February 2024 ECNV Newsletter
In Loving Memory of Collin Jacobs
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Collin Alexander Jacobs, of Woodbridge, Virginia. Collin’s soul was deeply woven into the fabric of music, family, community, and cherished moments. He had a profound love for jazz, blues, gospel revival, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, and occasional rock, which spoke volumes about the rhythm of his life.
Virginia Housing Accessibility Grants
ECNV is excited to announce that we have recently been selected as an agent for Virginia Housing Accessibility Grants. ECNV can help consumers apply for “home mod” grants up to $8,000 to foster independence and provide assistance for those in need of barrier-free housing. There are several grants available to serve renters, homeowners, and veterans and service members. Typical modifications include ramps, chairlifts, remote entry devices, physical modifications of kitchens, bathrooms, and doorways, but eligible modifications can include any home modification that improves accessibility and independence for people with disabilities in the home they live in.
You can review details of each of the grant programs below:
Granting Freedom– Disabled Veterans and service members
Owner-Occupied Modification– Homeowners at or below 80% Area Median Income
Rental Unit Accessibility Modification (RUAM)– Renters at or below 80% Area Median Income
Reach out to ECNV today at info@ecnv.org or 703-525-3268 to inquire about a Virginia Housing Accessibility Grant!
Fulfill a need, Become a Caregiver
Join ECNV for an Informational Session for Job Seekers who would like to add this rewarding career option to gain skills and experience that don’t require specialized knowledge or extensive training. You can start earning extra money, and have flexibility to choose your own hours today as a caregiver.
When: February 13, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. ET
Where: Workshop will be held virtually
Please register for this virtual event by visiting the link or emailing info@ecnv.org
Registration for the Winter session of Thriving Solo closes Feb 15th!
Thriving Solo will take place March 4th thru March 13th on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. Eligible referrals are FIS Waiver, DARS VR, or anyone interested in honing their skills in independent living. Please use the link below for online registration. Registration is REQUIRED. All interested individuals (or counselors) are welcome to ask questions at info@ecnv.org.
Use our Online Registration Form to sign up today!
Registration closes Feb 15, 2024. Participants must be Northern Virginia residents.
Registration for the Spring Session of Money Matters is now open!
Registration for the Spring Session of Money Matters 101 is now open. Eligible referrals are FIS Waiver, DARS VR, or anyone interested in expanding their knowledge about money. Virtual classes will take place on Wednesdays from 4-5pm, April 3rd – May 1st. Please use the link below for online registration. Registration is REQUIRED. All interested individuals (or counselors) are welcome to ask questions at info@ecnv.org.
Use our online registration form to sign up today!
Registration closes Mar 15, 2024. Participants must be Northern Virginia residents.
International Epilepsy Day 02/12/24
Started in 2015 the day provides a platform for people with epilepsy to share their experiences and stories with a global audience. This day also asks for people to advocate for appropriate legislation that will guarantee human rights of people with epilepsy and encourages people with epilepsy to live to their fullest potential. International Epilepsy Day seeks to raise awareness and educate the general public on the true facts about epilepsy and the urgent need for improved treatment, better care, and greater investment in research.
ECNV's New Bienvenidos Todos Outreach Grant
On January 16, 2024, Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (VBPD) awarded $300,000 to The ENDependence Center to develop information for Latinos with disabilities and their families. Rosalia Fajardo, ECNV’s Director of Disability Justice Partnerships, looks forward to the prospect of mentoring ten bilingual people with disabilities or family members as they build community networks and bridge access to services, programs, and opportunities for people with disabilities.
ECNV is an Alexandria Resilience Fund Grantee!
On January 19, 2023, ACT for Alexandria announced the recipients of their Alexandria Resilience Fund Grants. In 2020, ACT initiated the Alexandria Resilience Fund in response to COVID-19. ECNV is among the grantees!
Save the Date: Spring2Action 2024!
This will be our third time participating in Spring2ACTion and we are excited to be back. The funds that were raised in our previous experience with Spring2ACTion helped us to coach individuals within our multicultural families.
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.
COVID-19 Test Kits
Do you require a COVID test kit? ECNV is a COVID test kit supplier for individuals and organizations. For inquiries, please reach out us at info@ecnv.org
ECNV Upcoming Calendar
Feb 7 and 14-Virginia General Assembly 2024 Webinars Register for Webinar
February 13- Fulfill a need, Become a Caregiver from 6:30 - 7:30 pm Virtual
February 19-ECNV office will be closed Monday, February 19, 2024, Re-open Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Check out our updated calendar page with the latest information and events.
*The social groups are run by ECNV Staff. These fun gatherings are a great time for connecting, sharing and often take place over a good meal. Perhaps you'll make a new friend, and with lots of pandemic mandates being lifted, it's a perfect time to come back out. For more information, contact info@ecnv.org
ECNV Around Town
ECNV Staff Attend Independent Living (IL) Advocacy Day at the VA State Capitol
On Wednesday, January 24, 2024, ECNV staff and consumers boarded a charter bus to Richmond, VA to attend the IL Advocacy Day. We spoke to Legislators, Delegates, and Senators to discuss priorities for the disability community, which included more funding for metro, additional funding for existing CILs in VA and advocating against assisted suicide.
Facebook IL Advocacy Photos 2024 ››
The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics
On Friday, January 26, 2024, Rosalia Fajardo was invited to attend The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics meeting. Commissioners and attendees met with senior Biden-Harris Administration officials to discuss ways their agencies are advancing economic opportunity for the Latino community including those with disabilities.
United for Wellness, Mental Health and Wellness Conference and Resource Fair
On Saturday, January 27, 2024, ECNV staff attended the United for Wellness, Mental Health and Wellness Conference and Resource Fair at Riverside High School. This event was hosted by Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) and was attended by more than 45 governmental agencies, and nonprofits. United for Wellness highlights LCPS was focused on all areas of student health and wellbeing. Conference presenters included mental health professionals, fitness, and wellness coaches, and LCPS educators.
