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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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It's Bi Visibility Week!
Bi Visibility Week (September 16-23), also known as #BiWeek, accelerates the acceptance of the bi+ (bisexual, pansexual, fluid, no label, queer, etc.) community, while drawing attention to the experiences and celebrating the resiliency of this community. Check out Domestic and Sexual Violence Services’ reading recommendations in observance of this week.
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Stay Active from Anywhere with the Virtual Center for Active Adults
Transportation. Illness. Weather. Mobility. These are some of the common barriers to participating in on-site senior programming. In response to this, Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services created the Virtual Center for Active Adults and is partnering with local jurisdictions to offer free virtual programming for older adults every week. The programs and classes offered range from virtual travel to fitness to foreign language. Learn more about the VCAA in the September issue of the Golden Gazette.
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BeFriend-A-Child Field Trip is in a League of its Own
The BeFriend-A-Child Mentoring program hit it out the park with their trip to the Washington Nationals Major League Baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds. The group braved the sweltering heat to enjoy America’s pastime – many for the first time! It was a close game, but both BeFriend and the Washington Nationals were able to pull out a win for the day’s festivities! Thanks to Tim Barber of Barber Holdings and Tickets for Kids for their sponsorship of this event. Everything from the bus ride there, the complimentary food and drink, and the seats themselves were provided so these kids could have the ultimate Major League experience! Learn more.
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Hunger Action Month: Who Does SNAP Help?
Misconceptions and myths about public benefit programs don’t help anyone and can discourage eligible people from applying. Over 60,000 people in Fairfax already participate in SNAP, including 17,000 adults over the age of 50. But we know even more could get help with buying groceries - 3 out of 5 older adults who qualify for SNAP are missing out. Also, children can qualify for SNAP even if their parents are not eligible, giving them access to essential nutrition so they can learn, grow, and play. Use our Community Engagement Toolkit to chat about SNAP and fight hunger in Fairfax County.
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SNAPET: More Than A Job
September is Hunger Action Month and Workforce Development Month, so there’s no better time to learn about SNAPET, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training. SNAPET offers employment and training services to current SNAP recipients. SNAPET participants can work towards their GED, get job training and leads, career coaching, and even supportive services like purchasing a required uniform. Keeping people fed and healthy allows them to focus on improving their employment status and working for a better future.
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Meet Amanda Snelgrove, Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Hospital Accompaniment Support Advocate and Hotline Volunteer
I love it when I’m talking to someone, listening to their traumatic story, and realizing how brave and strong they are. They made the call. They are survivors. They were brave enough to take the first step, and they realize they do not deserve what they have been through,” says Amanda Snelgrove, HASA and Hotline volunteer. Follow Amanda on her volunteer journey.
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Sponsor Spotlight: Foster Youth Innovation
Thank you to FYI, Foster Youth Innovation, and its inspirational young founder, Harlee Chapman who is on a mission to make a difference for youth in foster care, to support them, encourage their success, and educate local communities. Read more about their recent donation drives benefitting Fairfax County youth in foster care and beyond. The Fairfax County Department of Family Services is grateful for Harlee’s support and wishes her and FYI continued success! Read more.
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Friday, Sept. 20 – Preveniendo Caídas
Acompáñenos en esta presentación virtual en español, organizada por el Área Agency on Aging del Condado de Fairfax para escuchar a Carmen Pastor, coordinadora de Alcance Comunitario con el Northern Virginia Falls Prevention Alliance de la Universidad de Marymount. En esta charla para cuidadores familiares sobre la prevención de caídas se ofrecerá información sobre las causas más comunes de caídas entre personas mayores y estrategias prácticas para reducir estos riesgos.
Infórmese sobre las modificaciones que puede hacer para mejorar la seguridad en el hogar, ejercicios para mantener el equilibrio y la importancia de las citas médicas preventivas. No se pierda esta oportunidad de perfeccionar sus habilidades y garantizar su bienestar y su seguridad y la de sus seres queridos. Regístrese aquí.
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Friday, Sept. 27 – The Saving Claire Project – How Falls Impact A Person’s Life
The Saving Claire Falls Prevention Project begins with a compelling documentary that delves into the complex nature of aging and the patterns that increase fall risk. Claire’s journey serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting her attitudes, actions, and the dramatic events that follow her fall. Sponsored in part by the Marymount Center for Optimal Aging (MCOA), the project continues with an interactive discussion and Q&A with a panel of professionals who will share their expertise on fall prevention. Join us on Sept. 27 from 2-3:30 p.m. Register to receive an email with access instructions. Learn more about programs and resources for older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers.
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Mondays, Sept. 30-Dec. 16, 2024 – Free Parenting Classes (Parenting 12-18-year-olds)
Are you a parent with teenagers? Join our free parenting classes starting on Sept. 30 for those with kids ages 12-18! Learn how to communicate more effectively, understand your teen's developmental stages, and build their self-esteem. Classes will be held from 5:30-8 p.m. at Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church, 3901 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria, VA. Ready to sign-up or have questions? Contact us by email at 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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