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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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New Video: Adoptando a Alejandro: el viaje de Gina y Antoinette desde la crianza temporal hasta la adopción (Adopting Alejandro)
Cuando conoces por primera vez a Gina y Antoinette, lo primero que le llama a uno la atención es la calidez y mentalidad abierta que ambas comparten. Estas latinas tienen mucho amor que ofrecer a todos los que las rodean y eso se nota, especialmente en la manera en la que cuidan de su hijo Alejandro. Estas nuevas madres adoptivas están marcando una diferencia en los niños en hogares de acogida. Para más información mira el vídeo (Learn more about these adoptive mothers who are making a difference for children in foster care and share their story with the community.)
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New Year, New Career!
Whether you are looking to land your first job, secure a promotion, or find a new career that aligns with your interests, visit one of Fairfax County’s Workforce Centers to get a jumpstart on fulfilling your career goals. Learn more about how our Workforce Development Specialists can help! |
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Bilingual Volunteers Needed for the Body Safety Program
Our Body Safety Program needs bilingual (Spanish and English) volunteer instructors to help provide elementary students with the tools they need to prevent or interrupt child abuse and exploitation. If you are available during the day, feel comfortable in a classroom, and want to empower children, this opportunity is for you! Facilitators are trained. To learn more, please call 703-324-7459, email our program.
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These New Year’s Resolutions are Keepers
Making a New Year's resolution is easy. Keeping the resolution is the difficult part. Often the issue is that we identify the goal but not the steps and resources needed to achieve it. To help you make a resolution you will keep, here are a few suggestions and helpful resources to get you started. Learn more in the January issue of the Golden Gazette.
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Meet Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Volunteer Katrina Hush
”When I signed up to volunteer for DSVS, I was excited to help but also nervous about my ability to serve. Did I know enough about what victims/survivors go through? Could I offend someone by using the wrong language? What if I don't know the right resources someone needs at that moment?” says Katrina Hush, community ambassador, about volunteering with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services. “I try to be approachable, make people feel at ease, and follow cues about what and how much to share.” Learn more about Katrina’s volunteer journey. Interested in volunteering for Domestic and Sexual Violence Services? Contact Volunteer Manager Tanisha Cox.
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Unscripted: Conversations about Sexual and Domestic Violence—the Deadly Details about Strangulation
New episode alert! Strangulation occurs when blood supply or oxygen flow to the brain is cut off by external pressure or blunt force to the neck. Caused by grabbing, suppression, squeezing, or crushing of the throat, strangulation is often called silent but lethal as victims may be only seconds away from death. On this episode of Unscripted, Angela Yeboah, Advocacy Services Program Manager in Domestic and Sexual Violence Services; and Sam Colliver, Clinical Program Manager, Forensic Nurse Examiner at Fairfax Hospital’s Inova Ewing Forensic Assessment and Consultation Team (FACT) Department; talk with host Kendra Lee about strangulation, the silent but most deadly form of interpersonal violence.
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Call Our Parent Support Line
Our Parent Support Line is a great resource for parents and caregivers of children. Get help from our staff with parenting advice, support, and tips to navigate emotional and relational parenting issues. Contact the Parent Support Line 703-324-7720 or by email Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Learn more about how we provide support to parents.
Estamos aquí para apoyarle. Podemos ayudar a responder sus preguntas como padres. Llámenos a nuestra línea de apoyo para padres 703-324-7720 o email. Nuestro equipo de apoyo por línea telefónica está disponible de Lunes a Viernes de 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
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Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Has Your Back 24/7/365
Have you been impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, or stalking? Domestic and Sexual Violence Services is here for you all day, every day of the year. Learn more about this service or call the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline at 703-360-7273.
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Third Wednesday of the Month – LGBTQ+ Care Partner Support Group
This group is specifically designed for the unique needs, challenges and experiences of LGBTQ+ care partners for individuals living with dementia. Get to know others in a safe space and have the opportunity to share personal concerns and successes. The group meets from 1-2 p.m. at Insight Memory Care Center in Fairfax. Contact Nina at nina.davis@insightmcc.org or call 703-204-4664 x137 to learn more.
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Wednesday, Jan. 10 – Elder Fraud Prevention
Worried about your loved ones falling victim to fraud? Americans over 60 are increasingly falling victim to crimes of fraud perpetuated online and over the phone at rates that add up to billions of dollars in losses each year. Insight Memory Care is offering this presentation on Jan. 10 from 1-2:30 p.m. to help others learn more about social engineering scams, how to avoid falling victim to fraud, and the steps to take if you become a victim. Sign up to attend virtually or in-person.
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Thursday, Jan. 11 – Wear Blue Day
Take part in a National Day of Action: #WearBlueDay to raise awareness about human trafficking and show support for survivors. Post photos of yourself, friends, family, and colleagues on social media with the #WearBlueDay hashtag. Don’t forget to tag Fairfax County Department of Family Services on Facebook. Send photos to Abby Picard. You may see yourself in a future slideshow!
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Thursday, Jan. 18 – Sparkle Against Stalking
Stalking Awareness Month turns 20 this year, and for the first time, the movement will observe a National Day of Action. Stalking is a criminal, traumatic, and dangerous victimization that is all too prevalent that too often fades into the background. Not today. Survivors need our attention and support. Be part of this day of recognition: 1) Wear something sparkly or shiny to raise awareness about stalking and show support for survivors; 2) Post photos of yourself, friends, family, and colleagues on social media with the #SparkleAgainstStalking hashtag. Be sure to tag Fairfax County Department of Family Services on Facebook; and 3) Send photos to Angie Acosta.
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Tuesday, Jan. 23 – January Is Human Trafficking Month Proclamation
Join Domestic and Sexual Violence Services and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to hear January proclaimed Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Programming starts at 9:30 a.m. in the Fairfax County Government Center Board Auditorium, 12000 Fairfax County Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035. For more information, contact Human Trafficking and Sexual Violence Coordinator Abby Picard.
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Monday, Feb. 5-May 20, 2024 – Free Parenting Classes (Parenting Children Ages 12-18)
Do you have kids who are 12-18 years old? This weekly parenting class shows parents how to learn nurturing communication strategies, how to recognize their children’s needs, how to understand the developmental stages of adolescence, and ways to build their children’s personal power, self-concept and self-esteem. Classes will be held from 5:30-8 p.m. at Fairfax Church of Christ in Fairfax. Ready to sign-up or have questions? Contact us by email at or call 703-324-7720. Learn more about the variety of parenting classes available.
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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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 Our weekly Career Resources Newsletter includes information on job leads, upcoming webinars and employment events.
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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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