Dear Families and Friends,

 

As I reflect on the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, I'm deeply grateful to everyone who helped us mark this milestone: our sponsors, speakers, volunteers, and performers.

 

This year's Symposium, Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future, gave us time to remember those we lost, honor those who continue to serve, and share what we've learned over the past 25 years. Most of all, it brought our community together, including the many professionals who have spent their careers advocating for us and making sure the lessons of September 11 protect future generations.

 

The personal stories, shared memories, and familiar faces reminded us that the impact of September 11 is still very real. They also showed us that the friendships and partnerships built over the years give us connection, gratitude, and hope as we look ahead.

 

The milestone has passed, but our work continues. VOICES remains committed to supporting and connecting the 9/11 community, preserving memories, and making sure the lessons of that day are never forgotten.

 

Twenty-five years ago, our community came together after a tragedy. Twenty-five years later, we are still together, remembering, supporting one another, and looking toward the future.

 

I am proud to share highlights from our 25th Anniversary NYC Symposium, along with photos and videos from the three-day event.

 

Thank you for being part of the VOICES family.

 

With warm regards,

 

VOICES 25th Anniversary NYC Symposium, Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future, brought together leading experts in law enforcement and counterterrorism who work every day to keep our communities safe. They were joined by our 9/11 community partners, who have dedicated their careers to supporting 9/11 families, responders, and survivors. Over three days, we shared meaningful conversations, honored memories, shared lessons learned and found time to reflect and reconnect.

 

Each presentation was recorded, and we're proud to share the videos along with photos from the event. Click here to view.

 

Commemorating the 25th anniversary of September 11, this special exhibition is a moving collection of artwork, quilts, sculpture, teddy bears, photographs, and memorial mementos. Each object tells a story of grief, hope, unity and healing, offering visitors an opportunity to reflect on one of the most significant moments in our nation's history.

 

At the heart of the exhibit, a 25-year timeline documents VOICES journey from the aftermath of September 11, 2001, to today. Highlighting key milestones, programs, partnerships, and accomplishments, the timeline traces VOICES evolving work to support the 9/11 Community through remembrance, advocacy, education, and long-term healing.

 

Our gratitude to Marcella Johnson and her wonderful team for bringing 1,000 Comfort Cubs to VOICES 25th Anniversary Symposium. Throughout the week in New York City, the Comfort Cubs provided warmth and comfort to family members, survivors, and responders and gave them something they could hold on to during this very emotional anniversary.

 

We were honored to share these gifts with NYPD, FDNY, and Cantor Fitzgerald families. For many, the bears were also a reminder that they are surrounded by a community that understands their loss and what they continue to face. Thank you, Marcella and team, for helping make this anniversary a little more comforting for so many.

 

For 25 years, artist Dianne Brudnicki, founder of the Seattle Art Project, has come to the VOICES Symposium with her talented students and volunteers, always bearing gifts. It began with a book, Messages of Peace, Hope and Love. Since then, Dianne has inspired generations of students to use art as a way to express healing, remembrance, and hope, and to build a lasting connection with the 9/11 Community.

 

This year was no different. Dianne shared beautiful hand-painted key chains and jewelry, once again showing what she calls a "symbiotic relationship between the giver and the receiver."

 

Thank you to our dear friend, Dianne, for continuing to bring messages of hope and healing to the 9/11 community. Your 25 years of dedication show how much art, connection, and kindness can matter over time.

 

On September 12, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum opened its special exhibition, In Their Honor: 25 Years of 9/11-Inspired Service. The exhibition looks at the lasting impact of the many acts of service that followed September 11. It shares the stories of people and organizations whose lives were changed by 9/11 and who, in the Museum's words, "transformed grief into action" through service careers, volunteering, and community work.

 

VOICES is honored to be part of this exhibition. It means even more to us as we mark 25 years of supporting families, survivors, responders, and everyone whose lives were forever changed. In Their Honor is on view at the Museum through January 2030.

 

Once again, VOICES took part in the National Day of Service and Remembrance by hosting several Pack for Preparedness events. These events were made possible by our community partners and a grant from 9/11 Day and AmeriCorps. This year, volunteers from New Canaan and nearby towns assembled Preparedness Backpacks filled with essential supplies for individuals and families who may need help after an emergency.

 

VOICES also hosted 9/11 Day service events at Colgate University, the New Canaan Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and the New Canaan Historical Society. It was VOICES largest day of service yet. Thanks to our generous volunteers and participants, we contributed more than 1,450 hours of service in memory of those lost on 9/11, and we brought the next generation into community service along the way.

 

At VOICES 25th Anniversary Symposium, we were proud to launch our partnership with StoryCorps to preserve the stories of the 9/11 Community. Family members, survivors, responders, and people working in law enforcement and counterterrorism sat down to record their stories. Many said it was the first time they had truly reflected on their own experience, and they found it deeply moving.

 

Over the coming years, VOICES and StoryCorps plan to record more than 250 conversations. They will be preserved at the Library of Congress, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and in the VOICES archives. Every story matters, and we invite you to share yours. To take part, please complete the interest form.

Survivors (2nd Wednesday, Virtual)

Wednesday, October 14th

12:00pm to 1:30pm EST

 

Survivors (3rd Wednesday, Virtual)

Wednesday, October 21st

12:00pm to 1:30pm EST

 

Victims' Family Members (Virtual)

Tuesday, October 13th

12:00pm to 1:30pm EST

Responders (Virtual)

Tuesday, October 20th

12:00pm to 1:30pm EST

 

Next Generation (Virtual)

Tuesday, October 6th

9:30am to 11:00am

 

Parents Helping Parents (In-Person)

Wednesday, October 21st

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.

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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