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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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June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was created to raise awareness of the factors that contribute to the abuse of older adults worldwide and acknowledge elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue. The abuse of older adults has far-reaching impacts both on individuals and the larger community, so it is important that we learn to recognize the signs of abuse and report it, while also taking steps to help prevent abuse. Learn how you can help prevent elder abuse in your community in the June issue of the Golden Gazette.
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Meet Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Volunteer Justina Johnson!
I wish I could affect policy to have programs like ADAPT taught in schools as a requirement,” says Justina Johnson, HASA volunteer and ADAPT co-facilitator. “I wish we could reach people sooner and prevent these tragedies from ever happening.” Learn more about Justina’s volunteer journey.
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Celebrate Dads at the Fathers Matter Cookout
During Fatherhood Awareness Month in June, come celebrate all the special dads in our region at the Sixth Annual Northern Virginia Fathers Matter Cookout on June 22, 2024, from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. All dads and their families, community partners, as well as children and families’ professionals are invited to this event. Don’t miss this free, fun community event, rain or shine in Burke Lake Park, 7315 Ox Road, Shelter A, Fairfax Station. RSVP by June 16 to attend.
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Employment Training for Older Adults
Volunteer to Teach Kids About Staying Safe
Are you available on weekdays during school hours and enjoy working with kids? If so, this opportunity is for you! The Department of Family Services’ Body Safety Program needs volunteer classroom instructors to help empower elementary students with the tools they need to prevent or interrupt child abuse. Apply online or contact the Body Safety staff at DFSBodySafety@FairfaxCounty.gov or 703-324-7459. Si usted habla Español, nosotros necesitamos su ayuda! Our next training is August 16, 2024. Help us reach our goal of 30 new volunteers by July!
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Brush Up on Your LGBTQIA+ Vocabulary
During Pride—and every month—words matter! And this language guide is an excellent resource to help folks better understand terms related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression used in LGBTQIA+ communities. It is not exhaustive, though, and since people use language in different ways, the best practice is always to honor how an individual identifies themselves.
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School’s Out for the Summer!
Today is the start of summer for Fairfax County Public School students, but parents know preparing for the next school year starts now. Find out what immunizations are required by grade level for fall registration, and plan how you will access care during the summer months. Free or low cost medical visits are available through the Medical Care for Children Partnership and Federally Qualified Health Centers for Adults and Children in Fairfax County. Learn more about eligibility and how to access care.
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Mondays, Jun. 17- Aug. 26, 2024 – Free Virtual Parenting Classes in Spanish (Parenting Children Ages 12-18)
Do you have children who are 12-18 years old? This multi-week virtual parenting class offered in Spanish shows parents how to learn communication strategies, how to recognize each other’s needs, how to understand the developmental stages of adolescence, and ways to build their children’s personal power, self-concept, and self-esteem. Cultivar relaciones sanas con sus hijos. This class meets every Monday from 6-8 p.m. Ready to sign up or have questions? Contact the Parenting Education Programs by email or call 703-324-7720. Learn more about the variety of parenting classes available.
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Monday, Jun. 17 – In-Person Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Volunteer Orientation
It's 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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Saturday, Jun. 22 – Annual NOVA Fathers Matter Cookout
All dads, their families and professionals are invited to join us from 11:30 a.m.– 2 p.m. in Burke Lake Park to help us celebrate fathers! Families will get to spend time with each other and enjoy nature hikes, a tot lot, frisbee toss, arts and crafts, and giveaways. A cookout with hot dogs, hamburgers, assorted treats, and beverages. Non-Fairfax County residents: Show the event flyer at the front gate for free admission. Register online by June 16.
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Wednesday, Jun. 26-Sep. 18 – African American Culturally Focused Parenting Class (Parenting Children ages 5-18)
This parenting class allows parents and caregivers to share, learn, and find support with raising African American children. Families have a safe space to grow in their parenting skills, explore resources and share wisdom with one another. Open to Fairfax County parents or guardians. This class meets every Wednesday from 5:30-8 p.m. from June 26-Sept. 18. Ready to sign up or have questions? Contact the Parenting Education Programs by email or call 703-324-7720. Learn more about the variety of parenting classes available.
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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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