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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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Alan Cole: The Joys of Being a Band Geek
Alan Cole proudly calls himself a “band geek.” He’s someone who loves playing music, being part of a band, and sharing his passion with other musicians. While he never became a professional musician, Cole has played in bands for most of his life. For more than 50 years, he has been a member of the City of Fairfax Band, a community band composed of musicians of all skill levels dedicated to sharing the excitement and joy of live music with their community. Learn more about Cole’s life and experiences playing with the City of Fairfax Band in the August issue of the Golden Gazette.
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Join Teens to Stop Dating Violence
Want to be a part of ending teen dating violence in our community? Join the Fairfax County Teen Advocates Program and make your voice heard! Build your knowledge and tools to promote healthy relationships—and have fun along the way! As a Teen Advocate you can: 1) champion a cause you care about; 2) become a leader among your peers; 3) make new friends who are passionate like you; and 4) plan impactful events and activities! Ready to make a difference? Apply by Friday, Sept. 19, 2025.
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Apply for Benefits Online and Skip the Trip
Skip the Trip! Did you know you can apply for Medicaid, SNAP, and more online or over the phone? You can submit benefits applications or check on the status of your application without making the trip to one of our office locations. Learn more about how to access Public Assistance and Employment Services information online or by phone.
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Thank You for Restocking the VPS Baby Supply Closets
Thank you to all the generous partners and donors who have helped our Volunteer and Partner Services program to replenish our depleted closets with essential items that promote safe transportation and safe sleep for infants and children with the families DFS serves. For anyone else willing and able to contribute, please consider donating an item from our Amazon Wish List which is continuously updated throughout the year. For more opportunities to support the community subscribe to The Volunteer Post Newsletter.
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The Importance of Advocacy Services
The goal of advocacy services is to increase survivor safety by sharing available resources and options. But that doesn’t adequately describe what Domestic and Sexual Violence Services advocates do. Learn more about the many ways advocates support survivors.
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New Video: Fairfax County Foster Care Graduation Celebration
Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoption Program brought the community together to celebrate youth in foster care who overcame significant challenges to successfully graduate. The Fostering Futures Unit held the graduation celebration at George Mason University’s Corner Pocket Game Room. Friends and supporters were able to come together for an afternoon of fun in the graduates’ honor. Check out the video.
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Friday, August 8 – Body Safety Training
If you are available on weekdays during school hours and enjoy working with kids, this opportunity is for you! The Department of Family Services’ Body Safety Program needs volunteer classroom instructors to help empower elementary students with the tools they need to prevent or interrupt child abuse. Apply online or contact the Body Safety staff by email or phone at 703-324-7459 to attend this training and begin supporting the program at the start of the school year.
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Tuesday, August 12 – Attend a Foster Care Information Meeting
Are you curious about becoming a foster parent? Hundreds of children in Fairfax County need a temporary loving home until they can safely return to their families. Our next virtual information meeting is by invitation only on Tuesday, Aug. 12, at 6:45 p.m. Complete this short interest form for prospective parents. For more information check out our website.
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Friday, August 15 – Centering the Voices of African American Dementia Caregivers: Decision-Making, Well-Being, and Self-Care
Join this webinar from 12-1 p.m. to learn about the lived experiences of African American adult daughters caring for a parent with cognitive decline or dementia. Dr. Kalisha Bonds Johnson will highlight key factors that shape an adult daughters’ well-being and confidence in making healthcare decisions—for themselves and their loved ones. Dr. Shanae Rhodes will follow with powerful quotes from African American women caregivers, offering insight into their journeys. This presentation is hosted by the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging. Register for details. Learn more about dementia resources for family caregivers.
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Tuesday, August 16 – Parenting Education Programs Volunteer Training
If you want to help parents and their children learn new ways to build healthy family relationships, please apply online with us to support our parenting classes. Our next volunteer co-facilitator training will be Tuesday, August 16 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information about this vital role, contact the Parenting Education Programs by email or call 703-324-7720.
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Like this newsletter? We have more! Subscribe to get updates and tips specifically for caregivers, jobseekers, foster parents, volunteers, older adults, people with disabilities, and people living in assisted living or other long-term care facilities. You can also listen to our podcast, watch videos, follow us on Facebook, email us, or call us. Learn more and sign up today! |
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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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