Dear Families and Friends,

 

We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

 

Thank you to everyone who supported VOICES 2025 Always Remember Gala—it was truly a night to remember! Congratulations to our Leadership and Legacy Honorees and thanks to all that made the evening a wonderful success!

 

Last month we hosted two presentations on the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). The first featured an overview by VCF Special Master Allison Turkel and her team. The second, led by 9/11 attorneys Michael Barasch, Noah Kushlefsky and Matthew McCauley, offered insights based on their experience assisting thousands of survivors and responders. Participants submitted nearly 1,000 questions, underscoring the need for clear, accessible information about these vital programs. Links to the webinars are included below.

 

December is Seasonal Depression Awareness Month. The holidays can be challenging, so this month our programs focus on mental health and self-care. Dr. Margaret McKinnon will present the first in a two-part series, Navigating the Holiday Season: Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing. We’ve also included links to Connie Palmer’s Managing Grief During the Holidays and Meg Rooney’s mindful moment meditation, Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder.

 

On November 19, I attended the ASIS luncheon, where NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch was honored as Person of the Year. It was a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the Commissioner’s leadership and connect with colleagues dedicated to law enforcement and public safety.

 

As always, feel free to contact our office at 203-966-3911 if we can be of assistance.

 

With warm regards,

 

 

VOICES 2025 Always Remember Gala was held at the New York Athletic Club on November 13th. Congratulations to our Leadership Honoree, NYPD Deputy Commissioner Rebecca Weiner and our Legacy Honorees - James, John, Joseph, and Kathy Vigiano. A highlight of the evening was a spectacular musical performance by Broadway star, Laird Mackintosh. We are grateful to all who supported the event and contributed to making it a night to remember! View photo gallery and video.

 

On November 19th, ASIS held its annual Person of the Year Luncheon honoring NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Many accomplished individuals working in law enforcement and the security industry were in attendance, including former NYPD Commissioners William Bratton and James O’Neill, former NYPD Dept. Commissioner John Miller, and FBI ADIC Chris Raia.

 

The event holds special meaning to VOICES Director Mary Fetchet as she was recognized as Person of the Year in 2024 when Governor Thomas Kean delivered the Keynote Address.

 

The VCF is a crucial program for survivors, responders and their families. In an effort to update the 9/11 Community, we hosted two informative webinars.

 

VCF Special Masters - Updates on the VCF presented by Special Master Allison Turkel, Deputy Special Masters Nicole P Smith and Stefanie Langsam. The presentation provided an overview and update on the VCF, including proof of presence, the timing and amendments to claims, and responses to questions submitted by participants. View Webinar.

 

9/11 Attorneys - Updates on the VCF presented by Michael Barasch, Noah Kushlefsky, and Matt McCauley. Based on their experience working with thousands of survivors and responders, the attorneys provided additional insights, clarification, and guidance to help participants better understand the VCF process. View Webinar.

 

Your opinion matters! This September marks the milestone of the 25th Anniversary of 9/11. As we plan our programs for the year ahead, we are conducting a survey to assess the needs of VOICES community. Your insights will help guide the development of our support services and programs.

 

The survey will take approximately five minutes to complete, and responses are confidential and for internal use only. Thank you in advance for your participation! Click here for the survey

December is Seasonal Depression Awareness Month, a condition referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder. (SAD). As the days get shorter and there is less daylight, you may start to feel sad. While many people experience the “winter blues,” some may have a more serious diagnosis of SAD. The first step is to determine how much your symptoms interfere with your daily life.

 

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a condition triggered by reduced exposure to sunlight during the shorter winter days. It is a recognized mental health disorder and is most severe during December, January and February. Some steps you can take - get out for a daily walk, add Vitamin D to your diet, plan activities, and socialize with your family and friends.

Survivors (1st Wednesday, Virtual)

Wednesday, December 3rd

12:00pm to 1:30pm EST

 

Survivors (2nd Wednesday, Virtual)

Wednesday, December 10th

12:00pm to 1:30pm EST

 

Survivors (3rd Wednesday, Virtual)

Wednesday, December 17th

12:00pm to 1:30pm EST

 

Next Generation (In-Person)

Wednesday, December 2nd

9:30am to 11:00am

 

Victims' Family Members (Virtual)

Tuesday, December 9th

12:00pm to 1:30pm EST

 

Responders (Virtual)

Tuesday, December 16th

12:00pm to 1:30pm EST

 

Parents Helping Parents (In-Person)

Wednesday, December 3rd & 17th

9:30am to 11:00am

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

Interested in attending? Click here to view VOICES upcoming events.

Recent articles of relevance to the VOICES community:

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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