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Common Ground
A Newsletter for the Interfaith Community
August/September 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:
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Faith Communities in Action (FCIA) Updates
On Tuesday, July 15th, FCIA convened for our routine meeting. This meeting featured NCS Equity Manager, Ramona Carroll. The presentation and discussion focused on centering equity in the work of Houses of Faith. Thank you to Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax for allowing us to meet in your space, thank you to Ramona Carroll for the insightful presentation, and thank you to everyone who attended! We had a rich conversation that brought together perspectives from diverse faiths and cultures, helping the faith community recognize the important role they play in supporting the community in a more equitable way.
Attached is a video from Interfaith America on Creating Spaces for Interfaith Cooperation that was shared during the meeting.
4th Annual Interfaith Resiliency Conference
Our next FCIA gathering will be on Thursday September 18th at our 4th Annual Interfaith Resiliency Conference. Have you registered yet? If not, register: here.
Here's what you can expect:
Eli Russ, Director of Security, will share valuable insights and best practices for enhancing safety and emergency preparedness in Houses of Faith. Following his presentation, we’ll engage in a hands-on exercise to help your congregation strengthen its emergency response plan. The program will conclude with a discussion with the Fairfax County Police Department about available security assessments for Houses of Faith. A light breakfast will be served, and resource tables will be available for you to gather additional information.
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Equity
Equity Focus for August/September
SAVE THE DATE: Historical Marker for Louise Archer
Please save the date for a historical marker ceremony honoring Louise Archer (1893-1948), the latest in the Black/African American Historical Marker Project.
When: Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025 at 11:00 A.M.
Where: Louise Archer Elementary School, 324 Nutley St., Vienna, VA, 22180
This dedication to Louise Archer, initiated from The Black/African American Historical Marker Project, marks the fifth and final 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.
To learn more about The Black/African American Historical Marker Project or to view the other installations click here.
Stuff the Bus
Stuff the Bus is equitable work mobilizing community resources to ensure that all students, regardless of income or background, have access to essential school supplies. By addressing barriers to educational readiness, this initiative helps level the playing field and supports every child’s opportunity to succeed. See the flyer before for more information:
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 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
Hunger Action Month is September!
In recognition of Hunger Action Month and to support our community through Stuff the Bus, we invite your House of Faith or your organization to join this important effort. You can help make a difference in your community by connecting with one of the participating community-based organizations to coordinate donation drop-off or pick-up. Please visit the Stuff the Bus website where you’ll find the full list of participating organizations. Together, you can help ensure that no family in our community goes without essential resources.
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Safety and Security
The Fairfax County Department of Emergency Management Services (DEMS) Wants to Hear From Houses of Worship
DEMS regularly partners with community organizations—including faith-based groups— to build a more resilient and connected community. To strengthen these efforts, DEMS is currently gathering information about the disaster related initiatives and services faith-based organizations may provide, whether locally, nationally, or internationally. DEMS kindly asks that you take a few minutes to complete the survey. Your input will help us better understand your organization's role in disaster response and identify opportunities for collaboration and support.
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Community Resources
Engage Fairfax
Engage Fairfax County is the official public participation portal that features select projects, surveys and opportunities to provide feedback as part of our commitment to inclusive community engagement. Here you can find upcoming events, initiatives, and opportunities to share your input on key topics, helping to shape the future of our community.
Alexandria/Fairfax Solar 101
Learn about solar energy and its benefits for your home, or small business through this free online webinar. You'll be taken through the technology, economics, financing and more. You’ll also learn about the Switch Together program in your area. Learn more 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 TOMORROW August 15th, 2025.
Taxi Pilot Program
NCS Mobility Management has received funding from the Enhanced Mobility grant to coordinate and enhance transportation options for older adults and individuals with disabilities. They are currently offering the Taxi Pilot Program to agencies and organizations who work and assist with these two identified populations. The funding provides courtesy taxi rides to non-emergency medical appointments within Fairfax County. If you’re interested or want to learn more, please feel free to reach out to Cynthia Alarico at cynthia.alarico@fairfaxcounty.gov and Valesca Maldonado valesca.maldonado@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)
Senior FMNP provides eligible older adults and seniors with a $50 benefit to purchase fresh produce and herbs from participating farmers at local farmers markets. The application deadline, September 30. Learn more and apply.
Affordable Housing
The Affordable Housing Dashboard provides data about Fairfax County’s progress toward affordable housing goals. View the recently relaunched dashboard.
As we continue to have conversations around Affordable Housing in Fairfax County, take a look at the attached booklet which offers practical and creative ideas to help congregations, policymakers and communities work together to address the affordable
housing crisis - MatchMadeinHeavenDigital.pdf
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.
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.
Volunteer to Teach Kids About Staying Safe
The Department of Family Services’ Body Safety Program needs volunteer classroom instructors to help empower elementary school students with the tools they need to prevent or interrupt child abuse. Apply online at bit.ly/BodySafeVol or contact the Body Safety staff at DFSBodySafety@FairfaxCounty.gov or 703-324-7459.
