ECNV’s Social Group returns February 27, 2026 at 6pm at Ted's Bulletin, 4238 Wilson Blvd, Suite 1130, Arlington, VA 22203.

If you're interested in joining us, please email us at info@ecnv.org. Come join us to chat about anything you'd like including current events, what's happening with you, exciting plans and anything else you'd like to chat about in a fun and safe environment over a delicious meal.

ECNV office will be closed Monday February 16, 2026

Re-open Tuesday February 17, 2026

Aging Solo doesn’t mean aging alone. The Aging Solo Collective is a welcoming monthly gathering for anyone navigating life on their own terms— and solo aging. Each month we share real experiences, challenges, and wins while building community, resources, and support for this season of life.

Our February 2, 2026, meeting at 7:00 p.m. (virtual, all are welcome) features guest speaker Bruce Canedy Sr., founder of Senior Peer, whose work is rooted in helping older adults live safer, more independent lives at home through simple, everyday technology. Inspired by helping his own mother, Bruce teaches seniors how to comfortably use tools like smart speakers, smart home devices, and other practical tech that supports aging in place without overwhelm. With a background spanning technology, real estate, and housing systems, and as the author of Ask Alexa, Bruce brings practical, approachable insights focused on independence, safety, and quality of life—exactly the kind of conversation the Aging Solo Collective is here to foster. Mr. Canedy wrote the book Ask Alexa, which he penned in the height of the pandemic in an effort to help his aging mother, enjoy trivia and to help with additional safeguards for his mother in the event of an emergency while also living solo.

Register in advance for this meeting

Join ECNV in Richmond to speak directly with your state legislators about why independent living services and supports are essential to your life and community. You can influence the decisions they make this session.

ECNV will provide round-trip transportation. Interested in participating? Email Laura Kim at LauraK@ecnv.org to reserve your spot.

More information and resources on advocacy can be found on ECNV’s Impact Hub!

The Power of Advocacy is a multi-part webinar series designed to help you build confidence and practical skills to create positive change in your community. Through interactive sessions, you’ll learn how to share your story, connect with decision-makers, and use a range of advocacy tools—from individual action to shaping public policy. The series will conclude with an opportunity to put these skills into action during our advocacy trip to Richmond in January.

Register today! One brief registration signs you up for the entire advocacy series. 

Next Webinar: Webinar 5

Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM

Title: The Power of Advocacy 105: Preparing for IL Day!

Description:

You’ve built your advocacy skills—now it’s time to put them into action at the State Capitol! This session will help you prepare for IL Day by walking through what to expect when meeting with legislators in person and how to make the most of your time at the Capitol. We’ll also cover important logistics, including where to meet, how to plan your day, and practical tips for staying comfortable and organized—like packing medications, assistive devices, and other essentials. Join us to feel fully prepared and confident for a successful day of advocacy at Richmond!

ECNV office will be closed Monday January 19, 2026

Re-open Tuesday January 20, 2026

ECNV office will be closed Thursday January 1, 2026

Re-open Friday January 2, 2026

ECNV office will be closed Thursday December 25, 2025

Re-open Friday December 26, 2025

The Power of Advocacy is a multi-part webinar series designed to help you build confidence and practical skills to create positive change in your community. Through interactive sessions, you’ll learn how to share your story, connect with decision-makers, and use a range of advocacy tools—from individual action to shaping public policy. The series will conclude with an opportunity to put these skills into action during our advocacy trip to Richmond in January.

Register today! One brief registration signs you up for the entire advocacy series. 

Next Webinar: Webinar 4

Date: Thursday, December 18, 2025 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM

Title: The Power of Advocacy 104: From Learning to Leading in Legislative Advocacy

Description:
Get ready to bring your advocacy to the next level.  We will be joined by Richard Cerros, Community Relations Coordinator at the district office of Congressman Don Beyer. This session will walk you through what to expect when meeting with lawmakers and their staff, how to share your story in a compelling and memorable way, and practical strategies to stay organized and confident. Legislative advocacy is an important part of systems change.  Your relationships with elected officials and their staff could be the key to passing a new law that could benefit disabled people, or preventing a law that could harm us.   

The ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia (ECNV) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) invite you to a Medicare Open Enrollment informational webinar on:

Monday, December 1st, 2025 at 2:00 PM, EST

This session will provide clear, unbiased guidance to help ECNV consumers, caregivers, and advocates understand their 2026 Medicare options, compare plans, review changes that may affect people with disabilities, and learn about financial assistance programs like Extra Help and the Medicare Savings Programs. If you or someone you support relies on regular medications, equipment, multiple providers, or community-based services, this webinar can help you make confident, informed choices before Open Enrollment ends on December 7.

Register Here

We hope you’ll join us for this important event. If you have questions or require reasonable accommodation to participate in the meeting, please email or call info@ecnv.org, 703-525-3268.

Reminder: Medicare’s Open Enrollment will close on Sunday, December 7, 2025.  

Get Help to Enroll TODAY! 

ECNV office will be closed Friday November 28, 2025

Re-open Monday December 1, 2025

ECNV office will be closed Thursday November 27, 2025

Re-open Monday December 1, 2025

The Power of Advocacy is a multi-part webinar series designed to help you build confidence and practical skills to create positive change in your community. Through interactive sessions, you’ll learn how to share your story, connect with decision-makers, and use a range of advocacy tools—from individual action to shaping public policy. The series will conclude with an opportunity to put these skills into action during our advocacy trip to Richmond in January.

Register today! One brief registration signs you up for the entire advocacy series. 

Next Webinar: Webinar 3

Date: Monday, November 17, 2025 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM

Title: The Power of Advocacy 103: Turning Experience into Impact

Description:
Advocacy doesn’t happen in isolation. In fact, it is most powerful when it’s personal. This session explores how to turn lived experience into meaningful impact through storytelling. Participants will learn how to identify the key elements of an effective advocacy story, shape personal experiences into compelling messages for different audiences, and build trust and connection through authentic communication. We’ll also discuss how storytelling strengthens relationships with decision-makers, allies, and the broader disability community—demonstrating how, by coming together, we can go further.

In this session, we’ll be joined by two outstanding guest speakers, Jennifer Marshall and Lucy Beadnell, who will share their expertise and insights on how storytelling can create real change.

Guest Speakers:

·       Jennifer Marshall
With over a decade of experience in mental health advocacy and nonprofit leadership, Jennifer is passionate about creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered. She co-founded and led This Is My Brave and now serves as Executive Director of Wellness Loudoun.

·       Lucy Beadnell
As Director of Advocacy at The Arc of Northern Virginia, Lucy leads efforts to advance disability rights, inclusion, and accessibility. She works with individuals, families, and policymakers to strengthen advocacy networks and ensure people with disabilities have a voice in shaping the systems that impact their lives.

ECNV office will be closed Tuesday November 11, 2025

Re-open Wednesday November 12, 2025

The Power of Advocacy is a multi-part webinar series designed to help you build confidence and practical skills to create positive change in your community. Through interactive sessions, you’ll learn how to share your story, connect with decision-makers, and use a range of advocacy tools—from individual action to shaping public policy. The series will conclude with an opportunity to put these skills into action during our advocacy trip to Richmond in January.

Register today! One brief registration signs you up for the entire advocacy series. 

Next Webinar: Webinar 2

Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM

Title: The Power of Advocacy 102: Tools and Tactics for Amplifying Your Voice

Description:
You’ve learned the basics—now it’s time to turn advocacy into action. This interactive session will dive into practical tools and tactics to help you make real impact: from meeting with legislators and writing compelling messages to leveraging social media and mobilizing your community. You’ll also discover how collaboration and storytelling can multiply your influence, and learn about the Pitchfork Approach— a powerful framework for using multiple strategies together to amplify your advocacy and drive change.

ECNV office will be closed Tuesday November 4, 2025

Re-open Wednesday November 5, 2025