Dear Families and Friends,

 

As we begin the new year, we are proud to share VOICES milestones for 2022, and highlight the important contributions of our colleagues and friends who have supported our work.

 

Since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, VOICES has been honored to offer long-term support for thousands of victims’ families, survivors and responders. Our work over the past 21 years has provided us with the expertise required to help other communities prepare for and respond to acts of mass violence.

 

Last year marked several important accomplishments through collaboration with our long-standing, trusted partners. VOICES contributed the last missing photograph to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, a culmination of our 16-year shared commitment to complete the In Memoriam Exhibition. Our 2022 Symposium was co-hosted with the Leadership in Counter Terrorism Alumni Association and International Network Supporting Victims of Terrorism and Mass Violence resulting in the expanded participation of over 1,300 individuals from 28 states and 16 countries.

 

At VOICES 2022 Always Remember Gala, former NYPD Commissioner William Bratton and former FDNY Commissioner Thomas Von Essen were recognized for their significant contributions and the leadership they exemplified during their tenure. Our partnership with dozens of subject matter experts has enriched our support groups, our educational programs, and our annual symposium.

 

In 2023, we renew our commitment to provide the support that is needed for the 9/11 community, while working with our partners to help individuals and communities impacted by other tragedies, both locally and nationally.

 

As always, we are grateful to our donors, sponsors and volunteers whose generosity allows us to provide meaningful support services and programs free of charge. Their investment in our work today is building resilient communities for tomorrow.

 

Warmly,

Mary Fetchet, LCSW

Founding Director

 

VOICES proudly provided the photograph of Antonio Dorsey Pratt to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. The last missing photograph completed the In Memoriam Exhibit and ensured that ALL lives lost on September 11, 2001 are commemorated in a meaningful way.

 

Building Trust During Turbulent Times, co-hosted with LinCT-AA and INVICTM convened leading experts in law enforcement and counterterrorism. The evening program opened with remarks from Director of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, followed by highlights from Are We Safer Today?, and a discussion about the work of the 9/11 Commission.

 

Looking Beyond the 20th Anniversary brought together the 9/11 Community and the dedicated professionals who provide long term support that addresses a multitude of unresolved issues such as mental health considerations, commemoration, compensation, and pending litigation.

 

VOICES provided over 25 virtual workshops, conducted National Awareness Campaigns on mental health and wellness, and distributed psycho-educational materials and tip sheets.

 

2022 Meet the Author presentations featured New York Times best-selling author Bonnie McEneaney McNamara, Dr. Elisha Goldstein and Fred Guttenberg – father of Jamie who perished in the Parkland shooting, and brother of Michael who died of 9/11 related illness.

 

Last year, VOICES hosted 142 Peer-to-Peer Support Groups, facilitated by VOICES clinical staff, providing a supportive community for victims’ families, survivors, and responders to share their experiences.

 

VOICES Digital Resource Library grew exponentially in 2022! The online repository now includes over 4500 records including publications, videos, lessons learned, tip-sheets and historical records.

 

The 9/11 Living Memorial is an online collection of over 87,000 photographs documenting the lives of the 2,977 individuals who died on 9/11. In 2022, the Living Memorial expanded to begin commemorating the over 5,400 responders and survivors who have died of 9/11-related illness.

 

VOICES Always Remember Gala honored two remarkable individuals for their steadfast commitment to public service - former New York City Police Commissioner William J. Bratton and former New York City Fire Department Commissioner Thomas Von Essen.

 

VOICES 2022 Golf Outing was held at the majestic Quaker Ridge Golf Club in Scarsdale, NY. Participants enjoyed a spectacular day of golf, thanks to our dedicated committee and generous sponsors.

 

VOICES High School, College and Graduate School Internship Program provides students with valuable professional experience to work alongside our staff and learn first-hand about the events of 9/11 and other tragedies. Since its inception in 2005, the Program has hosted 231 students from 5 high schools and 32 colleges.

 

Our work at VOICES is possible because of the generous donation of time, talent, and treasure provided by our volunteers, donors and sponsors who share our commitment to helping those impacted by 9/11 and other tragedies.