May 02, 2008

Dear Families and Friends,

This is National Volunteer Week, a time when we acknowledge the dedicated individuals around the nation who play an instrumental role in supporting causes they care about.  Since VOICES began, we have relied on countless individuals who have generously donated their time in a variety of ways.  Whether they volunteered at our annual September 10th and 11th events, assisted our staff at 9/11 Living Memorial workshops or gave time as a board member or advisor, these individuals have made VOICES the vibrant organization it is today. They have truly made a difference!

As you know, we are in the midst of preparing for our May 29th Always Remember Gala, which will raise funds to support VOICES’ continued efforts to build the 9/11 Living Memorial digital archive.  Our dedicated team of volunteers is passionate about planning a very memorable evening of celebration and reflection.   We are indebted to them for their commitment to commemorating the lives and stories of September 11, 2001.
 
As DeAnn Hollis said, The heart of a volunteer is not measured in size, but by the depth of the commitment to make a difference in the lives of others.

We invite you to join our team of volunteers.  

Warm Regards,

Mary and the Voices Staff

VOICES Programs and events

VOICES Always Remember Fundraising Gala

Reservations for our fundraising gala are pouring in! Space is limited, so please reserve your seats or table as soon as you can. Call the Voices office at (203) 966-3911 to make your reservation by phone.

New Parents Teleconference Support Group

VOICES is launching an additional parents teleconference support group at the end of April.  The group will meet every other Tuesday at 11:00 AM EST and will be facilitated by Judy Stotz, LPC.  If you or someone you know is having a difficult time following the loss of a child on September 11, 2001 or just wants to connect with others who experienced this loss, please contact Michelle Doherty at 866-505-3911 or mdoherty@voicesofsept11.org.

EVENTS AND INFORMATION FOR THE 9/11 COMMUNITY

NYC Health Department Announces New 9/11 Mental Health Program

The Health Department today announced a new mental health benefit program for people still experiencing psychological distress or struggling with substance use as a result of the events of September 11, 2001. To ensure that all needs are met, the Health Department will reimburse out-of-pocket costs for mental health or substance-use treatment through a claims process similar to any insurance benefit. New York City residents and city workers in surrounding areas can find out if they are eligible by calling 311 or visiting nyc.gov/9-11mentalhealth.

“September 11th was very traumatic for people,” said Dr. David Rosin, Executive Deputy Commissioner for Mental Hygiene at the Health Department. “Cost concerns shouldn’t deter those still struggling from getting the care and treatment they need to overcome depression, anxiety, or dependence on alcohol or drugs associated with the attacks. If you’re receiving eligible services and don’t have other coverage, we can help.”

The new benefit covers out-of-pocket costs for outpatient mental health and substance-use services, as well as medication, laboratory work and psychological evaluations. A similar reimbursement program was offered by the American Red Cross to some people affected by the September 11th attacks who enrolled before the end of 2006. The Health Department is making the benefit program retroactive to January 2, 2007, to provide continuity of coverage. The agency is also expanding eligibility beyond certain target groups to include any New York City resident who suffers from 9/11-related psychological distress, verified by a licensed provider. Outreach and enrollment will be managed by the Mental Health Association of New York City, a private, not-for-profit organization that works to change attitudes about mental illnesses.

Click Here to download Press Release PDF.

Click Here to download Fact Sheet PDF.

US State Department Reports Al-Qaeda still "Greatest Threat"

Al-Qaeda has reconstituted some of its pre-9/11 operational capabilities and is still planning attacks against Western targets, according to the State Department. The report, which media outlets describe as "sobering" ,says that al-Qaeda has utilized secret bases in Pakistan to rebuild capacity. The report also points out that the organization has increast its propaganda efforts, especially among youth and disgruntled Muslim populations in Europe."The international community has yet to muster a coordinated and effectively resourced program to counter extremist propaganda", the report points out. The report says that Iran remains the world's most active state sponsor of terrorism. Visit our website to read more on the story.