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Youth athletes, coaches and parents were honored on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, at the annual Stephen A. McLaughlin Champions of Character Awards at the Fairfax County Government Center.
The annual awards, founded in 2001, honor county youth, coaches and parents in each magisterial district for extraordinary service in pursuing victory with honor on and off the field of competition. Instituted by the Fairfax County Athletic Council, this program aims to support the tradition of amateur athletics in cultivating teamwork, leadership, good sportsmanship and community service.
See a list of winners on NCS' website
See a photo album on Flickr
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 NCS Centers Celebrate Thanksgiving
NCS centers and programs across the County are celebrating Thanksgiving with community gatherings, holiday meal distribution, fall celebrations and more. Earlier this month, the Minnie H. Peyton Community Center at Bailey's celebrated with a Friendsgiving event for the entire community.
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NCS Supports National Family Caregivers Month
November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to honor family members caring for an older adult or person with disabilities.
NCS works closely with family caregivers through our Adult Day Health Care centers and Senior Centers. Fairfax County NCS has a wide variety of services for older adults and persons with disabilities aimed at relieving the stress on family caregivers.
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Military Family Appreciation Month: Meet Chris Karayannis, NCS' Organization & Training Manager
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors proclaimed November as Military Family Appreciation Month in Fairfax County. NCS is a Virginia Values Veterans (V3)-certified organization and is proud of the many veterans in our workforce. Meet NCS' Organization and Training Manager Chris Karayannis. Chris served in the U.S. Army for 21 years before eventually finding a third career at NCS. Read about how Chris' time in the military impacted his career path and his current work at NCS. Learn more.
Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services proudly supports our military community through the new Veterans and Military Families Commission.
To learn more about resources for service members, veterans and their families in Fairfax County, visit the Veterans & Military page.
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NCS' Shark Tank Challenge: Local Youth Invited to Submit Ideas
NCS is now accepting entries in the Fairfax Area High School Student Shark Tank Technology Challenge. Initial proposals are due Dec. 20, 2024.
Open to all students in Fairfax County, Fairfax City and the City of Falls Church, the 2024-25 Challenge invites youth to develop an innovative device or app that will have a positive impact in the lives of older adults, adults with disabilities, or caregivers.
Now in its ninth year, the program was previously managed by the Department of Family Services. Fairfax County's Department of Neighborhood and Community Services will manage the challenge moving forward in order to better align with County resources.
“NCS’ mission is to ensure that all members of our community have the opportunity to thrive,” said NCS Director Lloyd Tucker. “We’re excited to engage our youth to develop innovative solutions and meaningful connections between generations here in Fairfax County.”
Learn more about the 2024 Fairfax Area Student Shark Tank Challenge.
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Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week in Fairfax County
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors proclaimed Nov. 17-23, 2024, as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. The week is an opportunity to raise awareness of homelessness and food insecurity in our community. More than 96,000 people in Fairfax County experience hunger or food insecurity. More than 1,200 people experienced homelessness in 2024. NCS works closely with county and community partners to connect the community to programs and services that create opportunities for individuals and families to be safe, healthy and realize their full potential. Learn more about the county's efforts to support those in need.
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Early Head Start Walks for Breast Cancer Awareness
October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Head Start Awareness Month. NCS' Early Head Start recently held its annual Breast Cancer Walk at Gum Springs Glen site. It was a great collaboration between parents, volunteers and seniors. Walking together not only raised awareness for breast cancer but also fostered relationships across generations.Learn more about Head Start and Early Head Start.
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ITC Holds Graduation for Early Intervention Families
Earlier this month, Infant Toddler Connection of Fairfax-Falls Church (ITC) celebrated its 14th annual Graduation Celebration with its first in-person event since the pandemic. The event was for ITC families with children ages 2 – 3 to celebrate their growth and progress as they close out their final year in the program. ITC helps children who may have developmental delays. Congratulations to all the families and our ITC team on a successful event! Learn more about ITC.
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SACC Leaves 'Lights On Afterschool'
On October 24, 2024, NCS' School Age Child Care (SACC) centers took part in "Lights On Afterschool" - a national initiative sponsored by the Afterschool Alliance. Students at centers around the County took part in special events and activities to mark the annual day.
At Centre Ridge Elementary School in Centreville, students decorated candle jars and talked about the importance of after-school programs. At Gunston Elementary School in Lorton, students made a craft project with personalized lightbulbs.
NCS offers fun, safe and educational care for children and youth. To learn more about Fairfax County SACC program, visit Fairfax County SACC.
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About NCS
Fairfax County's Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) partners with communities, families and individuals to provide opportunities to access a continuum of resources that promote equity and create positive outcomes for people of all ages and abilities.
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