VOICES May Newsletter
Dear Families and Friends,
April was a busy month at VOICES! Our Building Bridges Luncheon was a wonderful success. Our thanks to Emcee Brian Williams, Honorees Alice Greenwald and James Young, Senator Blumenthal, speakers Dede Bartlett and Craig Schubert, Broadway star Ciarán Sheehan, and our fabulous Luncheon Committee.
On April 21st I attended the Crime Survivors & Justice Caucus at the Library of Congress where I was recognized with the Eva Murillo Unsung Hero Award. Nominated by CT Congressman Jim Himes, I was honored to be among so many remarkable individuals who are making a difference in the lives of victims and proudly accepted the award on behalf of VOICES dedicated staff.
Registration is now open for VOICES 25th Anniversary NYC Symposium in NYC, to be held on September 8, 9 and 10 at the New York Marriott Downtown. In recognition of the 25th Anniversary, this year’s Symposium is a 3-day event. We are also planning a Commemorative Luncheon for 9/11 families following the Reading of the Names. More information to come as we finalize the agenda.
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, we are focused on promoting well-being and eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health support. Our monthly webinar, 9/11 Health Update - Survivor Program, features a conversation with Dr. Leigh Wilson and Dr. Joan Reibman, Medical Directors at the WTC Survivor Clinic at Bellevue Hospital.
As Mother’s Day approaches, we send our heartfelt wishes to all mothers and those who nurture others. We also hold close in our thoughts those grieving the loss of a mother or child. From all of us at VOICES, you are in our hearts.
As always, please contact us at support [at] voicescenter.org (support[at]voicescenter[dot]org) or 203-966-3911 if we can be of assistance.
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With warm regards,
Mary Fetchet & the VOICES Team
9/11 Health Update
Survivor Program
A Conversation with: Dr. Leigh Wilson and Dr. Joan Reibman
Wednesday, May 13th - 3:30pm EST
Join us for an engaging and informative conversation with Drs. Joan Reibman and Leigh Wilson, Clinical Directors of the World Trade Center Survivor Clinic at Bellvue Hospital in Manhattan. They will share their experiences caring for 9/11 survivors and offer an overview of the program, including how it works and what to expect during a visit to the survivor clinics.
VOICES 12th Annual Golf Outing
Monday, June 8th, 2026
Quaker Ridge Golf Club
146 Griffen Ave, Scarsdale, NY
Sold out! Thanks to everyone who registered for our golf outing! This is our seventh year at the prestigious Quaker Ridge Golf Club. We are looking forward to a day of outstanding golf, great food, and friendly competition with our returning players and those joining us for the first time. Our foursomes are sold out! If you’d like to be placed on the wait list, contact our office at 203-966-3911. Hole sponsorships are still available!
VOICES 25th Anniversary Symposium
Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future
September 8th, 9th and 10th
New York Marriott Downtown
85 West Street, New York City
Join us for VOICES 25th Anniversary NYC Symposium for this important milestone! The September 8th program, held in partnership with LinCT-AA, INVICTM and NYPD Shield brings together experts in law enforcement and counterterrorism. September 9th and 10th is supported by our 9/11 Community partners for 9/11 families, responders, survivors, and those who serve them. Sponsorships and tribute ads are available.
24th Anniversary of the Closing of the WTC Site
May 30, 2026, marks the 24th anniversary of the completion of rescue, recovery, and relief efforts at Ground Zero following the September 11, 2001 attacks. After nearly nine months of work by first responders, workers, and volunteers, the effort formally ended on May 30, 2002, with the removal of the Last Column from the World Trade Center site.
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is holding a commemorative ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial Glade on Saturday, May 30 at 10:30 a.m. EST to honor the rescue and recovery of workers, survivors, and those affected by 9/11-related illness. The ceremony will also be available via livestream.
Commemorative Steel Beam
In 2009, a steel beam recovered from the wreckage of the World Trade Center towers was generously gifted to VOICES by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. This April, in advance of VOICES Building Bridges Luncheon, Jeff Titus of TitusBuilt and his dedicated crew crafted a beautiful pedestal for the steel beam.
Nearly 25 years after 9/11, this thoughtfully designed tribute provides the treasured artifact with the dignified presentation it deserves, honoring both the memory of that day and the strength that has risen from it. This transformation turns the piece of steel into a lasting memorial. The plaque reads, "In memory of the 2,977 who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and in recognition of the hundreds of thousands of survivors & responders. Always Remember!”
Efforts on the Capture of Osama bin Laden
On May 2, 2011, Barack Obama authorized a U.S. Navy SEAL raid, Operation Neptune Spear, in Abbottabad, Pakistan, resulting in the death of Osama bin Laden after years of intelligence work following the September 11 attacks. His body was later buried at sea, marking a major counterterrorism milestone.
