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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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Adopt-A-Family Holiday Program Spreads Joy and Cheer
Our 2025 Adopt-A-Family Holiday Program had a record-breaking year! It was incredible to see such unprecedented levels of giving in a year when our community also experienced so many financial challenges! Thanks to our 882 donors the holidays were brighter for 1,019 families and 2,096 children this season! Learn more.
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Start Fresh! Simple Swaps to Boost Nutrition in the New Year
A new year brings opportunities for a fresh start, and proper nutrition is key to aging well, boosting energy, and maintaining overall health. Fortunately, improving your diet doesn’t require a complete overhaul – small changes can make a big difference to your overall well-being. Learn about swaps you can make in your diet to improve your health in the new year in the January issue of the Golden Gazette
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Make the One-Stop Your First Stop
Looking for a new job or need help finding a new career path? Make an appointment at a One-Stop Employment Resource Center for free employment and training services. Maybe you would benefit from resume or cover letter review, or doing a practice interview with a Career Specialist. Or maybe you’re not sure what you need, but you want to take the next step towards success. Learn more about our free services for job seekers, available virtually or in-person.
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Hotline Staff Calls Upon Training to Keep Survivors Safe
A victim of domestic violence reached out to the Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline after experiencing panic attacks due to ongoing abuse. The caller reported being subjected to verbal, physical, and financial abuse by their partner. DSVS’ Hotline Specialist developed a safety plan with the caller and provided information on available resources, supporting the caller through every aspect of her road to recovery. Read this survivor’s story.
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Renew Your SNAP Benefits Online
Renewing your SNAP benefits online or by phone helps make sure you get the right benefit at the right time. Letting your benefits lapse means you’ll need to reapply and you may miss out on benefits you could have received by renewing on time. You can renew online at CommonHelp or by phone at 855-635-4370. Learn more about SNAP.
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Refocus Your Parenting Skills in the New Year
This year, consider refocusing on yourself, slowing down, and taking the time to refill your cup and bring a more present mindset to your parenting. Our Parenting Education Programs offers classes for parents and caregivers with children of all ages beginning later this month. We also offer drop in Parent Cafés on the second Tuesday of each month. Check out our website or the community calendar for the schedule of classes and topics.
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Think You’re Being Stalked? Follow These 8 Tips!
Stalkers are unpredictable and can be dangerous. You can’t control their behavior, but you can be empowered to take steps to keep yourself, your family, your coworkers, and your other loved ones safe. Follow these eight tips.
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Monday, Jan. 19, 2026 – Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Teen Advocate Program Winter Registration Deadline
Want to be a part of ending teen dating violence in our community? Join the Fairfax County Teen Advocates Program and make your voice heard! Build your knowledge and tools to promote healthy relationships—and have fun along the way!
As a Teen Advocate you can:
- Champion a cause you care about.
- Become a leader among your peers.
- Make new friends who are passionate like you.
- Plan impactful events and activities!
Ready to make a difference? Apply by Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
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Tuesdays Starting Jan. 27 – Free in-person Parenting Classes for Ages 0-4 years
Do you have children between 0-4 years old? This FREE in-person parenting class helps parents of young children understand child development, create nurturing parenting routines, master infant massage, and develop self-esteem in themselves and their children. This class meets every Tuesday in Alexandria from 5:30-8 p.m. Ready to sign up or have questions? Contact us by email or call 703-324-7720. Learn more about all our parenting classes.
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Tuesdays Starting Jan. 27 – Free African American Culturally Focused Parenting Classes for Ages 5-18 years
Our free African American Culturally Focused Parenting Classes help parents and caregivers to share, learn, and find support with raising African American children. Families have a safe space to grow in their parenting skills, explore resources and share wisdom with one another. Open to Fairfax County parents or guardians, this class will be held virtually through Zoom Tuesdays from 6-8 p.m. Sign up by sending an email or call 703-324-7720. Learn more about all our parenting classes.
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Saturday, Jan. 31 – Sexual Violence Tier 1
SV 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. Starts Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (in-person, Immanuel Presbyterian McLean, 1125 Savile Ln, McLean, VA 22101) and continues Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Feb. 3, 4, 10, and 11 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. virtually. This training is free but registration is required. Questions? Contact Victoria Nevel-Babla.
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Mondays Starting Feb. 2 – Free Parenting Classes for Ages 12-18 years
Do you have kids who are 12-18 years old? This weekly parenting class shows parents how to learn nurturing communication strategies, how to recognize their children’s needs, how to understand the developmental stages of adolescence, and ways to build their children’s personal power, self-concept and self-esteem. Classes will be held from 6-8 p.m. virtually. Ready to sign-up or have questions? Contact us by email or call 703-324-7720. Learn more about all our parenting classes.
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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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