[Image: St. Patrick's Day celebration, hat with green glitter surrounded by cupcakes with green frosting].

In this edition: She's Making Black History!, How Asian Disability is Made Invisible, ECNV’s I Am Self-Advocacy and more!

Nuestro boletín de noticias está disponible en Español.

[Image: ECNV Executive Director, Dominique Dunford-Lack with daughter, Delaney Lack a the White House Open House for Black History Month].

[Image: President Biden speaks about the economy in Springfield, VA].

The White House invited ECNV and its first Black female Executive Director, Dominique Dunford-Lack to two recent events. The first was a visit to Springfield, VA to highlight work to stimulate the economy and employment, especially for marginalized communities, with significant impact in the disabled community. It is important to note that even in an expanding economy with unemployment rates at a 50-year low, people with disabilities remain unemployed and underemployed and it is important that we not be left behind. Dominique had the opportunity to share the important work that CILs do, ECNV's work, and the need for the Administration to continue to support disabled Americans with its healthcare and economic policies - especially the disabled BIPOC community. We will share Dominique's pictures with President Biden as soon as we receive them.

The second invitation was to visit the East Wing of the White House to honor prominent African American history makers. We welcome you to view Respectability’s Black Americans with Disability page to become familiar with famous leaders with disabilities.

The White House released a FACT SHEET: The Biden-⁠Harris Administration’s Work to Support Black Disabled Americans on February 22, 2023. Black Americans with disabilities are deserving of dignity, respect, and equal opportunity to achieve the American Dream. Black History Month celebrates the resilience and talents of Black people, including Black disabled people. This country was founded upon the idea that all people are created equal and should be treated equally. However, it is important to acknowledge that racism and ableism together are longstanding barriers to the full participation and independence of Black people with disabilities. America has made significant progress, but there is more work to do to become an inclusive, accessible, and equitable nation.

Across the whole of the federal government, agencies are examining their policies and programs for disparities that have made it difficult for Black Americans and people with disabilities to thrive in their communities – at work, at school, and at home. This fact sheet includes issues, stats, and resources related to:

• Apprenticeships
• Financial Empowerment.
• Understanding the role of Black disabled workers in the economy.
• Promoting equitable disability determinations.
• Race equity research, statistics and data resources Identifying inequities in Social Security programs 
• Implementing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL): Prevention and elimination of digital discrimination.
• Addressing disproportionate use of school discipline on Black students with disabilities.
• Addressing inequities in services to young Black children with disabilities and their families.
• Strengthening nondiscrimination in health care
• Measuring the quality of home- and community-based services (HCBS) and promoting equity for Black older adults and individuals with disabilities. .
• Enforcing the integration mandate of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Improving Equity in Entrepreneurship.
• Protecting Black Americans’ access to housing by combating housing discrimination.

[Images: Image ECNV Executive Director, Dominique Dunford-Lack with daughter, Delaney Lack a the White House Open House for Black History Month; President Biden speaks about the economy in Springfield, VA].

The I Am Self-Advocacy (IASA) Program is a Pre-Employment Transition Service (Pre-ETS) focused on helping students with disabilities, ages 14-22, hone their skills in self-advocacy through a combination of individual and group sessions. Funded by the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), the IASA program is typically conducted over the course of 8-10 weeks with students working one-on-one with a peer mentor to discuss topics integral to self-advocacy and meeting with their peers in a group environment to delve deeper into program topics.

This 8 to 10-week program is offered quarterly to students referred by the Fairfax, Alexandria, Leesburg, and Manassas DARS offices. Although the Winter Program Session continues to the end of March, we are currently accepting referrals for our Spring Program Session slated to begin April 10th and end June 9th.

On February 14th, ECNV began piloting an in-school session for its IASA Program. Ten students at Alexandria City High School are utilizing part of their classroom time to participate in this inaugural program model working with a total of 5 peer mentors for their one-on-one sessions. Paul Whitney, who is spearheading this in-school program, is also providing in-service training for the peer mentors, and facilitating the group sessions every other week. 

This in-school program model is currently only offered to Alexandria City High School. It spans 16 weeks due to the need for flexibility around the school schedule. Peer mentors meet students during school hours for individual and group sessions that are scheduled in alternating weeks. Not only does this model allow for in-person interactions, but it also alleviates the stress of scheduling after school or work hours for these busy young adults and their families.

