January 2026: E-Newsletter
Happy New Year from ECNV! Wishing you a joyful, healthy, and empowering 2026. Thank you for being part of our community.
Kick off the new year by supporting our mission, please consider making a donation today.
ECNV's Monthly Spotlight: Laura Kim, Policy & Advocacy Coordinator
What do you do at ECNV?
As ECNV’s Policy & Advocacy Coordinator, my role centers on keeping up with what’s happening at the local, state, and federal levels that might affect our disability community. It also involves helping our staff and community members know when it’s a good time to speak up, whether that means protecting our rights or advocating for stronger, more inclusive policies that support everyone’s ability to live independently.
What do you enjoy most about your job or the ECNV community?What stands out most is the mix of people in our community, everyone comes from different backgrounds, and that makes every conversation feel real and refreshing. Even a quick chat can teach me something new, and that variety is a big part of what makes this work meaningful.
If you could change one misconception about disability, what would it be?
That doing something differently doesn’t mean it’s being done wrong. People with disabilities may approach tasks in their own way, and those ways are just as valid, effective, and meaningful as anyone else’s.What’s one fun fact people might not know about you?
I belong to a para-athlete dragon boat team based in DC called the Out of Sight Dragons!Coffee or tea?
Coffee before noon, tea in the afternoon!Favorite quote or motto?
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead
For advocacy updates, please check out ECNV's Impact Hub.
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 January 5th event will be Goal Setting for our first meeting of the year 2026! Make a plan to get your planning documents in order. Come share your plan and find accountability partners, resources to help you and encouragement to tackle your aging well plans in 2026.
Register in advance for this meeting
Money Matters Winter Registration is Open
Take control of your finances, Spring Break Camp Session now open! Our Money Matters course will be held March 30-April 3, offering practical tools and strategies to manage your money with confidence. Register by March 1 to secure your spot and to get on the right financial track.
Learn more about Money Matters ››
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
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
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.
These courses are under development and will launch in 2026.
January is National Mentoring Month
Watch ECNV's Peer Mentoring Video ››
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 is on a short break 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.
Advocacy Updates
The Power of Advocacy 105: Preparing for IL Day!
ECNV’s Power of Advocacy series is helping community members turn lived experience into meaningful change. Starting from fall 2025, we’ve explored self-advocacy, systems advocacy, and how to tell your story in ways that influence policy.
Join us for our final session on Wednesday, January 21—a focused prep call one week before Advocacy Day. You’ll learn what to expect in meetings with legislators, how to stay confident, and how to make your message count.
Register today for IL Day Prep ››
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 matter, to you and to your community. Your voice can help shape the decisions made this legislative session.
ECNV will provide round-trip transportation, and lunch will be provided.
Interested in participating?
Email Laura Kim at LauraK@ecnv.org.
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!
Grant Updates:
Bienvenidos Todos
Our Bienvenidos Todos grant has ended, but our Communication and Publications Specialist Elaine Shaw, is still working, as quickly as she can editing all the webinar and provider videos and getting it all uploaded to our Youtube page.
Thank you again for your patience!
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
Advocating for Change
On Thursday, December 11, 2025, Laura Kim, Policy and Advocacy Coordinator, shared ECNV legislative priorities with the Arlington delegation of the General Assembly.
ECNV Staff Celebrated the Holiday Season
On Friday, December 12, 2025, ECNV staff came together to celebrate the holiday season, taking time to connect, reflect, and enjoy each other’s company as the year came to a close.
