Dear Families and Friends,

 

Happy New Year from all of us at VOICES!

 

As we plan for the year ahead, we are excited to provide programs that promote mental health care and wellness, and build resilience. Our team proudly renews our commitment to provide free, long-term support for those impacted by 9/11, while working with our partners to assist communities affected by other tragedies, in the United States and abroad.

 

VOICES work is guided by the needs of the individuals we serve. In addition to our regularly scheduled programs, we are hosting a series of virtual Community Focus Groups that will inform our support services and educational initiatives.

 

We look forward to our work together in the coming year!

 

With warm regards,
Mary Fetchet & the VOICES Team

 

 

 

Your opinion matters! As we plan our 2023 programs, VOICES remains committed to providing meaningful experiences that will be helpful to you and your family. In an effort to gather ideas, we are hosting a series of VOICES Community Focus Groups, facilitated by our staff.

 

The discussion will focus on topics such as, “What do you and your family need at this time?” “What support programs would be helpful?” “What workshop topics are of interest?” “What suggestions do you have for continuing to build a supportive community?” Break-out groups will allow for more in-depth conversations to share suggestions that will help shape our programs.

 

All are welcome and encouraged to participate!

 

 

Being proactive about remembering loved ones has a powerful and unexpected benefit: it can make you happier. Individuals who honor family and friends, who keep them proactively present in their lives, almost always fare better emotionally than those who don’t.

 

As Valentine’s Day approaches, Allison Gilbert will present an online workshop about taking intentional steps to remember loved ones as a key to healing. By incorporating memories into our lives, we can embrace the people who have passed and recognize all that’s good and fulfilling in our present.

 

Remembrance, Reflection and Resilience was the theme of VOICES 21st Anniversary Gala. For those who may not have attended, we are sharing the testimonial video and want to acknowledge all those who contributed: Elaine Barnett, Vincent Caprio, Bill Daley, James Comey, Deborah Garcia, Anthony Gardner, Alice Greenwald, Jeff Van Gundy, Jeanmarie Hargrave, Governor Tom Kean, Jeannie Kelly, Jim Leyritz, Matt McCauley, Cathy Pepe, Matt Winters. Watch video.

 

Are We Safer Today? chronicles the efforts of the 9/11 Commission that conducted the most extensive investigation in U.S. history, examining the systemic failures that led to the September 11 attacks. The Commissioners reflect on their formation during a divided time, the challenges they faced, and how the families were instrumental in advocating for its formation that led to sweeping intelligence reforms. See the trailer here.

 

If you live in the NYC area the documentary airs tonight – Wednesday, January 4 at 9:00pm on WLIW21. It is also streaming on PBS Passport.

 

To learn more about Are We Safer Today? view the panel discussion with Governor Tom Kean and other stakeholders, moderated by producer, Bob Massie. View the discussion here.

As you begin the new year, our recent mindfulness programs provide strategies to build resilience and help you feel refreshed and rejuvenated.

 

Mickie Brown, RN, HN-BC presents, Learning to Thrive, Not Just Survive. Stress is a common occurrence in everyday life, and the holidays may have offered their own stressors. This online workshop focuses on providing practical tips and mindful antidotes to support your health and happiness. Watch video.

 

 

Wendy Boscia, Yoga Alliance teacher, leads us in a mindful moment. Take a few minutes to pause from your busy day to breathe, to reconnect and to begin again. Watch video.

VOICES Peer Support Groups, led by VOICES clinical staff are held online. The groups provide a safe place to connect with one another, and acquire skills to build resilience. Participation is free and registration is required.

 

Family Members
January 9 and 23 - Register

 

Survivors
January 10 and 24 - Register

 

Responders
January 16 and 30 - Register

 

Bereavement Group for Those Who Have
Lost a Loved One in the Past 3 Years
January 5 and 19 - Register

 

Parents Helping Parents provides in-person peer support for those who have suffered the loss of a child.

 

The support groups are held on the first and third Wednesday of each month at the VOICES office located at: 80 Main Street, New Canaan, CT. If you are interested in attending click here to register or call VOICES Center at 203-966-3911.

Recent articles of relevance to the VOICES community: