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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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New Video: 2025 Fairfax County Foster Parents of the Year
Congratulations to Adam and Amy Suppes. They’ve been recognized as the 2025 Fairfax County Foster Parents of the Year by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. The Suppes are experienced adoptive and foster parents who have gone above and beyond for the children in their care, again and again, especially this past year. One of the children currently placed with the Suppes is hearing impaired and had never been enrolled in school and had not received any services for his needs, including his hearing impairment. Adam and Amy enrolled him in school and advocated for his needs. They began to learn sign language while teaching their foster son sign language. When the child's sister was placed in foster care, Adam and Amy welcomed her into their home. They are supportive of the child's birth family relationships and considerate of their mother and patient with her progress. Check out the video.
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Caregivers of Older Adults Can Find Support and Build Connections During ElderLink’s Monthly Virtual Support Calls
Caregivers are often the unsung heroes who provide essential support to family members and loved ones who are experiencing chronic conditions, navigating the aging process or who are unable to care for themselves. Caregivers can often find themselves in a complex emotional and physical position, balancing their own well-being with the needs of those they care for. With the constant demands that caregiving entails, caregivers may be left feeling isolated, overwhelmed and unsure where to turn for support. ElderLink’s Monthly Virtual Support Call for family caregivers provides a safe space for caregivers to share their struggles, get practical advice, and find support. Learn more in the May issue of the Golden Gazette.
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Cooling Assistance Opens June 16
Do you need help with energy costs this summer? Cooling Assistance is a program designed to help keep vulnerable Fairfax County residents cool during the summer months. To be eligible, at least one household member must be: 60 or older, 5 or younger, or disabled according to Social Security, Medicaid or 100% Veteran’s Administration. Applications for Cooling Assistance open June 16. Learn more about how Cooling Assistance helps cover costs and how to apply.
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Shelter Options in Fairfax County
Shelter is temporary safe housing available to survivors of domestic and sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking that offers a secure environment while victims figure out next steps and make longer-term living arrangements as they recover from trauma. Fairfax County currently has two shelter options: Artemis House and Bethany House. Learn about programming at each shelter.
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Volunteer and Partner Appreciation Event Celebrates Our Supporters
Our Volunteer and Partner Services Program hosted an appreciation dinner to show our deepest gratitude to all the volunteers, partners and donors that make it possible to support the children and families we serve. A variety of organizations from Fairfax County and beyond contributed to the food, fun and prizes to make the night a success! Learn more on our website and watch the video of the event.
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Unlock Your Potential: Find Out if WIOA Youth is Right for You
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Program offers training opportunities and career coaching to eligible youth ages 17-24. Learn more!
Services include:
- Career coaching focused on in-demand jobs
- Paid work experience opportunities
- Work uniforms, tools, and other supportive services
- GED preparation
- …and more!
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Need Medical Attention After an Assault? The Hospital Accompaniment Program Is Here for You
Medical attention after an assault is critical, but you don’t have to go it alone. Domestic and Sexual Violence Services’ Hospital Accompaniment program provides advocates to walk you through the process. If you’ve been sexually assaulted or have experienced intimate partner violence, find out how these special advocates can help.
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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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Monday, June 2 – Exploring the Dimensions of Aging
Join ElderLink and the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging for online training sessions for professional and family caregivers. Using a special training tool called Embodied Labs, caregivers can experience what it's like to be an older adult facing real-life challenges. The next session is on June 2 from 2-3:15 p.m. and is called "Elder Safety and Well-Being Lab: Preserving Physical & Psychological Health."
This training offers a unique chance to understand and connect better with older adults. It helps promote empathy, inclusivity, and fairness. After the session, participants will get access to the Embodied Labs platform for continued learning. Learn more and register.
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Tuesday, June 3 – NOVA Regional Fatherhood Workshop Series: “Fatherhood Engagement Defined”
The 2025 NOVA Regional Fatherhood Workshop Series starts next week! Join us online, through MS Teams on Tuesday, June 3 from 1-2:30 p.m. for this workshop offered in partnership with Prince William County Fatherhood Initiative. Don't miss this opportunity to learn the essential traits of committed fathers, grow your parenting skills, and connect with others on a similar path. Learn more about the series.
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Wednesday, June 4 – How Will We Pay for Care: Financial Considerations - Virtual Presentation
The financial burden of long-term care and caregiving can be substantial. Join this session hosted by Insight Memory Care Center from 7-8 p.m. to hear from Arvette M. Reid, client services director with SEIA, who will share information about the various options available to help manage the costs associated with this critical aspect of caregiving. Register to receive Zoom information prior to the class. Register.
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Friday, June 6 – Future of Work Institute
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 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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 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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