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DEPARTMENT of FAMILY SERVICES |
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 Welcome to the Department of Family Services' Community Corner. Our weekly newsletter, updated each Wednesday, provides information about upcoming events, parenting and wellness tips, programs and services, and more! Share these helpful posts with your family and friends.
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Make the Holiday Season Bright! Adopt-A-Family
If your family, business, company, organization, or faith-based group is interested in helping to support families in the Annandale and South County regions of the county during the holidays this year, then the Department of Family Services’ Adopt-A-Family Program is a great opportunity for you to round out 2023 with good cheer! Don’t wait to be matched! Gifts must be delivered by December 8. Learn more. |
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Unscripted: Conversations about Sexual and Domestic Violence— Dads as Caregivers
New episode alert! Our society tends to give dads short shrift. Just look at the difference in how we celebrate Mother’s Day versus Father’s Day. Or how we believe that when a relationship between two adults ends Mom can be a better parent than Dad. Or think of Dad as babysitter when Mom is out of the house. On this episode of Unscripted, Ricardo Sanchez, resident in Counseling in Domestic and Sexual Violence Services ADAPT (Anger and Domestic Abuse Prevention and Treatment) program, and Bennie Herron, Father Engagement supervisor in the Department of Family Services Children Youth and Families Division, drop knowledge about dads as caregivers and dispel notions that fathers can’t model healthy relationship behaviors to their children.
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Winter Weather Health and Safety
As leaves fall and temperatures drop, it is a good time to prepare for winter weather storms that can quickly become dangerous. Weather conditions can change multiple times a day, and even a slight change in temperature can determine if you’ll see rain, sleet, or snow. Read more about these important health and safety guidelines to prepare for winter weather in the November issue of the Golden Gazette.
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Foster Care Unit Success Stories: Siblings Overcome Obstacles to be Together
Four children entered foster care after a significant incident of family violence resulted in their mother’s arrest. At that time, no one anticipated the full impact of their longstanding trauma and the road to recovery ahead of this family. Find inspiration in their eventual triumph over their challenges. Read more.
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Volunteers Needed to Help Older Adults, Adults with Disabilities, and Family Caregivers
Volunteer Solutions offers meaningful opportunities to help support older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers. Volunteers can help in many different ways: drivers (for medical appointments, errands, grocery shopping), social visitors, household organizers, and more. Volunteers are especially needed in the Alexandria, Springfield, and Annandale regions. Bilingual volunteers are needed, too. The Senior Centers and Adult Day Healthcare Centers need activity assistants and skilled leaders. Form new connections and help decrease social isolation. To learn more and register visit our website, email VolunteerSolutions@FairfaxCounty.gov, or call 703-324-5406.
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8 Things to Know about Homelessness and Domestic Violence
Survivors of domestic violence deserve to feel safe, and securing housing is a crucial step in their healing journey. No survivor should be forced to stay with someone who harms them just to keep a roof over their head. Learn more about the connection between domestic violence and homelessness and how to find available resources.
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Charlas Comunitarias: Comprender la Acogida Temporal y la Adopción
Consulte esta entrevista con Melissa Alba, especialista en Acogida Temporal y Adopción del Condado de Fairfax. Conozca el valor de la adopción desde el acogimiento temporal y las formas en que el Departamento de Servicios Familiares apoya a las familias que están considerando este camino. También puedes escuchar el podcast.
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November 20 is Transgender Day of Remembrance
On this solemn day, we remember the transgender people whose lives have been lost to anti-transgender violence. Hate has consequences. Since last year, 41 transgender people have been murdered, with nearly all victims being transgender women of color. Learn more about how Domestic and Sexual Violence Services is an ally to the transgender community.
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On Demand Scheduling – Free Virtual Body Safety Program Classes
The Body Safety Program is now offering free virtual classes to any Pre-K through sixth grade students living in Fairfax County. Using the Childhelp® Speak Up Be Safe curriculum, trained facilitators help children build safety skills, preparing them to identify risks such as, child abuse, bullying, and internet predators. If you’re interested in learning more about or scheduling a virtual class, call 703-324-7459 or email our program. Learn more about this opportunity.
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Wednesday, Nov. 15 – Understanding Common Mental Health Conditions in Older Adults
Join this presentation by Karyn Walsh, LCSW, from NoVa Older Adults Counseling, for a clinical overview of the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety, depression, bipolar, and hoarding conditions. This session will include information and strategies caregivers and persons affected by mental illness can use to better cope with these challenges. The virtual presentation will be held on Nov. 15 from 12-1 p.m. Register to receive an email with access instructions. Learn more about services for older adults and family caregivers.
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Thursday, Nov. 16 – In-Person Fairfax Kinship Peer Support Group
These free groups are designed for kinship caregivers, raising a child or children for a family member or a friend, to connect with other families for support and encouragement. Support Groups are hosted and facilitated by Formed Families Forward, in partnership with Fairfax County Department of Family Services. This group meets from 6:15-8 p.m. at Gum Springs Community Center, 8100 Fordson Rd, Alexandria, VA 22306. Child care and dinner are provided for the in-person group meetings. Learn more or register online.
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 Our monthly Foster Family Newsletter shares resources and experiences relevant to foster and adoptive parents, children in care, and the resource workers who support them.
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 Our Volunteer Post Newsletter provides a glimpse into the many ways to get involved in making a difference and supporting families in our community.
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Access Fairfax is a twice monthly newsletter sharing news, resources, and events for people with disabilities in Fairfax County. |
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 Please follow us on Facebook at Fairfax County Department of Family Services for news, events, tips, stories and training opportunities. We support families and county residents of all ages and stages of life. Join our community and engage with us through social media!
Join Us! Learn about career and volunteer opportunities in the Department of Family Services.
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The Department of Family Services (DFS) envisions a community where everyone lives their success story and thrives. DFS strengthens the well-being of our diverse community by protecting and improving the lives of all children, adults, and families through assistance, partnership, advocacy, outreach, and quality services.
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