Regardless of the program model, students work with their peer mentor at a speed and level that is individualized and conducive to their learning. During the weekly group sessions, they take what they have learned and participate in group activities and debates with their peers. By the end of the program, the students will have put together their own self-advocacy portfolio to include things they learned regarding self-awareness, disability awareness, self-determination, disability rights and responsibilities, how to be assertive, and how to engage allies and be an ally to others.

Students interested in participating in the IASA program should talk to their special education teacher or Employment and Transition Representative (ETR) at their school for assistance. Alternatively, reach out to your local DARS office to get started. All referrals must come from DARS. The referral deadline for the Spring Session is March 17, 2023.

For more information about the program, please contact the Program Coordinator, Hannah Roberts at hannahr@ecnv.org or call ECNV's office number at 703-525-3268.

[Image: Three circles overlapping each other with words Self Advocate in the center and words Motivated, Committed, and Passionate on each circle.]

Now that Metro has extended services, did you know that ECNV can also help you with other ways to experience the freedom to travel where you want to go?

• Wayfinding – You’ve gotten off the Metro at Reston Town Center, now what? We can show you how to use different tools to be able to navigate and walk, bike, roll, or whatever you need to do to get from where you are looking to go.
• Safety First – Your parent is worried that you can’t travel independently. You are not sure whether this is the right bus. You missed your stop. Having the freedom to take the bus independently is a big step. We will listen to any concerns you have and plot out the easiest and safest way to get to where you want to go and back again. We will keep practicing with you and walk through different scenarios until you are comfortable and confident you can travel to where you want to go independently,
• Trip and Route planning – Want to plan your own trip now that you’ve got the skills to ride the bus and metro? ECNV Travel Trainers can help you use the tools at your disposal to plan your own trips independently.
• Advocacy and Access to WMATA Disability Services – We can help you to apply for Metro Access, Disability Reduced Fare, or obtain a Senior Smartrip Card (age 65+). We can coach you to advocate for your needs and guide you on how to use those services.
• Bicycle Route Training – Have a bike or e-bike? We can help you learn to utilize multi-modal transportation options. You will have more flexibility if you can ride your bike to a bus stop, properly secure it, and safely navigate on bike paths, safe biking lanes, and sidewalks where allowed. We can also coach you on how to be safe and smart using your electric bike to tackle more hills and miles more easily than a regular bike.
• Driver Confidence Assistance – Licensed to drive in Virginia, but need to boost your confidence? ECNV staff can accompany you as you drive to help build confidence.

ECNV travel trainers can also help you apply for Disability Reduced Fare, a half price smartrip card for people with disabilities who are able to ride bus and metro. Senior Smartrip (if you are over 65 years of age, also a discount card).

If your disability makes it so that some of the time you are not able to take the bus and Metro, ECNV travel trainers can also help navigate the Metro Access Application, which enables the door-to-door transportation throughout the Northern VA, DC, and DC suburbs of VA area covered by WMATA. For more information, please contact, Andrew Shaw - andrews@encv.org

[Image: Loudoun County Metro Map, close-up].

Judith “Judy” Heumann (1947-2023)

Judith “Judy” Heumann—widely regarded as “the mother” of the disability rights movement—passed away in Washington, D.C. on the afternoon of March 4, 2023. Judy was at the forefront of major disability rights demonstrations, helped spearhead the passage of disability rights legislation, founded national and international disability advocacy organizations, held senior federal government positions, co-authored her memoir, Being Heumann, and its Young Adult version, Rolling Warrior, and was featured in the Oscar-nominated documentary film, Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution. (See more from the official notice from Judy’s website)

[Image: Judith “Judy” Heumann].

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) is seeking comment on its Draft Regional Fair Housing Plan, which includes an analysis of impediments to fair housing choice across the region and provides strategies to increase access to safe and affordable housing, increase investment and resources in priority areas, and create more inclusive communities.

The COG is collecting public comment through March 31, 2023. A Comment Form is available in English, Spanish, French, Korean, and Chinese.

[Image: Suburban street with older brick detached houses].

