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Victims’ Families

Since 2001, VOICES has helped families heal after tragedy – a vital mission that began after 9/11. Today, the organization continues to address the long-term needs of the 9/11 community – commemorating the 2,977 lives lost, stories of survivors, and sharing our expertise to help communities prepare for and recover from other acts of violence, social and civil unrest, and domestic terrorism.

For nearly two decades, we have been providing long-term support for thousands of victims’ families, responders and survivors, and families of those who have died of 9/11-related illnesses – with many contacting us for the first time.

Our professional staff provides a wide range of support services and assists those impacted in accessing resources and mental health care to promote healing and resilience. VOICES support programs include individual assessments, consultation & referrals, support groups, webinars & workshops, and conferences, including our Annual Remembrance Symposium, held every September.

 
 

A Global Tragedy with Lasting Effects

 

On September 11, 2001, the most devasting terrorist attack in the history of the United States occurred on our soil, killing 2,753 people at the World Trade Center; 184 at the Pentagon; and 40 passengers and crew members who were aboard Flight 93, which crashed in Shanksville, PA.

The 2,977 victims hailed from more than 90 countries, and ranged in ages from 2 years old to 85 years old. Today, VOICES continues our efforts to honor the victims and provide critical support services to their families.

 
 
World Trade Center
 
Pentagon
 
Shanksville, PA
 
 
 
 

The needs of families change over time, and our long-term support services continue to evolve to meet those needs. Today, VOICES includes individual consultation & referrals, discussion and support groups, and webinars & workshops. Survivors and their families continue to actively participate in our Annual Remembrance Symposium. Learn More.

 

VOICES Support Programs - VOICES continually offers a wide range of relevant and topical programs to promote healing and resilience, including individual consultation & referrals, support groups, discussion groups, webinars & workshops, and peer-to-peer support. Learn more

 

VOICES Coronavirus Response Program - was launched to provide information and support for our families and communities in the aftermath of the pandemic outbreak. VOICES developed programs based on our lessons learned to promote healing and build resilience during this unpredictable time. Learn more

 

Annual Remembrance Symposium - This annual September event provides an opportunity for victims’ families, survivors and responders to gather for an informative program in advance of the anniversary. The program includes insightful presentations and panel discussions by leading practitioners in the fields of victim support, mental health and programs that promote healing and resilience. Learn more

 

Advocacy - Since its founding, VOICES has been a forceful advocate for victims' families, survivors, and responders and a proponent for public policy reforms, with a primary focus on victims’ rights, mental health care, memorialization, national security and preparedness. Learn more

 
 
 

Nearly two decades after 9/11, the tragedy continues to impact the thousands of survivors who lived, worked, or went to school in Lower Manhattan, and those who survived the attacks at the Pentagon. The 9/11 Memorial dedicated the Memorial Glade to honor survivors and to celebrate the spirit of service that brought hope and healing to the nation. The lives of survivors are honored through projects that document their stories of bravery and resilience. Learn More.

 

9/11 Living Memorial Victim Remembrances - Commemorates lives lost on 9/11 and provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about those who died. Learn more

9/11 Memorial & Museum - Honoring the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993. Learn more

Pentagon Memorial - A place of solace and healing for future generations to renew their faith in and commitment to the values that citizens of a free world. Learn more

Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, PA - A tribute to the 40 passengers aboard Flight 93 that thwarted the attacks on the U.S. Capitol on 9/11. Learn more

 
 
 
Notification of Remains and Personal Effects

The human remains of nearly 40% of the victims killed at the World Trade Center site have not yet been identified due to the brutal nature of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In the aftermath of the tragedy, VOICES began our work with Dr. Charles Hirsch, the New York Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) to standardize the remains notification process so the victims’ families could determine if, when, and how they wanted to be notified if their loved one’s remains were identified. VOICES’ longstanding partnership with the OCME’s Dr. Barbara Sampson, who continues the commitment to the 9/11 families. Under her leadership the OCME has established ongoing advancement in DNA technology with the hopes of yielding additional identifications. Learn More.

 

Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) Update During Covid-19 - Due to Covid-19 health considerations, the OCME has updated the policy for accessing the Reflection Room at the OCME Repository. On the Anniversary and going forward, advance reservations are mandatory for visitations to the Reflection Room. To arrange your visit, please contact the OCME WTC Hotline at (212) 447-7884 at least 48-hours in advance. Please ensure your reservation to the Reflection Room aligns with your museum entry time. Additionally, Anthropologists will not be meeting with family members in person. Any consultations with an Anthropologist will be handled remotely via the WTC Hotline.

OCME Repository and Reflection Room at the World Trade Center - The OCME has jurisdiction over a repository, which contains the unidentified and unclaimed remains of 9/11 victims killed at the World Trade Center. A private space exclusively for victims’ family members, known as the Reflection Room, is located next to the repository at the bedrock level of the World Trade Center site. Victims’ family members can arrange their visit to the Reflection Room by contacting the OCME at (212) 447-7884. Learn more

 
 
 
9/11 Litigation

Since its founding, VOICES has been a forceful advocate for victims' families, survivors, and responders and a proponent for public policy reforms, with a primary focus on victims’ rights, mental health care, memorialization, national security and preparedness. VOICES has joined with other members of the 9/11 to champion a range of public policy reforms and efforts to honor the 9/11 victims and to hold accountable those who were responsible for the attacks on 9/11.

 

Saudi Suit - Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act(JASTA) This litigation seeks to hold those responsible for 9/11 to account. The passage of the law removed the sovereign immunity of the nations who support terror attacks on US soil. JASTA amends the Anti- Terrorism Statute to permit claims against foreign nations. Learn more

JASTA Update - On the eve of the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, September 10, 2020, a federal Judge directed the Saudi Arabian government to make as many as 24 current and former officials available for depositions about their possible knowledge of events leading up to the airplane attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, which killed almost 3,000 Americans Learn more

Guantanamo Trial - United States v Khalid Shaikh Mohammad et al (i.e.9/11 trial) The updates on the Military Commission and summary of ongoing efforts and current progress of the trials taking place. Learn more

USVSSTF (United States Victims of State Sponsors of Terrorism Fund) - The Justice for United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Act (the “Act”), later amended by the Clarification Act, provides for the establishment and administration of the United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund (“USVSST Fund”) to provide compensation to certain U.S. persons who were injured in acts of international state-sponsored terrorism. Learn more

 
 
 
 

Our valued partner organizations that have played a vital role helping families. Learn More.

 

Find answers that address various programs, visitation and financial questions. Learn More.

 

Family Resources
Important 9/11 community information including links to state and federal resources, memorials, support organizations, foundations, and health-related websites. Click to Expand.

 
9/11 Health Watch
www.911healthwatch.org
 
9/11 Memorial & Museum
www.911memorial.org
 
9/11 Tribute Museum
www.911tributemuseum.org
 
 
Cantor Relief Fund
www.cantorrelief.org
 
 
Families of Freedom Scholarship
www.familiesoffreedom.org/other-911-funds
 
Flight 93 National Memorial
www.nps.gov/flni/index.htm
 
Hold the Door
www.holdthedoor.com
 
Imagine, NJ A center for Coping with Loss
www.imaginenj.org/about-imagine-new-jersey/
 
 
NJ Memorial /Empty Sky
www.nj911memorial.org/empty-sky
 
NY State Higher Education
www.hesc.ny.gov
 
 
Peaceful Tomorrow
www.peacefultomorrows.org
 
 
 
 
September 11th Families Association
www.911families.org
 
 
 
 
WTC United Family Group
www.wtcufg.org