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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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Fight Hunger in Fairfax County
How much do you know about hunger in Fairfax County? As we enter the holiday season where food is a central piece of celebration and togetherness for many families, we want to shine a spotlight on this issue that often goes unnoticed in our community. The Public Assistance and Employment Services (PAES) division administers SNAP, the food benefits program that helps individuals and families at risk of experiencing hunger. Learn more about how SNAP helps households buy food and how to apply for food, medical, energy, and financial assistance.
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Foster Care Unit Success Story: Adame’s Path to Permanency
Adame entered foster care in November 2013 when he was just 4 years old. Efforts to find a permanent home for him took time and dedication. Ultimately family proved to be the best source of stability and support for him. Learn about Adame’s long path to permanency which culminated in adoption this July.
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What Does Emotional Safety Planning Look Like?
Safety planning is key to helping domestic violence survivors feel secure. Both emotional and physical safety planning are essential and interconnected. But even after physical safety is established, emotional wounds may linger. Survivors often say emotional safety planning helps them heal, rebuild trust, and regain independence long after the danger has passed. Check out what emotional safety planning looks like.
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Safeguard Your Lung Health
Did you know that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among both men and women in the United States? November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month – a perfect time to learn about lung health, recognize warning signs of lung disease, and take steps to protect your lungs. Learn more in the November issue of the Golden Gazette.
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BeFriend-A-Child Mentoring Program Falls into Fun at Cox Farms
Amidst crisp fall air and turning leaves, Fairfax County’s BeFriend-A-Child mentoring pairs got a treat — a day out at Cox Farms. On a sunny weekend in October, mentors and mentees spent an autumn afternoon exploring hayrides, pumpkin patches, farm animals, and seasonal games. They made memories and strengthened connections in a relaxed, carefree setting. Learn more.
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Visualizing Bright Futures at the Metro Area Career Fair
The Employer Engagement Team in Public Assistance and Employment Services partnered with VitaeVisuals to host the Metro Area Career Fair on Thursday, November 13. With 20 employers and more than 250 job seekers, the room was buzzing with energy and connections about new possibilities throughout the event. Job seekers also took advantage of the free career counseling services and workshops to support their job search success. Job seekers learned how to apply for Fairfax County Government jobs, utilize Virginia Career Works services, and effectively market themselves to employers. Stay updated about upcoming events and job leads by subscribing to the Career Resources newsletter.
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Emotional Abuse Is Domestic Violence
Nearly 18 percent of women report being kept from seeing family or friends by an intimate partner. This is emotional abuse, which includes:
- Controlling what a partner can or cannot do
- Making a partner feel embarrassed or humiliated
- Isolating a partner from family and friends
- Accusing a partner of cheating
- Dictating how a partner dresses or wears their hair
- Telling a partner they never do anything right
Learn more about emotional abuse, which many survivors say is worse than physical abuse, and understand other forms of 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, Dec. 9 – 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, Dec. 9, at 6:45 p.m. Complete this short interest form for prospective parents. For more information check out our website.
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Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026 – Fairfax County 2026 Annual Human Trafficking Training
Join Domestic and Sexual Violence Services during Human Trafficking Awareness Month for an eye-opening training on the impact of exploitation and violence in our communities. In this presentation and multidisciplinary panel, we will delve into: the reality of human trafficking in Fairfax County and beyond; connections between human trafficking and other forms of violence; and how you can recognize the signs, support survivors, and refer to local resources. This 90-minute training (1-3:30 p.m. at Congregation Olam Tikvah, 3800 Glenbrook Road, Fairfax) is free, but registration is required. Questions? Contact Human Trafficking and Sexual Violence Coordinator Victoria Nevel-Babla.
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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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