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
Venture into Volunteering Fair
Save the Date! Come to the Venture into Volunteering Fair on Sunday, October 5, 12–4 p.m. at the Springfield Town Center. Connect with local organizations offering meaningful volunteer opportunities—and explore a wealth of resources at the Beacon 50+ Expo! Health screenings and vaccines will be offered, and giveaways and door prizes! Learn more and share: here
Network and Hiring Fair for Veterans
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Health and Wellness
Health Department Offering Walk-in Hour
The Fairfax County Health Department has begun offering walk-in hours for certain clinic services on select days at all five clinic locations! See more here
Heat Islands - What They Are and How To Protect Yourself
Heat Islands - What They Are and How To Protect Yourself Places, including Fairfax County, are seeing hotter weather and more extreme heat than in previous years. When heat strikes, neighborhoods with less greenery and more buildings and pavements can get much hotter than surrounding areas. These hot spots, known as Urban Heat Islands, can have warmer temperatures during the day and at night, making it difficult for people to keep cool in these areas.
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.
Immunizations
With school starting and Fall vastly approaching, it is a great time to schedule any essential immunizations! There are many places to get recommended child and adolescent immunizations throughout the Fairfax County. Click here for the full schedule and list of locations.
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).
New CSB One Pager!
Check out CSB's new 1-page flyer detailing resources available to county residents dealing with mental health or substance use concerns. Help is available 24/7 --- day or night, there is always someone to talk to, someone to respond, and somewhere to go! See below:
 Exploring the Dimensions of Aging through Virtual Reality
Discover a unique training opportunity which allows participants to “see through the eyes” of older adults. The virtual training series called Exploring the Dimensions of Aging through Virtual Reality was developed by Embodied Labs and simulates what it is like to be an older adult encountering various challenges in everyday situations. Sign up to attend facilitated virtual sessions that focus on how social isolation impacts an older adult, the early signs and progression of Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease, how to navigate caregiver burnout, and much more. Register for Exploring the Dimensions of Aging sessions offered in during August. Check out additional programs offered by ElderLink, a nonprofit partnership between Inova and the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, which aims to promote the well-being, safety and independence of older adults and caregivers.
Free Event! Voices Unveiled: Documentary Screening & Panel Discussion
August 21, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
James Lee Community Theatre 2855 Annandale Rd., Falls Church, VA 22042
Join the Fairfax County Department of Family Services Adult & Aging Division, The Clowder Group and the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services to watch two thought-provoking documentaries, All the Lonely People and Heroes of Adult Protection – Fred’s Neighborhood. Each documentary tells the story of older adults facing challenges such as social isolation and adult abuse. A panel discussion with the filmmakers and state leaders will take place after viewing the films. More information and to register. Learn more about Adult Protective Services.
Centering the Voices of African American Dementia Caregivers: Decision-Making, Well-Being, and Self-Care
Friday, Aug. 15, 12-1 p.m.
Join this free webinar 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. The presentation includes practical self-care strategies and core takeaways designed to support African American care partners of all genders. This presentation is hosted by the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging. Register for details. Learn more about dementia resources for family caregivers.
Brain Health: What Caregivers Need to Know
Wed. Aug. 20, 12- 1 p.m.
Join George Worthington, Dementia Services Director for Virginia's Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), for a presentation on brain health for the caregiver and their loved one. Rapid developments in knowledge about brain health in recent years have helped focus efforts on slowing or preventing cognitive changes through lifestyle interventions. Learn what caregivers can do to help maintain their own and their loved one's brain health. He will review the foundations of brain health and talk about several specific risk factors for dementia such as heart health, sleep, stress, and social isolation. Register to learn more. This virtual webinar is hosted by the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging. Learn more about older adults services and programs.
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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/
Resources Regarding H.R. 1
The Feeding America Government Relations team is providing a summary of key provisions in the final reconciliation legislation drafted to comply with reconciliation directives included in the Budget Resolution for Fiscal Year 2025 (H. Con. Res. 14). This summary breaks down proposals relevant to people experiencing food insecurity and the Feeding America network. Feeding America Summary of Big Beautiful Bill.pdf
The English Empowerment Center
The English Empowerment Center serves over 2,000 beginning-level English language and literacy adult learners. They work to empower English language learners through the ability to read, write, speak, and understand English. Learn more about their services or how to get involved here.
Sexual Violence Tier One Training in September
Tier One is a 16-hour training on understanding sexual violence, systems responding to sexual violence in Fairfax County, and resources available in our community. Book your training for the month of September/October here.
Dream B!G
Dream B!G's mission is to build a workforce that reflects the rich diversity of the communities they serve, intentionally engaging students who may not have previously considered a career in healthcare. Dream B!G is hosting students, grades 7-12, at Inova Fairfax for a Dream B!G day on August 16th from 9 – 2 pm for a hands-on healthcare career exploration event.
There will be rotation activities that highlight their pharmacy, injury and prevention, cardiac rehab and imaging departments.
If you work with students that would benefit from this opportunity, see more here.
Fairfax County Teen Advocates Program
Do you know a teen passionate about making a difference and raising awareness about dating violence? Encourage them to apply for the Fairfax County Teen Advocates Program by filling out the application below by Friday, September 19! Teens accepted into the program will meet twice a month and will build leadership skills, promote healthy relationships, and create positive change while championing causes, planning impactful events, and connecting with like-minded peers committed to improving their community.
To learn more about becoming a Teen Advocate, visit: Teens – Make Your Voice Heard! | Family Services
To apply to become a Teen Advocate visit: https://forms.office.com/g/nLMkd6TVmK
Tysons Interfaith Coffeehouse
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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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