If you're a high school sophomore, junior or senior with a disability and live in Virginia, here's a FUN and FREE opportunity to learn leadership. Applications are now open for VBPD's 2023 Youth Leadership Academy. YLA helps empower young people with developmental and other disabilities to develop their leadership skills by giving them the tools to succeed as they transition out of high school. The weeklong program will be held in-person from July 10-13 at Virginia State University. All training expenses, including food and lodging, are paid by the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities. Visit https://www.vbpd.virginia.gov/YLA.htm to learn more and apply. Slots are limited for this competitive learning opportunity so apply early. The deadline is April 7 at 5 p.m. Thank you for sharing this post with your networks.

Applications are due by 4/7/2023

[Image: Young Leadership Academy logo].

Many bills that circulated through the Virginia General Assembly 2023 term that affected the disability community, which range from employment to guardianship. The disAbility Law Center of Virginia (dLCV) posted position papers on many of them. The General Assembly adjourned on February 25th without passing the budget. The Virginia Association of Community Services Board published a March 1 Legislative Update with a score card of the bills that were passed, not passed, or died along the way to a vote. Governor Younkin says that he will call a special session once it appears that the parties will be able to agree on a budget bill.

What happens next? The Governor signs, vetoes, or suggests amendments to legislation that has been passed. The legislature will return in April to respond to his amendments and vetoes.

This will be our second time participating in Spring2ACTion and we are excited to be back. The funds that were raised in our previous experience with Spring2ACTion helped us to coach individuals within our multicultural families.

Here is a testimonial from an individual:

"I have the opportunity to say a few words to you, Miss Fajardo. That day you answered my phone call, I was hopelessly walking with my physical pain and my heart was very heavy because I couldn’t find an answer to my questions. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for answering my call and making an appointment with me. Thank you for letting me know more about the ECNV program that you are a part of. I knew that there are professional people, leaders who work with heart who guide visitors to have confidence and hope with professionalism. Miss Fajardo, I sincerely appreciate the way you are guiding me and the time you took to make sure I feel comfortable and being bilingual gave me more comfort to express myself. I will continue advancing in my vocational rehabilitation by putting your advice into practice. Thank you for accepting to be my coach, it has a great impact on my life. I will remember your words when we say goodbye, Úrsula never turn off the light of your heart. Have faith we will work together to keep it lit and move forward! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2023, to you Miss Fajardo and the ECNV Staff.”

This year, we hope to continue our efforts in providing support and advocacy to several individuals within the disability community.

Spring2Action will be on April 26, 2023!

[Image: Spring2Action 2023, ECNV graphic].

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Government passed a law to temporarily increase SNAP benefits to support families. Recently, the federal government changed the law and the temporary increase to the SNAP benefits will end February 16, 2023. Beginning in March, all SNAP benefits will return to normal amounts, without the added supplement.

The Virginia Department of Social Services has created a temporary information line. Please call 1-855-635-4370. If you need food now, call Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning: 703-222-0880

For more food resources, visit the Human Service Resource Guide online: Fairfaxcounty.gov/HSRG SEARCH “food” or scan the QR code below.

If you receive SNAP you may also be eligible for Medicaid, TANF, Energy Assistance, Child Care Assistance and more.

Apply at: CommonHelp.Virginia.gov/access or apply by phone at: 1-833-5-CALL-VA (1-833-522-5582)

Commonwealth Community Trust (CCT) is pleased to announce that applications for the 2023 Charitable Fund Award.

Who is eligible to apply?

• The recipient must live in Virginia and have a disability that meets the SSA definition of disabled. Disability for adults is defined as the inability to engage in “substantial gainful activity.” There must be a physical or mental impairment that can be expected to last at least 1 year. A child must have a physical or mental condition that very seriously limits his or her activities and is expected to last at least 1 year.
• The recipient must meet Federal poverty guidelines and/or receive SSI benefits. To review the HHS Poverty Guidelines, go to: https://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines. (Note: For a minor, eligibility would be based on the family’s income.)

Read more about application requirements on their website. The application period runs from January 23 - April 17. If you have any questions, email them at cfa@trustCCT.org. Apply online.

This toolkit helps organizations recruit, hire, retain and advance neurodivergent workers and benefit from the advantages of neurodiversity at work. You will learn about neurodiversity and neurodivergence, how neurodivergent workers can help organizations, and ways to accommodate and support neurodivergent employees. Explore neurodiversity in the workplace.

