Month in Review

With the World Trade Center Health Program and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund set to expire in October 2015 and 2016, respectively, a bipartisan group of U.S. Senate and House Lawmakers from Across the Country have introduced an important act to permanently extend these programs. Nearly 14 years after 9/11, responders and survivors are still battling serious health crises resulting from exposure to the toxins at Ground Zero.

On Friday, April 3, 2015, VOICES hosted its annual Resiliency Symposium, "Promoting Resiliency in Communities Impacted by Trauma: Identification and Treatment of Long-Term Needs." This year's Symposium was an insightful day that featured presentations, panel discussions and interactive educational speakers led by accomplished clinicians, authors, and researchers. We were pleased to bring together this group of professionals with expertise in the fields of psychology, research, occupational health, and medicine.

In January 2014, the U.S. Congress directed the Federal Bureau of Investigation to create a commission with the expertise and scope to conduct a comprehensive external review of the implementation of the recommendations related to the FBI that were proposed by the 9/11 Commission. The FBI 9/11 Review Commission was chaired by Bruce Hoffman, Edwin Meese and Ambassador Tim Roemer. The chairs appointed John Gannon, VOICES Board Member and former CIA Deputy Director for Intelligence, as Executive Director.

On December 8, 2014, Robinson+Cole presented NFL football legend George Martin of the New York Giants with its inaugural Giving Cup Award at a reception at The Avon Theatre in Stamford, CT. The firm honored Mr. Martin for his work in support of 9/11 first responders and their ongoing medical needs. Additionally, Mary Fetchet, Founding Director of Voices of September 11th, spoke about the important work of the organization to help families heal after tragedy, a vital mission that began after 9/11. "Survivors need the ongoing support of their communities," said Ms. Fetchet.

New Canaan's Mary Fetchet lost her son Brad on September 11, 2001. He had called her husband right after the first tower was hit; he was on the 89th floor of tower 2. That was the last time they heard from their 24-year-old son. Fetchet, a social worker by trade, though grieving, started mobilizing to help other families and founded a 9/11 advocacy non-profit organization called Voices of September 11th. She also launched the 9-11 Living Memorial Project so that the stories of those who perished could be told.

Fairfield County is chock-full of people who just can't stop giving: spouses that compete in a friendly contest to see who gives back more, teens whose over-scheduled afternoons are packed with good deeds, mothers who turn grief into hope and healing for thousands more who are hurting, friends who start a movement to save one child with cancer and won't stop until they save them all. On November 13, 2014, VOICES Founding Director Mary Fetchet was awarded this year's "Best Friend to Families" award by Moffly Media during its annual Light a Fire ceremony.

Once again, VOICES was proud to march with the Wounded Warrior Project in the Veterans Day Parade in New York City on Tuesday, November 11, 2014. Following the attacks on 9/11, many of these brave individuals joined the military to help make us all safer. It was an honor for our team to stand in unison with them for this special event.

VOICES honored CBS News Chairman and 60 Minutes Executive Producer Jeff Fager with its Building Bridges Award at its 7th annual gala, held at Guastavino's in New York City. Over 300 guests attended this year's gala, which was held on November 5, 2014. "VOICES is delighted to recognize Jeff for his leadership at CBS News and as Executive Producer of 60 Minutes," said Founding Director Mary Fetchet.

Wellness in the Park, produced by Zen Living Magazine, will host a fun-filled day at the park with more than 150 vendors, free health screenings, free fitness classes, music, activities for the kids, healthy snacks and treats. Learn More.

The Outdoor Living & Wellness Festival is being produced by River Street Entertainment and will provide a fun filled day for the entire family! Over 150 Vendors promoting outdoor living, adventure & activities, outdoor entertainment, tourism, health & wellness, nature, natural/organic/Eco-friendly products & much more! Food, live music/DJ from the Pavilion, activities for children and more! Learn More.