ECNV at Independence Now 30th Anniversary Celebration
On Friday, September 27, 2024, ECNV's travel training team and other ECNV staff attended Independence Now’s 30th Anniversary Harvest Ball Celebration. This was a wonderful networking opportunity for the ECNV travel training team to meet new consumers.
(Center Top), a group of ECNV travel trainers and other ECNV staff, who attended the Independence Now 30th Anniversary Celebration. From Left to Right: Alicia Simms, Doris Ray, Andrew Shaw, Roman Senbato, Melinda “Mindy” Niland, Aleshia Whatley, Susan Picerno; (Left Photo, Front Row), Doris, Alicia Simms, Melinda “Mindy” Niland (Left Photo, Back Row) Andrew Shaw, Roman Senbato; (Right Photo, Front Row) Melinda “Mindy” Niland, Alicia Simms, Susan Picerno (Right Photo, Back Row) Roman Senbato and Aleshia Whatley.
Latino Magazine and National Educational Association
On Thursday September 26, 2024, ECNV was invited by Latino Magazine and National Educational Association to celebrate Hispanic women who dedicated to serving their communities in the education field including those with disabilities. Rosalia Fajardo represented ECNV.
(Left Photo) Melody Gonzales, Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunities for Hispanics, Jimena Barron ECNV organizadora for Bienvenidos project, a female in white dress Jazmin Chavez Associate Director for the White House office of Internships, Rosalia Fajardo in black blouse with animal print and black pants and end of the row Evelyn DeJesus a female Executive Vice president of the American Federation of Teachers; (Right Photo) Rosalia Fajardo and Evelyn DeJesus, Executive Vice President of the American Federation of Teachers.
Pueblo Unido Hispanic Heritage Event
On Saturday, September 21, 2024, ECNV attended the Pueblo Unido Hispanic Heritage at Sterling Community Center. The celebration was packed with family-friendly activities, full of traditional food trucks, music, and dance performances. ECNV distributed information about our programs like travel training and free COVID-19 home test kits were distributed.
(Center Top Photo) ECNV table with staff members Margarita Baquero, a female in ECNV white t-shirt and Karla Nativi, Rosalia Fajardo and a female in floral blouse; (Left Photo) A female in floral blouse holding a COVID home test, Karla Nativi and Margarita Baquero; (Right Photo) A group of Mexican dancers wearing traditional dresses.
Alexandria City Health Fair
On Saturday, September 28, 2024 ECNV provided vaccines during Alexandria City Health Fair. This was a successful event with more than 500 attendees with access to health resources and food distribution. ECNV appreciates everyone who came and worked to make this a successful event!
(Top Center) ECNV Travel trainer Margarita Baquero providing info to a Latino young girl and her mother in purple sweaters; (Left Bottom) A female Muslim refugee in traditional dress receiving a vaccine from a Walgreens female pharmacist; (Right Bottom) Fair attendees in line to receive services.
ECNV at the Embassy of Mexico
On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, Rosalia Fajardo, ECNV Director of Disability Equity and Strategic Partnerships was invited by Mexican Embassy and Department of Education Office of English Language Acquisition for a ceremony of educational collaboration between both institutions.
(Top, Center Photo) Two gentlemen seated in front of an audience at the Embassy of Mexico for a presentation; (Left Bottom Photo) Dr. Miguel Cardona, US Secretary of Education, Rosalia Fajardo and Esteban Moctezuma Barragán, Ambassador of Mexico to the United States of America posing together for this photo; (Right Bottom Photo) Rosalia Fajardo a female in black blouse and pants next to Montserrat Garabay, the Assistant Deputy Secretary & Director for the Office of English Language Acquisition at the U.S. Department of Education.
RAMP Update: October 2024
RAMP Update for October 2024.
Image: RAMP logo with the program name spelled out beneath it, Read to Achieve Mentoring Program.
Hispanic Heritage Month with Mark Warner and Time Kaine
On Thursday, September 26, 2024, ECNV staff Rosalia Fajardo attended Hispanic Heritage Month, which was hosted by Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine. This nonpartisan event celebrated heritage, culture, and community at the Hart Senate Office Building. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Hispanic/Latino/Latine community members from all over Virginia.
(Top Photo) Rosalia Fajardo surrounded by Virginia Hispanic Leaders; (Bottom Photo) Senator Tim Kaine addressing guests at Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at the Hart Senate Building, next to him is Senator Mark Warner.
Green Valley Day
On Saturday, September 21, 2024, ECNV staff attended Green Valley Day in Arlington! With perfect weather, large crowds and U.N.I.T.Y. in the community, ECNV offered your information, services, and time which contributed to the success of our event.
