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Common Ground
A Newsletter for the Interfaith Community
June/July 2025
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Help for Residents Affected by Federal Workforce Restructuring
Fairfax County has a dedicated page for resources so please share this with anyone you know who is being impacted: Federal Workforce Resource HUB
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FCIA EVENT SAVE THE DATE!!
Tuesday July 15th, 2025
7:00pm-8:30pm
Online event, please Register to receive meeting link.
Please send any requests for language interpretation services to Lyndzey Elliott @ lyndzey.elliott@fairfaxcounty.gov by 7/8/25.
SAVE THE DATE!
The 4th Annual Interfaith Resiliency Conference will be hosted on Thursday, September 18th from 8:30 AM -12:30 PM at Fairfax Church. Stay tuned for more details - we hope to see you there!
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Equity
Equity Focus for June/July
Historical Marker for Colin Powell
The Fairfax County Black/African American Historical Marker Project: The Black/African American Historical Marker Project was established by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in 2021 to recognize and celebrate significant figures and places that have shaped the county’s diverse history. The Board invited local youth to nominate people and places significant to the African American community for the new markers, which commemorate an event, person, or location of historical significance within the county. This initiative is a collaboration between the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Public Schools, History Commission, and Neighborhood and Community Services. This particular dedication to Colin Powell, marks the fourth in a series of markers to be installed across Fairfax County, each aimed at illuminating the African American experience and its vital role in shaping the region’s history.
When: Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 11 a.m.
Where: Colin Powell Elementary School - 13340 Leland Rd., Centreville, VA 20120
RSVP Here
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New Interfaith Coordinator!
Hi! My name is Lyndzey Elliott and I'm the new Interfaith Coordinator! My professional journey includes leadership in therapeutic recreation programming, strong collaboration with community stakeholders, and support for faith-based and social outreach initiatives aimed at building lasting, inclusive partnerships. I hold a master’s degree in Sociology from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in Women, Gender, and Sexuality from the University of Virginia. In my free time you’ll find me reading a book, practicing yoga, or cuddling with her cat.
Safety and Security
The 2026 Combating Hate Crimes Grant Program
The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is now accepting applications for the 2026 Combating Hate Crimes Grant Program. Local jurisdictions have until the end of July to apply for this funding opportunity aimed at preventing and addressing hate crimes in their communities.
Who can apply and what does the program support? This grant program supports local governments that have partnered with eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, particularly those that have been targeted or are at risk of being targeted by hate crimes. Funding is intended to help reduce bias-motivated incidents based on race, religion, color, gender, disability, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, or national origin.
Why does this matter? The goal of the initiative is to enhance public safety and resilience by empowering at-risk institutions through financial support. Full guidelines and application materials are available on the DCJS website, and early application is encouraged. Learn more here: 2026 Combating Hate Crimes Grant Program Funding Opportunity | Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services
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TAM Symposium 2025
The Fairfax County Police Department’s TAM Unit will host its second annual two-day Threat Assessment and Management Symposium for individuals associated with threat teams. This year’s theme is Navigating Emerging Threats: Anticipate, Adapt, and Act for a Safer Tomorrow. The date is August 18-19th, 2025 from 8am – 4pm at Capital One Hall. Registration link will be available soon - stay tuned for details!
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Community Resources
FY 2026 Budget Markup
The Board of Supervisors adopted the FY 2026 budget on May 13th 2025, which takes effect July 1. The budget includes a quarter-cent reduction in the real estate tax rate, a new 4% tax on prepared food and beverages beginning Jan. 1, 2026, and restored funding for programs, such as middle school after-school activities and emergency services in underserved areas. View more information HERE.
Walk, Bike & Roll to Worship Week – Save the Date! 🚲🦽
Walk, Bike and Roll to Worship Week
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) invites congregations across the County to participate in Walk, Bike & Roll to Worship Week on September 13-21, 2025. This event is free to join and can be celebrated on any day during the week that best suits your congregation's schedule.
To register, please complete the registration form at Bike & Walk to Worship Week 2025 | Transportation, or submit it via email to ryan.johnson3@fairfaxcounty.gov by August 15th, 2025.
EV Readiness Strategy
Fairfax County is focused on promoting the adoption of electric vehicles to meet its emission reduction goals as outlined in the Community-wide Energy and Climate Action Plan (CECAP) and the county’s Operational Energy Strategy. To meet these goals, the county is creating an Electric Vehicle Readiness Strategy. The strategy will focus on increasing the availability and use of EVs in vulnerable and historically disadvantaged communities to ensure equitable access to EVs and electric vehicle supply equipment. A draft plan will be posted for public comment in August 2025. The final report will be completed and submitted to the Board of Supervisors in September 2025. You can find more information here. Fairfax County Electric Vehicle (EV) Readiness Strategy – Public Input
Affordable Housing
The Affordable Housing Dashboard provides data about Fairfax County’s progress toward affordable housing goals. View the recently relaunched dashboard.
