April 2025 E-newsletter
43 Years Strong: ECNV’s Legacy of Empowerment Continues!
ECNV is excited to share that April 1st marked our 43rd anniversary. We are pleased to reflect on our history and accomplishments at this annual milestone. However, we cannot help but focus on the present and the work before us to protect people with disabilities in Northern Virginia and beyond.
ECNV’s formation recalls the time when disabled people from Northern Virginia organized and built something new for the protection and benefit of other people with disabilities. This is not unlike the times we find ourselves in now. We are witnessing cuts and destabilization of so many critical programs: Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, federal programs that provide support for people with disabilities, and even ECNV and other community organizations are under threat. As we write this, employees that administer the Independent Living program at the US Dept of Health and Human Services are being barred entry to their office and notified by email of their impending layoff.
We must not stand by while attempts are made to dismantle policy and programs we fought so hard to put into place. On this anniversary of ECNV’s creation, we ask you to commit to fight for disabled people; to fight for Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security; to fight for ECNV and other programs by and for people with disabilities.
Please take a few minutes to call your representative and senators and let them know what ECNV means to you. Share a personal story about ECNV or the programs you rely on most and what would happen if they were no longer available to you.
Celebrate our anniversary by doing what we have always done together: Take Action!
Join the Movement: How You Can Support ECNV Through Our Campaigns:
Mark Your Calendar: ECNV is Participating in 2025 Spring2ACTion!
Spring2ACTion is a 24-hour online event that provides a simple way to connect donors to the charitable causes they care about most and encourages them to take action. This virtual fundraising effort, presented by ACT for Alexandria, with the help of generous sponsors, offers local nonprofits the chance to raise thousands of dollars to ensure that Alexandria is a strong, vibrant community for all.
When: Early giving begins March 26, 2025 through Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Day of Giving is April 9, 2025!
Why ECNV? Each gift made during this campaign will allow us to further our mission at ECNV. Your donation of any amount will help with Independent Living Skills Training, Peer Mentorship, and our durable medical equipment program.
Where: ECNV Spring2ACTion page
Thank you! ECNV Participated in 2025 Give Choose Campaign
We are deeply grateful for the incredible generosity shown to ECNV during Give Choose 2025. On March 25, 2025, our organization took part in our local Day of Giving to connect with our amazing community of supporters.
Thanks to donors like you, we successfully raised funds to further our mission of empowering people with disabilities to live independently. Every contribution made through Give Choose will play a vital role in enhancing our services and expanding our impact within the community.
New Testimonial and Thank You!
"I am writing to say 'Thank you so much' for our great event last Sunday, February 16, [2025]. All of this was possible because each of you contributed your time, enthusiasm, and energy to provide the community with important information. Also, I would like to thank Rosalia and her organization for providing us with the flu vaccines. We successfully vaccinated 40 people, and despite the rain, we gathered more than 50 people for this event.
It was great to have the CareVan and all of you. I would be happy to continue working together and have more events soon. Wishing you good health and a good day."
Read Program Specific Testimonials ››
Explore Our Benefits Counseling Services
Medicare Part D, Low Income Subsidy (LIS)
Medicare Savings Program (MSP)
Medicaid
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
SSI / SSDI
Benefits Counseling Referrals ››
Watch the Latest Benefits Information Session ››
Upcoming Workshops and Classes!
Thriving Solo is Now Open!
Thriving Solo - Thriving Solo is the perfect class for people with disabilities who want to learn more about living on their own. These classes will help participants build skills and understanding in the key areas of living independently: cooking and meal preparation, daily routine, stress management, travel training, budgeting and money management, self-advocacy, and more! Classes will be led by ECNV’s Independent Living Specialists and include both classroom instruction, group activities, and hands-on experiences and field trips. These classes are led by and for people with disabilities and participants will also participate alongside peers and develop social skills and build relationships as they work through the course.
Sign up today with the Online Registration Form! Registration closes May 15, 2025.
Participants must be Northern Virginia residents
Shape Your Future: Summer RAMP now Open!
Ready to Achieve Mentoring Program (RAMP) - This is a Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) program designed to help youth and young adults develop the skills necessary to further their education and/or secure employment. NEW! We are launching our inaugural Summer RAMP program this year! We will begin onboarding referred students in May for this 16-week program. This offering, while a consolidated version of our 9-month program model, will still provide students with job and community exploration activities, skill-building exercises, and enrichment opportunities. Please contact Kevina Brown at kbrown@ecnv.org. All referrals must come through DARS, and we will prioritize those we receive prior to June.
Money Matters Registration Open for Summer 2025
Money Matters 101 is a five-part Financial Skills training to help individuals understand and manage their money. We are currently accepting registrations for our Summer class: Wednesdays from 4-5pm from July 2–30. Eligibility is open to FIS Waiver and DARS referrals as well as anyone interested in expanding their knowledge about money. Visit our Money Matters program page to learn more about the program. Registration deadline is June 21, 2025.
Money Matters 101 Registration ››
Coming Soon New Support Group: The Aging Solo DMV Collective
Aging Solo doesn’t mean aging alone! The Aging Solo DMV Collective is a BRAND-NEW welcoming, monthly gathering where we share experiences, challenges, and triumphs of navigating life on our own terms. This group also welcomes all who have previously taken the Aging Solo six-week class offered by ECNV as well as other organizations, and if you're taking it for the first time.
