April Highlights
April is Stress Awareness Month, and as the eyes of the world remain focused on Ukraine, we continue to hope for the safety of its people. Recognizing this is a stressful time for so many reasons, we are offering several programs to provide coping skills to help manage stress in our daily lives.
Since 1981, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is also recognized in April, to raise awareness about the effects violence has on individuals and communities, and to promote laws, policies and programs that help victims of crime.
Over the past 20 years, VOICES has been honored to work with hundreds of individuals who have dedicated their careers to ensure that all victims receive the services they need to recover. There is no more important time than today to recognize the collective impact they are making in the lives of others, both at home and abroad. Together we can make a difference!
Stress Less! Through Applied Journal Techniques
Tuesday, April 12 - 7:00pm EST
Facilitator: Nancy Scherlong, LCSW, PTR, CJT, M/S
Did you know that April is National Stress Awareness month and National Poetry month?
Join us on Tuesday, April 12 from 7:00pm - 8:30pm for an evening of writing, unwinding and relaxation with Nancy Scherlong - who is back by popular demand!
Expressive writing research indicates that we can lower our perceived levels of stress and even enhance our immune system by putting pen to paper. Together we will experience the anxiety-lowering benefits of externalizing our challenges, using containment and organization strategies to prioritize our concerns, and internalizing our coping skills to begin the process of creating lasting change.
No prior writing experience needed and sharing is always optional. Our focus is on process, and while our work may have therapeutic benefits, it does not replace the need for therapy or other treatments.
Space is limited and registration is required. Workshop Fee: $15. Register Here.
Developing Resilience through Gratitude & Appreciation
Wednesday, April 20 - 12:00pm EST
Join us on Wednesday, April 20 at 12:00pm for the fourth in a monthly series on Building Personal and Community Resilience. In this workshop, participants will learn about the importance of expressing gratitude and appreciation as tools to increase well-being. Together we will explore the physical, psychological and interpersonal benefits of these practices and how to apply them in daily life.
This series was facilitated by Katherine Manners and Carolina Bautista-Velez, OVC consultants, two of the foremost authorities with decades of experience in trauma-informed practices to promote resilience. Following the video replay, participants will engage in a live discussion facilitated by VOICES staff.
Finding Calm in Turbulent Times
Thursday, April 28 - 7:00pm EST
Facilitator: Mickie Brown, RN, HN-BC
“Calm seas do not create skillful sailors” ~ African quote
This quote reminds us that the world - just as it is today - offers us an opportunity for growth. Join us Thursday, April 28 at 7pm, as Mickie Brown, and certified mind-body instructor will help us to cultivate the seeds of calm and equanimity so that as the world swirls around us, we can find peace in our hearts.
Equanimity is an essential practice for our troubled and chaotic times. It offers us mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation. Meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg calls it the “secret ingredient” in mindfulness as it leads to wisdom, and The Buddha described a mind filled with equanimity as “abundant, exalted, immeasurable, without hostility, and without ill-will.” It is about meeting life, no matter what arises, with an open and responsive heart.
Participation if free, registration is required.
Peer Support Groups for the 9/11 Community
VOICES is hosting Peer Support Groups to provide a safe place for to connect with one another, and acquire skills to build resilience.
Groups are led by VOICES clinical staff and co-facilitated by peers to ensure the conversation is supportive and helpful to all. Meetings are scheduled bi-monthly, and participants are invited to attend one or all of the sessions. Participation is free and registration is required. All sessions are from 12:00pm to 1:30pm EST.
Family Members
Mondays, April 4, 18; May 2, 16; June 13, 27 - Register
Survivors
April 5, 19; May 3, 17, and 31; June 14, 28 - Register
Responders
Mondays, April 11, 25; May 9, 23; June 6, 20 - Register
Families of Those Who Have Died of 9/11-Related Illness
Tuesdays, April 12, 26; May 10, 24; June 7, 21 - Register
Bereavement Group for those who have lost a loved one in the past 3 years
A reminder, for those who are registered, the last two sessions will be held
Thursdays, April 7, and April 14 - 12:00pm - 1:30pm EST
Registration Now Open
Bereavement Group for Those Who Have Lost a Loved One in the Past 3 Years
Groups to begin Thursday, May 5
12:00pm - 1:30pm EST
Register now for our upcoming bereavement support groups that will begin Thursday, May 5 from 12:00pm – 1:30pm. The groups are facilitated by VOICES clinical staff, and will be held bi-monthly for 8 sessions.
Bereavement groups allow members to share their struggles with others who have experienced a similar loss. The support of group members, and knowing you are not alone with your thoughts and feelings, can provide hope, healing and a path forward.
Participation is free and registration is required. Space is limited. Register Now.
Meet Our Interns
During the month of March we celebrate the important contributions of social workers. This year, VOICES is fortunate to have three graduate social work interns who are working alongside our staff to help facilitate our programs and provide meaningful support to those we serve. As the month concludes, we would like to highlight these dedicated individuals.
Anna Imperiale
Anna is completing her MSW at Columbia University with a concentration in programming, mental health, and family services. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies from NYU. Anna was drawn to social work because of her interest in social, political, and economic justice in underserved communities as well as issues around immigration, trauma/PTSD, and grief.
Rodrigo Martins
Rodrigo is a MSW student at Fordham University and in addition to his internship at VOICES, he works as the Fatherhood Initiative Program Coordinator at Danbury and Norwalk Head Start. Rodrigo is passionate about working with families and aspires to work in crisis response with at risk teenagers upon completion of his studies.
Clint Frehill
Clint is completing his MSW at Fordham University. He has clinical experience working with children and adolescents at the NY-Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Center in providing therapy, developing and implementing treatment plans, and facilitating groups. Clint hopes to further interpersonal effectiveness in assisting clients to achieve their treatment goals.
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
This year, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week will be recognized during the week of April 24-30. It is a time to honor the dedication of those who fight for victims’ rights and renew our commitment to guarantee all victims receive the services they need on the path to recovery.
The Office of Victims of Crime provides valuable resources to support victims of crime and the communities they live in. Visit the website links below to learn more about how the OVC assists crime victims, their families and communities.
VOICES Annual Needs Assessment Survey
Your Opinion Matters!
There is still time to complete our annual survey! Your response helps us prioritize our programs related to mental health and wellness and promoting resilience.
The survey will take approximately five minutes to complete and your response is confidential. Please complete by Friday, April 8. For those who have already responded, thank you!
Newsworthy
Recent articles of relevance to the 9/11 community:
Governor signs 9/11 observance bill prompted by local superintendent
NJ Senators bill would require schools to have 9/11 instruction
9/11 families battling over $3.5B in Taliban funds
9/11 Museum Now Has Photos of Every Victim Who Died in Attack — Except One
9/11 Tribute Museum in Lower Manhattan Preparing to Close Permanently
Sept. 11 Prosecutors Are in Plea Talks That Could Avert a Death-Penalty Trial