In 2014, VOICES completed Preparing for After, a Resource Kit that documents best practices in preparing for, responding to and recovering from acts of mass violence.

The Resource Kit is based on extensive research and interviews conducted with those who responded to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Oklahoma City bombing and the shootings at Virginia Tech, Northern Illinois University and in Tucson, Arizona.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, the project documents lessons learned that will guide service providers, organizations and government agencies in providing services to victims families, survivors and others impacted by traumatic events. Community leaders, emergency managers, law enforcement, mental health professionals and other key stakeholders will find this information useful in preparing for and responding to both the immediate and long-term needs of the community.

Unfortunately, acts of terrorism, mass violence or natural disaster occur each week, and the notion of "it can't happen here" is fading as traumatic events occur in small and large communities, both in the U.S. and abroad. Support systems remain primarily focused on short-term needs. Our professional experience and research indicate a consistent long-term support requirement following each occurrence. Communities that wish to implement a long-term model are unclear as to how or where to begin.

VOICES is uniquely positioned to provide a long-term framework for use by stakeholders within each community. We feel strongly that our Resource Kit and our ongoing efforts through continued research, the development of curriculum and training offers an informative guide of best practices that will help better prepare and promote resiliency in communities following these events.

If you are interested in downloading the Resource Kit for personal or professional use, please click the button below.

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