September 2025 E-Newsletter
Exploring Possibilities: How RAMP is Guiding Youth with Disabilities Toward Their Futures
The Ready to Achieve Mentoring Program (RAMP) is more than a mentoring program, it’s a launchpad for young people with disabilities to explore, dream, and build a path toward meaningful futures. A career-focused initiative designed for students aged 14 to 21, RAMP supports youth in identifying their career interests and developing real-world skills for education and employment. The program runs nine months during the school year, with an additional 16-week Summer Program, providing year-round support and engagement.
What makes RAMP especially impactful is its emphasis on family involvement, community connection, and hands-on learning. Through one-on-one mentoring and peer group sessions, students not only develop their resumes and interview skills but also cultivate the confidence and curiosity they need to thrive.
At the heart of this effort is Kevina Brown, who has served as RAMP Coordinator for the past two years and received the 2025 RAMP Coordinator Award presented by The Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL).
RAMP Possibilities Continued ››
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 initial referral deadline is September 1, 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 Rides Again!
If you've been waiting for ECNV's social group to start back up, we're excited to announce that the ENDependents Social Group has started again. 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 summer 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.
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.
Money Matters 101 Fall Registration is Open
ECNV offers a five-part training to help people with disabilities understand and manage money. Money Matters will help people understand what money is, how they can use it to pay for things they need, and how to decide what things are most important to pay for.
Use our Online Registration Form to sign up! Registration closes Sep. 15, 2025.
Training Schedule
Mon, Oct 20, 4-5pm
Welcome, Introductions, and What is Money?
Tue, Oct 21, 4-5pm
Understanding Wants, Needs, and Obligations
Wed, Oct 22, 4-5pm
Bank Accounts and Credit
Thu, Oct 23, 4-5pm
Protect Yourself and Your Money
Fri, Oct 24, 4-5pm
Review, Money Game, and Conclusion
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.
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, September 19th!
Join us for a fun and educational day out at the Smithsonian's National Zoo
Date: Friday, September 19th
Time: 10:00 AM- 3:00 PM
Meeting Location: Rockville Metro
We will hop onto the Red Line towards Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan and walk to the Smithsonian's National Zoo. Please make sure to bring walking shoes. It's a 14-minute walk to the zoo. If needed, we can board D70.
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 Metro back to Rockville metro
Service dogs are welcome! Please bring your own SMART Trip Cards, Lunch and tickets for Zoo
Please RSVP before September 17th to confirm availability!
Grant Updates:
Bienvenidos Todos Webinar Series
Save the Date: September 11, 2025 for the next Bienvenidos Todos webinar!
Join us for an informative session on “Future Plan - Guide To Transition.” 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.
ECNV Partners with Fairfax County for Health and Wellness Fair
On Saturday, July 12, 2025, ECNV partnered with Fairfax County to co-host a health and wellness fair. We had a great opportunity to serve and provide resources to the Latino and other communities residing in the Berkdale Apartments. We provided a lot of great service and information to the residents and community.
Disability Rights Podcast Interviews ECNV Travel Trainers
The Disability Rights Podcast interviewed various groups of persons with disabilities at the NCIL Conference (July 21, - July 24, 2025)! Surprise, surprise! Two of ECNV travel trainers, Mindy Niland and Karen Arnett were interviewed and talked about travel training!
Watch the ALL the interviews ››
Dreamers Mothers in Action Informational Luncheon Meeting
On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, Dreamers Mothers in Action, DMIA in partnership with ECNV, hosted an informational session with community leaders at the luncheon meeting, with the support of several communities that work directly with immigrants affected by the increase in criminalization and detention policies. We were pleased with your presence for this informational session with eight general Latin American consuls who provided useful information about services for their communities.
RAMP Makes Waves at the Reston Cardboard Boat Regatta!
On August 9, 2025, RAMP participants went out to the waters and competed in the Reston Cardboard Boat Regatta. RAMP's boat stayed afloat and all stayed dry!!
Minnie H. Peyton Community Center Back-to-School Event
On Saturday, August 9, 2025, ECNV participated in a successful Back-to-School event at Minnie H. Peyton Community Center at Bailey's Crossroads area of Falls Church. This event was organized by Fairfax County Community Services and Health Department, and had around 700 attendees. Partners distributed 400 backpacks at this “Back to School” event!
Big Congratulations to Our Very Own Kevina Brown!
On August 13, 2025, the Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL) awarded Kevina with the RAMP Coordinator Award !!!
RAMP sites from across the country nominated and voted for coordinators who go above and beyond, and Kevina stood out for her incredible work creating unique opportunities for youth, engaging community partners, and building strong relationships with fellow coordinators.
We’re so proud of you, Kevina!
Adult Social Club Visits the International Spy Museum
On Friday, August 15, 2025, ECNV travel trainer Mindy Niland took a group of students for another social group outing. On this outing, they hopped onto the Yellow Line to visit the International Spy Museum in Washington,
If you would like to join the next trip, RSVP before September 17th to confirm availability! The next outing will be on Friday, September 19th and the group will be visiting the Smithsonian's National Zoo!
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church’s Multicultural Celebration & Health Fair and Back to School
On a beautiful sunny Saturday, August 16, ECNV staff Margarita Baquero and David Aguayo were attending St. Mark’s Lutheran Church’s Multicultural Celebration & Health Fair and Back to School event hosted by Fairfax County Community Services and Health Department. Testing/screenings were provided by the Fairfax County CareVan. ECNV sponsored the Bienveniodos Todos Project for this back-to-school event.
2025 Virtual Special Education Summit in Spanish
On Saturday, August 16, PEATC, in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Education, held the 2025 Virtual Special Education Summit in Spanish. This virtual event, which was presented entirely in Spanish, brought together parents of students with disabilities and professionals to better understand special education and discover resources that help meet the needs of our community.
ECNV’s Bienvenidos Todos team Rosalia Fajardo, and two of our organizadoras Jimena Barron and Zuheil Alvarez were part of the parent panel, and the virtual resource fair.
