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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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Diapers Needed!
The Domestic Violence Action Center needs your help to support the families we serve. We have received donation requests for diapers, particularly sizes 3, 4, 5, and 6; pullups; and gift cards. Want to help make sure local families have some basic necessities for their children? Learn more or call the Domestic Violence Action Center at 703-246-4573 for current needs.
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Join the VFICOPE Study: Help Advance Healthy Aging!
The Virginia Fairfax Intrinsic Capacity for Older People (VFICOPE) Study is looking for volunteers living in Fairfax County to help them understand how aging affects physical and mental abilities. ICOPE is a framework developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote healthy aging by preventing, slowing, or reversing declines in physical and mental capacity among older adults. It emphasizes person-centered, community-based care and is designed to support older adults in maintaining their independence and quality of life. Learn more about the study and how you can volunteer to participate in the June issue of the Golden Gazette.
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Spotlight on Clare Bradshaw, Body Safety Program Volunteer
After retiring from a rewarding career as a pediatric nurse, Clare Bradshaw felt that it was time for her to give back. She is a recent volunteer with the Body Safety Program going into the schools to teach children all over Fairfax County about what abuse is, the different types of abuse, how to identify their safe adults, and what to do in unsafe situations. Learn about Clare and why she supports this program and how you can get involved. |
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SNAP Scams: How to Protect Your Money
Scammers are targeting the EBT cards used by SNAP recipients to purchase essential groceries. There are a few simple steps SNAP recipients can take to protect their funds and reduce the chance that scammers can steal their money. The newest feature is the ability to through the ConnectEBT app. Many SNAP recipients can keep their card locked until it’s time to use it to make a purchase, and lock it immediately after the purchase is completed. simple ways to stay safe and what to look out for with EBT Scams..
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Safe Voting Is a Right
Reminder: Domestic violence survivors deserve to—and can—participate safely in all aspects of our country’s political process (including voting) without fearing further violence from an abuser. Make a plan now to cast your vote safely, whether you vote early or on Election Day, Tuesday, June 17, 2025.
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Foster Family Fun Day in the Park
Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoption hosted an open house event for our foster families at scenic Lake Accotink Park in May. This fun-filled event was designed to create a sense of community, provide educational activities, and celebrate the dedication of foster families within Fairfax County. Learn more.
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Wednesday, June 11-Aug. 27 – Free Virtual African American Culturally Focused Parenting Classes for Ages 5-18 years
This parenting class is for parents and caregivers to share, learn, and find support with raising African American children. Families have a safe space to grow in their parenting skills, explore resources and share wisdom with one another. Open to Fairfax County parents or guardians, this class will be held virtually starting Wednesday, June 11 from 6-8 p.m. 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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Friday, June 13 – SPY with Me with the International Spy Museum
This Dementia Caregiver Webinar is offered in collaboration with The International Spy Museum Access to Spy Program. SPY with Me is an interactive, hour-long virtual program for individuals living with dementia and their care partners. Join this free, interactive webinar from 12-1 p.m. as we use music and artifacts to explore some of our favorite spy stories and to get to know each other. Register here.
Learn more about dementia resources for family caregivers offered by the Adult and Aging Division.
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Tuesday, June 17 – NOVA Regional Fatherhood Workshop Series: “Effective Communication”
Join other local dads on from 1-2:30 p.m. for “Effective Communication and Active Listening Skills” in partnership with the Arlington County Fatherhood Engagement Program. Gain tools for improving your communication skills with those closest to you. Practice techniques for active listening that can help you better understand others’ perspectives. Join the MS Teams meeting using Passcode: gT6MB3NX. For more information about the series visit https://bit.ly/FE-Workshop.
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Monday, June 16-Sep. 8 – Free Virtual Parenting Classes in Spanish (Parenting Children Ages 12-18)
If you have children ages 12-18 years old, don't miss out on free virtual parenting classes offered in Spanish by our Parenting Education Programs starting Monday, Jun. 16 from 6-8 p.m. During a series of weekly sessions, you’ll learn about nurturing communication strategies, how to recognize your teen’s needs, and help them develop their character. Cultivar relaciones sanas con sus hijos. Contact us by email or call 703-324-7720. Learn more about the variety of parenting classes available.
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Wednesday, June 18 – The Dima Lab: Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson's Disease
Join ElderLink, in partnership with the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, for virtual training sessions for professional and family caregivers. Register for The Dima Lab: Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease on June 18 from 10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Learn about the early signs and progression of Lewy Body Dementia and important considerations for promoting independence, preserving dignity, and offering culturally competent care.
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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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