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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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Climate Conversations: Inspire Action, Not Arguments
With the holiday season here, family gatherings are the perfect time to turn spirited debates into enlightening discussions. Climate change is a complex subject that brings up mixed feelings for many – fear, frustration, fatigue – which is why there is a whole professional field dedicated to communicating the science behind it and the solutions ahead. But it doesn’t have to be a taboo topic. Get tips and advice in the December Golden Gazette that will transform your climate conversations with family, friends and neighbors from a sensitive subject to an opportunity to inspire action.
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Unscripted: Conversations about Sexual and Domestic Violence—Healthy Relationships
What, exactly, is a healthy relationship, and how do you know if you are in one? On this episode of Unscripted, host Kendra Lee sits down with Abby Picard, prevention and education coordinator, and domestic and sexual violence counselor Kathryn Harlow—both with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, to talk about what makes a healthy relationship.
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Celebrating Families in Honor of Adoption Awareness Month
Thanks to community partners and sponsors who helped to make our Adoption Celebration possible! The Department of Family Services partnered with Fairfax County Circuit Court to host this event honoring families who have recently adopted children from Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoption. We appreciate the support of the Youth Alliance Limitless Engagement Foundation, the Magic Hand Orchestra, Trader Joe’s (the Reston, Fairfax, and Centreville locations), Wegman’s (Fairfax), Gabriella Hoeth of Inflate Décor, and Gaymon Studios for photography, the Northern Post-Adoption Consortium (NPAC) and Formed Families Forward. Learn more about this event.
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Winter Weather is Unpredictable…Skip the Trip!
Did you know you can access benefits applications and employment services from anywhere that has internet? Winter weather can be hard to navigate and complicate travel plans. Skip the trip and apply for Medicaid, SNAP, and more online or over the phone, or set up a virtual appointment to help your job search. Learn more about how to access Public Assistance and Employment Services information online or by phone.
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Meet the 2024-2025 Volunteer & Partner Services’ Interns
Volunteer and Partner Services is grateful for the two motivated interns working with the program this year. Both are students at George Mason University. John is a candidate for his bachelor of social work, while Sammi is working toward her masters. Learn about the experiences that stoked their interest in the field and their goals for the future. Meet the interns.
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Are You 17-24 Years Old? Make 2025 Your Year with Employment Services
Do you feel stuck in your current job? Or feeling lost with options for school or employment? Employment Services offers programs specifically for young adults between the ages of 17-24 to help you find your path to success, whether that’s a new certification, degree, or employment opportunity. Learn about WIOA Youth and the EYE program to see what would work best for you. Make 2025 your best year yet with Employment Services.
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Fairfax County Teens Tackle Toxic Love
From love bombing to other toxic behaviors, teens can be victims of dating violence, too. Check out Blinding Love, a short film created by teens in Fairfax County’s Teen Advocates program. These advocates are young leaders committed to preventing dating violence in their communities. Learn more about how to recognize teen dating violence and available resources to support those impacted by it.
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Friday, Dec. 13 – Exploremos nuevos objetos en la exhibición: ¡Presente! Una historia latina de los Estados Unidos
La exposición inaugural del Museo Nacional del Latino Estadounidense, “¡Presente! Una historia latina de los Estados Unidos” es una introducción a los conceptos, momentos y biografías fundamentales que destacan el legado histórico y cultural de los latinos y las latinas en los Estados Unidos. Durante esta presentación se explorarán nuevos objetos destacados en la exhibición. Regístrese aquí.
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Tuesday & Wednesday, Feb. 4-26, 2025 – Sexual Violence Tier 1
Registration is now open for Sexual Violence Tier One, a 16-hour training on understanding sexual violence, systems responding to sexual violence in Fairfax County, and resources available in our community. This training is for professionals, volunteers, and community members looking to learn how and why sexual violence happens; the impact of sexual violence on individuals, families, and communities; and how to support those impacted. It is free, but registration is required. For more information, contact Abby Picard.
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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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