June 2024 E Newsletter
PTSD Awareness Month
June is PTSD Awareness Month: There are currently about 12 million people in the United States with PTSD. PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) is a mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, like combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault. There are options for treating PTSD.
Learn more about PTSD or how to help ››
Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion: Embracing Pride Month
Originating from the Stonewall Riots of 1969, Pride Month has evolved into a global movement that honors the LGBTQ+ community's resilience, courage, and achievements. We at ECNV are committed to building a world where everyone can live authentically, free from discrimination and prejudice.
Happy Pride Month to all!
Juneteenth
by Pansy Walker, Senior Expansion and Outreach
Juneteenth was recognized as a national holiday in June 2021. It is a combination of the words June and nineteenth. Juneteenth, which is also referred to as Juneteenth Independence Day, Freedom Day, or Emancipation Day, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.
What is Juneteenth? A Personal Story ››
ECNV is Excited to Introduce Our New Team Members
With the expansion of Travel Training and other programs, we are thrilled to welcome several new staff members. Please join us in welcoming:
Lorena Granados, Disability Equity Outreach Coordinator
Melinda “Mindy” Niland, Travel Trainer
Joe Postow, Travel Trainer
Roman Senbato, Travel Trainer
Alicia Simms, Travel Trainer
Lelena Dagne, Benefits Enrollment Counselor
Joe Albert, Independent Living Specialist
ECNV Employee Spotlight: Carlos Marquez
We want to shine a light on the amazing individuals who make ECNV a special place to work. Today, let's get to know Carlos Marquez.
How long have you worked at ECNV? I will have worked for two years on April 11. It has been a great journey.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why? I would like to have the superpower of flying, so I can beat traffic and enjoy the view from the clouds.
Tell me something you are passionate about. I am passionate about hanging out with my family. I have 23 cousins and 1 sister. Our get-togethers are never small.
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.
ECNV’s I Am Self-Advocacy Program: June 2024 ››
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.
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
Check out our updated calendar page with the latest information and events.
ECNV Around Town
Vaccines for All!
During the month of May, ECNV has continued with its community vaccination campaign and distribution of free 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. In addition to these activities ECNV also participated in other events related to our mission.
WMATA Travel Training
On Wednesday, May 1, 2024, ECNV Training & Mobility Manager, Andrew Shaw presented a special travel training at WMATA headquarters. ECNV's newest travel trainers also attended. Mr. Shaw presented on what to bring with you when you travel train.
Disability Resource & Employment Fair
On Friday, May 3, 2024, ECNV participated in the Disability Resource & Employment Fair Sponsored by The Arc of Loudoun and the Loudoun Workforce Resource Center, co-hosted by The Loudoun County Disability Services Board. The event was very well attended, by over 250 hundred fair goers!
Newcomer Health Fair
On Saturday, May 4, 2024, ECNV partnered with a vaccine clinic and distributed free COVID-19 home test kits at the Newcomer Health Fair. Refugees from Afghanistan and other countries received free services from over 25 health organizations. This event was an opportunity for individuals and families to engage with medical professionals. Everyone is encouraged to join this free event and take advantage of the wide array of health resources available. We were very excited about serving the most vulnerable communities in need!
Culmore Community Day
On Saturday, May 4, 2024, ECNV celebrated Culmore Community Day, which is organized by Fairfax County. This event was created over seventeen years ago as a multicultural celebration by the global community of Bailey’s Crossroads and Culmore. Despite the rain this year, this event was a success in bringing the community together to celebrate the diversity that makes us strong and connected!
Arlington Chamber’s 38th Annual Best Business Awards
On Tuesday, May 14, 2024, Rosalia Fajardo, ECNV Director, Disability Equity Strategic Partnerships attended the Arlington Chamber Annual Best Business Awards event. ECNV was a sponsor and was nominated.
The awards celebrate area businesses that go above and beyond serving their clients, making Arlington a great place to work and live. These awards are earned by businesses that deliver exceptional quality of service to their customers, are industry leaders or offer a unique approach to delivery of goods and services as well the non-profit sector that is fundamental to balance Arlington County social landscape.
Bienvenidos Conference
Our ECNV’s Bienvenidos Conference sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center took place on Saturday, May 18, 2024 in Falls Church, VA. The conference was the first of many very informative, impactful, and fundamental events bringing together the Latino community of parents, young adults, caregivers who are native Spanish speakers. The conference brought together over 60 participants from across the northern VA area seeking to learn about how they can support their children, family members, and self-advocates with important leaders in the disability community.
"Powered by Connection Resource Fair"
On Wednesday, May 22, 2024, ECNV proudly sponsored the “Powered by Connection Resource” Resource Fair. This event was held this year at the beautiful INOVA Conference Center and focused on the profound impact that “Powered by Connection," has on the well-being and health of older adults. The very well attended fair was about the transformative potential of community engagement in enhancing mental, physical, and emotional well-being, filled with education, resources, empowerment but most all CONNECTIONS!
Honduras Mobile Consulate
On Monday, May 24, 2024, ECNV partnered with Honduras at the Mobile Consulate, which was organized by Fairfax County and Walgreens for a COVID-19 vaccine clinic. This clinic was primarily for new immigrants from Honduras. Guests received resources about food, health, and education. ECNV distributed around 300 free COVID-19 home tests.
Explore our Newsletter Archive to access all of our current and past newsletters!
Be on the lookout for a distinct "Be in the Know" email, which will be distributed within the next few weeks.