Virginia Housing is pleased to announce the launch of the Virginia Mortgage Relief Program, or VMRP, to provide assistance to homeowners experiencing delinquency due to a financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 to help address mortgage and/or other qualified home ownership-related delinquencies to avoid default, foreclosure, or displacement. Financial hardship could include an increase in living expenses, childcare, change in household size, job loss or reduction in income, etc.

Eligible VMRP households must owe less than $50,000 in delinquent payments. The housing obligations listed below are eligible uses of VMRP funds:

• First and subordinate mortgages for primary residence in Virginia;
• Homeowners insurance, flood insurance, and mortgage insurance;
• Homeowners/Condominium Association fees; and
• Property taxes.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) seeks comments on a recently published proposed rule implementing the Fair Housing Act’s mandate to “affirmatively further fair housing” with actions to overcome patterns of discrimination, promote fair housing choices, and eliminate disparities in housing opportunities. The Fair Housing Act offers protections on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), familial status, and disability.

The proposed rule provides that housing programs must consider people with disabilities and accessibility needs as central concepts when assessing and addressing barriers to fair and equitable housing, and even explicitly requires that these programs consult with organizations that advocate on behalf of older adults and people with disabilities — such as centers for independent living and aging and disability resource centers.

The proposed rule incorporates disability and accessibility into the definitions of key concepts that housing programs must address in their Equity Plans. Specifically, the proposed rule:

• Incorporates housing needs of people with disabilities of all ages, including consideration of the need for accessible housing, into the Equity Plan’s definition of “affordable housing opportunities.”
• Defines “fair housing choice” for persons with disabilities as providing “a realistic opportunity to obtain and maintain housing with accessibility features meeting the individual’s disability-related needs, housing provided in the most integrated setting appropriate to an individual’s needs, and housing where community assets are accessible to individuals with disabilities, including voluntary disability-related services that an individual needs to live in such housing.”
• Notes the relevance of the Supreme Court’s Olmstead v L.C. decision and the integration mandate of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act in defining terms such as “integration.” The proposed rule states that “for individuals with disabilities, integration also means that such individuals are able to access housing and services in the most integrated setting appropriate to the individual's needs.”

Vicente is a graduate of The University of Virginia with a double major in Foreign Affairs and Spanish Literature. He discovered his passion for helping others and pursued a career in human services. Vicente has worked at various non-profit organizations, including The International Rescue Committee, which helps refugee families from foreign countries, MACAA, an organization that aims to eliminate poverty in Central Virginia for families and children, and Echelon Community Services, an organization that works with Rapid-Rehousing and DHS to assist homeless individuals with disabilities obtain housing and other resources needed to obtain a self-sustaining life. With over three years' experience in human services, Vicente has found fulfillment in providing equal access to those marginalized in the community. During his free time, he enjoys shopping, reading, spending time with friends and family, and engaging in activities. Coffee is his favorite beverage.

Recently Archived

• Black TrailBlazers in the Disability Community Series: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.
• Expanding Consumer Credit Options for Households with Disabilities
• Supported Decision-Making Series
• Medicaid Waiver Basics and Using Your Waiver for Fun and Recreation

