Our History

Every Citizen Has Opportunities, Inc. (ECHO) was created in 1974 when The ARC of Loudoun (LARC) realized the deman for support services for adults with intellectual disabilities in Loudoun County remained unmet.  ECHO was officially chartered in Virginia and granted a Certificate of Incorporation.  In March of 1976, the IRS designated ECHO as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

For more than 35 years, ECHO has provided quality, comprehensive, individualized employment, vocational training and social opportunities to individuals with disabilities in our community.  Vocational and support services were first offered to five adults in 1975.  The demand for ECHO's services quickly grew and by 1977, ECHO had established it's facility in Purcellville and was providing services to 35 program participants. 

In 1980, ECHO contracted with the Loudoun Community Services Board to provide pre-vocational and vocational services to adults with disabilities.  Through a DRS grant, ECHO Direct Mail Services was created as an entrepreneurial, bulk mailing business under ECHO's corporate unbrella in 1988.  This well-inegrated worksite continues to be one of ECHO's most preferred and successful sites.  In 1991, while maintaining its established enclaves within the community, ECHO eliminated its traditional sheltered workshop model when its offices moved to its present location in Leesburg.  All individuals served participate within the community.

In 1997, ECHO began a Medically Fragile and Aged Program with a grant from the United Way.  As the need for the program grew, it became evident that a facility would be needed.  On October 1, 2000, ECHO opened its center-based Medically Fragile Day Support Program with funding from the Loudoun County CSB.  This program is designed to serve individuals with intellectual disabilities and significant medical issues whose needs extend beyond those individuals engaged in traditional vocational or day support services.