May 15, 2015

Dear Families and Friends,

 


Senator Joseph Lieberman tours the 9/11 Memorial Museum with Mary Fetchet

Today marks the one-year anniversary of the dedication of the 9/11 Memorial Museum in New York City. Since its opening last May, more than 2 million visitors from all 50 states and from around the world have toured the Museum.

 

We are indebted to so many individuals who worked tirelessly over the years to accomplish a monumental task - preserving a site that is sacred ground to those who lost loved ones, while documenting a tragedy that has individual and international consequences that will reverberate for generations to come.  VOICES values our partnership with the 9/11 Memorial Museum. Our 9/11 Living Memorial Project, an extensive collection of over 70,000 photographs commemorating the lives of the nearly 3,000 victims, is a key component of the Museum's In Memoriam exhibit.

 

During the month of May, the Museum will be hosting several programs that we would like to make you aware of.  On May 27, VOICES Board Member John Gannon and Commissioner Bruce Hoffman will be discussing the 9/11 Review Commission, a report recently released assessing the FBI's implementation of the 9/11 Commission recommendations (click here to view the full report). In addition, on May 28-May 30, the Museum will host several special events for responders, to mark the 13th anniversary of the end of the nine-month rescue and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center site. We have included details about these events below.

 


LAPD Deputy Chief Michael Downing with

Voices for Change panelists at LinCT Conference in Los Angeles.

Over the past few weeks, I joined other victims advocates at the Leadership in Counterterrorism (LinCT) Conference in Los Angeles, and the Police Victim Services (PVS) Conference in Vancouver BC. Our presentations shared lessons learned about the ongoing need for long-term services and public policy reform. At the LinCT Conference, FBI Director James Comey addressed individuals and agencies representing five countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the US, who collectively keep our communities safe every day. At the PVS Conference, I had an opportunity to talk with an individual who was deployed with her colleagues to work for several months at the Medical Examiner's Office in New York City. Our conversation was a reminder of how our international partners reached out in the aftermath of 9/11 to help. As a family member directly affected by a terrorist attack, I am grateful for their commitment to working collaboratively to assist those impacted and to fight the global threat of terrorism which has become heightened, both here and abroad.

 


Carolyn Sinclair (left) hosts victims advocates at the PVS Conference in Vancouver
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. As a clinical social worker, I am a staunch proponent of providing access to information and resources that promote resiliency and mental health wellness. VOICES is continuing to work with the CDC to promote awareness about the medical and mental health services that are available through the World Trade Center Health Program. Those who lived, worked, went to school, volunteered or responded in the aftermath of the attacks may be eligible for services. Please feel free to share our newsletter with anyone who may benefit from information about the program.

 

In closing, as the court proceedings for the Boston Marathon Bombing come to a close, our thoughts and prayers remain with the victims' families, survivors and all those impacted by this tragic event. 

 

Warm Regards,


Mary Fetchet & the VOICES Staff
 
 
Upcoming Events
 

Wednesday, May 27, 2015, 7:00-8:00 pm

  

Protecting the Homeland

9/11 Memorial Museum, New York City

 

How has the FBI changed since the 2001 attacks?  The 9/11 Review Commission recently released its findings n the FBI's efforts to prevent another attack on the United States.  Commissioner Bruce Hoffman and Commission Executive Director John Gannon will discuss the Bureau's evolution.  Reserve tickets.

 

Thursday, May 28 to Saturday, May 30, 2015

  

9/11 Rescue and Recover Worker Tribute

9/11 Memorial Museum, New York City

 

Rescue and recovery workers are invited to visit the Museum on May 28 through May 30 with complimentary admission for two guests.  On Thursday, May 28 from 4:00 pm through midnight, the Museum will be reserved for the 9/11 rescue and recovery worker community.  A special tribute, including a moment of silence for those who lost their lives to 9/11-related illnesses, will take place at 6:00 pm.  Additional offerings will also be provided on May 29th and 30th to mark the 13th anniversary of the end of the historic recovery operations at Ground Zero.  To learn more and reserve your visit, click here.

 

The VOICES staff will be on hand at the Museum with enrollment information for the World Trade Center Health Program.

 

Monday, June 8, 2015

 

Inaugural Golf Outing

Woodway Country Club, Darien CT

 

Limited foursomes and individual spots left, so reserve your place today! 

 

Those not playing golf are invited to attend the dinner reception and guest speaker program beginning at 5:00 PM. Joining us will be George Bodenheimer, former President of ESPN, and author of the newly released book, Every Town is a Sports Town.  Mr. Bodenheimer will be joined by Emmy Award winner Jeremy Schaap, ESPN Reporter, Host and E:60 Correspondent.

 

Register online at www.voicesofseptember11.org, or for more information, contact Frank Fetchet at (203) 966-3911, or ffetchet@voicesofsept11.org.

 

Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28, 2015

 

NBC 4 New York and Telemundo 47 Health and Fitness Expo

10:00 am - 3:00 pm

 

Look for the VOICES staff at this free, family-friendly event to learn more about the World Trade Center Health Program.  Watch a healthy cooking demonstration, practice yoga on the field, learn how to Zumba, and meet players from the NY Giants.  Click here for more information. 

 
 
Newsworthy
 

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month

 

This year, approximately one in five American adults - our friends, colleagues, and loved ones - will experience a diagnosable mental health condition like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or post-traumatic stress, and many others will be troubled by significant emotional and psychological distress, especially in times of difficulty.  For most of these people, treatment can be effective and recovery is possible.  Yet today, millions of Americans still do not receive the care they need.  In 2013, President Obama proclaimed May as National Mental Health Awareness Month and brought the issue of mental health to the forefront of our nation's thoughts.  Click here to learn more. 

 

Since 2001, VOICES had provided over 100,000 hours of social services support and built trusting relationships with those impacted by 9/11.  This includes case management, support groups, and referrals to mental health providers and conferences.  For a list of resources, visit our website. 

 

Recent Media Coverage of National Security Issues  

 

With the recent shootings in Dallas linked to ISIS, protecting the homeland from homegrown terrorists remains in the spotlight.  Earlier this month, the threat level at U.S. military bases was raised to the highest level since the 10th anniversary of 9/11, in part because of concern about the Texas attacks.  We've compiled recent media coverage of this threat on our website.  Click here to view.