jeremy Schaap, ESPN journalist and 15-time Emmy winner, is our Emcee. We are proud to recognize our 2025 honorees – Rebecca Weiner, for her leadership as NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence & Counterterrorism and the Vigiano family for their legacy of service in the NYPD and military. Sponsorships, tables and tickets available.
Updates on the Victim Compensation Fund
Presented by: Allison Turkel, Nicole P. Smith, Michael Barasch, Noah Kushlefsky, and Matthew McCauley
Wednesday, October 22nd - 12:00pm EST
Join us as Special Master Allison Turkel and Deputy Special Master Nicole P. Smith provide updates on the VCF including the number of pending cases. This will be followed by an expert panel who will discuss the continuing challenges of providing proof of presence and other difficulties the 9/11 Community faces when attempting to receive compensation for illnesses resulting from exposure to toxic air.
Announcing Additional Support Groups
For 9/11 Next Generation and 9/11 Survivors
9/11 Next Generation: First Tuesday Each Month – 12:00pm EST
9/11 Survivors: Second Wednesday Each Month – 12:00pm EST
To meet the requests of the 9/11 Community, this month we are launching two peer support groups. The 9/11 Next Generation Support Group provides support for young adults, who at the time of the loss were children or siblings of a victim, survivor or responder. We are also beginning an additional Survivor support group. If you are interested in joining, or have a suggestion for a new group, click below.
9/11 Memorial Ceremony: Sherwood Island
On September 4, the State of Connecticut held its annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony at the Sherwood Island in Westport, CT. VOICES Director, Mary Fetchet joined Governor Ned Lamont and Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz to address those in attendance.
Her remarks stressed the importance of remembrance, and support for the 9/11 Community, including the thousands of survivors and responders who are impacted by 9/11-related conditions. The ceremony included a benediction by local clergy, a reading of the names, musical tributes, and a rose-laying procession at the Memorial. It was wonderful to reconnect with many CT families who participated in our support groups in the aftermath of 9/11.
VOICES 2025 NYC Symposium
VOICES 2025 NYC Symposium, Building Resilient Communities, brought together leading experts in law enforcement and counterterrorism from the U.S. and abroad, and the dedicated individuals serving the 9/11 community. Individuals from 24 states and 5 countries attended – in person and online.
September 9 began with the Presentation of Colors by the NYPD Ceremonial Unit. Leading experts in law enforcement and counterterrorism shared lessons learned and their personal perspectives on strategies to address emerging threats and critical challenges facing today’s world. Their dynamic conversations highlighted collaboration to strengthen communities.
As is our annual tradition, September 10 began with VOICES Candlelighting ceremony read by 9/11 family members Jeanmarie Hargrave and Tom Kerns, assisted by candlelighters Mark O’Grady and Ray Smith. Professionals who have dedicated their careers to supporting the 9/11 Community shared critical updates on victim support programs, advocacy initiatives, medical and mental health care, legal proceedings, and reflections on the upcoming 25th Anniversary.
We are grateful to our partners, generous sponsors, presenters, and dedicated staff and volunteers who made the event a big success.
Photographs are available on our website, and videos will be available at a later date. September 9 Photo Gallery | September 10 Photo Gallery
VOICES Pack for Preparedness
Supported by 9/11 Day and Americorps, VOICES held its second annual Pack for Preparedness Project. Symposium attendees assembled preparedness backpacks – one for themselves and another to distribute at VOICES Preparedness Workshops.
The project fostered camaraderie and served as a meaningful reminder of the power of working side-by-side in service to others.
VOICES at the Intrepid Museum
VOICES was delighted to participate in the 9/11 Day of Service aboard the Intrepid, where we joined thousands of volunteers in New York City to create meal packs. Led by Co-chairs Jay Winuk and David Paine, 9/11 Day has grown into the nation’s largest annual day of service, inspiring millions to give back to their communities. The kinetic energy aboard the Intrepid was truly exhilarating, and we were inspired by this meaningful event that carries forward the spirit of service and remembrance in honor of the lives lost on September 11th.
St. Paul's Chapel - Reading of the Names
VOICES staff members - Stephanie Landau and Sarah Green - participated in the 24th Anniversary Calling of the Names held at St. Paul’s Chapel, just steps from Ground Zero. This moving ceremony, led by Barbara Horn, honors the deceased Rescue and Recovery Effort Responders who came to help in the days, weeks and months following the attacks on September 11th.
Surrounded by families, fellow responders, and members of the 9/11 Community, we were humbled to join in remembering their lives and honoring their legacy of service. It was a solemn reminder of the lasting impact of 9/11 and the importance of continuing to support all those whose health and well-being have been affected.
Our Voices Together
Once again, our annual Our Voices Together virtual gathering had a wonderful turnout! The virtual gatherings provided an opportunity for 9/11 families, responders, survivors and families of those impacted by 9/11-related illness to come together before and after the 24th Anniversary. Participants broke into small discussion groups to allow for meaningful conversation.
A special thank you to our longtime friends from the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA) led by Suzanne Phillips, Craig Haen, Robin Good, Leo Leiderman, Madelyn Miller, Victor Schermer and Kathy Ulman for their continued support and dedication to our mission.
Mental Health Focus
October is World Mental Health Month. This global campaign raises awareness about mental health and wellness around the world. By educating the public about mental health conditions, we hope to break down the stigma about mental health and encourage those in need to better understand their condition, and to seek help when needed.
VOICES provides information to promote awareness about mental health. Learn more.
Mindful Moment Meditation
Cooler Days and Calmer Minds
Join us for Cooler Days and Calmer Minds, a meditation presented by the talented certified yoga instructor, Meg Rooney.
Peer Support Groups
VOICES provides monthly virtual and in-person support groups, providing a welcoming opportunity to discuss shared experiences and resources to build resilience. Our groups are facilitated by our professional staff. Are you interested in joining our support groups or have a suggestion for a new group? Click here.
Survivors (1st Wednesday, Virtual)
Wednesday, October 1st
12:00pm to 1:30pm EST
Survivors (2nd Wednesday, Virtual)
Wednesday, October 8th
12:00pm to 1:30pm EST
Victims' Family Members (Virtual)
Tuesday, October 14th
12:00pm to 1:30pm EST
Responders (Virtual)
Tuesday, October 21st
12:00pm to 1:30pm EST
Next Generation (Virtual)
Wednesday, October 7th
9:30am to 11:00am
Parents Helping Parents (In-Person)
Wednesday, October 1st and 15th
9:30am to 11:00am
Preparedness Awareness
Preparing for an emergency begins at home and is vitally important in all aspects of our lives.
This month we are featuring:
Creating a Go Bag
