Dear Families and Friends,

August is a busy time as we prepare for VOICES 21st Annual Remembrance Symposium this September 9 and 10 in New York City. We are very excited about our partnership with LinCT-AA and INVICTM, and the distinguished speakers who are participating in this year’s event.

The September 9 program, Building Trust During Turbulent Times, is accessible to all via live stream. In person attendance is by invitation only. The September 10 program, Support Beyond the 20th Anniversary, is available to all - both in person and live stream. We encourage you to view the 2-day agenda and register online. Participation is free and space is limited.

There were several newsworthy events that impacted the 9/11 Community recently, in particular the recent killing of the top al-Qaeda leader. Upon learning of his death, VOICES published a statement that we have included below.

Recognizing that the weeks leading up to the 21st Anniversary are a difficult time, this month’s support groups and programs are focused on coping strategies. As always, our staff is available if you need assistance and can be reached at support@voicescenter.org or by calling 203-966-3911.

We hope you enjoy the remaining weeks of August, and look forward to seeing you at our September Symposium!

With warm regards,
Mary Fetchet & the VOICES Team

 
21st Annual Remembrance Symposium
September 9 and 10, 2022
New York Marriott Downtown | 85 West Street | New York City
Register Now
Registration is open for VOICES 21st Annual Remembrance Symposium, Pathways to Resilience. Once again, the event will be held on Friday, September 9 and Saturday, September 10 at the Downtown Marriott Hotel in New York City.
 
Building Trust During Turbulent Times
Friday, September 9 – 9:00am to 4:30pm
Building Trust During Turbulent Times highlights the important collaboration between LinCT-AA, INVICTM and VOICES. Building upon LinCT-AA’s 2022 Better Together Conference, presenters will share their expertise, identify challenges, and propose solutions via public-private partnerships, in the US & abroad. The agenda includes presentations on global threats, victim-centered response, and more.
 
9/11 Commission Documentary Discussion
Friday, September 9 – 5:15pm to 6:30pm
An evening panel discussion about the 9/11 Commission and highlights of the documentary Are We Safer Today?, chronicles the memories and observations of the 9/11 Commissioners. The conversation includes Governor Thomas Kean, Chair of the 9/11 Commission, and other key stakeholders as they reflect on our Nation’s progress towards implementing their recommendations over the last twenty years.
 
Support Beyond the 20th Anniversary
Saturday, September 10 – 9:00am to 4:30pm
Support Beyond the 20th Anniversary addresses the outstanding issues that continue to impact the 9/11 community more than 20 years later. Dedicated professionals who have committed their careers to serve the 9/11 community, will provide updates. Sessions highlight mental health considerations, commemoration, compensation, pending litigation, and an intro to new agency leadership.
 
Using Expressive Writing to Cope
Presented by Jamie Pennebaker
Thursday, August 25, 7:00pm EST
Register Now
Writing for as little as 10-15 minutes a day for 3-4 days about an upsetting experience can improve physical health, sleep, and reduce stress. Join us on Thursday, August 25 at 7:00pm for an interactive presentation with Jamie Pennebaker, a leading researcher focused on the relationship between expressive writing and physical/mental health. Participants will learn how to use expressive writing and understand the ways it can positively impact our minds and bodies.
 
Participation is free and registration is required.
 
9/11 Memorial & Museum Selects Elizabeth L. Hillman as Next President and CEO
Elizabeth L. Hillman
Months after announcing her retirement at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Alice M. Greenwald’s replacement as President and CEO of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum has been named.
 
To learn more about the 9/11 Memorial and Museum’s new leader, Elizabeth L. Hillman, and to read about her experience and accomplishments, click here.
 
VOICES Statement on Killing of al-Qaeda Leader
On Wednesday, August 3rd, VOICES released a statement in response to the killing of top al-Qaeda leader, and 9/11 mastermind, Ayman al-Zawahiri, who died as a result of a US military drone strike.
 
For access to VOICES complete statement, click here.
9/11 Support Groups
 
Peer Support Groups for the 9/11 Community
VOICES is hosting Peer Support Groups to provide a safe place for to connect with one another, and acquire skills to build resilience.
 
Groups are led by VOICES clinical staff and co-facilitated by peers to ensure the conversation is supportive and helpful to all. Meetings are scheduled bi-monthly, and participants are invited to attend one or all of the sessions. Participation is free and registration is required.
 

Family Members
August 22; September 6 and 19; October 3, 17, and 31 - Register

Survivors
August 17 and 31; September 13 and 27; October 11, and 25 - Register

Responders
August 29; September 6 and 19; October 3, 17, and 31 - Register

Bereavement Group for Those Who Have
Lost a Loved One in the Past 3 Years
August 25; September 6 and 19; October 3, 17, and 31 - Register
Newsworthy

Recent articles of relevance to the VOICES community:

9/11 mastermind Ayman al-Zawahiri killed by U.S. drone strike

9/11 Memorial & Museum Names New Leader

9/11 first responders have one more month to file a notice under New York World Trade Center Presumption law

Understanding the Ongoing Health Legacy of 9/11

Mass shootings and gun violence take a toll on medical staff

Open the NYC 9/11 files: The city must release its archives on air quality during the rescue and recovery efforts

‘Betrayed’: Sick 9/11 first responders on brink of losing jobs despite law

Donald Trump rejects 9/11 victims’ families’ plea and proceeds with Saudi-sponsored LIV Golf International tournament

Anxiety after mass shootings and violence

9/11 families blast Trump invite to Saudi-backed golf tour

From 9/11 to today, helping families and communities heal after tragedy

Voices Center for Resilience assists communities in preparing for and recovering from tragedy, and provides long-term support and resources that promote mental health care and wellness, for victims' families, responders and survivors.

More Information: www.VoicesCenter.org
(203) 966-3911 | Support@VoicesCenter.org
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