March

• Black Disability Politics Now with Dr. Sami Schalk and Vilissa Thompson, (virtual) 3/6/23, 6:30 pm.  This event is free.
• Dis-Queer: A Disability LGBTQIA+ Support Group, (virtual) 3/7/23, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm EST.  This event is free.
• Putting Theory into Practice: How to Be a Disability Ally and Build an Accessible Future, (virtual) 3/7/23, 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST.  This event is free.
• Disability History: Disability and the Founding Fathers, (virtual) 3/7/23, 6:00 pm EST.  This event is free.
• Careers & the DisABLED Magazine's Career Expo For People with Disabilities, (virtual) 3/8/23, 11:00am - 4:00pm EST.  This event is free.
• Ability Summit, (virtual) 3/8/23, 1:00pm EST.  This event is free.
• Post Legislative Session - Virginia General Assembly Review, (in-person), 3/12/23, 1:00pm to 3:00pm at Arlington Independent Media.
• Special Art Sundays, (virtual), 3/12/23, 4:00pm to 5:00pm EST.
• Why it's Important to Celebrate Neurodiversity, (virtual), 3/13/23, 5:30am to 6:30 am EST.
• The Language of Neurodiversity, (virtual), 3/13/23, 7:30am to 8:30 am EST.
• An Introduction to Neurodiversity, (virtual), 3/13/23, 9:30am to 10:30 am EST.
• Creating a Neuroinclusive Classroom, (virtual), 3/13/23, 11:30am to 5:00 pm EST.
• Art Enables: NSO (National Symphony Orchestra) In Your Neighborhood - Edge of the City, (in-person), 3/12/23, 5:00pm.
• Infinity ABA Parent Connect (in-person), 3/14/23, 7:00pm to 8:30pm at Infinity ABA Therapy & Autism Services.
• Celebrating Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: Let’s Partner with Councils on Developmental Disabilities, (virtual) 3/14/23, 3:00 EST.  This event is free.
• Successful Study Strategies for Students with Learning Disabilities, (virtual) 3/15/23, 7:00 EST.  This event is free.
• Parenting Disabilities, (virtual) 3/15/23, 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm EST.  This event is free.
• Summer Resource Fair for Families of Students with Disabilities, (in-person), 3/18/23, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm at the Loudoun County Public Schools Administration building.
• NVRC and Reel Abilities: Short Film Festival, (in-person), 3/18/23, 1:00pm - 4:oopm EST at NVRC. 
• 12th World Down Syndrome Day Conference, (virtual), 3/21/23.
• No More Negotiations: A Disability Justice Workshop (Part 1), (virtual), 3/21/23, 1:30pm - 3:00pm EST. Paid.
• COVID-19 Data on Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, (virtual), 3/22/23, 12:00pm. 
• No More Negotiations: A Disability Justice Workshop (Part 2), (virtual), 3/24/23, 10:00am - 11:30pm EST. Paid.
• Celebrating Invisible Disability Awareness, (virtual), 3/25/23, 11:00am - 12:00pm EST. 
• Representation Matters: The Role of Adaptive Sports in the Lives of People with Disabilities, (virtual), 3/27/23, 2:00pm - 3:00pm EST.
• Stuttering Advocacy with Proud Stutter & Special Guests, 3/27/23, 6:00 pm EST.
• ADA Mini Con: Emerging Issues in the ADA and Criminal Justice, (virtual) 3/28/23, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm EST. Paid. Registration is limited to the first 500 paid registrants and registration closes March 28 at 4:00pm EST.
• Youth Town Hall: Centering the Voices of Youth w/ Disabilities, (virtual) 3/30/23, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm EST.  This event is free.

April

• Northern Virginia Housing Expo, (in-person), 4/1/23, Dominion High School.
• Dis-Queer: A Disability LGBTQIA+ Support Group, (virtual) 4/4/23, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm EST.  This event is free.
• 21 Shades of Virginia, support group for families expecting or raising an African-American or interracial child with Down Syndrome, (virtual) 4/5/23, 8:00pm to 9:00 pm.  This event is free.
• Transition Lunch & Learn, (virtual) 4/5/23, 12:00 pm.  This event is free.
• Tech Team Thursday, (virtual) 4/6/23, 12:00 pm.  This event is free.
• Neurodiverse Peer Support Group, (virtual) 4/6/23, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm EST.  This event is free.
• World Autism Awareness Day: Inclusive Quality Education for All, (virtual) 4/8/23, 10:00 am - 11:15 am EST.  
• Special Art Sundays, (virtual), 3/12/23, 4:00pm to 5:00pm EST.
• Infinity ABA Parent Connect, (in-person), 4/11/23, 7:00pm to 8:30pm at Infinity ABA Therapy & Autism Services.
• Once Upon a time: dlCV Annual Fundraising Gala, (in-person), 4/14/23, 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm EST at Dewey Gottwald Center, Science Museum of Virginia. This event is free.
• RVA Adaptive Sports Festival, (in-person), 4/15/23, 10:00am - 2:00pm EST at Glen Allen High School.
• Transition Lunch & Learn, (virtual) 4/19/23, 12:00 pm.  This event is free.
• Parenting Disabilities, (virtual) 4/19/23, 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm EST.  This event is free.
• The AAPD Leadership Awards Gala, (virtual) 4/20/23, 6:30 pm EST.  This event is free.
• Sensory Friendly Pool Time, (in-person), 4/22/23, 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm EST at Prince William Aquatic Center. This event is free.
• #GAconf Europe 2023, (virtual and in-person), (virtual and in-person) 4/24/23 to 4/25/23. Virtual event is free. Two days of talks and networking exploring recent and future advancements in the field of video game accessibility.
• Let's Talk About It: Sexual Health and Wellness Training, (virtual) 4/24/23. Virtual event is free. 
• Neurodiversity at High School: How Can Families Partner with Schools?, (virtual) 4/28/23, 10:00 am - 11:30 am EST.  This event is free.
• Disability Career Fair, (virtual) 4/26/23, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm EST.  This event is free.
• 18th Annual Special Education Conference, (virtual) 4/29/23, 9:00 am - 12:15 pm EST.  This event is free. Registration will open in April!

