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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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Adopt-A-Family for the 2024 Holiday Season
Did you know that in 2023, generous Adopt-A-Family donors partnered with our agency to provide gifts valued at more than $355,000 which helped 729 families make lasting holiday memories? Now it’s time for families, businesses, organizations, faith-based groups, and more to sign up with the Department of Family Services to support families in our community who are experiencing difficult times during the 2024 holidays. Learn more or sign up now.
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The Importance of Observing Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Domestic violence is a short term for a broad array of behaviors that can have a long-lasting impact on survivors and victims. Raising awareness about this topic—now known as Domestic Violence Awareness Month--started in October 1981 as a day of unity. It wasn’t until 1987 that DVAM became a month-long national observance. On this episode of Unscripted: Conversations about Sexual and Domestic Violence, we talk about the ways DVAM has evolved from its early days, why it’s important to observe the month, how to raise awareness, how to best support survivors, and how to advocate for change.
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Flu Season is Starting: Know Your Healthcare Options
Viruses, bugs and colds, oh my! Stay healthy this winter with affordable healthcare through Medicaid and other free or low-cost options in Fairfax County. It’s important for adults and children to get the care they need when feeling sick. Connect with a provider today so you know where to go if you do need care in the future.
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Meet Kimberly Bell, Domestic and Sexual Violence Services ADAPT Volunteer
“The best part is seeing the breakthroughs and when ADAPT participants understand they’re part of accountability,” says Kim Bell, ADAPT volunteer, of her experience. “One day, in the group, there was a person who never really shared. As they were sharing, they continued to say they didn’t care. I could tell the situation really bothered this individual, and finally they admitted it. I was thinking, ‘Yes, speak it.’ When they finally did, it was like the gates opened, and they were freed because they kept talking. I was so excited for them.” Read more of Kim’s volunteer journey.
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Recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Good jobs change lives, and all workers—including disabled workers—deserve the opportunity to prepare for, obtain and succeed in them. The Bridges to Success program offers employment assistance and supportive services to job seekers with hidden disabilities or other barriers to employment. Fairfax Employment Services is open to ALL Fairfax County residents, offering virtual or in-person services.
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Virtual Career Academy Readies Foster Youth for Job Market
The Virtual Career Academy provides paid job readiness training and professional development for youth and young adults in foster care in the Northern Virginia region. This year’s participants balanced completing six weeks of webinars, career interviews, and virtual assignments, like mock interviews, resume building, budgeting, and more. Learn more about their accomplishments.
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Venture into Volunteering November 3 at Springfield Town Center
Have you been thinking about volunteering? Looking to add new and enriching activities to your life? Want to create new connections? Attend the annual Venture into Volunteering Fair on Sunday, Nov. 3, from 12-4 p.m. at the Springfield Town Center. Meet representatives from various nonprofits and local government agencies to learn about ways to volunteer in the community. The fair will be held in conjunction with the Beacon 50+ Expo. Learn more.
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Friday, Oct. 11 – National Coming Out Day
National Coming Out Day is dedicated to honoring the bravery of LGBTQIA+ individuals who decide to come out and live openly. Coming out is often the first step toward living authentically. Take time to support and help those in your life who have chosen to come out. Learn more.
Friday, Oct. 11 – Domestic and Sexual Violence Community Annual Meeting: Until Everyone Is Safe
Join the Council to End Domestic Violence, the Domestic Violence Network, the Sexual Assault Response Team, and the Fairfax County interpersonal violence community from 8:15-11:30 a.m. as they celebrate the milestones met over the past year to end domestic violence and recharge for the work to come. Share a networking breakfast, hear engaging speakers, participate in an art project, and find out who wins this year’s community awards. This free event takes place in the Government Center Forum and Board Auditorium. For more information, contact Stacy Ziebell.
Saturday, Oct. 12 – Annual K-9 Krawl
Lace up your sneakers and bring your four-legged family to the Public Safety Headquarters for this unique opportunity for dog lovers to come together to observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month and bring awareness to the connection between domestic violence and animal cruelty. Event runs 9-11 a.m. Registration suggested.
Wednesday, Oct. 16 – Medicare 101
If you are eligible for Medicare and want to learn about your options, this virtual presentation is for you. The session will provide an overview of the many components of Medicare: Part A (inpatient hospitalization/skilled nursing), Part B (outpatient hospital/doctors/labs/radiology), Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans), and Part D (prescription drugs), as well as how to cover the gaps in Medicare benefits through Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap). This presentation is from 12-1 p.m. on Oct. 16. Register to receive an email with access instructions. Learn more about older adult services.
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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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