Link will be provided to all who register or email info@ecnv.org for more information.
Join ECNV's Peer Support Group Open House!
Are you looking for a space to connect with others who truly understand the challenges of living with a disability? Join us for a virtual open house on Zoom, Thursday, April 17 at 7:00 p.m. EST, where we’ll discuss topics that matter to you—navigating benefits, employment, housing, daily life with a disability, and more. This is a great opportunity to meet new friends, share your experiences, and receive support from knowledgeable peer facilitators with disabilities who can offer guidance, encouragement, and a listening ear. All are welcome! If you're interested, please complete this form: Peer Support Group Interest Form
The Zoom link will be shared with all who complete the Interest form, and/or email us at info@ecnv.org. We hope to see you there!
For more information, email info@ecnv.org. If you require reasonable accommodation to participate in ECNV programs, please email us or call 703-525-3268.
ECNV Youth Programs and Support
Read about our programs and support aimed to empower youth with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives, pursue their aspirations, and actively participate in their communities.
ECNV's I Am Self-Advocacy Program: April 2025 ››
Grant Updates:
Bienvenidos Todos Webinar Series
Save the Date: April 10, 2025 for the next Bienvenidos webinar!
Join us for an informative session on students' rights including those who receive special education under IDEA and other student rights, a topic that is frequently requested by families and individuals seeking support services. In this seminar Legal Aid Justice Center will present on rights under other disability laws, rights with respect to immigration and rights to language access/rights of English learners at school.
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. Webinars are available in English and Spanish.
Welcoming Latinos with Disabilities and their Families Provider Online Seminars
Save the Date: April 17, 2025 (Third Thursday of the Month) for the next Providers Seminar!
• How are Latinos and their communities different from the mainstream?
• How are they different from each other?
• Why is outreach to Latino communities so important?
Register for Provider Seminar ››
Spring is in the Air: Check Out ECNV's Shirts and More 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
Check out our updated calendar page with the latest information and events.
ECNV Around Town
Vaccines for All!
In 2025, ECNV will continue with its community vaccination campaign and distribution of COVID tests in Northern Virginia, thus fulfilling the mission of caring for diverse communities, guaranteeing access to vaccines, and accessing them for free COVID home tests. In addition to these activities, ECNV also participated in other events related to the implementation of the Bienvenidos Todos Project and RACE project.
ECNV continues with its free vaccination program for people from multicultural communities! We will be providing flu vaccines throughout at different events and health fairs.
Don Beyer Federal Workers Fair
On Saturday, March 8, 2025, in partnership with Congressman Don Beyer, Arlington County joined other regional municipalities to host a joint Resource Fair for federal workers and contractors. This pop up fair which was held at Wakefield High School, offered vital services, including employment assistance, mental health support, housing information, food aid, and information on federal workers' rights.
Lorton Community Center Health Fair
On Sunday, March 9, 2025, ECNV staff attended the Lorton Community Center Health Fair and successfully distributed flu vaccine shots to those who attended. Our participation and support played a crucial role in making it a success.
Springfield Community Center Second Story Health Fair
On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, Second Story held a health fair at Springfield Community Center. ECNV also attended and successfully gave flu vaccine shots to those who attended.
Bienvenidos Todos Waiver Webinar
On Thursday, March 13, 2025, Bienvenidos Todos offered an informative session on waivers, an important topic frequently requested by families and individuals with disabilities seeking support services. In this seminar, Majo Flores from the Arc of Northern Virginia did an extraordinary job explaining what a waiver is, the eligibility criteria, and the complete process to obtain a waiver.
Porto Charities Disability Inclusion Conference
On Saturday, March 15, 2025, Director of Programs Hannah Roberts and travel trainer Mindy Niland attended the 2025 ‘From Inclusion to Belonging Annual Conference on Disability.’ It was an all-day conference focused on how to plan for your transition from high school to beyond and was held at Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, VA. It was sponsored by Porto Charities.
Carpenter Shelter Vaccine Event
On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, ECNV provided vaccines at Carpenter Shelter in Alexandria, VA. This shelter offers a comprehensive array of services for children, women, and men experiencing homelessness and accomplished the core of our mission guaranteeing health to vulnerable communities. COVID-19 home test kits were distributed.
Alexandria Community Shelter
On Saturday, March 22, 2025, ECNV distributed vaccines at Alexandria Community Shelter, a 64-bed residential emergency shelter that serves both families and individuals. The shelter offers a comprehensive array of services for children, women, and men experiencing homelessness in Alexandria, VA.
The Happy Healthy Safe Arlington DD Awareness Month Event
On Saturday, March 22, 2025, ECNV staff attended The Happy Healthy Safe Arlington DD Awareness Month, which was celebrated at Fairlington Community Center. ECNV gave out information about our travel training program and distributed COVID-19 home test kits!
Gum Springs Male Health and Wellness Initiative
On Saturday, March 22, 2025, ECNV participated at Male Health and Wellness Initiative, which was hosted at Gum Springs Community Center Advisory Board (GSCCAB) and MAGNUS Temple #3. This event focused on Diabetes, Kidney Disease, and Prostate Cancer and offered various health screenings as well. ECNV distributed COVID-19 home test kits!
