February 2026: E-newsletter
Hope, Advocacy, and the Road Ahead: The Future of the BIPOC Disability Community in Northern Virginia
The future for African American and BIPOC people with disabilities in Northern Virginia brings both hope and concern. There are positive changes at the local and state level that support families through community programs, inclusive services, and opportunities for greater independence.
Hope, Advocacy, and the Road Ahead Continued ››
ECNV's Monthly Spotlight: Independent Living Skills Training
One of ECNV’s core services is Independent Living Skills (ILS) Training. Whether it is exploring different techniques to complete daily routines, working on planning nutritious meals and shopping for them, or learning how to navigate the local transportation system, ILS training helps individuals live as independently as they would like in their own homes and in their communities.
Continue Reading ILS Training ››
Upcoming Classes!
Welcome to the Aging Solo Collective
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
Financial Literacy & Management
Money Matters 201: In-person class offered from April 20th – 24th from 6pm – 7:30pm. Contact Starr Robertson starrr@ecnv.org for more information.
Money Moves: An active camp for financial education: Pre-ETS class being offered during spring break March 30th – April 3rd from 10am – 4pm. Contact Paul Whitney paulw@ecnv.org for more information.
Thriving Solo
Our Thriving Solo course will be held March 30-April 3. Register by March 1 to secure your spot and to get on the right financial track.
Learn more about Thriving Solo ››
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.
ECNV's I Am Self-Advocacy Program
Healthy Relationships and Communication in the Workplace
Personal Assistance Services (PAS)
Ready to Achieve Mentoring Program (RAMP)
Referral Form for Travel Training
ECNV can also offer 1:1 support in work readiness and independent living skills.
Fill out the ECNV interest form to be contacted about individualized services
Coming Soon
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.
These courses are under development and will launch in 2026.
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
Connect and Engage: Join Our Social Circle
The ENDependents Social Group
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.
Adult Social Club Outing Update
The Adult Social Club is currently on break. During this time, regular activities will be paused.
Please continue to check our website and upcoming newsletters for updates on when the club will resume and for any new announcements. We look forward to reconnecting with you soon!
Advocacy Updates
Legislative Advocacy Webinar Series
The Virginia Association of Centers for Independent Living (VACIL) is hosting a series of virtual legislative advocacy webinars focused on disability-related issues before the Virginia General Assembly. These sessions are open to people with disabilities, advocates, and community members, and are designed to support broad participation.
The webinar series will take place every Wednesday at noon through February 18, 2026. Sessions will range from 15 to 60 minutes. Participants are encouraged to indicate any access needs when registering. Disability organizations are also invited to share information about policy issues affecting people with disabilities.
Join the Alexandria Mental Wellness Coalition
The Alexandria Health Department is reaching out to the community as they work on building a Community Health Improvement Plan to improve mental wellness for all Alexandrians. Any resident in the City of Alexandria who is interested is strongly encouraged to attend. The next coalition meeting will be on February 4, 2026. To register to attend the next meeting or to vote on a vision statement that will guide this work, visit the coalition page.
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!
Grant Updates:
No updates to share right now, but we’re always working on new things—check back soon!
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
ECNV at Congressman Don Beyer's Annual Women's Conference
On Thursday, January 15, 2026, ECNV staff, Rosalia Fajardo, Samantha Wentling and Laura Kim attended Annual Women's Conference: The Ripple Effects of Resilience at Fuse at George Mason University. This conference brings together women leaders and community voices to share stories of perseverance, strength, and resilience in the face of the challenges confronting our community today.
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.
