Organizations that support 9/11 victims

Autumn Raulerson

Riverbend News

Twenty-five years after the tragedy at the World Trade Center occurred on 9/11, victims' families and survivors of the attacks still have help available to them, from many different places. From financial assistance to mental support and counseling, there are all kinds of services available for those people directly or indirectly affected by the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Many of these events and organizations accept help from volunteers, allowing anyone who wants to help those people in need to do so.

Right after the attacks, many charitable foundations were formed to help those affected. One of these, the First Responders Children’s Foundation, provides college scholarships and mental health support to the children of first responders who died or became disabled in the attacks. Similarly, the Tuesday’s Children Foundation supports those children who lost parents on 9/11 through long-term mentorship, career guidance and grief support. Many other nonprofits exist to support families and survivors however they may need — whether through mental health support, financial assistance, scholarships or counseling, these nonprofits aim to assist those affected by the attacks as much as possible.

There were immediate and ongoing federal responses to the attacks as well. The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) is a federal program that still provides financial compensation to individuals with physical injuries or to families who lost loved ones, as well as those involved in debris removal. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Office for Victim Assistance was also expanded and reorganized following the attacks, and the office would work directly with families to coordinate crisis response, resources and support rights for victims of federal terrorist crimes.

Long-term federal payment still exists. Social Security Disability has special considerations/payments available for individuals unable to work due to 9/11 related injuries or illnesses. Additionally, the World Trade Center Health Program was established to provide no-cost medical monitoring and lifetime treatment for certified physical and mental health conditions resulting from the 9/11 attacks. Certain advocacy groups like 9/11 Health Watch and the FealGood Foundation assist victims and responders in navigating related claims and medical resources.

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum nonprofit also still contributes to the nation’s 9/11 recovery efforts. They often host memorial events at their physical memorial and museum that are part of the World Trade Center complex. Through their website, you can find when the next event is happening, make a donation to their “Never Forget Fund” to support memorials and to help share stories of hope and service and sustain their mission, or join their membership support program or volunteer to help. They offer all kinds of services and support related to the remembrance of 9/11. Volunteers who want to help memorialize the tragedy have countless opportunities available — they can be retail greeters, guided tour greeters, help with visitor services, museum docent volunteers, and sometimes volunteer office positions may become available as well. Any way you may want to help, you can.

There are dozens of nonprofits, federal programs and advocacy groups that help support victims' families and survivors of the 9/11 attacks. The 9/11 Memorial and Museum also offers memorial events and volunteer opportunities for those interested. Those who qualify can still receive assistance however they may need it, where it be financially, medically, or societally. Finding which foundation is right to help you depends on what kind of assistance you may need. For victims’ families and survivors of the attacks, there are organizations that offer scholarships, medical care, mental health assistance, and countless other services. It may be 25 years later, but some people are still and will always be affected by the attacks. As a nation, we will never forget, and we will always provide as much help for those who need it as we possibly can.

Support is still out there

• World Trade Center Health Program: Provides free medical monitoring and treatment for certified physical and mental health conditions related to 9/11 exposure.

• September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF): Delivers tax-free financial compensation to individuals or families of deceased individuals who suffered physical illnesses or injuries from the 9/11 attacks or debris sites.

• Voices Center For Resilience: Offers lifelong mental health support, support groups and care management for 9/11 families, responders and survivors.

• Tuesday’s Children: Provides long-term mentorship, youth programs and career guidance to families impacted by 9/11 related losses.

• Tunnel to Towers Foundation: Pays off mortgages for families of first responders who pass away from 9/11-related illnesses and builds adaptive smart homes for injured veterans.

• Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund: Supplies educational grants and scholarships to dependents of those killed or permanently disabled due to the attacks.

• The 9.11 Promise: A nonprofit that hosts endurance events to raise funds and award college scholarships specifically to the children of first responders and military service members who have been disabled or killed by post-9/11 complications.