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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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Celebrating Our Foster Parents for Their Years of Support!
It’s Foster Care Month, the time of year when we say “THANK YOU!” to the foster parents who have reached important milestones with our program! Each year we recognize those who have served as foster parents for a notable length of time. This year we are celebrating the 16 foster homes that have reached the milestone of 5 or 10 years of service. Thank you all for your service! Learn more.
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Applying for SNAP is a Snap for Older Adults
May is Older Americans Month when we celebrate the contributions of older Americans and also acknowledge the importance of keeping older adults safe from neglect and abuse. Paying for food can be a challenge for people on a limited income. According to the National Council on Aging, 3 out of 5 older adults who qualify for food assistance (SNAP) are missing out on the benefit. Applying for SNAP is easier than you might think. Learn more, and apply for SNAP by calling 1-8335-CALL-VA (1-833-522-5582) or apply online.
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Special Advocates Provide Support for Victims Seeking Medical Attention
Medical attention after interpersonal violence is critical, but you don’t have to go it alone. Domestic and Sexual Violence Services’ Hospital Accompaniment program provides advocates to walk you through the process. If you’ve been sexually assaulted or have experienced intimate partner violence, find out how these special advocates can help.
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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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Meet Sudha Bhat, Hotline Volunteer and ADAPT Co-Facilitator
“Domestic and sexual violence are taboo subjects for many communities, which is heartbreaking because interpersonal violence is experienced by 25% of women and 13% of men in the U.S.,” says Sudha Bhat, Hotline volunteer and ADAPT co-facilitator. “I wanted to volunteer with Fairfax County’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Services to help address this problem and help those who are stigmatized and affected by violence.” Read more of Sudha’s volunteer journey.
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Celebrate Older Americans Month in May
Every year, May is recognized as Older Americans Month (OAM), a time to honor the contributions of older adults and address the issues impacting them. The theme of OAM this year is Powered by Connection, which highlights the impact social connections have on our health and overall well-being. In Fairfax County, many resources are available to encourage connections and reduce social isolation among older adults. Learn more about these resources in the May issue of the Golden Gazette.
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Thursday, May 9 – In-Person Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Volunteer Orientation
Recruitment time again! Sign up for one of two in-person Volunteer Orientation sessions at the Fairfax County Community Services Room in Tysons Corner Center at 4:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. (1961 Chain Bridge Road (2d level outside Nordstrom), McLean, VA 22102). For more information or to register, contact Tanisha Cox.
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Friday, May 10 – Filling My Cup: Gratitude Journaling for Self-Care
Join Alina Liao, Founder of Zenit, as she teaches caregivers how to use journaling as a tool to proactively support self-care in their daily lives. Alina guides you through journaling focused on practicing gratitude to support self-care and mental wellness. This workshop is an inclusive, affirming space for caregivers to slow down, process their thoughts and feelings, and get grounded again. Participants leave the workshop with concrete tools, practices, and inspiration to continue with Gratitude journaling and using this tool for self-care in their daily lives. This workshop runs from 12-1 p.m. Register to receive an email with access instructions. Learn more about family caregiver programs and resources for older adults and adult with disabilities.
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Saturday, May 11 – Foster Care Coffee Chat (virtual interest meeting)
If you love coffee, care about children, and are curious about foster care, then this is an event just for you! Whether fostering has “bean” on your mind for a while, or your questions are just starting to brew, then grab your morning cup of coffee & join us from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Wherever you are on your journey, we are brimming over with excitement to chat with you in this virtual space! Register online today!
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Tuesday, May 14 – Virtual Parent Café: Teaching your Kids to be Safe at Home and Safe Alone
Children and young teens need more than a cell phone to keep them safe when they’re home alone. It’s important to develop a family plan to ensure safety, especially in the summer. Join us Tuesday, May 14 for a facilitated discussion on what to consider and how to create family rules and plans. Fairfax County parents or guardians with children ages 0-18 years old are welcome at this group which meets from 6:30-8 p.m. Sign up by sending an email or call 703-324-7720 to register at least one business day before the Parent Café date. Learn more about parenting resources.
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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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