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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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Learn how trends such as AI are changing the world of work.
Job seekers, employers, and community partners are invited to attend the Future of Work Institute on Friday, June 6, at the Workforce Innovation Skills Hub (WISH), Hybla Valley Community Center. It’s a FREE in-person workshop with food, child care, and transportation. Spanish interpretation will be provided. Learn more and register!
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Donate Foster Care Housewarming Baskets!
Housewarming baskets are a meaningful way to make sure that older youth in foster care have the essentials to get started in life. Individuals or organizations can fill housewarming baskets to help these youth get on their feet as they are transitioning out of foster homes into independent living. This is a great service project that can make a profound impact and help youth have the peace of mind to focus on their education and training to elevate themselves. Learn more or email us!
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Women’s Domestic Violence Survivors Group Now Open
Domestic and Sexual Violence Services offers a free, confidential group for adults who identify as women who are currently experiencing or have previously experienced domestic abuse (physical, emotional, or other types). The group, led by a trained therapist specializing in domestic violence and trauma, promotes: 1) safety and empowerment for self and family; 2) understanding and healing from abuse and trauma; and 3) supportive connection with other survivors. This English-language group is eight 90-minute weekly sessions. To enroll, call 703-324-5730 or email DFSDSVSClinicalServices@fairfaxcounty.gov to schedule a private, face-to-face session.
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Podcast Alert: Economic Mobility and Workforce Development with Kellan Graves
You might have heard the terms before, but what do “economic mobility” and “workforce development” really mean? Kellan Graves, Employer Engagement Supervisor, joined the County Conversations podcast to discuss how Fairfax County Employment Services meets multiple needs in the community, by helping employers hire talented workers and job seekers find employment opportunities. Listen now to learn more about available services and how Employment Services supports the County’s workforce.
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Five Ways to Support Mental Health Awareness
Help is available for people of any age with mental health concerns. It’s never too late to focus on wellness and reduce stress. The impact of a mental health concern on an older adult’s physical health can be severe. Depression is associated with conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Loneliness and social isolation are also linked to serious health conditions. If you or someone you love is struggling with a mental health concern, learn about programs, services and training that can help in the May issue of the Golden Gazette.
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Make a Difference – Mentor a Young Child
On May 17, kids in the Be-Friend-A Child Mentoring Program had a fun day of activities at Burke Lake Park with their families and mentors. Check out the video of the event! If you want to make a difference in the lives of kids ages 6 to 12 years old, become a mentor with us. We are actively seeking dedicated volunteers like you to help guide, inspire, and support our youth as they navigate crucial developmental stages in their lives. Start the application process now! Learn more about this opportunity.
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Domestic Violence Can Take a Toll on a Survivor’s Mental Health
The impact of domestic violence on a survivor’s mental health is huge. Statistics show more than 50% of women seen in a mental health setting are being or have been harmed by an intimate partner. When we pair this statistic with the knowledge that there are more than 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic violence hotlines on any given day in this country—while also recognizing all survivors don’t seek help--we get a clearer picture of just how staggering this crisis is. On this episode of Unscripted, host Kendra Lee chats with Crisis Response Services Program Manager Andrea Nunes-Gardner and Counseling Supervisor Kathryn Harlow, both with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, to talk about how domestic violence can take a toll on mental health.
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Friday, May 23 – Adaptive Stretching & Breathing: Simple Techniques for Daily Wellness
Join this virtual workshop designed to help family caregivers discover the benefits of gentle movement and breathwork. Emery Bryant, yoga instructor at Missouri State University, will introduce simple, adaptable stretching and breathing techniques that promote relaxation, ease tension, and support overall well-being. This session runs from 12-1 p.m. and does not require special equipment or prior experience. Just a chair and a willingness to move and breathe. This workshop is hosted by the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging. Register today and take a step toward greater wellness!
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Friday, May 30 – Connecting to Wellbeing Through Meditation: A Guide for Family Caregivers
Join Jodi Supanich, Licensed Tergar Anytime Anywhere Meditation Teacher, for a workshop on integrating simple meditation practices into daily routines. Learn techniques to enhance well-being and understand the science behind meditation's benefits for physical, mental, and emotional health. Hosted by the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, this session runs from 12-1 p.m. and empowers caregivers with tailored meditation strategies to better care for their loved ones and themselves. Register.
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Tuesdays, June 3, 10, 17, 24 – The 2025 NOVA Regional Fatherhood Workshop Series
We are thrilled to announce the 2025 NOVA Regional Fatherhood Workshop Series. This series offers free online workshops every Tuesday afternoon, 1-2:30 p.m. in June to support fathers and father figures. Join us to learn, grow, and celebrate fatherhood. Learn more.
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Tuesday, June 10 – Free Virtual Parent Café: Positive Co-Parenting –Working as a Team for Your Child’s Wellbeing
Join facilitators from the Parenting Education Programs and the Father Engagement Unit Tuesday, June 10, 6:30 to 8 p.m. to discuss how parents can set aside their differences and work together to create a nurturing and stable environment where their children can thrive. Any Fairfax County parents or guardians with children ages 0-18 years old can join through MS Teams. For more information or to preregister, email 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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