Empowering Lives: Discovering The Endependence Center Norfolk VA And Its Community Impact

Prof. Lonny Smitham 03 Aug 2025

The Endependence Center, Incorporated, often called ECI, stands as a truly important support system for many people right here in South Hampton Roads. It's a place that, in a way, helps individuals with disabilities live more independently, offering a whole range of services that can really make a difference. We are talking about a group that has, you know, earned a lot of appreciation, with quite a few likes and people talking about their work, showing just how much impact they have on the community.

So, if you are looking for a place that champions independence and provides real, tangible help, the Endependence Center Norfolk VA is, well, certainly a name you will want to know. They focus on giving people the tools and confidence they need to manage their own lives, to make their own choices, and to participate fully in their communities. It is, honestly, a very inspiring mission that touches many lives.

This article will take a closer look at what ECI does, where they are located, and how they support individuals with disabilities. We will also touch on some of the practical details about connecting with them, including information about how you can, perhaps, support their efforts and even some specifics on benefits programs like FEDVIP, which is, you know, something many people find helpful to understand.

What is the Endependence Center, Inc.?
- A Look at Their Mission
- Where to Find Them
Services Offered: Building Independent Lives
Community Connection and Support
- How People Engage
- Supporting Their Work
Understanding Benefits and Enrollment
A Glimpse into the Experience
Important Details for Connection
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Endependence Center, Inc.?

The Endependence Center, Incorporated, or ECI, is, honestly, a cornerstone for independent living in the South Hampton Roads area. It is a non-profit organization that focuses on empowering people who have disabilities. They do this by providing direct services and, you know, fostering an environment where individuals can really thrive on their own terms. It is a very direct approach to support.

This center is, in some respects, a hub of activity and help. Many people have visited, with 198 individuals noted as being there, which suggests a steady flow of community members using their facilities and services. It is, quite simply, a place where folks can get the assistance they need to live as independently as they wish, which is, you know, a pretty big deal for many.

A Look at Their Mission

The core purpose of ECI is to empower individuals with disabilities. This is achieved, basically, through a variety of direct services. They aim to help people gain more control over their lives and, you know, participate more fully in their communities. This mission guides everything they do, from the smallest piece of advice to broader advocacy efforts.

Their work is, in a way, about giving people choices and the means to act on those choices. Whether it is about finding information, getting advice from someone who has been there, or speaking up for one's rights, ECI is, you know, right there to support these steps. It is a very person-centered approach to support, which is quite refreshing.

Where to Find Them

The Endependence Center, Inc. is located at 6300 East Virginia Beach Boulevard in Norfolk, Virginia, with the zip code 23502. This address is, apparently, their main operational base, where many of their services are delivered. It is, quite simply, a central point for those seeking their help.

You can find them at this same address, 6300 E Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23502. This location serves the South Hampton Roads area, which means they are, you know, accessible to a broad community that truly needs their support. It is, in fact, a very important physical presence for many.

Services Offered: Building Independent Lives

ECI offers a wide range of services designed to help people with disabilities live more independently. These services are, basically, tailored to meet various needs, from getting basic information to developing complex life skills. It is, honestly, a very comprehensive suite of offerings that aims to cover many aspects of daily life.

They provide, you know, quite a bit of direct support. This includes, for example, helping people understand their options, connecting them with others who share similar experiences, and advocating for changes that benefit the entire community. It is, in some respects, about building a stronger, more inclusive world, one person at a time.

Guidance and Support

One of the key services ECI provides is information and referral. This means they help people find the resources they need, whether it is about housing, transportation, or other community services. It is, you know, like having a knowledgeable guide who can point you in the right direction when you are feeling a bit lost or unsure.

They also offer peer counseling. This is where individuals with disabilities who have, perhaps, faced similar challenges, share their experiences and offer advice. It is, honestly, a very powerful form of support, as it comes from a place of genuine understanding and shared experience, which is, in fact, incredibly valuable.

Championing Rights and Access

Advocacy is a very important part of ECI's work. They help individuals advocate for their own rights, ensuring they receive fair treatment and access to necessary services. This is called individual advocacy, and it is, you know, about empowering people to speak up for themselves.

Beyond that, they engage in systems advocacy. This involves working to change policies and practices that affect large groups of people with disabilities. It is, basically, about making the entire system more accessible and equitable, which is, of course, a very big undertaking that benefits everyone in the community.

Skills for Everyday Living

ECI helps people develop independent living skills. This can include, for example, learning how to manage a budget, how to cook, or how to use public transportation. These are, you know, the practical abilities that allow someone to live on their own and handle daily tasks with confidence, which is, honestly, very liberating.

They offer training in these areas, helping individuals build the confidence and competence needed for everyday life. It is, in a way, about providing the foundational tools that allow people to take charge of their own routines and responsibilities, which is, you know, pretty essential for true independence.

Youth Transition Support

For younger individuals, ECI offers transition services to youth. This helps young people with disabilities move from school life into adulthood, preparing them for independent living, further education, or employment. It is, you know, a critical period, and having support during this time can make a huge difference.

These services help young people plan for their future, identify their goals, and develop the skills they will need to achieve them. It is, basically, about setting them up for success as they, you know, step into the next phase of their lives, which is, of course, a very exciting and sometimes challenging time.

Community Connection and Support

The Endependence Center is, quite simply, a vital part of the Norfolk community, fostering connections and providing a place where people feel understood. Their presence is, you know, felt by many, and the support they receive from the community helps them continue their very important work. It is, in a way, a two-way street of giving and receiving.

The fact that so many people have engaged with them, as shown by the number of likes and discussions, really highlights their role. It is, honestly, more than just a service provider; it is a community hub where people can find both practical help and a sense of belonging, which is, you know, something everyone needs.

