October 2025 E-Newsletter
Breaking News: Spread the Word!! Person of Power 2025
ECNV's Rosalia Fajardo is Person of Power 2025 Honoree!
Radio Power together with Persons of Power, during the Hispanic Heritage Month, recognize people who have contributed to the advancement and development of the immigrant and Latin American communities of Virginia with their EXAMPLE, WORD and ACTION. We call them "Person of Power. “They represent different areas of Virginia. They have been nominated by other People of Power since 2021.
PERSON OF POWER: It also aims to encourage the honorees and the communities surrounding them to continue to be people of will and power. See yourselves as part of a broad group that comes together for the well-being of our communities in every corner of our state of Virginia.
The recognition event will be at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture:
October 11 at 428 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA 23220- 1pm-5pm WITH CULTURAL PRESENTATIONS AND MUSEUM TOURS. https://radiopoder.media/persona-de-poder/
ECNV Interviews Big Ocean (K-Pop Band)
ECNV's Cali Willcockson had the opportunity to attend and interview Big Ocean, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing K-pop Band. RAMP students also had the incredible opportunity to explore the unique and inspiring career path and to witness first-hand how individuals with disabilities overcome challenges, receive accommodations, and can thrive and succeed in the entertainment industry.
ECNV Welcomes Our Natalie Asmen as Bilingual ILS
ECNV's new Bilingual Independent Living Specialist has started. Meet Natalie! Welcome to the team.
"My name is Natalie Asmen, and I am so happy to be joining the ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia! I graduated from Shenandoah University this previous June with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and a minor in Business Administration. I also served three years in the Army National Guard as a Logistics Specialist, where I gained valuable experience in teamwork, adaptability, and leadership.
My background includes mentoring adults with disabilities and interning at SPARC, a day program, where I helped create inclusive and engaging activities to support independence. I have also worked as a caregiver and volunteered at my local church for several years in an inclusive ministry setting, which has deepened my passion for empowering others. My passion for this work is deeply personal, and I am so grateful for the chance to support others in breaking barriers and building independence. Outside of work, I am very family-oriented and love spending time with my mom and brothers. I enjoy painting, going to the gym, and caring for my cat. I’m super excited to grow in this role and be a part of ECNV’s mission!”
Now Recruiting: Loudoun County Personal Care Attendants (PCAs)
Are you a qualified Personal Care Attendant or Personal Assistant (PA) looking for flexible work opportunities?
ECNV is currently seeking compassionate and reliable PAs to join QuickMatch, our online PAS (Personal Assistance Services) registry.
QuickMatch connects PAs directly with individuals with disabilities who need support with everyday tasks like personal care, light housekeeping, and meal preparation.
Priority Need in Loudoun County
ECNV serves disabled individuals in Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun Counties as well as in the Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, and Falls Church and encourages interested PAs from the entire Northern Virginia region to apply.
The need for PAs in Loudoun County is especially high. Many residents are living without much needed in-home assistance. If you live in or are willing to work in Loudoun County, contact us today!
Why Join QuickMatch?
Work independently & set your own schedule
Coordinate directly with consumers — no middleman
Ideal for picking up extra hours or flexible side gigs
Make a meaningful impact in someone’s daily life
This is a great opportunity to earn income on your own terms while supporting independence for people with disabilities in your community.
Interested? Learn more and sign up at: QuickMatch – Registry Application
To search for PAs: https://quickmatch.org/join/
ECNV's Monthly Spotlight: Durable Medical Equipment Closet
ECNV helps people live more independently by connecting donated durable medical equipment (DME) to neighbors in need, free of charge.
Have an extra hospital bed, power wheelchair, or unopened medical supplies? Your donation can make a life-changing difference. ECNV accepts clean, complete, and working equipment, including manual wheelchairs, rollators, canes, knee scooters, commodes, shower benches, and more. We also accept sealed consumables like catheters and adult briefs.
If you need equipment, or would like to donate, contact ECNV at info@ecnv.org or 703-525-3268.
ECNV's Project ACCESS Digital Survey
What is Project ACCESS?
Project ACCESS (Advancing Connections and Capacity for Empowering Students) is a collaboration between the Virginia Association of Centers for Independent Living (VACIL) and the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). It is designed to expand opportunities and strengthen support for youth with disabilities by developing a statewide curriculum on self-advocacy.
What are the Goals?
