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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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June is Fatherhood Awareness Month
Fatherhood Awareness Month is the time to recognize the important role fathers play in their children’s development and well-being, from birth through adulthood. For children, having an involved father increases the likelihood that they will experience positive education, health, self-esteem, and social outcomes. Check out our Fatherhood Awareness Month resources for more information. Attend our weekly Fatherhood Workshop Series.
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June Is Pride Month
LGBTQIA+ communities face significant barriers to accessing support when experiencing violence. Discrimination in housing and employment, high rates of homelessness, and isolation from community based on one’s identity can prevent those experiencing domestic violence from accessing support services. Additionally, many victim services programs address the needs of cisgender women without meaningfully accommodating survivors of other gender identities or sexualities. Find out how current and historical activists have worked hard to address these barriers.
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Fairfax County’s Workforce Development: Building Economic Opportunities for All Residents
County Executive Bryan Hill sat down recently with Daniel Mekibib to discuss how Fairfax County is helping residents find better jobs and build stronger careers.
Fairfax County serves more than 1.2 million residents and helping them find good jobs is a top priority. Mekibib, director of Workforce Development Programs, leads efforts to connect people with careers that can change their lives.
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Dr. Russell Rayman’s Lifetime of Service Gave Him a Front Row Seat to History
Dr. Russell Rayman’s decision in 1962 to forego a more traditional career in medicine and instead join the U.S. Air Force to serve as a flight surgeon has led to a life he never could have imagined. He has visited and lived in unique places around the world, met and befriended interesting people along the way, experienced things most people cannot imagine, and witnessed significant moments in history. Learn more about Dr. Rayman’s life and work in the June issue of the Golden Gazette.
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Foster Care Unit Success Story: Finding Family in Unlikely Places
In this success story, a boy who entered foster care in Maryland experienced such immense support and connection with a great uncle, that eventually, he was able to move into a foster placement with him. Check out this heartwarming example that shows that anyone with love in their heart and determination to complete the process, can make a profound difference for a child in need. Learn more.
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Stalking Is Serious Business
Stalking, a pattern of behavior directed at a person that would cause them to fear for their safety or suffer substantial emotional distress, is often misunderstood, minimalized, or ignored. It’s a crime in all 50 states, D.C., and U.S. territories, and has been referred to as “homicide in slow motion” because of the crime’s seriousness. On this episode of Unscripted, host Kendra Lee has a stalking 101discussion with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Outreach and Education Coordinator Abby Picard and Tom Bluestein, George Mason University’s VP of the Office of Access, Compliance, and Community.
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Not Eligible for Medicaid? Know Your Options
Some adults and families may not be eligible for Medicaid and need other low-cost health care options. Fairfax County offers several free or low-cost medical care options for adults and families, such as the Medical Care for Children Partnership (MCCP), Federally Qualified Health Centers, and more. Don’t let cost keep you from being healthy – getting care now will prevent larger issues later in life. Learn about how to access free or low-cost medical care in our community.
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Friday, June 6 – Gun Violence Awareness Day
The Department of Family Services Domestic and Sexual Violence Services division supports policies to remove firearms from potentially deadly situations. It’s the law: Gun owners in Virginia who have been served a final protective order must surrender their firearms. (We encourage taking it to the Sheriff’s office 703-246-4405). By doing so, victims, their families, and our communities are safer. To learn more about the intersection of guns and domestic violence, visit Domestic and Sexual Violence Services or call the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline at 703-360-7273.
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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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Monday, June 9-Sep. 15 – Free Parenting Classes in Spanish (Parenting Children Ages 5-11)
Cultive relaciones sanas con sus hijos. Are you ready to become a more confident and effective parent? Join our free multi-week in-person parenting class starting Monday, June 9 at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church in Springfield! This class is designed for parents with children aged 5-11 years old and will cover topics such as increasing empathy, encouraging appropriate behaviors, building positive self-concept and self-esteem, and having fun as a family. The class meets every Monday from 5:30-8 p.m. Dinner and child care are provided! Ready to sign-up or have questions? Contact us by email or call 703-324-7720. Learn more about the variety of parenting classes available.
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Monday, June 9-Aug. 25 – Free Parenting Classes (Parenting Children Ages 12-18)
Are you a parent with teenagers? Join our free parenting classes starting on Monday, Jun. 9 for those with children ages 12-18! Learn how to communicate more effectively, understand your teen's developmental stages, and build their self-esteem. The class meets every Monday from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Fairfax Church of Christ. Dinner is provided! Ready to sign-up or have questions? Contact us by email or call 703-324-7720. Learn more about the variety of parenting classes available.
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Tuesday, June 10 – NOVA Regional Fatherhood Workshop Series: “Breaking the Cycle”
Join other local dads on from 1-2:30 p.m. for “Breaking the Cycle: From Having an Absent Father to Creating a Legacy of Strength” in partnership with Loudoun County Fatherhood Engagement Services. Join the MS Teams meeting using Passcode: YJ6DX9AF. Move forward in your own purpose. For more information about the series visit https://bit.ly/FE-Workshop.
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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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