Loudoun ENDependence (LEND) / ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia (ECNV)

Goal: $5,000.00

Specific Need

Empowering Independence, One Life at a Time

What We Are Doing:

When a single mother of two faced the very real threat of homelessness, she didn’t know where to turn. That’s when she connected with the ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia.

With support from ECNV’s Manager of Independent Living, she received guidance navigating housing resources, stabilizing her situation, and building a plan for long-term independence. Step by step, she moved from crisis toward stability.

In late 2024, she achieved her goal of securing stable housing. By April 2025, her case was successfully closed—and she and her children moved into their first independent home.

Today, they are safe, stable, and building a new future together.

Your support during GiveChoose makes stories like this possible. When you give, you help families move from crisis to confidence, from uncertainty to independence.

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When a federal employee and sole caregiver reached out to ECNV, she was overwhelmed and exhausted. Her mother, who has Parkinson’s disease, urgently needed durable medical equipment to remain safe at home.

That’s when Samantha stepped in.

With compassion and determination, Samantha connected the family to generous donors and secured critical equipment—including an electric hospital bed, Hoyer lift, sit-to-stand device, and more. No matter the obstacle, she kept saying, “We can find that,” and she did.

Most recently, she helped the family obtain a power wheelchair that the daughter could safely lift. For the first time in years, her mother was able to move independently around her home—bringing tears of relief and joy.

Your GiveChoose support makes stories like this possible. When you give to ECNV, you help families stay safe, supported, and together at home.

At ECNV, our five core services—Peer Counseling, Advocacy, Independent Living Skills Training, Information & Referral, and Transition Services—help individuals with disabilities regain independence, stability, and confidence.

But we need your support to continue transforming lives like Ursula’s and Znecka’s.

More Peer Mentors to provide guidance and emotional support.
Expanded Advocacy Efforts to fight for disability rights and resources.
Enhanced Independent Living Training to equip individuals with the skills to thrive.
More Outreach & Referral Services to connect people with the help they need.
Stronger Transition Support to assist with housing, employment, and community integration.

With your donation, we can expand our reach, strengthen our programs, and uplift even more individuals facing barriers to independence.

Will you help us continue this life-changing work? Every contribution makes a difference. Donate today!

Mission

The ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia (ECNV) serves people with disabilities in Northern Virginia. We empower people with disabilities to live independently, enhance their quality of life, advocate for their rights, and shape their own lifestyles.

Profile

ECNV is a peer-led 501(c)(3) Center for Independent Living (CIL) serving Loudoun, Arlington, and Fairfax Counties, and the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, and Fairfax. Our staff, volunteers and Board members are people with disabilities, bringing unique perspectives to our work. Led by a Black, disabled woman, ECNV is dedicated to equity and justice. Our mission is to empower people with disabilities to live interdependently, improve life quality, make personal choices, participate fully in society, secure rights, practice self-advocacy, and guide policy. Our peer-led, lived experience approach fosters community and support.