The project is creating an Instruction in Self-Advocacy (ISA) curriculum that will provide lesson plans, activities, and resources to help students identify their needs, build self-advocacy skills, and prepare for successful transitions in school, work, and life. The ultimate goal is to make high-quality self-advocacy instruction accessible to all Virginia Pre-ETS students, guided by the voices of youth and families.
What We Need From You?
We want your input! Please take a few minutes to complete our survey. Your feedback will help ensure this curriculum reflects the real needs, experiences, and priorities of youth with disabilities and the families and organizations that support them. By sharing your perspective, you’ll help us build a stronger, more effective program for students across Virginia.
ACCESS Digital Access Survey ››
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 is 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.
The ENDependents Social Group and Adult Social Outing Group Join Forces!
This month ENDependents Social Group and the Adult Social Group will partner on the same night!
Date: Friday, October 31st
Time: 3:00 pm- 9:00 pm
Meeting Location: Ashburn Metro Center
Where: Cheesecake Factory (costume party-optional)
We will meet at Ashburn Metro and take the Silver Downtown Largo to Innovation Center. Then we will hop off at Innovation Center. Then walk to Innovation Center Metro Center Bus Bay and take the 322 down to Dulles Center Mall for Cheesecake Factory costume party! Costumes are encouraged but optional.
This outing will also include:
Introduction to all Metro lines and Loudoun County Buses
Demonstration on how to use a SmarTrip Card
Overview of safety features on the bus
Taking the Loudoun bus 322 back or looking for Fairfax Co. site to accommodate those taking metro access. Details TBA.
Service dogs are welcome! Please bring your own SMART Trip Cards, Dinner Funds
If you need reasonable accommodation to participate let us know.
For more information, please email info@ecnv.org
Welcome to the Aging Solo Collective
Aging Solo doesn’t mean aging alone! The Aging Solo Collective is a BRAND-NEW welcoming, monthly gathering 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.
Each month, we’ll meet virtually with a facilitator to guide insightful and engaging discussions on topics like longevity, independence, estate planning, community resources, building social connections, and making aging an adventure. Join us each month or pop into a meeting as your schedule permits. We will also have a guest speaker at various meetings; learn from subject matter experts you'd like to hear from and join us. Meetings will be virtual but may have a meet up component in various local areas. Be sure to register to join us. The Collective meetings begin October 6, 2025.
When: Oct 6, 2025 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
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.
Week 1
Monday, Dec 8, 2:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Kick-off, Stress Management, and Daily Routine
Tuesday, Dec 9 2:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Groceries, Meal Prep, and a Trip to the Grocery Store
Wednesday, Dec 10, 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Hands-on Cooking Class
Week 2
Monday, Dec 15, 2:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Advocacy & Empowerment
Tuesday, Dec 16, 2:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Travel Training and Metro Trip
Wednesday, Dec 17, 2:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Money Management and Graduation
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)
Advocacy Update
Introducing 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.
Adult Social Club Outing—Friday, October 17th!
Join us for a fun and educational day exploring historic Old Town Alexandria!
Date: Friday, October 17th
Time: 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM
Meeting Location: King Street Metro
We will enjoy a fun fall day in Old Town Alexandra! We will walk around old town and look for a place for lunch and shop.
This outing will also include:
Introduction to all Metro lines
Demonstration on how to use a SMARTrip Card
Overview of safety features on the bus
Taking the Trolley back to King Street Metro
Service dogs are welcome! Please bring your own SMARTrip Cards, Lunch!
Grant Updates:
Bienvenidos Todos Webinar Series
Save the Date: October 9, 2025 for the next Bienvenidos Todos webinar!
Join us for an informative session on “Employment Services in collaboration with Daniella Sykes, Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS).” Beginning at age 14, students in special education must begin planning for life after high school. Learn about rights and tips to prepare for success.
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.
Friday Adult Social Outing Group Explores Smithsonian Zoo
On Friday, September 19, 2025, the Adult Social Outing Group took on a fun and educational day out at the Smithsonian's National Zoo! If you are interested in the outings, reach out to ECNV at info@ecnv.org.
If you’re interested in joining the next Adult Social Group Outing, on Friday, October 17th to Old Town Alexandria, make sure to sign up before Wednesday, October 15th to confirm availability.
ENDependents Social Group
On Friday, September 19, 2025, The ENDependents Social Group went out to Andy's Pizza as part of their monthly group. If you are interested in future events, be sure to review our calendar regularly or email us at info@ecnv.org for more information
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.