How People Engage

The data from "My text" shows 1,210 likes and 13 people talking about ECI, with 198 visits recorded. This suggests a very active community presence and, you know, a good level of engagement from those who know about their work. It is, in fact, a sign of appreciation for what they do for the community.

People are, apparently, not just using their services but also expressing their support and discussing the impact of ECI. This kind of community interaction is, you know, very valuable for any organization, as it helps spread awareness and builds a stronger network of support for their mission, which is, of course, very important.

Supporting Their Work

If you support the work of ECI, you can, you know, make a contribution. This kind of financial backing helps them continue to offer their wide range of services to individuals with disabilities in the South Hampton Roads area. It is, basically, a way for the community to invest in the independence and well-being of its members.

Their vendor number and Employer Identification Number (EIN) 541250288 are, in fact, available for official purposes, which shows their legitimate standing as an organization. These details are, you know, important for those who might be considering larger forms of support or partnerships, ensuring everything is above board.

Understanding Benefits and Enrollment

Beyond their direct services, the Endependence Center sometimes touches upon broader topics that affect people with disabilities, such as understanding federal benefits programs. It is, you know, a complex area, and having some clarity on it can be very helpful for many individuals. This kind of information is, honestly, quite valuable.

While ECI itself focuses on independent living services, the context of benefit programs like FEDVIP is, apparently, something that comes up in discussions related to supporting individuals. It is, in a way, part of the larger picture of ensuring people have the resources they need, which is, of course, a very big part of living independently.

FEDVIP: What You Need to Know

The Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program, or FEDVIP, is, you know, a key part of retirement planning for many federal employees. It is, in fact, designed to provide stable dental and vision options as healthcare costs can, sometimes, be a bit unpredictable. This program is, basically, a vital tool for many families.

Once an election is made, your benefits automatically continue as long as you remain eligible for the program. This continuity is, you know, a very reassuring aspect, especially when planning for the future. FEDVIP remains a vital part of your retirement toolkit in 2025, which shows its ongoing relevance and importance.

Changing Plans and Relocating

You cannot, apparently, enroll in a FEDVIP plan using the health benefits election process directly. Still, if you are enrolled in a regional dental plan and moving out of its service area, you may be eligible to change your plan. This is, you know, a specific rule that applies in certain situations.

This allows you to change your plan but not your enrollment type. So, if you are currently enrolled in a regional dental plan and relocating, you may be eligible to enroll in Delta Dental’s national FEDVIP plans. You can, you know, submit a Qualified Life Event (QLE) for this kind of change, which is, basically, how you initiate the process.

Getting Assistance with Benefits

It is important to know that Benefeds customer service cannot assist with questions about FEDVIP covered benefits and services. They also cannot help with ID cards, rating regions, or the approval of medical information for family members who might be, you know, incapable of making decisions for themselves. This distinction is, in fact, very important to understand.

For questions about covered benefits or medical approvals, you would, apparently, need to contact the specific dental or vision plan provider directly. This helps ensure you get the most accurate and relevant information for your particular situation, which is, of course, what everyone wants when dealing with their benefits.

A Glimpse into the Experience

There was, for example, a comment about a first day at the Endependence Center being "so awesome." This really suggests a very positive and welcoming environment, which is, you know, incredibly important for people seeking support. It paints a picture of a place where individuals feel comfortable and, honestly, well-received.

While there was also a mention of "Maureen Holloway is a liar May 22nd, 2023," it is important to focus on the overall mission and the extensive services ECI provides. The vast majority of feedback and engagement, as seen in the likes and visits, points to a generally very supportive and helpful organization, which is, you know, the main takeaway for most people.

Important Details for Connection

For those looking to connect with the Endependence Center, Inc., it is helpful to know some key details. The primary contact at ECI is, apparently, Johnson. Knowing who the main point person is can, you know, make reaching out a bit easier when you are looking for specific information or assistance. It is, basically, a good starting point for any inquiry.

Their mailing address is the same as their physical location: 6300 East Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, Virginia. This means that, whether you are sending something by mail or visiting in person, the address is, you know, consistent. This consistency helps ensure that communication reaches them effectively, which is, of course, very important for their operations.

The Endependence Center, Inc. has a National Provider Identifier (NPI) profile, which is, you know, a standard identifier for healthcare providers. This detail underscores their professional standing and their role in providing valuable services. It is, in fact, a mark of their legitimacy and commitment to professional standards.

For more general information about independent living and support services, you might, for example, visit an independent living resource center website. This can provide broader context on the independent living movement and, you know, how centers like ECI fit into the national picture, which is, of course, quite interesting.

Learn more about ECI on our site, and to find more community support, you can, you know, link to this page here.

Frequently Asked Questions

People often have questions about the Endependence Center Norfolk VA. Here are some common ones that, you know, tend to come up, providing some quick answers to help you understand their work better.

What services does the Endependence Center offer?
The Endependence Center, Incorporated, or ECI, offers a variety of services to people with disabilities. These include, for example, information and referral, peer counseling, individual and systems advocacy, independent living skills training, and transition services for youth. They also provide support related to housing, education, and transportation, which is, honestly, quite comprehensive.

Where is the Endependence Center located?
The Endependence Center, Inc. is located at 6300 East Virginia Beach Boulevard, Norfolk, VA 23502. This is, you know, their main address for both physical visits and mail. Their service areas cover South Hampton Roads, making them, basically, accessible to a wide community in that region.

Can the Endependence Center help with FEDVIP questions?
While the Endependence Center focuses on independent living services, it is important to know that Benefeds customer service, which handles FEDVIP, cannot assist with questions about covered benefits, ID cards, or medical approvals for family members. For those specific FEDVIP questions, you would, apparently, need to contact your specific dental or vision plan provider directly, which is, you know, a very important distinction to remember.

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