June 2026 E-Newsletter
ECNV's Monthly Spotlight
Building Community Through Connection at ECNV
Currently, there are three social groups operating regularly at the ECNV, creating opportunities for community connection, friendship, independence, and fun for people with disabilities across Northern Virginia.
The ENDependents monthly social group brings people together in a welcoming and relaxed environment to enjoy good food and great conversation. Participants meet at different locations to discuss current events, personal updates, future plans, and everyday life while building meaningful social connections.
The Metro Social Club combines social outings with practical travel skills. Participants meet monthly at a Metro station and travel together to exciting destinations while learning how to use Metro lines, SmarTrip cards, and public transportation safety features. The group helps individuals build confidence using public transit independently while enjoying community outings with peers.
The Aging Solo Collective is a new virtual monthly gathering focused on community, independence, and aging well while living solo. Facilitated discussions will explore topics such as longevity, estate planning, social connection, and community resources, with guest speakers and opportunities for local meetups throughout the year.
Upcoming Classes!
Career & Workplace Peer Support Circle
Navigating work, career changes, job searches and job loss can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re doing it on your own.
Join our Career & Workplace Peer Support Circle, a welcoming, judgment-free group led by two experienced volunteers who bring deep knowledge of workplace dynamics, career growth, and employment challenges.
Once a month ECNV peer facilitators will lead the group and provide a safe place to share, learn, and support one another through real-life experiences.
Join ECNV's Aging Solo
June 1, 2026, 7:00 p.m. Eastern
Our June 1, guest speaker, Marc S. Berlin, Board Certified Patient Advocate, will join us to talk about Ways to Better Health Advocacy at our next Aging Solo meeting. Marc is the founder of On the Marc Patient Advocacy Services, with a career spanning human resources, healthcare provider relations, and nonprofit work supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. Inspired by his mother’s battle with glioblastoma and his own lived experience with cerebral palsy, Marc is deeply committed to helping others navigate complex healthcare systems with clarity and confidence. He holds advanced degrees in business and health services administration and has completed multiple advocacy and patient safety certifications. Marc also serves in leadership roles within advocacy organizations and enjoys staying active, attending live events, and spending time with his cat.
Registration is easy, free and will give you the important Zoom information you need to join the call.
Note: If you have registered for any Aging Solo meeting in the past, you will get a reminder, however, to ensure the Zoom link is at the top of your inbox, you can re-register any time and as many times as you need.
Register for the meeting here ››
Financial Literacy & Management
Registration Open
(for ages 14-22)
Registration Deadline: June 21, 2026
Money Moves: An active camp for financial education
August 3 – 7, 2026
(for DARS clients aged 14-22)
DARS Referral Deadline: July 6, 2026
Mentors Needed for RAMP Summer June-September 2026!
We’re looking for dedicated and passionate mentors to support our Ready to Achieve Mentor Program (RAMP)this summer! This is a great opportunity to make a meaningful impact by guiding students, building connections, and assisting with engaging in-person field trips.
If you’re interested in inspiring the next generation while gaining a rewarding experience, we’d love to have you join our team!
Reach out today to learn more and get involved! Please contact Kevina Brown at kbrown@ecnv.org.
Thriving Solo: June 2026 Registration Closes June 1st!
Registration is now open for the June 2026 session of Thriving Solo. This will be a class for individuals 14-22 years old.
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
ECNV Lunch and Learn Series
Join us on the second Friday of each month to learn more about Social Security benefits like SSI and SSDI. In a welcoming, practical setting, ECNV will help you understand how to prepare, what documents you need, and how to avoid common application delays while answering your questions.
Next session: June 12, 2026 - I'm Accepted, Wait, I'm Rejected...Now What?
Register for Our ECNV Benefits Mini Series here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/DzHQcPZ4TV-DcAXHjrj3OA
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.
Connect and Engage: Join Our Social Circle
The ENDependents Social Group
ECNV’s Social Group will take place June 26,2026. Location to be Determined. Stay Tuned!
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.
ENDependents Social Group Sign Up ››
ECNV Metro Club
Advocacy Updates
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!
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 Attends: Dreamers’ Mothers in Action (DMIA)
On April 28th, Rosalia Fajardo joined Dreamers' Mothers in Action (DMIA) at their General Assembly Debrief 2026 as a panelist.
Leer en Español ››
ECNV-Walkinshaw Fairfax Office Meet and Greet
On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, ECNV staff Policy & Advocacy Coordinator Laura Kim, Lead Community Activist Jimena Barron, Training & Mobility Manager Andrew Shaw and Communication and Publications Specialist Elaine Shaw met with Congressman Walkinshaw's District Director Maddy White and disability intern and advocate Adam Rizzoli. This was an informal meet-and-greet with Walkinshaw's Fairfax office and a valuable opportunity to introduce ECNV and highlight the role we play across Northern Virginia, especially in Fairfax.
Leer en Español ››
All Star Ability Day
On Saturday, May 16, 2026, All Star Ability Day was a true joy for attendees, featuring inclusive games, creative crafts, music, and family-friendly activities that brought the community together. ECNV had the wonderful opportunity to connect with amazing local organizations and valuable community resources. We are proud to share our services and support with community members attending this fantastic event, organized by Loudoun County Parks, Recreation, and Community Services. The event celebrated inclusion, community engagement, and accessibility for individuals and families of all abilities, creating a welcoming and uplifting experience for everyone involved.
Leer en Español ››
Explore our Newsletter Archiveto 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.
