Department of Family Services – Community Corner Newsletter

Fatherhood Awareness Month is time to recognize the important role fathers play in their children’s development and well-being, from birth through adulthood. For children, having an involved father increases the likelihood that they will experience positive education, health, self-esteem, and social outcomes. Check out our Fatherhood Awareness Month resources for more information. Bring your family and join us for the Annual NOVA Fathers Matter Cookout, Saturday, June 22, 11:30 a.m.– 2 p.m. at Burke Lake Park. Register online by June 16, 2024. Show the event flyer at the front gate for free admission.

The SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan is a five-year strategic plan that supports continuing efforts to make the Fairfax area an excellent place to age well. This special edition of the Golden Gazette provides an update and overview of the work done over the course of the first year of the SHAPE Plan. Learn about some of the initiatives in development, how the SHAPE committees are working to operationalize initiatives, and how they are using an equity lens to strengthen the initiatives, remove barriers and ensure equitable access. Read the Special SHAPE Edition of the Golden Gazette.

June Is Pride Month, a celebration of all the identities within the LGBTQIA+ community. But this is also a moment of crisis for the community. LGBTQIA+ communities face significant barriers to accessing support when experiencing violence. Discrimination in housing and employment, high rates of homelessness, and isolation from community based on one’s identity can prevent those experiencing domestic violence from accessing support services. Additionally, many victim services programs address the needs of cisgender women without meaningfully accommodating survivors of other gender identities or sexualities. Find out how activists and the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services division works to change this narrative.

The Fairfax Area 50+ Technology Committee, the Department of Family Services, and the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services are proud to announce the winners of the Fairfax Area Student Shark Tank Technology Challenge.

Students from the Fairfax area were challenged to develop an innovative device or app that will have a positive impact in the lives of older adults, adults with disabilities, or caregivers. This year’s winning projects included a platform to help educate people about scams, a mobile app that finds venues with wheelchair accessible entrances, and an app that simulates an environment to address mobility issues. Check out information about all the winning projects.

Our Annual Foster Parent Appreciation Event was a smash hit with our families! We were so pleased to have 28 foster parents and 15 children join us on Saturday, May 4 for a fun and relaxing respite night. The foster parents had a chance to connect, and the kids had so much fun. We want to thank all the sponsors, donors and volunteers that made this event such a success. Thanks to Fairfax Church for providing the space, and Ace Hardware, PF Chang’s, Crafthouse Fairfax, Cooper’s Hawk, The Enchanted Florist, Aura Spa, Fairfax Racquet Club and Starbucks (Centreville) who provided gift cards in appreciation for our foster parents. Check out the event photos.

The Partnership for Healthier Communities will be offering free dental services for Medicaid patients and enrollment assistance at Andina Dental Health on June 8 and 10 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Event will be held at the Andina Dental office at 6319 Castle Place, Falls Church, VA 22044. Bilingual English/Spanish staff available. For registration and additional information, please call 703-223-2440.

Christopher Johnston believes that music, more than any other art form, has the power to affect people in positive and profound ways. As the long-time music director and conductor of the NOVA Symphony Orchestra, his goal with every performance is to create a beautiful, shared experience for both the musicians and their audience. As the orchestra celebrates their 30th anniversary, Johnston reflects on his musical career and looks forward to what comes next. Read about Johnston and his work in the June issue of the Golden Gazette.

Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Clinical Services team promotes community health, wellness, and safety by supporting those impacted by sexual violence, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and stalking. The team makes an impact through Counseling Services and its Anger & Domestic Abuse Prevention and Treatment program. Get more information about the support Clinical Services provides survivors.

Each year, the Fairfax County Department of Family Services (DFS) operates the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, a volunteer based effort that provides free tax preparation services for low-income individuals and families to help maximize their tax benefits. This spring, the program prepared 2,151 tax returns and brought back $2.8 million in refunds to the community. The IRS also recently extended the Free File program through 2029 for low to moderate-income individuals and families.  

Stay ahead of next year’s tax season by keeping required documents organized and secure. Contact DFSVITA@fairfaxcounty.gov with questions or to learn more about becoming a VITA volunteer.