The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) will be accepting waiting list applications for both privately-owned and Fairfax County-owned Project-Based Voucher (PBV) units Monday, June 2, 2025, through Sunday, June 8, 2025.
Beginning Monday, June 2, 2025, at 8:00 a.m., interested individuals can apply on the Fairfax County Housing and Community Development website. Applications will be accepted until Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Application instructions are available in English and Spanish.
Individuals who need assistance can call 703-246-5100 or visit the FCRHA office at 3700 Pender Drive in Fairfax, VA during normal business hours 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Here are informational flyers to share in English, Spanish and Korean.
Summer Camps
Summer Is Here! NCS offers a variety of youth and teen camps during summer break. Programs are offered at public schools and community centers throughout Fairfax County. All programs offer reduced fees for eligible families. Click this link for details: NCS Camps | Neighborhood and Community Services
Reengagement Centers for Youth (Ages 14–24)
NCS’ Re-Engagement Centers prepares Fairfax County’s future workforce by connecting youth ages 14 – 24 to jobs and educational opportunities through its dynamic programs and services. Click here for more information.
The 2025 NOVA Regional Fatherhood Workshop Series
All community members, fathers, father figures, and professionals are invited to this online weekly workshop series to help enhance a father’s self-awareness, self-care, parenting and relationship skills. Join us each Tuesday in June from 1-2:30 p.m. to explore the positive impact that involved fathers and father figures make on their children’s development and overall well-being! This regional series is a partnership between Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties’ father engagement programs. https://bit.ly/FE-Workshop
Parenting Education Programs
Learn positive and effective ways parents/guardians can interact with their children at every age and stage of development. Our Department of Family Services offers virtual and in-person classes that focus on understanding what to expect from children at different developmental stages and ages (0-18 years), and building strong, positive, respectful relationships between all family members. The class schedule is available at https://bit.ly/DFS-PEP.
Fairfax County Immigration Resources
Please see the document of resources attached for immigrants in Fairfax County. The document includes legal assistance, educational support, and emergency planning.
Immigrants in Fairfax County | Topics
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Health and Wellness
Care Navigation Service for Behavioral Health Services for Children, Youth, and their families
Healthy Minds Fairfax has partnered with Hopelink and Northern Virginia Service to help children and youth get connected to behavioral health services. To make a referral, please visit the link below. To find out about walk-in services, please call or email below.
Food Access
Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) partners with community-based organizations, food pantries, local nonprofits, Fairfax County Public Schools and other government organizations to provide opportunities for food access throughout Fairfax County. Explore their website for food access information: Food Access Program
No Kid Hungry is a national campaign run by Share Our Strength, a nonprofit working to solve problems of hunger and poverty in the United States and around the world. Please check out their website for more information: Free Meal Finder | No Kid Hungry
Childhood & Required School Immunizations
On-time vaccination throughout childhood is essential because it helps provide immunity before children are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases. Vaccines are tested to ensure that they are safe and effective for children to receive at the recommended ages. Schools require immunizations for entry into kindergarten, 7th grade, 12th grade, and when transferring into Fairfax County public schools. Failure to do so may impact a student’s ability to return to school in the fall. Please check the Health Department's page by clicking here for more information.
Community Services Board
The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) Wellness, Health Promotion and Prevention team includes information and a link to request customized training. Please see current offerings for Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), REVIVE!, Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR), ACE Interface, and Talk, They Hear You (TTHY).
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Community Bulletin Board
The following public announcements are for interfaith meetings and activities sponsored by organizations within the community and are not specifically endorsed or sponsored by Fairfax County. These announcements are provided as a public service in the interest of expanding interfaith dialogue and goodwill. If you have an announcement you would like to share, please contact NCSinterfaith@fairfaxcounty.gov
Virginia Interfaith Center: Congregational Resources
The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy offers a rich collection of Congregational Resources to support faith communities in living out their values through education, advocacy, and action. This page includes toolkits, worship materials, and policy guides on issues like economic justice, racial equity, and environmental stewardship. Explore the link below to find tools that align with your House of Faiths' mission and values:
https://virginiainterfaithcenter.org/get-involved/partners/congregational-resources/
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If you are interested in submitting something for the newsletter, please review our guidelines:
- Submissions should be sent to NCSInterfaith@fairfaxcounty.gov
- Submissions should be timely and occurring in the upcoming month. For ongoing needs or services, we reserve the right to hold for future issues.
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All submissions should have no more than a 3-line description of the event and include a link for more information or to register.
- The event must be open to the entire community.
- Proselytizing events/activities will not be posted.
- Events must be apolitical. Legislative lobbying efforts will not be posted.
- Fundraisers or events soliciting financial contributions will not be posted.
- Events must be geared to promoting understanding, goodwill, community service or fulfilling a defined need in helping strengthen Fairfax County residents and communities.
If you have any questions, please email NCSInterfaith@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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