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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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November is Adoption Awareness Month
This Adoption Month, we are highlighting the urgent need for more permanent homes for many children in foster care. Across the nation more than 45,000 children are legally free for adoption and more than 1,000 of those children are waiting for adoptive families in Virginia. Our theme, “Love Grows through Adoption” emphasizes the strong and supportive relationships that can flourish in adoptive homes and produce positive outcomes for the entire family. Learn more.
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Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance Started Nov. 3
Virginia has launched VENA, an emergency food assistance program to fill the gap when SNAP benefits lapsed starting Nov. 1 due to the federal government shutdown. People eligible for SNAP as of October 29, 2025 will receive a weekly benefit on their EBT cards for the month of November with the hope the federal government reopens during this time. Payments will be added to SNAP participants’ existing electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards starting November 3. Learn more. |
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Share Joy with Others This Holiday Season
The holiday season is often a whirlwind of shopping, family gatherings, and celebrations. But for many, it is also a time to help others by donating to worthy causes. If this is part of your holiday tradition, consider supporting these programs and organizations whose work directly benefits your community. Learn more in the November issue of the Golden Gazette.
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10 Tips to Help Domestic Violence Survivors
Maybe someone you care about—a family member, friend, or coworker--has told you they are experiencing domestic violence. Or you see signs of abuse in their relationship. You may wonder what to say to help—or if you should say anything at all. That uncertainty is OK. Domestic violence is a difficult subject to talk about both for people experiencing violence and those who care about the victims. Reaching out can be a lifeline to someone who probably feels fear, shame, or embarrassment. Sincere, compassionate support can be crucial to helping victims get to safety and work on building a better life. Follow these safety-focused tips to help a victim of domestic violence.
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A Heartwarming Partnership with Neighborhood and Community Services
At Volunteer and Partner Services, fostering strong community partnerships is one way we extend the Department of Family Services’ reach and positively impact the Fairfax County community. Recently, we’ve grown our partnership with Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services through deploying Rylynn, our agency’s trained facility dog to provide comfort, support, and connection to people from children to older adults in some NCS programs. Learn more.
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Ready for a Fresh Start? Get Free Employment Services to Kick-Start Your Next Chapter!
Sometimes you need a fresh start in the middle of your career journey, and that’s okay! Applying for jobs isn’t what it was five years ago, and we have the tools and strategies to support your success. We can help you find your next chapter with personalized career guidance, job search assistance, resume and interview help, and more. Visit one of our One-Stop Employment Resource Centers to find a job, grow your skills, and reach your career goals.
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Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Keeps Doors Open
The federal government shutdown continues, but Fairfax County’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Services division is open. We know that when economic and societal stressors increase, violence tends to increase, too, including intimate partner violence, so DSVS stands ready to support you. As always, our services are confidential and open to anyone impacted by domestic and sexual violence, human trafficking, or stalking—regardless of race, ethnicity, immigration status, religion, sexual orientation, or gender. Learn more about the DSVS’ resources and the ways the division supports survivors.
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Stay Warm This Winter: Get Help Heating Your Home
The glitter of the first frost and coziness of unexpected snow days are only enjoyable if you have a warm home where you can stay safe from the cold. Cold weather can strain heating systems and increase costs, which can be difficult for anyone on a limited income. The Fuel Assistance program helps pay heating costs for eligible households. Applications are accepted until November 14. Learn more about Fuel Assistance and how to apply.
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Nov. 1-30 – Buy Giant Community Bag to Benefit Home Delivered Meals Program
The Fairfax Area Agency on Aging’s Home Delivered Meals Program is excited to be selected for the Giant Community Bag Program for the month of November!
The Home Delivered Meals program helps provide meals to adults over the age of 60, or adults with a disability, who are homebound and are unable to prepare their own meals. When you shop at Giant Food, 13043 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy, Fairfax VA during November and buy a $2.75 Community Bag, Giant will donate $1 to the Home Delivered Meals program. Thanks for supporting our program! Learn more about the Home Delivered Meals Program.
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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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Friday, Nov. 7 – Forensic Nurses Day
During Forensic Nurses Week, we come together to honor the dedicated nurses who deliver compassionate care to patients who have been victims of domestic and sexual violence and strangulation. By celebrating their work, we bring greater awareness to the critical need for forensic nurses and the health consequences of violence. Wear lilac on Friday, November 7, to help us acknowledge these key medical professionals.
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Wednesday, Nov. 12 – Rekindling Bonds: Exploring Kinship and the Power of Reconnection
This webinar celebrates the importance of family in all its forms. Join a panel including our Social Services Specialist Natalie Sposato, Kerry Graeber with Shineforth, and Faith Spencer the adoptive mother as they share a powerful kinship adoption story. It emphasizes the importance of continuing to explore and re-explore kinship options until permanency is achieved and how adoption and kinship care provide opportunities to reconnect children with love, stability, and belonging. It highlights the resilience of families and the enduring power of relationships to create a foundation where youth can thrive. It begins at 1 p.m. Register here to reserve your spot!
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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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