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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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Important SNAP Updates
Following new federal guidance, Virginia Department of Social Services anticipates that partial benefits of up to 65% will be issued to all eligible SNAP households by Thursday, November 13. This partial federal payment is in addition to the 25% state-funded VENA payment that households have already received. Based on this new guidance from the USDA, VENA payments have been stopped effective November 9. If there are questions, participants can call the number on the back of their card or VDSS Constituent Services at 804-726-7000. Learn more about the latest SNAP updates.
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The Johnson Family’s Adoption Journey
In July 2025, Aamir and Tovoia Johnson, with their biological children Aamir Jr and Taliyah, adopted four young brothers who entered foster care in November 2022. The Department of Family Services reached out to the Johnsons in December 2022 during a search for possible relative placements. Despite not having a close relationship with the children’s biological father up to that point, the Johnsons felt compelled to step in and care for their family members’ children. They completed the home study process in Maryland, and the children, two of whom have special needs, gradually moved into their home between the end of September to October 2023. Learn more about this special family through this video.
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A Caring Home, An Empowered Life: Rubina and Catherine’s Journey with CARES
Caring for others has always been at the center of Rubina Jawiad’s life. She believes that when someone is in need, you reach out, because one day you may need a hand. To Rubina, caregiving is not a profession or a duty; it is a calling of the heart. Over 10 years ago, Rubina met Catherine, who was staying at a local shelter while enduring one of the darkest seasons of her life. Supported by the CARES program, Fairfax County’s Adult Foster Care Program, Rubina and her family welcomed Catherine into their home, providing care, friendship and healing. Learn more about Rubina and Catherine’s journey in the November issue of the Golden Gazette.
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Youth at the Intersection of Homelessness and Sexual Violence
Homelessness and sexual violence are inextricably linked, especially for youth living on the street. Recent research shows young adults experiencing homelessness are as much as 35 percent more likely to experience sexual violence than housed youth. November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, observed every year since 2007 to raise awareness about children and families dealing with homelessness and to educate the public on ways to end the problem. Learn more.
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Call Our Parent Support Line
Our Parent Support Line is a great resource for parents and caregivers of children. Get help from our staff with parenting advice, support, and tips to navigate emotional and relational parenting issues. Contact the Parent Support Line 703-324-7720 or by email Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Learn more about how we provide support to parents
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FCPS Career Fair Connects Job Seekers with Employment Opportunities and Support Services
Public Assistance and Employment Services co-hosted the recent Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Operational Career Fair. Over 450 attendees learned about job opportunities with various FCPS offices, Health Department, and Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS). Kellan Graves, Employer Engagement Supervisor, spoke to the value of the event: “I was pleased with the great turnout and positive energy at the job fair. This event served as an important bridge for federal employees impacted by layoffs, helping them transition into new opportunities and continue contributing their valuable expertise to the local workforce.” Whether you’re transitioning mid-career, applying to your first job, or looking to hire for your business, we can help. Learn more about our free services for employers and job seekers.
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Holiday Care Package Drive
This holiday season let’s make a difference for those who need it most. Many older adults and individuals with disabilities in our community are struggling to access basic necessities. Learn how to brighten someone’s holiday.
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Unscripted: Conversations about Sexual and Domestic Violence—The Role of Control in Domestic Violence
One of the misunderstandings we have about domestic violence is that we think violent behavior happens because the person causing harm is stressed, angry, or influenced by external factors like drugs or alcohol. But at its core, domestic violence is about power and control. The person causing harm tries to dominate their partner and maintain authority through a range of behaviors and tactics. On this episode of Unscripted, host Kendra Lee talks with Prevention and Education coordinator Abby Picard and domestic and sexual violence counselor Lorena Hunter, both with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, about the role of control in domestic violence.
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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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Tuesday, Nov. 18 – Free Virtual Parent Café: Parenting in the Hispanic Culture
Join facilitators from the Parenting Education Programs and the Father Engagement Unit Tuesday, November 18, 6:30 to 8 p.m. to discuss “Parenting in the Hispanic Culture.” The facilitators will lead an open discussion in Spanish about the cross-cultural challenges many parents face when raising their children in a diverse environment. The discussion will explore the common issue of trying to instill respect for Hispanic culture and values while balancing conflicting cultural influences that children encounter through media, peers, etc. Any Fairfax County parents or guardians with children ages 0-18 years old can join through MS Teams. For more information or to preregister, email or call 703-324-7720.
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Saturday, Nov. 22 – Northern Virginia Dementia Care Consortium 39th Annual Caregiver’s Conference
Calling all family caregivers, volunteers that work with older adults, and professionals in aging services! Join us at the largest ongoing dementia conference in the region focused on caregivers hosted by experts in care, the Northern Virginia Dementia Care Consortium. Attend workshops and hear from dementia caregiver professionals to be better prepared to provide care and support at home or in a facility. Visit exhibitors who offer supportive services and connect with other caregivers. The conference runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Register today 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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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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