Dear Families and Friends,
 
The past few months have been the most difficult period many of us have ever faced in our lifetime. While in the midst of a global pandemic, we have witnessed the senseless killing of George Floyd, followed by peaceful protests and ensuing unrest that resulted in violence and destruction of our cities. Words cannot adequately express the sadness and helplessness these events evoke.
 
Last September I had the opportunity to visit the families and survivors at the Mother Emanuel Church in Charleston, South Carolina. They welcomed me into their community and provided me with the opportunity to visit their historic church, learn about their heritage, and hear about their struggles. I was forever touched by the experience of participating in a small bible study group in the very room where the shooting occurred. The time I spent with the congregation provided me with new insights into the challenges they face every day. Despite the loss of so many, they demonstrated strength and resilience as well as a deep faith and hope for the future.
 
In the aftermath of the recent events, VOICES COVID-19 Response Programs will provide relevant support and guidance to help families and communities. Our Webinar Series is continuing this month with an interactive experience to learn from, and ask questions of our special guests who are experienced clinicians. Other programs will be announced in the coming weeks.
 
At this time of great division, first and foremost our thoughts are with all those who have been impacted by these senseless tragedies. Change is critical, grief and fear have no boundaries. All of us at VOICES remain committed to providing the support that is needed during this unpredictable time to ensure that you are not alone!

Warm regards,


Mary Fetchet & the VOICES Staff

 
VOICES COVID-19 Response Program
 
VOICES Coronavirus Response Program was launched to provide an array of support and build resilience for our families and communities. Using our 18 years of experience, VOICES programs include COVID-19 Tip Sheets, Community Discussion Groups, Webinars with subject matter experts, VOICES Support Groups and psycho-educational programs that promote mental health wellness.

COVID-19 Tip Sheets
 
Tip Sheets provide information about Talking to Children, Guidance for Individuals and Families, Understanding Common Reactions to Stressful Situations, Mental Health Considerations, and Mental Health and Medical Resources. Tip Sheets are available on our website and for download: http://voicesofsept11.org/resources/coronavirus-covid-19-tip-sheets.
 
VOICES Webinar Series
VOICES Webinar series is an interactive program presented by subject matter experts who have extensive clinical experience working with individuals and families. These psycho-educational webinars provide information and support on relevant topics, along with an opportunity for participants to ask questions. The webinars are free and open to the public. Registration is required.

 
Managing Family Dynamics During COVID-19
Thursday, June 11th at 8:00pm EST
 
Join us for a roundtable discussion with Dr. Suzanne Phillips and Dr. Craig Haen as they discuss managing family dynamics during uncertain times. The webinar will expand upon topics they covered in their prior webinar, "Coping with COVID-19 with Echoes of 9/11: Pain and Possibilities," which is available online. The webinar is free of charge and open to all. Register Here.

 
Creating Emotional, Psychological and Relationship Resilience
Thursday, June 18th at 7:30pm
 
Join us for an interactive presentation by Mel Schwartz, psychotherapist, marriage counselor, and two-time TedTalk presenter. In this webinar, Mel will provide insights into cultivating our emotional, psychological and relationship resilience, and explore the importance of resiliency in our ability to navigate daunting times and our everyday lives. The webinar is free of charge and open to all. Register Here.

View "Coping with COVID-19 with Echoes of 9/11"
 
On May 20 our longtime friends and colleagues, Dr. Suzanne Phillips and Dr. Craig Haen, Co-chairs of the American Group Psychotherapy's Association's Community Outreach, provided an informative presentation. This webinar considered the physiological and psychological reactions to triggers from prior trauma, cumulative loss, intergenerational trauma and resilience in families. Available Online.
 
VOICES to Host 9/11 Community Support Groups
 
Over the past few months, VOICES led Discussion Groups to assess the needs of the 9/11 community during the COVID-19 pandemic. These groups remind us of the strength and resiliency of our community and the importance of peer-to-peer support during trying times. In response to their request we are offering 6-week, virtual support groups (via Zoom) for family members, survivors and responders. These support groups provide a safe place for the 9/11 community to connect and share your thoughts and experiences, as we navigate COVID-19.
 
Groups will be held on consecutive Tuesdays, beginning June 9 through July 14. Participants must commit to attending all 6 sessions. The groups have been generously sponsored by 9/11 community members and will be offered free of charge. Space is limited, and registration is required.
 