(Left Photo) A female in blue t-shirt and white pants, Rosalia Fajardo a female with a white t-shirt and black pants, a female in light blue blouse and khaki pants and Lorena Granados; (Right Photo) ECNV Staff members, Lorena Granados, Rosalia Fajardo and David Aguayo posing together at the ECNV staff table.
Disability Freedom & Justice Caravan
On Monday, September 9, 2024, Disability Freedom & Justice Caravan arrived at John Lewis High School in Springfield, VA! ECNV staff were there to welcome them!
(Top Center Photo) Disability Freedom & Justice Caravan parked out of John Lewis High School; (Left Photo) Doris Ray hugging one of her disability heroes; (Right Photo) Carlos Marquez at the ECNV info table.
ECNV’s new RACE Project
Our ECNV RACE project will continue with major outreach and services targeted in South Arlington. According to a 2023 report by Insight Region, over 34% of people in South Arlington fail to meet basic needs compared to 12 % in North Arlington.
(Center Photo, Top) Food distribution attendees in line to receive groceries; (Left) A Hispanic male in sport t-shirt and tan pants with a cap receiving info from ECNV -RACE Outreach Coordinator Lorena Granados during Our Lady Queen Of Peace church food distribution; (Right) A Hispanic female in white t-shirt receiving info from Lorena Granados during Our Lady Queen Of Peace church food distribution.
Alexandria City Government Thanks COVID-19 Heroes
On Tuesday, September 24, 2024, Alexandria City Government celebrated and reflected with partners on the powerful work that was accomplished during the pandemic. We enjoyed good food, great company, and reminiscing together! ECNV Director, Disability Equity Strategic Partnerships, Rosalia Fajardo and Deputy Executive Director Tim Fuchs represented ECNV.
(Left Photo) A blue billboard with text that reads: “COVID-19 Response Heroes, A Great Big Thank You”; (Right Photo) An African American woman posing for a photo with ECNV staff Rosalia and Tim Fuchs.
Celebrando el Mes Nacional de Concientización sobre el Empleo de Personas con Discapacidad: Empoderando la Inclusión y la Oportunidad
En el marco del Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana, nuestro proyecto Bienvenidos de ECNV.org se enorgullece de compartir recursos y conocimientos que abarcan las necesidades únicas de las personas con discapacidades dentro de la comunidad hispana. Este mes, nos centramos en la educación especial, un tema crucial que afecta a muchas familias hispanohablantes.
Bienvenidos Todos Webinar Series
Bienvenidos Todos will host webinar presentations about disability resources and services especially for Latinos with disabilities, their families, caregivers, advocates, and those who serve Latinos. Monthly webinars will cover disability topics especially as they pertain to Latinos and their different residency statuses.
Celebrando la Diversidad y la Educación Especial durante el Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana
En el marco del Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana, nuestro proyecto Bienvenidos de ECNV.org se enorgullece de compartir recursos y conocimientos que abarcan las necesidades únicas de las personas con discapacidades dentro de la comunidad hispana. Este mes, nos centramos en la educación especial, un tema crucial que afecta a muchas familias hispanohablantes.
ECNV and Corazon de America Partnership
On Sunday, August 11, 2024, Corazon de America distributed more than 400 backpacks to immigrant families. ECNV gave unconditional support to vulnerable newcomers immigrant communities and free COVID home test kits. The program included game therapy for children who survived the severe trauma of crossing the border.
ECNV and Second Story Work Together for Refugees
On Wednesday, August 14, 2024, ECNV staff Rosalia Fajardo and Lorena Granados, along with Second Story, gave away free COVID home tests to refugees.
Meta’s Tech and Accessibility Meeting
On Tuesday, August 13, 2024, ECNV was invited to be a part of Meta's Tech and Accessibility Meeting, along with 12 incredible leaders largely from the Blind and Low Vision community. Keri Gray, Meta accessibility Consultant shared, "Your feedback was invaluable, and it’s something we do not take for granted. It has already proven to be incredibly useful to our teams as we navigate the path toward building more inclusive technology."
Carrousel Apartments
On Tuesday, August 13, 2024, ECNV staff, Carlos Marquez, Rosalia Fajardo and Lorena Granados distributed backpacks for kids going back to school this coming fall, as well as free COVID home test kits.
Springfield Resource Center
On Monday, August 12, 2024, ECNV had an event at Springfield Resource Center, where families gathered to pick up backpacks for children going back to school, as well as supplies. We also distributed free COVID test kits.
Bailey's Back-to-School Event
On Saturday, August 10, 2024, ECNV was a key partner for the Bailey’s Back-to-School Event. With over 700 attendees and 350 backpacks distributed, our support was crucial in making the event a huge success! Seva Truck and Ñoño’s Taqueria provided complimentary meals to all attendees!