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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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Fairfax Unites around Women and Girls
- Lack of transportation is a significant barrier to women obtaining health care.
- More girls report working three or more hours on an average school day than boys.
- In Fairfax County, 6.32% of women (ages 18 and over) live in poverty whereas 4.60% of men live in poverty.
On Friday, Mar. 22, Fairfax County held an event, Gains, Gaps, & Goals: The Status of Women and Girls in Fairfax County, which featured a presentation of research from the University of Virginia, a panel discussion from local business and community leaders, and an audience Q&A. We were also joined by members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors alongside an audience of professionals and community members interested in the findings. View the video of the event, the executive summary of the report, the full report, and photos from the event online.
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Emergency Preparedness for People with Lung Disease
Preparing for emergencies looks different if you live with or care for someone with lung disease. Discover five key steps you can take to prevent worsening of symptoms and prepare to manage lung disease during an emergency in the March issue of the Golden Gazette.
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It's Social Work Month: Meet Shirell King
Shirell King, social services specialist III, literally answers the call to help people every day. As one of the team members who responds to calls on the Aging, Disability, and Caregiver Resources line, Shirell says helping people achieve their goals is very rewarding to her. Learn more about Shirell and why she chose to work for DFS.
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Find a Career at Fairfax Workforce Centers
Whether you’re 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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April Is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Sexual violence is a major public health, human rights and social justice issue that impacts every person in Fairfax County. The purpose of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is to raise public awareness about sexual violence, educate our community on how to prevent it and share resources available to those impacted by sexual assault. Stay on top of sexual violence awareness events happening in Fairfax County this year. And Share awareness-raising messages on social media using our Sexual Assault Awareness Month Community Engagement Toolkit.
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Welcoming our Newest Body Safety Instructors and Befriend-A-Child Mentors
Earlier this year, our BeFriend-A-Child Mentoring and Body Safety educational programs each hosted successful training events to prepare incoming volunteers to be mentors and facilitators to children in our community. We are so grateful to these amazing individuals willing to dedicate their time to help change the future for children in Fairfax County. Find out more about the training and some of the volunteers. Learn more.
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John Hudson Internship Program Applications Due April 12
The Fairfax Area Disability Services Board established an internship program for college students and recent graduates with disabilities. The John Hudson Internship Program provides participants with on-the-job experience, professional development, and training opportunities. Learn more and apply. Application deadline is April 12.
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Meet Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Volunteer Brittney DePoto
“During my time in college, I had the privilege of serving as a legal intern where I assisted victims of crime. This experience had a profound impact on me, and I have continued to participate in this role over the past five years,” says Brittney DePoto, Hospital Accompaniment Support Advocate with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services. “It was through this internship that I developed a passion for helping those affected by crime and assisting them in their journey toward recovery. When I began law school, I was eager to learn more about how I could assist victims/survivors and give back to my local community. While searching for opportunities in Fairfax County, I discovered DSVS and knew I wanted to be involved in the incredible work they do.” Learn more about Brittney’s volunteer journey.
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Tuesday, Apr. 2 – Teal Out!
Support survivors of sexual violence by wearing teal on Tuesday, Apr. 2, 2024. Part of the wider Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), this special Day of Action aims to raise awareness about sexual assault and educate people on useful ways to prevent it. Wear teal, take a selfie, post on social media, and send photos to Angie Acosta.
Thursdays, Apr. 4 - May 23 – A Matter of Balance at Reston Community Center
Many older adults experience concerns about falling and restrict their activities. A Matter of Balance is an award-winning program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. Through discussion and exercise, participants learn to view falls as controllable, setting goals for increasing activity, making changes to reduce fall risks at home and exercising to increase strength and balance. This free 8-week program meets Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and is presented by Inova ElderLink/Fairfax County Area Agency on Aging. To register: Contact Cassie Lebron at 703-390-6157 or Casmera.Lebron@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Thursday, Apr. 4 – Virtual 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. Virtual support groups are hosted and facilitated by Formed Families Forward, in partnership with Fairfax County Department of Family Services. This group meets from 6:30-8 p.m. Learn more or Register online.
Friday, Apr. 5 – Wear Blue Day
Wear blue to show your support of child abuse and neglect prevention and snap a photo to share on social media with the hashtag #WearBlueDay! Join people across the nation in raising awareness of this societal issue, and prevention efforts in our community. Email photos to us or post your photos to social media with the hashtag #WearBlueDay and your pics may be displayed on the DFS Facebook page or website.
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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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 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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 The quarterly newsletter The Update covers helpful information and topics for persons receiving long-term care services and their caregivers.
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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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 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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