Survivors | 11:00am to 12:30pm | Register
 
Family Members | 1:00pm to 2:30pm | Register
 
 
VOICES 6th Annual Golf Outing
 
Join us on Monday, August 31 at our Annual Golf Outing which will be held at the historic Quaker Ridge Golf Club in Scarsdale, NY. Our Golf Committee is working closely with the club to ensure we are compliant with COVID-19 regulations. The day will conclude with EPSN's Mike Greenberg interviewing world-famous golf architect, Gil Hanse. This is a unique opportunity to play on one of the nation's top golf courses, and is expected to sell out quickly. Register Online.
 
May 30, 2002, 18th Anniversary Commemorative Ceremony
 
On Saturday, May 30th the National September 11 Memorial & Museum held a virtual service to commemorate the 18th anniversary of the official end of the rescue and recovery operations at the World Trade Center following the attacks on 9/11. On May 30th, 2002, the last steel column was removed from Ground Zero, and each year, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum marks the anniversary with a commemoration. Last year the Memorial Glade was dedicated in their memory.
 
VOICES Executive Director, Mary Fetchet remarked, "It was an honor to participate in the very meaningful commemoration on May 30. We will always be indebted to the responders who toiled in the search for our loved ones, and inspired by the strength and resilience of those who survived." While we were not able to join together in person in observance of the 18th anniversary, we gathered with Mayor Bloomberg and Alice Greenwald and the 9/11 community online for a very special digital commemoration ceremony. The commemoration can be viewed on YouTube.
 
Thank You to Our Sponsors
VOICES would like to recognize the generosity of the following organizations who have generously contributed to supporting VOICES COVID-19 Response Programs. Their financial support allows us to build on our mission while responding to the immediate needs of our communities.
 
First County Bank VOICES was recently awarded a grant from the First County Bank Foundation to support VOICES Coronavirus Response Program. The grant supports a series of VOICES Webinars to provide information and support for our families and communities in the aftermath of the pandemic outbreak. First County Bank, headquartered in Stamford, CT for more than 165 years, is an independent mutual community bank with 16 branches in Fairfield County.
 
Fairfield County's Community Foundation Their ongoing support of VOICES mission "to assist communities in recovering from tragedy and provide long-term support, resources and access to mental health care for victims' families, responders and survivors," is vital to sustain existing programs and launch new initiatives.
 
Rotary Club of New Canaan Building on its long history of improving our community, the Rotary Club has provided a generous grant to fund the production of a COVID-19 Health and Wellness video, which our college interns will be working on this summer.
 
College Students Begin their Summer Internships at VOICES
 
Once again this year we have an exceptional group of college students who are participating in VOICES internship program, working alongside our staff under the supervision of VOICES Project Director, Stephanie Landau. Although our interns are working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they have risen to the challenge and we'd like to take a moment to introduce Caroline DeVita, Sophia Manners, Alex Swift, and Charlotte Pratt.
 
Caroline DeVita is from Darien, Connecticut and is a rising junior at the University of Richmond majoring in Leadership Studies with a minor in English. Caroline's knows her love of writing will allow her to articulate real-world events, how society operates, and how it can be improved. "So far, I really like the work I have seen at VOICES in terms of working at a nonprofit, so I think that is a definite possibility for me for the future" noted Caroline.
 
Sophia Manners is from Westchester, New York. She is a rising junior at Colgate University, double majoring in history and French. Sophia has aspirations of going to law school after college and then working for a nonprofit, because helping others is where her passion lies. "Everyone has been extremely welcoming and has made the work environment, albeit virtual, extremely open and educational," commented Sophia.
 
Alex Swift grew up in Darien, Connecticut. She is a rising junior University of Richmond with a double major in Mathematical Economics and Leadership Studies. Alex is a Selected Scholar in her University's Science Scholars Leadership Program and is a Mentor in their Youth Life Foundation serving children from low-income areas. Recently Alex told us, "Especially with all the chaos in the world right now, I feel lucky to be working in a place where the work does not really feel like work."
 
Charlotte Pratt is from New Canaan, Connecticut. She is a rising senior at the University of Richmond, double majoring in Leadership Studies and Health Care Studies. As a member of the New Canaan High School cross-country team she h developed a passion for wellbeing and health. Charlotte noted, "It is clear that interning here is a unique opportunity to learn to work with communities in need and to develop my critical thinking skills and to experience new perspectives."
 
Your Support Matters
We appreciate contributions from all donors that help fund our mission to provide support and build resilience in our communities. In these unprecedented times, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to support VOICES, because your donation helps us help others.