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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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Simple Ways to Document Your Family History
Many of us have that one relative who is passionate about genealogy. Perhaps you are that relative. Genealogy enthusiasts are often deeply devoted to their hobby, spending long hours combing through archives and other sources to fill in the branches of their family tree. However, genealogical research is not for everyone. If you are interested in documenting your family history, there are ways to capture stories and memories without combing through digital archives or purchasing a subscription to ancestry.com. Learn simple ways you can document your family history in the October issue of the Golden Gazette.
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Keep the Heat On: Assistance Opens November 1
Stay safe this winter by staying warm. Crisis Assistance helps those who are in a “no heat” situation in their home, such as broken equipment or receiving a disconnection notice. Crisis Assistance applications will be accepted starting November 1 until March 15. Fuel Assistance applications are still being accepted until November 8, so apply now for help with your heating costs this winter. To apply for Fuel or Crisis Assistance, or other food and medical benefits, visit CommonHelp or call 855-635-4370.
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The Department of Family Services Recognizes Strategic Partnerships of 2024
The Department of Family Services is fortunate to have so many dedicated partners in Fairfax County who share our work and vision for helping our community thrive. We recently recognized SkillSource Group, Medical Care for Children Partnership Foundation, Northern Virginia Family Service, SafeSpot, The Women’s Center, and Project Belong at a DFS special event. Learn more about our partners.
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5 Safe Voting Tips for Domestic Violence Survivors
Reminder: Domestic violence survivors deserve to—and can—participate safely in all aspects of our country’s political process (including voting) without fearing further violence from an abuser. Make a plan now to cast your vote safely on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.
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Adopt-A-Family for the 2024 Holiday Season
Are you looking to make a difference for a family in need this year? Our Adopt-a-Family Holiday Program is accepting donations from businesses, community organizations, and individuals to assist families that need help during the holiday season. Once Volunteer and Partner Services matches you with a family, you’ll receive the children’s wish lists along with toy and gift card ideas. Monetary donations are also welcome. Learn more about the Adopt-A-Family program and how to sign up.
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Keep Getting Ghosted by Employers? Who Do You Call?
Employment Services! If you keep hitting a dead end with job applications, it’s time to bring in the professionals. Set up an appointment at one of our One-Stop Employment Resource Centers to get personalized job search and application support. You may even benefit from one of our workforce programs that provide lots of additional services to support your success. No tricks, just treats!
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Spotlight on Danielle Rothrock
Working in foster care and helping children has been Danielle’s dream job since she was a kid. In her position as the supervisor of the Foster Care and Adoption South County Unit, Danielle gets to put all her professional experience in social work to good use leading a team as they support children in care and their families. Learn more about Danielle and her background.
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Unscripted: Conversations about Sexual and Domestic Violence – Housing and Domestic Violence
Survivors of domestic violence deserve to feel safe, and for those who chose to leave a violent relationship, securing housing is a crucial step in their healing journey. What many don’t know is that there is a direct connection between domestic violence, housing, and homelessness.
On this episode of Unscripted: Conversations about Sexual and Domestic Violence, host Kendra Lee sits down with Vanessa Cullers, senior victim advocate on Domestic and Sexual Violence Services’ Advocacy team, and Elisabeth Tropea, director, Artemis House Region I, about the crisis among domestic violence survivors seeking housing in Fairfax County and how to find available resources.
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Saturday, Nov. 2 – 38th Annual Caregiver's Conference
Join the Northern Virginia Dementia Care Consortium for their annual conference on Saturday, Nov. 2, from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. This year’s theme is “Navigating the Journey: Adjusting the Sails in Dementia Caregiving.” Keynote speakers and breakout sessions focus on providing helpful information and resources for caregivers who are taking care of a loved one with dementia. Learn more and register.
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Sunday, Nov. 3 – Venture into Volunteering Fair
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 at the Springfield Town Center from 12-4 p.m. Meet representatives from forty nonprofits and local government agencies to find out about ways to volunteer in the community and answer your questions. Learn more.
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Monday, Nov. 4 – Dementia Friends Information Session – In-Person
Dementia Friendly Fairfax envisions our community as a place where people living with dementia and their care partners will be able to engage in a variety of activities, be supported in the highest quality of life, and can live independently for as long as possible. Join us for this in-person information session at Goodwin Living, 3440 S. Jefferson St., Falls Church, VA 22041 on Nov. 4 from 5-7:15 p.m. Space is limited. Advanced Registration is Required.
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Tuesday, Nov. 12 – Parent Café: Helping Your Teens Reduce Stress & Anxiety related to Sports and Extracurriculars
Virtual Parent Cafés are a great way for parents to learn from each other as they grow in their parenting skills. All Parent Cafés are open to Fairfax County parents or guardians with children ages 0-18 years old. Join us Tuesday, November 12, 6:30 to 8 p.m. for a presentation by Dr. Ginger Jones and Dr. Brenna Chirby, sports psychologists with extensive experience helping their clients improve their focus, mental strength, mental endurance, and flexibility, as well as reduce stress and better manage daily pressures. Join in through Zoom and use password: Parents12$. For more information, email Buildingstrongerfamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-324-7720.
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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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