ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOARD CHAIR ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia Fiscal Year 2025–2026

Good Evening

On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is my honor to present this Annual Report for the ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia.

As a nationally recognized Center for Independent Living, ECNV has long been committed to a simple but powerful belief: people with disabilities should have the opportunity, support, and freedom to direct their own lives and fully participate in their communities.

Over the past year, that commitment has been reflected in every aspect of our work. From independent living services and peer mentoring, to advocacy, community engagement, employment preparation, and systems change, ECNV continued to strengthen its impact throughout Northern Virginia.

This was also a year of reflection and preparation. While continuing to serve consumers every day, the Board and staff engaged in an extensive strategic planning process that resulted in a new mission, vision, values framework, and strategic goals that will guide our organization through 2028.

As we look back on the year, several themes stand out.

A YEAR OF GROWTH AND IMPACT

The past year demonstrated the continued importance of independent living services in our region. Individuals with disabilities continue to face barriers in employment, transportation, housing, healthcare, and community participation. At the same time, they continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience, leadership, and determination.

ECNV's role is to help remove barriers while supporting individuals in pursuing their own goals, making their own choices, and defining success for themselves.

Throughout the year, ECNV remained focused on practical, consumer-centered services while also working to create broader community change.

STRENGTHENING INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES

Independent living remains the heart of ECNV's mission.

Throughout the year, consumers participated in Independent Living Skills Training designed to increase confidence, self-sufficiency, and community participation. Whether learning to navigate transportation systems, manage daily routines, plan nutritious meals, improve financial management skills, or develop strategies for living independently, consumers gained practical tools that support long-term success.

ECNV also continued to support individuals transitioning from institutional settings back into the community through Community Transition services and Personal Assistance Services coordination.

These efforts reflect one of the core principles of the independent living movement: people with disabilities are the experts in their own lives and should have the opportunity to make decisions about where and how they live.

BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH PEER SUPPORT AND CONNECTION

One of the most powerful aspects of ECNV's work is the belief that people with disabilities can learn from and support one another through shared experience.

This year, ECNV expanded opportunities for peer mentoring and community connection through one-to-one mentoring relationships, peer support groups, and educational programming.

Community-building efforts flourished through programs such as the ENDependents Social Group, Metro Social Club, Aging Solo Collective, and Career & Workplace Peer Support Circle. These programs reduced isolation, strengthened confidence, and reinforced the principle that independence is strengthened through meaningful relationships and mutual support.

The Metro Social Club combined social engagement with practical travel training, while the Aging Solo Collective created a welcoming community for individuals navigating life independently and planning for the future.

EXPANDING CONSUMER EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT PATHWAYS

Throughout the year, ECNV continued to invest in educational and employment-focused programs that help consumers build skills, confidence, and economic independence.

Programs such as Money Matters and Money Moves provided financial literacy education for youth and young adults. The Ready to Achieve Mentoring Program (RAMP) continued to provide career-focused mentoring, employment preparation, and leadership development opportunities for youth with disabilities.

ECNV also continued to provide opportunities for self-advocacy development, independent living education, and personal growth through Thriving Solo and other consumer training initiatives.

ADVANCING ADVOCACY, EQUITY, AND SYSTEMS CHANGE

Advocacy remains central to ECNV's mission.

Throughout the year, ECNV worked to keep consumers informed about policy developments affecting the disability community at the local, state, and national levels.

ECNV also strengthened its commitment to equity and inclusion through outreach efforts, educational programming, bilingual resources, and community partnerships. Our advocacy efforts are grounded in the belief that meaningful change happens when people with disabilities are not only included in decisions but are leading them.

INVESTING IN ORGANIZATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY

The accomplishments of this year were made possible through the dedication of staff, volunteers, board members, community partners, donors, and supporters.

During the year, ECNV successfully engaged the community through initiatives such as Give Choose, Spring2ACTion, Giving Tuesday, and other fundraising efforts. The organization also secured grant support, including recognition through the Amazon Loudoun Community Fund.

The Board also continued its support of the Northern Virginia Independent Living Foundation, whose mission is to strengthen the long-term sustainability of independent living services in our region. Through grants and loans provided to ECNV, the Foundation serves as an important partner in advancing the organization's mission and supporting its operations. Multiple Board members contributed to this effort and helped strengthen the collaborative relationship between the Foundation and ECNV.

On behalf of the Board, I extend sincere gratitude to everyone whose time, talent, and generosity contributed to ECNV's success this year.

STRATEGIC PLANNING AND THE ROAD TO 2028

Perhaps the most significant organizational achievement of the year was the completion of ECNV's strategic planning process.

Over many months, Board members, staff, and stakeholders engaged in thoughtful conversations about the future of the organization, the changing needs of our community, and the role ECNV should play in advancing disability rights and independent living.

In addition to formally adopting the strategic plan, several Board members played an active role throughout the process by reviewing progress, providing feedback, and offering strategic recommendations to help guide implementation.

The resulting strategic plan establishes five priorities that will guide our work through 2028.

First, we will strengthen Independent Living Services to ensure that consumers continue to receive the supports they need to live independently and participate fully in community life.

Second, we will continue building a highly effective Board and staff, recognizing that strong organizations depend on strong leadership, communication, and professional development.

Third, we will maintain adaptive engagement and relevance by listening to our community, responding to changing needs, and ensuring that the voices of the most marginalized people with disabilities remain central to our work.

Fourth, we will expand our advocacy and systems-change efforts, increasing opportunities for consumers to influence policies and decisions that affect their lives.

Finally, we will promote financial growth and sustainability so that ECNV remains a strong and effective resource for the disability community for years to come.

Together, these priorities provide a roadmap for strengthening our impact while remaining true to the values and mission that define ECNV.

The strategic plan also introduced a renewed mission and vision emphasizing disability leadership, equity, access, choice, community, and collective liberation.

LOOKING AHEAD

As we look toward the future, the need for ECNV's work remains clear.

In the coming year, the Board will continue its commitment to strong governance and organizational stewardship. In addition to supporting implementation of ECNV's new strategic plan, the Board will undertake a review and update of ECNV's bylaws and the companion Board Policy and Procedures Manual to ensure that these governing documents remain current, effective, and aligned with the organization's mission and future direction.

The Board also looks forward to supporting efforts to review and update the bylaws of the Northern Virginia Independent Living Foundation. These efforts will help strengthen the governance framework of both organizations and position them to continue serving as strong partners in advancing independent living and disability rights throughout our region.

We will continue to strengthen independent living services, elevate the voices of people with disabilities, advocate for equity and opportunity, and work alongside consumers, families, partners, and communities to build a future in which all people with disabilities can thrive.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you to our staff, volunteers, consumers, community partners, and supporters for making this work possible.

Respectfully submitted,

Susan Picerno
Board Chair
ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia