November 2025 E-Newsletter
ECNV's Monthly Spotlight: Vanessa Romero, Personal Assistant Services Coordinator
This month, we’re excited to shine the spotlight on Vanessa, one of ECNV’s dedicated Community Transition Liaisons.
Learn more about PAS and the work Vanessa does ››
What do you do at ECNV? I serve as a Community Transition Liaison helping individuals transition from institutional settings back into the community. I coordinate services and support them building independent and fulfilling lives.
Why do you love your work? I love being able to make a real impact in people’s lives – seeing consumers regain independence is incredibly rewarding. Everyday feels meaningful because I am helping others reach their goals and feel empowered.
Any other interesting things? I’m passionate about personal growth and helping others discover their potential – both in my work and outside of it. I love reading and learning new things. I also love thrifting and styling new outfits; it’s my creative outlet!
Favorite quote or motto. “Be the person you needed when you were younger.”
A fun fact or hobby? I’m really into fitness and wellness! I love lifting weights, running, and lately have been exploring barre and Pilates classes.
Upcoming Classes!
Shape Your Future: Join RAMP
Ready to Achieve Mentoring Program (RAMP) - This is a Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) program designed to help youth and young adults develop the skills necessary to further their education and/or secure employment by participating in job and community exploration activities, skill-building exercise, and enrichment opportunities. RAMP will span 9 months during the 2025-2026 school year from September 2025 through May 2026!
This career-focused mentoring program is intended for at-risk youth with disabilities. RAMP is a nationwide program, and ECNV is the vendor offering it in Northern Virginia. The deadline was October 31, 2025.
As this program is a longer-term program with a strong emphasis on individualized mentoring, we will continue to accept referrals through November 2025.
For questions, please contact Kevina Brown at kbrown@ecnv.org.
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 November 3rd our guest speaker is a publishing professional and will talk about how to pass down your memories, lessons, and life experiences for your children. Whether that's your own recorded voice or personal writings and clippings from your life. Join us to learn how to put together oral and written/printed stories about your life through the ages. Preserve and pass down your bountiful life histories and share them as a keepsake with your family to share long after your life is complete.
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 2025 on the right financial track.
Learn more about Money Matters ››
Thriving Solo Winter Registration is Open
Thriving Solo is the perfect class for people with disabilities who want to learn more about living on their own. Upcoming classes are scheduled for: Dec 8-10 and Dec 16-18 Mondays – Wednesdays from 2:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Sign up today on the Online Registration Form! Registration closes November 15, 2025.
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.
Personal Assistance Services (PAS)
Connect and Engage: Join Our Social Circle
Join ECNV’s Social Group for our last gathering of the year on November 21st! Come enjoy a fun and relaxing time with friends before the holidays.
Please note: this month’s meeting will be held on the third Friday, not the fourth, due to the Thanksgiving holiday.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.
Where: TBD
If you need reasonable accommodation to participate let us know.
Adult Social Club Outing
Date: Wednesday, November 26th
Time: 10:00 am- 4:00 pm
Meeting Location: Franconia Metro
We will meet at Franconia Metro to take the 322 for Springfield Mall. There we will meet in the food court for lunch and either do shopping or see Zootopia 2 as voted on last meeting. We may move the date to the Friday before Thanksgiving — stay tuned for updates!
This outing will also include:
Introduction to all Metro lines and Fairfax connector
Demonstration on how to use a SmarTrip Card
Overview of safety features on the bus
Introduction to Fairfax connector
Service dogs are welcome! Please bring your own SMARTrip Cards, Lunch Funds!
Advocacy Updates
ECNV’s Laura Kim Featured on National Landing: Advancing Disability Employment Awareness
October was National Disability Employment Awareness Month! ECNV’s Laura Kim authored a featured blog for National Landing: “The Case for Hiring Employees with Disabilities."
In her piece, Laura shares how disability inclusion drives innovation, strengthens organizations, and builds a more equitable workforce.
Advocacy Update: Federal Government Shutdown
Written by: Laura Kim, ECNV Policy & Advocacy Coordinator
On October 1, 2025, the federal government entered a shutdown after Congress failed to agree on a new budget. One major issue still being debated is the extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, which help make health insurance more affordable. Without action, these subsidies will expire at year’s end, and many people who purchase health insurance through the marketplace could see premiums double or more when open enrollment begins on November 1.
Read more on Advocacy Update ››
The Power of Advocacy: Building Skills to Create Change
The Power of Advocacy is a multi-part webinar series designed to help you build confidence and practical skills to create positive change in your community. Through interactive sessions, you’ll learn how to share your story, connect with decision-makers, and use a range of advocacy tools—from individual action to shaping public policy. The series will conclude with an opportunity to put these skills into action during our advocacy trip to Richmond in January.
Next webinar November 6, 4:30pm to 5:30pm. Register today! One brief registration signs you up for the entire advocacy series.
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 Todos Webinar Series
Save the Date: November 13, 2025 for the next Bienvenidos Todos webinar!
Join us for an informative session on "Understanding Social Security Benefits."
Presenter: Majo Flores, the Arc of Northern Virginia
Find out about Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) benefits for people with disabilities.
Thursday November 13, 2025, 1:00 pm (English) and 7:00 pm (Spanish).
Registration for English Webinar ››
Registration for Spanish Webinar ››
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 Partners with Fairfax County at Free Flu Clinic
On Thursday, October 2, 2025, ECNV partnered with Fairfax County Health Department’s Division of Community Health Development for a free flu clinic at Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center in Falls Church, VA.
Congratulations to RAMP Summer 2025 Participants!
On Oct. 3rd, ECNV RAMP students celebrated at their Closing Ceremony & Celebration! It was so lovely to be able to celebrate the achievements of our RAMP students together!
ECNV Attends Flu Clinic
On Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Jim Scott Community Center, the Chinese American Community Health Services (CACHS) hosted its annual health Fair. ECNV generously supported this event, providing free flu vaccines to uninsured community members attending their annual community health fair in Northern Virginia.
2025 Festival Latinoamericano
ECNV participated with a table of information at the 2025 Festival Latinoamericano was held on Fri., Oct. 3, from 5-9 p.m. at Arlington Mill Community Center. Arlington County's Festival Latinoamericano is dedicated to celebrating the vibrant and diverse cultures on Columbia Pike that enrich our community. With a showcase of the rich tapestry of Latin American art, food, and culture. .
ECNV Staff Took Sail on the Odyssey for a Luncheon
On October 15th, ECNV staff and peer mentors enjoyed a wellness day aboard the Odyssey, setting sail for a relaxing luncheon-style afternoon on the water.
ECNV's Adult Social Group
On Friday October 17th, ECNV's Adult Social Group took an afternoon adventure to Old Town Alexandria to enjoy the fall colors and lunch.
Arlington NDEAM Proclamation
On October 21st, ECNV's Laura Kim, attended the Arlington County Recess Meeting, where JD Spain read the proclamation of the disability employment awareness month.
Bienvenidos In-Person Conference "The Future Plan- Guide to Transition"
CNV Project sponsored by ADA-MID Atlantic, hosted a successful Conference! We addressed The Future Plan- Guide to Transition highlights the importance of future planning, providing a guide and information to transition for youth receiving special education. after high school. For parents, Learn about rights and tips to prepare for success.
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.
