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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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Sexual Violence Headlines Cause Victims to Relive Trauma
When news hits the front page with details of allegations of abuse of power manifested through sexual violations, survivors of sexual trauma report being forced psychologically and emotionally to relive their own experiences of sexual violence. To be community, we are each responsible to educate ourselves about what constitutes sexual violence and to do our best not to be complicit. Learn why sexual violence thrives in silence.
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Child Abuse Prevention Month: Building Stronger Families for a Thriving Community
Twana Johnson, program manager with Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Services, stopped by the County Conversation podcast with host Jim Person. Twana flipped the script on Child Abuse Prevention Month and talked about free county programs and resources that help build stronger families through services including parenting education, father engagement, home visitation, and outreach. Listen now.
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Volunteering in Action: Celebrating Volunteer George Bishop
Volunteer Appreciation Month is an opportunity to recognize and honor the efforts of volunteers who strengthen our communities. This time also serves as a reminder that volunteerism is at the heart of many impactful causes, offering enrichment and fulfillment to those who serve. One volunteer, George Bishop, is an accomplished artist and long-time contributor to Volunteer Solutions. When asked what he enjoys most about volunteering, he responded, “Meeting and helping people. It keeps you busy, feeling young, and provides a sense of worth.” Learn more about George and his work in the April issue of the Golden Gazette.
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Workforce of Tomorrow: Host a Youth Intern this Summer
Calling all employers! Give back to your community at no-cost to you and host a youth intern this summer through the Educating Youth through Employment (EYE) program. Interns between the ages of 16-24 spend six weeks with your business learning essential skills to support their future career. DFS Employment & Training matches youth with worksites based on their interests and provides support throughout their internship. Learn more about how to get involved supporting the youth in your community.
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Foster Care Month Community Events Move Awareness to Action
Join us for one of our special events in recognition of National Foster Care Month in May. Come to the Lorton Library on Tuesday, April 29 from 5-7 p.m. or Burke Centre Library on Tuesday, May 20 from 7-8:30 p.m. to connect with Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoption, community partners and county officials. Whether you're just curious or seriously considering becoming a foster parent, this meeting will provide all the information you need. Discover the ins and outs of the foster care system, how to become a foster parent, the incredible rewards, and other ways to get involved. Learn more. Drop in or register online.
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Is Medicaid Right for You?
Medicaid helps thousands of families in Fairfax County access low- and no-cost medical care, with a wide range of preventative services and care for adults and families. School will be out for the summer soon – will your child have access to medical care? Learn more about Medicaid to learn how you could benefit. Not eligible for Medicaid? Learn about our other free or low-cost medical options.
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Talking About Gender to Prevent Sexual Violence
Many of us don’t learn about the impact of gender roles until we are adults, but it’s never too early or too late to talk about how these roles impact us and our relationships. Learn more about how simple actions, like telling someone a sexual comment is inappropriate or being an active bystander if someone is harassed in public, push back against harmful attitudes and behaviors.
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Monday, April 21 – Virtual Community Forum on Accessible Transportation Topics
Join the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board (FA-DSB) April 21, 2025, from 7-8:30 p.m. for a virtual community forum to identify systemic gaps in service and/or barriers Fairfax County, City of Falls Church, and City of Fairfax residents with disabilities face with accessible transportation. Learn more and register.
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Wednesday, April 23 – Teen Advocates Gameshow Event
Join our Teen Advocates as they raise awareness about teen dating violence on Wednesday, April 23, from 6-8 p.m. at the James Lee Community Center (2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church, VA 22042). This event, which will feature team-based competitions, cool prizes, and more, is free and open to Fairfax County teenagers and their families. Questions? Email Debra Miller.
Únete a nosotros para el evento de concursos de los Teen Advocates que será emocionante. Que: Violencia en el noviazgo entre adolescentes concurso de concientización. Cuando: miércoles, abril. 23, 2025, 6-8 p.m. Donde: Centro comunitario de James Lee, 2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church, VA 22042. Quien puede atender: Jóvenes de la edad 12-19 (¡Trae a tus amigos/amigas!). Para más información, contacta Noraybeth Nieto.
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Tuesday, April 29 – Supporting Foster Care Changes Lives!
Join Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoption for a special event in recognition of National Foster Care Month. Scheduled at the Lorton Library on April 29 from 5-7 p.m., social workers and community partners will come together to discuss how to make a difference for vulnerable children in our community. Whether you are simply curious to learn more or seriously considering becoming a foster parent, this meeting is the perfect chance to get all your questions answered. We’ll discuss the foster care system, the steps to become a foster parent, the life-changing rewards, and other ways to be involved. Register online.
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Wednesday, April 30 – Scam Jam 2025: Prevention, Protection and Prosecution
Don’t miss the opportunity to learn more about fraud prevention and the protection of older adults. Attend Scam Jam to explore resources from local government agencies and non-profit organizations. Hear from a former district attorney who has prosecuted more than 750 cases of elder abuse. Watch HOAP: Heroes of Adult Protection, a film that showcases the resilience of abuse victims and the dedicated efforts of Adult Protective Services employees and community members working together to protect vulnerable adults. Register for this FREE event.
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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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