
ECNV at One LCPS: United for Wellness Conference
On January 28, 2023 ENCV was invited to be an exhibitor for ONE LCPS: United For Wellness, Mental Health and Wellness Conference hosted by Loudoun County Public Schools, Department of Student Services.
Andrew Shaw, Lea Kundratic and Rosalia Fajardo

Walter Reed Event
On Thursday, February 2, 2023, Andrew Shaw presented to a group of approximately 20 attendees at the Walter Reed Senior Day Center about travel training and explained various transportation options such as fixed route, Metro Access and Arlington STAR.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving an F When You’re Overseas
Earlier this month when the House of Representatives were collectively throwing a massive tantrum err, I mean totally governing in a responsible way that everyone in America totally approved of, one of the most captivating pictures that emerged was that of California Representative Katie Porter reading Mark Manson’s aptly titled…
D'Arcee, in his seat, on a airplane, smiling for a selfie photo

What’s New with RAMP?
For those who don’t know, the Virginia Ready to Achieve Mentoring Program (RAMP) is a career-focused mentoring program for students with disabilities funded through the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS).
RAMP logo

ECNV’s I Am Self-Advocacy Program: Two Program Models for 2023
The start of the new year has been quite busy for ECNV’s I Am Self-Advocacy (IASA) Program.
Three circles overlapping each other with words Self Advocate in the center and words Motivated, Committed, and Passionate on each circle.

Follow that STAR: Calling Arlingtonians to Action!!
Arlington County’s paratransit, better known as STAR. needs to be more respectful of people’s time!
STAR logo with its full name, Specialized Transit for Arlington Residents spelled out underneath.
Time for Changes in Policing and Criminal Legal System
ECNV is saddened by the horrific news and retraumatizing of our communities involving the violence enacted upon the victims in the Lunar Year Celebration in Monterey, California, Tyre Nichols, and Melia Jones. ECNV believes in the immediate need for reformation in policing and the criminal legal system. And we hope for the pursuit of justice and answers for local Alexandrian Melia Jones and her family.

ECNV Returns to the Durga Temple in Fairfax
On December 18, 2022, ENCV hosted a vaccination clinic at the Durga Temple, that serves the Hindu population in the Northern Virginia area with more than 20 people getting the flu and COVID vaccine.
ECNV staff, Ruchika Lalwani, helping a Hindu male wearing traditional clothes

Hybla Valley Community Center
On December 17, 2022 Rosalia Fajardo Multicultural Families Director distributed COVID home tests and information about ECNV and disability.
A Latina woman with a Latino adolescent in a wheelchair, and Rosalia Fajardo

Human Services Agencies Exchange Info and Explore Intersectionality of Poverty + Disability
On December 14, 2022, DARS invited ECNV to Community Academy to exchange resource information and learn more about the intersectionality of poverty and disability.

ECNV Remembers Hale Zukas
Late last month, disability activist Hale Zukas passed away from heart failure.
Hale Zukas wearing a red sweater

ECNV’s I Am Self-Advocacy Program Coming To Alexandria City High School!
The I Am Self-Advocacy Program (IASA) is a Pre-Employment Transition Service (Pre-ETS) focused on helping students with disabilities, ages 16-22, hone their skills in self-advocacy through a combination of weekly individual and group sessions.
Three circles overlapping each other with words Self Advocate in the center and words Motivated, Committed, and Passionate on each circle.

ECNV Recruiting Mentors and Community Partners for RAMP
ECNV’s pilot year for the Ready to Achieve Mentoring Program (RAMP) is underway!
Kevina Brown is an African American female pictured smiling, with shoulder-length black hair and eyeglasses, dressed in a yellow, white, red, and black plaid shirt and black pants with a waterfall in the background

An American Intermission: A Few Thoughts
This particular month, amidst the constant thread of PTSD and gaslighting that Denmark put me through, I find myself back on good ole American soil.
D'Arcee, in his seat, on a airplane, smiling for a selfie photo

Beyond Just "Doing Our Job"
If you take the time to give, your gift-giving for family and friends may be pretty much the same.
Consumer from Alexandria City receiving the Food Assistance card and walker
Why We Work for You
We are fortunate, at ECNV, to be able to work with a team of dedicated advocates who every day, demonstrate their heartfelt commitment to help people with disabilities live the lives they choose.

Turkey Dinner Distribution
On November 20, 2022, ECNV was invited to a turkey distribution event hosted by El Corazón a nonprofit serving the Bolivian community in Northern Virginia.
Rosalia Fajardo distributing COVID-19 test kits, energy saving light bulbs, and goody bags

Durga Temple Outreach
On November 19, 2022, Ruchika Lalwani and Rosalia Fajardo represented ECNV at a meeting of seniors and people with disabilities at the Durga Temple.
Ruchika Lalwani sharing information at a resource table

ECNV Delaplane COVID-19 Vaccine Outreach
Rosalia Fajardo (second from left) assists Independence Empowerment Center of Prince William in their Covid-19 outreach initiative in Delaplane, Virginia

ECNV at Arlington Food Assistance Center
On November, 17 2022, ECNV distributed Covid-19 test kits and energy saving light bulbs at the Thanksgiving Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) distribution that reached 150 people.
Miguel Fernández, a recently arrived Colombian assisting Rosalía Fajardo in front of the AFAC distribution truck