Counseling Center opens at Ground Zero to serve victims and heroes of 9/11 Launch to take place Thursday, March 28 at Carnegie Hall Easter Concert

Counseling Center at Ground Zero to be launched Thursday, March 28 at concert in Carnegie Hall with national recording artists. The Counseling center will provide free services to members of FDNY, NYPD, PAPD, rescue and recovery workers, local residents/businesses near Ground Zero, financial district and Wall Street workers, families of victims, and those unemployed directly due to the attacks.

New York, NY -- March 26, 2002 -- EncourageAmerica announces the launch of the Restoration Counseling Center located one block from Ground Zero in Battery Park City. On Thursday, March 28, EncourageAmerica hosts invited guests representing the groups greatly affected by 9/11 for A Night of Encouragement"-an Easter concert at Carnegie Hall to launch the center.

As a tangible expression of commitment to the people of New York and the nation, the new Restoration Counseling Center provides free counseling services to those suffering the aftermath effects of the September 11th attacks. Counseling sessions are available to bona fide members of the following groups at no cost: FDNY, NYPD, PAPD, rescue and recovery workers, local residents/businesses near Ground Zero, financial district and Wall Street workers, families of victims, and those unemployed directly due to the attacks.

EncourageAmerica has partnered with two prominent New York City churches, Glad Tidings Tabernacle and Times Square Church, in support of those overcoming personal tragedy as a result of the attacks on America by opening the center.

America has just passed the sixth month anniversary of this terrible tragedy. But, we know that the healing has only begun," said Regina Carle, founder and president of Encourage America. Encourage America is dedicated to connecting those seeking help with those providing physical, emotional or spiritual encouragement. The center is one way for us to join with others and encourage people who are overcoming a personal tragedy."

Reverend Carl D. Keyes worked as a chaplain on the overnight shift at Ground Zero and realized from the very beginning that the wounds would be very deep for New Yorkers.
The guys we met will carry this with them for a long time unless they can talk it out and get some help. Thats why we are opening the counseling center," said Keyes. Weve been dedicated to serving New York for decades before the attacks and we want to be here for the long haul for these folks, for their families and for their children."

Additional information on EncourageAmerica and the Restoration Counseling Center is available at www.EncourageAmerica.org. Counseling appointments are available during day and evening hours and can be arranged by calling the Restoration Counseling Center at (212) 786-0674.