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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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Cooling Assistance – Apply Before August 15
This summer has been a hot one, with some of the worst heat waves on record. The summer heat affects all of us, but can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable residents of Fairfax County. The Cooling Assistance program helps keep eligible residents cool during the summer months. To be eligible, at least one household member must be: 60 or older, 5 or younger, or disabled according to Social Security, Medicaid or 100% Veteran’s Administration. You can still apply for Cooling Assistance now until August 15.
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Betty Graves is Enjoying Her Life One Day at a Time
Betty Graves is a charismatic and joyful person, bringing a smile to the face of everyone she meets. After raising three children and a long and satisfying career as a special education teacher, the 86-year-old is spending her retirement years giving back, engaging with her community, trying new things, and doing what she loves. You can learn more about Betty Graves in the August issue of the Golden Gazette.
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Unscripted: Conversations about Sexual and Domestic Violence—Digital Safety for Youth
Technology is a wonder, but it can also be scary, especially if bad players use it to stalk or extort someone. Navigating this online world can be tricky for any of us, but young people, especially, might need extra guidance. On this episode of Unscripted, host Kendra Lee sits down with Debra Miller, youth education and outreach specialist, and Nora Nieto, youth prevention specialist, both with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, and Adam Dodge of EndTAB (End Technology-Enabled Abuse), about ways to help youth stay safe online.
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Volunteer to Teach Kids About Staying Safe
Do you enjoy working with kids? Are you available on weekdays during school hours? 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, email or call 703-324-7459 to contact the Body Safety staff. Si usted habla Español, nosotros necesitamos su ayuda! Our next training is August 16, 2024. Help us reach our goal of 30 new volunteers for the training!
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This is How We Do It: Connecting Job Seekers with Opportunities
Harris Teeter was looking to fill a variety of managerial roles and other positions in stores across northern Virginia. Virginia Career Works Northern and Fairfax County Employment Services worked closely with Harris Teeter to host a job fair, advertising across multiple platforms to attract job seekers with the type of expertise and interest needed. Utilizing interviews with hiring managers and on-the-spot job offers, the fair resulted in a 42% job offer rate across managerial and entry-level positions. Learn more about job fairs and how to work with Employment Services and Virginia Career Works Northern to hire for your business.
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What Should You Do If You’re Being Stalked?
Stalkers are unpredictable and can be dangerous. You can’t control their behavior, but you can be empowered to take steps to keep yourself, your family, and your other loved ones safe. Follow these eight tips.
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Thursday, Aug. 8 – Online Safety for Parents/Caregivers
Do you feel a disconnect between you and your children when it comes to technology? Do you worry about helping your teen safely navigate the digital world? Join us Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. to hear from an expert on digital violence who helps frustrated parents learn about simple tips to parent effectively in the digital age, preparing their kids to be safer online. Workshop offered via Zoom and in person. Light refreshments will be served at in-person locations. Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be provided. Contact Debra Miller or Nora Nieto for more information.
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Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024 – ElderLink Virtual Support Call for Family Caregivers of Older Adults
Join this virtual support call from 7-8 p.m. as we discuss The Caregiver Roller Coaster: The Lows and Highs of Caregiving. Even with good planning, caregiving is an unexpected adventure. Register and receive an email with access instructions for this virtual support call. Learn more about resources for older adults and family caregivers.
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Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024 – Dementia Friends Information Session
Learn how to become a dementia friend and turn your new understanding of dementia into a practical action that can help someone living in your community. After participating in a Dementia Friends session, participants can describe dementia and know the most common type of dementia; state the five key messages about dementia; explain one approach to effectively communicate with a person with dementia; and commit to an action as Dementia Friend in your community. This session runs from 12-1:15 p.m. Register to receive access instructions for this virtual presentation. Learn more about caregiver resources and programs.
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Mondays, Aug. 19-Dec. 2 – Free In-Person Parenting Classes in Spanish (Parenting Children Ages 0-4 years old)
Do you or someone you know have children ages 0-4 years old? This FREE weekly parenting class shows parents how to understand child development; create nurturing parenting routines; master infant massage; and develop ways to foster positive self-esteem in themselves and their children. This class, which is offered in Spanish, meets every Monday, from 5:30-8 p.m. at ACCA Child Development Center. Ready to sign up or have questions? Contact us by email or call 703-324-7720. Check out our online parenting tips and resources including upcoming classes.
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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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