April 2024 ECNV Newsletter
Yes, It’s Our Birthday, No Foolin’!
Since April 1, 1982, ECNV has been at the forefront of advocating for independence and empowerment within the disability community. We have been dedicated to providing peer-based, self-help services that end dependence and foster self-reliance.
Throughout the years, ECNV has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of the community. From our humble start to becoming a leading resource center for people with disabilities in Northern Virginia, our commitment to promoting inclusion, accessibility, and equality has remained unwavering.
As we celebrate our 42nd anniversary, we reflect on the numerous lives we have touched and the milestones we have achieved together. Looking ahead, we remain dedicated to our mission of empowering people with disabilities to live independently and fully participate in all aspects of life. With continued support from our staff, volunteers, partners, and the community, we are confident we will continue to make a lasting impact for years to come.
Parkinson's Awareness Month
April is Parkinson's Awareness Month! More than 10 million people are living with Parkinson's Disease worldwide, and someone new is diagnosed in the U.S. every 6 minutes.
This year, the Parkinson's Foundation is spreading the #ABCsOfPD. Learn the basics of Parkinson's disease, from A to Z.
ECNV Welcomes new Director of Administration: Juan Castaño
Hello everyone.
My name is Juan Castaño, I am Colombian, and I have been living in Virginia for 5 years, I consider myself a very friendly, charismatic, loyal, and committed person to what I like and am passionate about.
I am a lawyer by profession, I have a specialization in Commercial Law, and I have a postgraduate degree in Senior Management. Additionally, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master’s in Human Resources Management.
Juan Castaño Director of Administration ››
Save the Date: Spring2Action 2024!
Spring2ACTion is on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 from midnight to 11:59 PM. Early giving will begin on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 and run through Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 11:59 PM.
This year, we hope to continue our efforts in providing support and advocacy to several individuals within the disability community. Look for more to come.
ECNV Volunteer-Led Peer Mentoring Program
Are you interested in helping people with disabilities increase their independence and develop successful outcomes in just a few hours per month?
ECNV is excited to announce that we are accepting sign-ups for our Volunteer-Led Peer Mentoring Program.
Please tell us about more by completing the interest form, found here. Someone from ECNV will reach out to learn more about you, and your availability and discuss topics you feel most knowledgeable about. Questions? Contact us at info@ecnv.org, or phone 703-525-3268.
Voter Registration and Legislative Updates
ECNV is a State-designated voter registration agency that can register Virginians to vote. If you or someone you know would like to register, please contact pansyw@ecnv.org for assistance. To vote in Virginia, you must:
Be a resident of Virginia (a person who has come to Virginia temporarily and intends to return to another state is not considered a resident for voting purposes)
Be a U. S. Citizen
Be 18 years old (any person who is 17 years old and will be eighteen years of age at the next general election shall be permitted to register in advance and also vote in any intervening primary or special election)
Not be registered and plan to vote in another state
Not currently declared mentally incompetent by a court of law
If convicted of a felony, your right to vote must have been restored
For more information about the Virginia Department of Elections, please visit:
https://www.elections.virginia.gov/registration/how-to-register
For updates and information on the 2024 VA General Assembly Outcome please visit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdapTghnIXA
ECNV Youth Programs and Support
Read about our programs and supports aimed to empower youth with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives, pursue their aspirations, and actively participate in their communities.
RAMP March is Dedicated to Interviewing Professions ››
ECNV’s I Am Self-Advocacy Program: April 2024 ››
Join Our Team: ECNV Seeks Dedicated Board Members
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Do you desire to advocate for the rights and well-being of people with disabilities (PWD)? If so, we invite you to consider joining our team at ECNV as a dedicated board member. As a non-profit organization committed to promoting independence, empowerment, and inclusion for PWD, ECNV relies on the expertise and enthusiasm of individuals like you to guide our mission forward. By serving on our board, you'll have the opportunity to contribute your unique skills and experiences and make a meaningful impact in the lives we serve. Join us in our mission to empower people with disabilities and help build a brighter future for our community. Apply to become a board member today!! (This is a volunteer-based role)
Board member job description ››
Check Out ECNV's Cool Swag Available on Zazzle
Support ECNV by purchasing and wearing some of our unique clothes and accessories with the ECNV logo. There are lots of choices and five percent of the proceeds go back to ECNV to continue the awesome and meaningful work we all are doing for disability advocacy and justice in the northern Virginia area.
