Ethiopian Eritrean Special Needs Community

06/11/2026

A Major Advocacy Win for Our Community! 🎉
We are thrilled to share that Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services has announced two landmark commitments for FY27:
A full-time Community Navigator position to provide case management for families facing barriers to IDD services
An open solicitation contract for community partners to deliver navigation services specifically for immigrant and culturally diverse families
This is a direct result of persistent advocacy by EESNC's Azeb Adere, alongside coalition partners Lisa Lorraine (Jubilee Association of Maryland) and Jingfeng (SEEDS), through multiple meetings with DHHS leadership — including Kim Mayo, Karen Gipson, and Dr. Patrice McGee — over the past year.
This victory means that more Ethiopian, Eritrean, and African immigrant families in Montgomery County will finally have culturally responsive support to access the IDD services they deserve. And it doesn't stop here — this model has the potential to inspire change across the entire state of Maryland.
To God be the glory — this is what advocacy looks like!

06/11/2026

A Victory Worth Celebrating!
We are overjoyed to share some wonderful news that will make a real difference for so many families in our community!
Virginia has passed HB37 — a landmark bill ensuring that Medicaid waiver recipients will no longer lose their benefits if a parent passes away or retires and begins receiving SSDI income that would have previously pushed them over the eligibility limit.
Under this new law, the state will disregard that excess income, allowing individuals to keep their Medicaid waiver — and the life-changing services that come with it.
This is the result of five years of dedicated advocacy by the Virginia Autism Project, Delegate Irene Shin, Dennis Findley, The Arc, and the Autism Society of Central Virginia. We are deeply grateful for their perseverance and commitment to protecting our most vulnerable community members.
At EESNC, we know firsthand how much is at stake when families face the loss of essential supports. This win is a reminder that advocacy works — and that when we stand together, change is possible.

06/04/2026

Azeb Adere is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85137267944?pwd=S2cvYUtNdWVLV01BZG94TWhFZit0UT09

Meeting ID: 851 3726 7944
Passcode: 036448

05/10/2026

To the Moms Who Never Give Up.
You wake up every morning with more love than most can imagine and more on your plate than most could carry. You navigate systems, fight for services, hold your child through hard moments, and somehow still hold your family together.
You are not just a mother. You are an advocate, a translator, a teacher, a warrior and on the hardest days, you are still enough.
To every mom in our EESNC family your strength is seen. Your sacrifice is honored. Your love changes lives.
እናቶቻችን — ፍቅራችሁ ሕይወትን ይቀይራል። Happy Mother's Day.

05/08/2026

Check out TATA TECH (Dr. T ) PHD’s post.

05/08/2026

04/04/2026

Dear EESNC members,
This is real.
Please act now.

Governor Moore

Phone: 410-974-3901

Email: [email protected]

Online: governor.maryland.gov/contact

Script: What to Say When You Call

“Hello, my name is [Your Name] and I am a Maryland resident. I am calling to urge Governor Moore not to sign the $126 million DDA budget cut. These cuts will directly harm people with developmental disabilities and their families who depend on these services every day. Please ask the Governor to find an alternative solution. Thank you.”

Script: What to Write in Your Email

Subject: Please Do Not Sign the DDA Budget Cut

Dear Governor Moore,

I am a Maryland resident writing to urge you not to sign the $126 million cut to the Developmental Disabilities Administration.

This cut will directly harm thousands of Marylanders with developmental disabilities — including children and adults with autism and severe needs — who depend on these services to live, thrive, and remain in their communities.

Our families have already fought through years of cuts. We are asking you to stand with us and find an alternative solution before signing.

Please protect our most vulnerable community members.

Respectfully,

[Your Name]

[City, Maryland]

OFFICE OF GOVERNOR LARRY HOGAN

01/01/2026

Happy New Year to all our EESNC followers!
Wishing you a wonderful 2026 filled with health, happiness, and meaningful moments. Thank you for being part of our community. Here's to a bright year ahead!