It's time for the latest NENA E-News!
Your source for news, resources, and advocacy
for your Employment Network (EN).
2025 Conference Update
CALL ALL SPONSORS AND EXHIBITORS! The Conference Committee is working hard to fill up our exhibitor hall. Please check out our Sponsorship Opportunities and consider partnering with NENA this September! |
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Save the Dates:
September 16th-18th 2025
Flamingo Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas NV
Reserve your hotel room by visiting this link:
New this year! |
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2025 Pre-Conference Courses This year NENA is again offering virtual fundamentals courses in August known as Pre-Conference Sessions. 2025 EN Fundamentals Course: Employment Network (EN) 101: In this session, we will cover the basics that every organization operating as an Employment Network needs to know - hiring processes, suitability administrative requirements, operational procedures, intake, tracking, PII, partnering, marketing, and more. Examples of forms, agreements, policies, procedures, and other tools will be made available to participants. Offering weekly from August 5-26, 2025. 2025 EN Fundamentals Course: Work Incentives (WIC) 101: This session is aimed at ENs who are focused on providing support services to new or returning workers. Our discussion will focus on the existing SSA work incentives and how each will be used when earnings are received. You will be familiar enough with each work incentive applying to Title II and to SSI and will be prepared to have a basic discussion with your worker about each. You will also learn when that worker needs to be referred to a benefits planner for intensive planning services involving all public benefits found within your worker’s benefits portfolio. Offered weekly from August 7-28, 2025. There are 2 ways to sign-up for these courses.
2025 EN Fundamentals Course: Work Incentives (WIC) 101 ***Reasonable accommodations for the Employment Network Fundamentals Courses must be requested by July 22, 2025. |
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New Member Spotlight
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Independence |
By Sherri Stone, NENA Board Member Independence is more than just a word—it’s a foundational value that touches nearly every aspect of life. For nations, independence often means political freedom and the right to self-govern. It can mark the end of colonial rule or foreign domination and the beginning of self-determination. National independence is usually celebrated with pride and remembrance, honoring the sacrifices made for the right to chart a new course. We have the privilege and to help others achieve independence. For individuals, independence means having the freedom and ability to make decisions, act, and shape your own future. It’s about being self-reliant, confident, and in control of your own destiny. Our journey to independence begins in childhood, we learn to tie our shoes, choose our clothing and ride a bike. It continues to grow through life experiences—managing finances, pursuing education or a career, and making personal choices. Emotional independence, too, is key: being able to think for yourself, set boundaries, and make decisions based on your own values rather than external pressure. Independence doesn’t happen overnight. It’s not just given—it’s built over time, often through struggle, learning, and support. Helping Others Define Their Own Independence Supporting others in achieving independence is one of the most impactful and meaningful things we can do. It means meeting people where they are and helping them discover what freedom looks like for them—not based on our expectations, but on their goals and values. Here are some ways to do that:
Everyone’s definition of independence is different. For one person, it might mean moving into their own apartment. For another, it could be learning a new skill, finding a job, or having financial freedom to enjoy life. Start by listening without judgment. Ask open-ended questions like, “What does independence look like for you?” or “What do you need to feel more in control of your life?”
Whether it’s financial literacy, communication skills, education, or job training, building practical skills gives people the tools they need to thrive. Offer resources, mentorship, or even just encouragement to take the first step. Helping someone learn how to do something by themselves is often more valuable than doing it for them.
People are more likely to pursue independence when they believe they’re capable. Celebrate progress, no matter how small. Remind them of their strengths and past successes. Help them reframe setbacks as learning opportunities rather than failures.
Support doesn't mean control. Avoid taking over or pushing someone in a direction they haven’t chosen. Empowerment means giving people the space to make their own decisions—even if they’re not the ones you would make. Offer guidance, not dominance.
Sometimes people fear losing support if they become more independent. Reassure them that you're there if they stumble, and that needing help doesn’t mean they’ve failed. True independence includes knowing when to ask for help—and feeling safe doing so. Independence is not a destination, but a lifelong journey. It evolves as people grow, learn, and face new challenges. In the end, independence is about empowerment—not just to live freely, but to live fully. |
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NENA Board Elections |
The NENA Board is pleased to announce the following candidates have been elected to the Board of Directors:
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Members Only: New Resource Alert! |
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News to Know |
June 18, 2025
The Social Security Board of Trustees today released its annual report on the financial status of the Social Security Trust Funds. The combined reserves of the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance and Disability Insurance (OASI and DI) Trust Funds are projected to have enough dedicated revenue to pay all scheduled benefits and associated administrative costs until 2034, one year earlier than projected last year, with 81 percent of benefits payable at that time.
For more information, please visit www.ssa.gov/news/press/releases.
Stay Connected
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Bulletin Board
Work Incentives Training Interested in learning more about Work Incentives Planning? Opportunities are available! | Help Wanted Job Board Does your member organization have an internal position available within your organization that you would like to post in the NENA E-News? As a member courtesy, we will post your opening in our next E-News update one time. Posting requirements: • The posting must be for a specific, EN-related position within your organization (i.e., career specialist, career services provider) • Email admin@nenaticket.org to submit your post • Include the title, location, a brief description (25 words) and contact information on the form. *Those interested in applying should contact the EN directly. NENA will have no further information about any posted positions. |