ECNV Upcoming Calendar
ECNV Around Town
Vaccines for All!
During the month of March ECNV has continued with its community vaccination campaign and distribution of COVID-19 home test kits in Northern Virginia, thus fulfilling the mission of caring for diverse communities, guaranteeing access to vaccines and being able to access them for free COVID-19 home test kits.
ECNV is part of USAging’s Aging and Disability Vaccination Collaborative (ADVC) network, that distributes funding to organizations across the aging and disability networks to support an array of vaccination education and promotion activities, including community vaccine clinics, in-home vaccinations, transportation to vaccination sites, and outreach and education for older adults and people with disabilities. The ADVC is funded through a grant from the U.S. Administration for Community Living.
ECNV focuses on providing access to the uninsured, under served communities under the Bridge Access Program that provides vaccines at no cost to adults without health insurance.
Travel Trainer, Andrew Shaw and Pete S. Featured in Incl(US)ion Adventures, February 2024 Newsletter
ECNV Travel Trainer Andrew Shaw and Pete S. were featured in the February 2024 Newsletter. "Over 50 folks from the Incl(US)ion Adventure Group gathered for good food, conversation and planning...The evening kicked off with the presentation from Endependence Center of Northern Virginia (ECNV). Andrew Shaw, a travel trainer, educated the group about: Travel Training opportunities that are FREE and individualized."
ECNV and the Arc Travel Train in Loudoun
On Wednesday, February 28, 2024, travel trainer Andrew meets with a group from The Arc of Loudoun to use the Loudoun Transit bus to One Loudoun.
Travel training can help transport you to a galaxy (gallery) far far away…
On Friday, March 1, 2024, ECNV Travel Trainer Andrew helped Pete S. take the metro to the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.
Himalayan Free Clinic
On Friday, March 1, 2024, ECNV co-hosted another Himalayan Free clinic. We provided vaccines to seniors with disabilities and the general population and distributed COVID-19 tests for more than seventy attendees.
Partnership with Second Story
During the month of March, ECNV partnered with Second Story and hosted several community events mainly focusing on food security and health resources. ECNV distributed COVID-19 home tests at these events.
Alexandria City Government Resource Fair
On Thursday, March 7, 2024, Alexandria City Government hosted another resource fair event. ECNV staff attended this fair promoting our programs and distributing COVID-19 home tests.
Celebrating International Women's Day
On Thursday, March 7, 2024, Rosalia Fajardo Director and Disability Justice Partnerships participated in several International Women's Day celebrations events, with more than 125 Latina women attending. At Cornerstones Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center we shared our story, accomplishments, and challenges. ECNV provided COVID-19 home tests and bags. It was an inspirational morning to help forge a better, more inclusive world for women.
Dreamer Mothers in Action Celebrate International Women's Day!
On Friday, March 8, 2024, ECNV and Dreamer Mothers in Action hosted an International Women's Day night. This event featured two inspiring panels: one on women in politics and one on women entrepreneurs and community leaders. We want to thank all the female domestic workers and volunteer community leaders who are making a positive impact in their communities. It was a night full of joy. Those present enjoyed a beautiful celebration exalting the value and courage of Latin mothers. A delicious meal was served and there were raffles.
Connecting with Students at Mason Life
On Thursday, March 21, 2024, ECNV travel trainers Andrew Shaw and Hunter Cardwell led a group of persons with disabilities from the Arc of Northern VA on a travel training trip from Ashburn to Tysons metro. There were 30 attendees.
Salvadorian Mobile Consulate Vaccine Clinic
On Saturday, March 23, 2024 ECNV hosted a COVID-19 vaccine clinic with Salvadorian Mobile Consulate and organizations from Fairfax County governments. ECNV staff distributed COVID-19 home tests as well as provided vaccine shots.
Empowering Independence: Shamarke's Travel Training Adventure to Panera
ECNV's travel trainer, Margarita, recently (3/25/24) accompanied Sharmarke to Panera Bread in Alexandria to get lunch via metro bus and back to Springfield metro. During the journey, Sharmarke successfully learned to use the Smart Trip card independently.