On May 5th of that year, President Obama visited Ground Zero to meet privately with a group of 9/11 family members, survivors, and first responders. Mary Fetchet remarked, “ After waiting for nearly a decade, bin Laden’s death brought us a profound sense of relief that he was finally held accountable. It was an honor to meet with President Obama to express our gratitude for his efforts in finally bringing Osama bin Laden to justice.”
VOICES Welcomes Amy O’Neill Gregorian
Join us in welcoming Amy O’Neill Gregorian, DHSc, MS, LPC to VOICES team! Amy is facilitating VOICES support groups and mental health initiatives leading up to the 25th Anniversary. She is a licensed professional counselor with more than 30 years of clinical and academic expertise specializing in trauma, mass violence response, and disaster behavioral health.
As a survivor of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, Amy brings a deeply personal perspective to her work at the intersection of trauma response, training development, and victim needs and rights. Learn more.
Building Bridges Luncheon - An Afternoon to Remember!
What a memorable day! On Friday, April 17th, VOICES hosted our annual Building Bridges Luncheon at the at the Country Club of New Canaan. In recognition of the upcoming 25th Anniversary of 9/11 and the founding of Voices Center for Resilience, the theme of the luncheon was Honoring Stewards of Memory. Veteran journalist and this year's emcee, Brian Williams led the afternoon with empathy, charm, and just the right amount of levity. Dede Bartlett emphasized the importance of preserving memory and highlighted the impact of VOICES work.
Honorees Alice Greenwald and James Young accepted VOICES 2026 Building Bridges Awards and reflected on the importance of memorialization. Senator Blumenthal presented Congressional Citations in recognition of their contributions. Craig Schubert received a standing ovation after sharing his powerful story of escaping the South Tower on 9/11. Broadway star and fabulous "Phantom" Ciarán Sheehan gave a mesmerizing performance! View Luncheon Photos.
VOICES Director Receieves Eva Murilla Award
On April 21st, VOICES Executive Director and Founder, Mary Fetchet was honored with the Eva Murillo Unsung Hero Award at the Library of Congress, Members Room in Washington, DC. The event was hosted by Representatives Jim Costa, Juan Ciscomani and the 2026 Crime Survivors & Justice Caucus. Connecticut Congressman Jim Himes nominated Mary for this distinguished honor and personally presented her with the award, recognizing her remarkable dedication and the lasting national impact of her work through VOICES.
The award honors the memory of Eva Murillo and celebrates her extraordinary leadership, advocacy, and service on behalf of crime victims and survivors. This recognition reflects Mary’s decades of unwavering commitment to supporting families impacted by tragedy, advancing justice and building resilience.
2026 LinCT-AA Conference
Last month the NYPD sponsored the Leadership in Counterterrorism Conference in New York City. The annual event brought together a global network of experts in law enforcement, intelligence and private security. VOICES Executive Director, Mary Fetchet is an honorary member of LinCT-AA and was proud to join her dedicated colleagues on several panels.
Drawing on her unique perspective as a victim’s family member, and professional training as a social worker, Mary spoke about her personal experience of losing a son. She also shared the 25-year evolution of VOICES, and her continued commitment to provide support for all those impacted by 9/11 and other tragedies. Her remarks resonated with the law enforcement community and reinforced the importance of their tireless efforts in keeping our communities safe, in the United States and abroad.
Mental Health Focus
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to prioritize emotional well-being and reduce the stigma around mental health challenges. It’s an opportunity to check in with yourself and others, recognizing that mental health is just as important as physical health. Small actions—like taking breaks, setting boundaries, or reaching out for support—can make a meaningful difference.
This month also reminds us that no one must face struggles alone, and help is always available. By fostering open conversations, we create a more supportive and understanding community. Let’s use this time to practice compassion, build resilience, and encourage one another to seek the care we deserve. Together, we can make mental health a shared priority every day. Learn more.
Mindful Moment Meditation
Creating Inner Calm
Join us for Creating Inner Calm, 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, June 3rd
12:00pm to 1:30pm EST
Survivors (2nd Wednesday, Virtual)
Wednesday, May 13th
12:00pm to 1:30pm EST
Survivors (3rd Wednesday, Virtual)
Wednesday, ay 20th
12:00pm to 1:30pm EST
9/11 Twins (4th Tuesday, Virtual)
Tuesday, May 26th
12:00pm to 1:30pm EST
Victims' Family Members (Virtual)
Tuesday, May 12th
12:00pm to 1:30pm EST
Responders (Virtual)
Tuesday, May 19th
12:00pm to 1:30pm EST
Next Generation (Virtual)
Tuesday, June 2nd
9:30am to 11:00am
Parents Helping Parents (In-Person)
Wednesday, May 20th
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:
Social Media Awareness
