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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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SNAP Updates: November Benefits
Due to the federal government shutdown, actions and decisions about SNAP benefits for November are rapidly evolving. Learn more about updates impacting SNAP in Fairfax County. |
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Adopt-A-Family for the 2025 Holiday Season
You can make the holiday season a little brighter for families in need right here in our community! Our Adopt-A-Family Holiday Program makes it easy to spread holiday cheer in the form of essentials like clothing, food, and toys for local families. There’s still time to help us as we try to surpass last year’s record-breaking season! Learn how to sign up online to match with a family.
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DFS Little Libraries: Take a Book, Read a Book
Everyone is welcome in DFS lobbies, especially our youngest Fairfax residents! Young readers enjoy the DFS Little Libraries that offer free books for all ages at our Human Services Centers. Books are generously donated by Fairfax County libraries and DFS employees. The books keep little hands and minds busy during wait times, and go home with the children to keep spreading joy. Learn more about public assistance and employment services available online and at our office locations.
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Unscripted: Conversations about Sexual and Domestic Violence—All About Protective Orders
Protective orders, also known as restraining orders, are a lifeline for many survivors of interpersonal violence, yet they remain misunderstood and underutilized. On this episode of Unscripted, host Kendra Lee, Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Senior Victim Advocate Vanessa Cullers, and Domestic Relations Unit Supervisor Marwa Hajahmed from the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court sit down to discuss protective orders—the good, the bad, the misconstrued.
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Upcoming Job Fairs: No Tricks, Just Free Registration!
Get out from behind the computer and meet employers in-person at two upcoming job fairs in November. At Home Health, LLC is hiring for caregivers, CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants), PCAs (Personal Care Assistants) and more at our event on November 6. And you don't want to miss the Metro Area Career Fair with Vitae Visuals on November 13! Job seekers will connect with top employers in the region such as Northern Virginia Community College, Fairfax County Public Schools, Alexandria City Public Schools, Northwestern Mutual, and more. These employers are so good, we had to name drop. Learn more and register today!
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Foster Care Unit Success Story: The Journey to Fatherhood
When a baby girl was born showing signs of withdrawal and testing positive for substances, she was placed in foster care at just seven days old. With her mother homeless and unable to provide stability, the specialists in the Annandale Unit began searching for her father. Once he got over the shock, his fierce response surprised everyone. Learn more.
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Healthy Relationship Tip of the Week: You Are Interdependent
When a relationship is healthy, you and your partner are interdependent. This means you rely on each other for mutual support but maintain your identity as a unique individual. In other words, your relationship is balanced. You know you have their approval and love, but your self-esteem doesn’t depend on them. You don’t depend on each other to get all of your needs met. You have friends and connections outside the relationship and spend time pursuing your own interests. Learn more.
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Thursday, Nov. 6 – Meet the Employer with At Home Health LLC
Connect directly with recruiters and take your first step towards a new career, helping those who need it most. Hiring for Caregivers, Housekeeping Positions, CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants), PCAs (Personal Care Assistants), and Part-time Administrative Positions. Co-hosted by Department of Family Services – Public Assistance and Employment Services and Fairfax County Public Libraries. Register to attend.
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Thursday, Nov. 6 – 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 Thursday, Nov. 6, at 6:45 p.m. Complete this short interest form for prospective parents. For more information check out our website.
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Saturday, Nov. 8 – BeFriend-A-Child Program Seeks Volunteer Mentors
If you want to make a difference for a child and you are available on the weekends, our BeFriend-A-Child Mentoring program may be the opportunity for you. You can even work around your schedule to spend time with your mentee. Build up a child’s social skills, increase their self-esteem, and help them overcome challenges through fun enrichment activities. Mentors are needed now! The next training for new mentors will take place virtually on Saturday, November 8 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn more or start the application process now!
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Thursday, Nov. 13 – Metro Area Career Fair
The Department of Family Services – Employment Services is partnering with Vitae Visual to host the Metro Area Career Fair. There will be 20 employers from different industries available to connect with jobseekers directly. Get free onsite career counseling, as well as workforce presentations! Register here.
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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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