The ENCV outreach team were around town promoting our programs and vaccination popups for people with disabilities.

On February 2, 2023, Rosalia Fajardo, Multicultural Families Director was able to provide emergency assistance to Latina mothers of children with disabilities at the Spires Apartment. We are able to provide these services through our Alexandria Community Access and Emergency Support grants funded by ACT for Alexandria, in collaboration with the City of Alexandria's Department of Community & Human Services and American Rescue Plan Act.

[Image: Rosalia with three Latina mothers at the Spire Apartments in Alexandria].

We were delighted to be able to be a part of the We Love Health and Wellness Fair in Falls Church on February 11, 2023. Rosalia shared information about ECNV and distributed free COVID-19 test kits at this collaborative event that over 500 individuals attended.

[Image: ECNV felt honored to meet so many families at the We Love Health and Wellness Fair].

[Image: Falls Church residents waiting to board a bus to the fair].

[Image: Falls Church residents visiting the We Love Health and Wellness Fair].

On February 14, 2023, ECNV, in partnership with Giant Pharmacy, provided COVID-19 and Flu vaccines to residents of the Fields of Old Town. Please let us know if you would like for us to schedule an event in your community. We are here to partner with organizations who serve marginalized populations that include people with disabilities. We are able to provide this service, as well as distribute COVID-19 test kits as a part of a CDC-funded Disability Vaccine Access Opportunity (DVAO) grant. ECNV is a Center for Independent Living who has access to the Federal emergency reserve of COVID-19 test kits. Please let us know if you would like us to order kits for your organization to distribute.

[Image: Pansy Walker, Expansion and Outreach Senior with our Giant Pharmacy partner at the Fields of Old Town].

• Arlington Special Education Advisory Committee Summer Resource Fair (February 4, 2023). Lea Kundratic, Hunter Cardwell and Rosalia Fajardo shared information about the I Am Self Advocacy program, travel training, and other services and programs at ECNV. We also distributed COVID-19 test kits with about 150 attendees.
• Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Center, Alexandria City Public Schools (February 6, 2023) Nagham, Vicente, Sal, and Rosalia met with staff to see how we can work together to serve the Alexandria immigrant community.
• Long Branch Elementary School Special Education Resource Fair (February 16, 2023) Rosalia was there to cheer on students in special education who shared their talents and encouraged parents to start early to plan for future success for their children. We were thrilled to see 50 people who attended this event.
• Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) Alexandria field office and the Alexandria City Workforce Development Center (WDC)  (February 22, 2034) Rosalia and Cherie Takemoto met with DARS and WDC representatives to plan how we can ease entry into their employment training and assistance programs for immigrants we serve in Alexandria City. Plans are in place for information sessions on March 21st (English with Interpreters Available) and March 23rd (Spanish).

The social groups are run by ECNV Staff. These fun gatherings are a great time for connecting, sharing and often take place over a good meal. Perhaps you'll make a new friend, and with lots of pandemic mandates being lifted, it's a perfect time to come back out. For more information, contact Ruchika Lalwani.

March 15 – ECNV Board meeting from 5:00 – 6:30pm

April 3 – TGIF Social Group at Uncle Julio’s, 4301 Fairfax Dr #100, Arlington, VA 22203 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm

April 21 – The ENDependents Social Group (virtual) from 4:00 – 6:00 pm

[Image: TGIF Social Group gathering at Silver Diner].