December 2025 E-newsletter
ECNV's Monthly Spotlight: Advocacy & Systems Change
Using Lived Experiences to Drive Change
ECNV’s Power of Advocacy series is helping our community build real-world skills to influence decisions that matter. This fall, we’ve been breaking down the essentials of self-advocacy, systems change, and how to tell your story in ways that move people—and policies.
Don’t miss our next session on Thursday, December 18 (4:30–5:30 PM).
We’ll be joined by Richard Cerros, Community Relations Coordinator for Congressman Don Beyer, who will walk you through how to prepare for legislative meetings, communicate with elected officials, and build strong relationships with their offices.
Then, join us for our final session on Wednesday, January 21, a high-impact prep call one week prior to Advocacy Day in Richmond—where you’ll learn exactly what to expect, how to stay confident, and how to make your time with legislators count.
Your story matters. Register today and get ready to make an impact (one registration will sign you up for the whole series).
Honor Maya’s Legacy with a Year-End Gift
This year, we’re celebrating the life and impact of Marion (Maya) Flores, former ECNV Volunteer Board Member, through a special Tribute to Maya at ECNV. Maya’s spirit of compassion and advocacy continues to inspire our work to empower people with disabilities to live independently and thrive in our community.
Your year-end gift to the Tribute to Maya will directly support ECNV’s programs that promote independence, accessibility, and inclusion across Northern Virginia — a meaningful way to honor Maya’s lasting legacy of care and connection.
Ways to Give:
Online: Donate here. Please list name or ECNV’s Development & Communications Manager, Emily Kudron, will ensure your contribution is designated for the Tribute to Maya.
By Check: Mail to:
ECNV
1550 Crystal Drive, #810
Arlington, VA 22202Include “Tribute for Maya” in the memo line.
Direct Assistance: Contact Emily Kudron at ekudron@ecnv.org for personalized support.
Together, we can keep Maya’s legacy alive by empowering others to live with dignity, purpose, and independence.
Watch her interview from 2023 ››
#TributeToMaya #YearEndGiving #ECNV #CommunitySupport
Upcoming Classes!
Welcome to the Aging Solo Collective
Aging Solo doesn’t mean aging alone! The Aging Solo Collective is a BRAND-NEW program with monthly virtual gatherings 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. Whether you're thinking about the future, seeking community, resources, support and simply navigating this season, or are curious about living your best solo life, this group is for you.
Our December 1st event will include our continued discussion about Modules 1 and 2 which talked about getting your house in order, building a network and getting your paperwork together. Come join us for resource sharing, personal stories to help you navigate complex resources, and so much more.
Register in advance for this meeting
Money Matters Winter Registration is Open
Take control of your finances in the new year! Our Money Matters course will be held January 12–16, offering practical tools and strategies to manage your money with confidence. Register by December 20 to secure your spot and start 2026 on the right financial track.
Learn more about Money Matters ››
Need Help with Your Energy Bill?
Good news: You may be eligible to receive up to $500 through the EnergyShare® program, administered by Dominion Energy. This special benefit is available one-time per year to Virginia households with a person with a disability.
ECNV is here to help you apply. To find out more email info@ecnv.org
ECNV Programs and Support
Read about our programs and support aimed to empower people with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives, pursue their aspirations, and actively participate in their communities.
Connect and Engage: Join Our Social Circle
The ENDependents Social Group
ECNV’s Social Group will take a short break for the month of December and will return February 27, 2026. Stay tuned for updates and details on our upcoming gatherings!
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.
Adult Social Club Outing-Details Coming Soon
December final details are still being determined, but please keep an eye out for the confirmed date, time and meeting location. More information will be announced soon—stay tuned!
Advocacy Updates
Federal Government Reopens
On November 12, 2025, the President signed a revised appropriations bill, officially ending the 43-day federal government shutdown. While most federal agencies are only funded through January 30, the bill provides full-year funding for the Legislative Branch, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Department of Agriculture.
This ensures that SNAP and WIC will be fully funded through September 30, 2026, so individuals and families who rely on these programs will not face another interruption—even if another shutdown occurs.
What remains uncertain is whether the Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium subsidies, set to expire at the end of this year, will be extended. For people who depend on the ACA marketplace—where premiums are expected to rise pretty significantly for many people —it is still unclear whether Congress will act to keep coverage affordable. ECNV is monitoring the situation and will share updates as they become available.
Independent Living Day is coming up on Wednesday, January 28, 2026!
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
ECNV’s Impact Hub
Advocacy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. ECNV’s new Impact Hub gives you the tools to get started and the confidence to take action. Here you’ll find news and action alerts, clear guides to advocacy, opportunities to serve on local boards, and a lookup tool to connect with your elected officials. It’s a one-stop space to make your voice heard and drive change in your community. Visit the page today to get started
Coming Soon
Money Matters 201
Community Guide
Peer Support Group Open House Peer Support Group Interest Form
Fill out the ECNV interest form to be contacted about the above classes.
Grant Updates:
Bienvenidos Fall Updates
The Bienvenidos Todos (Everyone is Welcome): Disability Inclusion project is intended to promote equal access to disability rights, services, and opportunities for Latino Virginians with disabilities and their families. This project demonstrates a shared commitment by both the ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia (ECNV) and the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (VBPD) to secure equal access for multiple marginalized communities including those whose primary language is Spanish. This project serves Latino communities in Northern Virginia, Virginia Beach/Hampton Roads, Roanoke, Harrisonburg, and Richmond.
We have been busy getting ready for a full Fall of offerings. For more information visit the Bienvenidos Project Page.
Check Out ECNV's 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 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 at different events and health fairs.
ECNV's Adult Social Group/ENDependents
On Friday October 31st, ECNV's Adult Social Group and ENDepdenents Group took an afternoon adventure to Loudoun
A Note of Thanks to ECNV
ECNV received this wonderful compliment: “Thank you for bringing your services to the Vienna Health Fair on November 1. Thanks to the ENDependence Center, 45 underserved people received a flu vaccine from Walgreens and will experience a healthier winter season. I appreciate your assistance!”
We’re grateful for the opportunity to support our community and proud of the impact our team continues to make.
