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Dear Families and Friends,
As we approach the 24th anniversary, we pause to remember those we lost on 9/11 and in its aftermath, and we honor their legacy. This month our programs bring the 9/11 Community together and highlight the continued efforts of those who support them, as well as the tireless work of the men and women who have dedicated their careers to keeping our communities safe.
In this edition, you will find details about VOICES 2025 New York City Symposium, entitled, Building Resilient Communities. This annual two-day event features presentations by esteemed subject matter experts who will share lessons learned, as well as updates and resources on a variety of important topics. Once again, we are thrilled to include the 9/11 Day of Service Project - assembling Preparedness Backpacks for distribution.
The month of September has been designated to raise awareness about two important issues. Suicide Prevention Month brings attention to one of the most urgent mental health concerns of our time. National Preparedness Month, entitled Preparedness Starts at Home, highlights the importance of preparing for disasters.
As the anniversary draws near, we are sharing information about opportunities for the 9/11 Community to come together – by attending commemorative events and Our Voices Together virtual gathering.
As always, we are available if you need assistance. Together, we are Building a Resilient Community that honor the past while working toward a future strengthened by mutual support, hope and resilience.
With warm regards,
Mary Fetchet & the VOICES Team
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VOICES 2025 NYC Symposium
New York Marriott Downtown | 85 West Street, NYC
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September 9th | Professionals
Global Security, Law Enforcement, and Emergency Services
September 10th | 9/11 Community
Victims' Families, Responders, Survivors, and Providers
One Week To Go! Join us in person or via the livestream broadcast. September 9th highlights the landscape of today’s evolving threats, the role of journalism and artificial intelligence, lessons learned in preparing for large scale events, and ideologies that fuel extremism. September 10th provides updates for the 9/11 Community including victim support programs, advocacy initiatives, medical and mental health care, legal proceedings, and long-term strategies to foster resilience.
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Our Voices Together
A Virtual Gathering of the 9/11 Community
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Wednesday, September 3rd - 7:00pm EST
Wednesday, September 17th - 7:00pm EST
VOICES is hosting Our Voices Together virtual gatherings with our longstanding friends from the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA). Led by Dr. Suzanne Phillips and Dr. Craig Haen, the groups are facilitated by AGPA clinicians and the VOICES staff. These supportive gatherings have been held annually in advance of and following the 9/11 Anniversary. The program provides an opportunity for the 9/11 community to prepare for and reflect on the anniversary by discussing personal thoughts, memories, and shared experiences.
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National Preparedness Month
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In 2004, the month of September was designated as National Preparedness Month. This year's theme is “Preparedness Starts at Home.” Getting yourself, your family, and your home ready means you are more prepared for any emergency – whether it is a human-caused tragedy or a natural disaster like home fires, power outages, or local floods. For more information about National Preparedness Month, click here. |
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VOICES Hosts 2nd Annual 9/11 Day Service Project
In the spirit of the National Day of Service and Remembrance, and September as National Preparedness Month, VOICES is proud to host its second annual 9/11 Day of Service Project at this year’s Symposium. Presenters and attendees are invited to assemble Preparedness Backpacks - one for themselves and one to be distributed to others. VOICES Pack for Preparedness Project is sponsored by 9/11 Day and AmeriCorps.
Last year, Co-founder of 9/11 Day, Jay Winuk was among the family members, survivors and responders who created backpacks that were distributed at the Symposium and at VOICES Preparedness trainings.
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September Commemorative Events
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Connecticut’s Annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony to be held September 4, 2025 at Sherwood Island Park
Governor Ned Lamont and Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz are inviting members of the public to attend the State of Connecticut’s annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony, honoring and celebrating the lives of those killed in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. This year’s ceremony will be held at 5:30pm on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport.
Family members of those who were killed in the attacks will participate, and the names of the 161 victims with ties to Connecticut will be read aloud.
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National September 11 Memorial & Museum
On September 11th the National September 11 Memorial & Museum is hosting the 24th anniversary commemoration on the Memorial plaza. The service will focus on an in-person reading of victims' names by family members and six moments of silence. The ceremony begins at 8:30am, with the first moment of silence at 8:46 am. Families may enter the plaza starting at 7:30am. Entry requires the invitation and/or letter provided in August.
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September 11th Commemorations
Community Night at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum
Wednesday September 10 from 3:00pm – 7:00pm
Perelman Performing Arts Center
Thursday, September 11, following the 9/11 Memorial
Reading of the Names Reading of the Names at St. Paul’s Chapel
Thursday, September 11 from 2:00pm – 4:00pm
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September is National Suicide Prevention Month, dedicated to recognizing the warning signs of suicide, encouraging open conversation about stigma related to mental health and connecting people to treatment and resources.
If you have lost a loved one due to suicide, it is important to know that resources are available that can provide support.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for free, confidential support 24/7. VOICES provides information to promote awareness about suicide. Learn more.
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Offering Support After Loss Due to Suicide
Presented by: Maureen Underwood & Marney Rohda
This conversation offers insightful guidance on coping with suicide loss and gently supporting loved ones.
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Mindful Moment Meditation
Awakening Our Inner World
Join us for Awakening Our Inner World, a meditation presented by the talented certified yoga instructor, Meg Rooney.
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Peer Support Groups
VOICES provides monthly virtual and in-person support groups, providing a welcoming opportunity to discuss shared experiences and resources to build resilience. Our groups are facilitated by VOICES professional staff.
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Survivors (Virtual)
Wednesday, September 3rd
12:00pm to 1:30pm EST
Victims' Family Members (Virtual)
Tuesday, September 2nd
12:00pm to 1:30pm EST
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Responders (Virtual)
Tuesday, September 16th
12:00pm to 1:30pm EST
Parents Helping Parents (In-Person)
Wednesday, September 3rd & 17th
9:30am to 11:00am
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Are you interested in joining VOICES Support Groups as a new member? Do you have a suggestion for a new Peer Support Group? Click here |
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Preparedness Awareness
September is National Preparedness Month. VOICES tipsheets provide details on how to prepare for a variety of emergencies, including power outages, wildfires, weather events, and more.
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Parents Helping Parents Peer Support Group
September 3, 2025 | 9:30am to 11:00am
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9/11 Survivor Peer Support Group
September 3, 2025 | 12:00pm to 1:30pm EST
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Our Voices Together
September 3, 2025 | 7:00pm to 8:30pm EST
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VOICES 2025 NYC Symposium | Professionals
September 9, 2025 | 8:00am to 5:00pm
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VOICES 2025 NYC Symposium | 9/11 Community
September 10, 2025 | 9:00am to 5:00pm
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9/11 Responders Peer Support Group
September 16, 2025 | 12:00pm to 1:30pm EST
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Parents Helping Parents Peer Support Group
September 17, 2025 | 9:30am to 11:00am
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Our Voices Together
September 17, 2025 | 7:00pm to 8:30pm EST
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9/11 Survivor Peer Support Group
October 1, 2025 | 12:00pm to 1:30pm EST
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Parents Helping Parents Peer Support Group
October 1, 2025 | 9:30am to 11:00am
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9/11 Family Member Peer Support Group
October 14, 2025 | 12:00pm to 1:30pm EST
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Interested in attending? Click here to view VOICES upcoming events. |
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Recent articles of relevance to the VOICES community:
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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: VoicesCenter.org
(203) 966-3911 | Support@VoicesCenter.org
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