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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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February Is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
Dating violence is behavior that harms a current or former dating partner. It usually involves a series of abusive behaviors where one partner has more control or dominance over another. Many teens experience some form of intimate partner violence even before graduating from high school. The purpose of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month is to raise public awareness about the impact of dating violence on youth, educate young people about healthy relationships, and encourage the community to get involved to disrupt cycles of violence. Learn more about healthy relationships and how Domestic and Sexual Violence Services observes TDVAM.
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PAES Employee Appreciation Month
“The PAES employee helping us went beyond her call of duty and helped address this situation. Because of her diligence and professionalism, my mother has medical coverage today.” February is a time to pause and celebrate PAES! Public Assistance and Employment Services (PAES) employees help individuals and families move from surviving to thriving by connecting thousands of households to essential benefits and services and supporting job seekers in their employment journey to further economic mobility. Read more about how PAES employees go above and beyond and the impact PAES has in the community.
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Parenting Education Programs’ New Video
The Department of Family Services has developed a new video about our FREE parenting classes offered virtually and in-person throughout Fairfax County. Parenting Education Programs help develop healthy parenting strategies, build upon families’ strengths, and support respectful relationships. Dinner, child care, and program materials are provided. Check out the video!
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Linneall Naylor: Discovering Her Ancestors and Sharing Their Stories
For decades people have been exploring their family history through genealogical research, but when mail-in DNA ancestry test kits were introduced over 20 years ago, everything changed. Test results often upended what people thought they knew about themselves and their family history. For Linneall Naylor, getting the results of her DNA test 10 years ago was life-changing, revealing surprising ancestry, previously unknown family connections, and deep roots in Virginia, especially in Fairfax County. Her results put her on a path of research and discovery, igniting a passion to uncover her family history and share the stories of her ancestors. Learn more about Linneall Naylor and her search for her ancestors in the February issue of the Golden Gazette.
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Comfort Cases Provides “Coats of Comfort”
Comfort Cases partnered with CNN News Anchor Laura Coates during National Adoption Awareness Month in November for “Coats of Comfort.” After this successful coat drive closed, they paid a visit to our offices with generous donors from Anthem just in time for the holidays. They delivered a shipment of new outerwear for children in foster care and other children involved with DFS programs, offering comfort and care to those who need it most. We are so thankful for this caring program that donated more than 100 coats. Learn how you or your organization can make an impact.
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Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Honors Domestic and Sexual Violence Services
In the past, Zeta Phi Beta has teamed with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services to gather toiletries for families impacted by violence during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Recently, the sorority showed its appreciation for the work DSVS does to support survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault at a leadership conference. They surprised DSVS Division Director Keesha Coke with a check and nearly 200 gift cards. Learn more about the celebration and why this partnership is so important.
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Crafting Your Next Chapter Through Federal Workforce Change
Are you a federal worker or contractor? Join Department of Family Services - Employment Services, United Community, and FedsFoward on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 for a workshop designed to help you navigate new career landscapes with clarity and confidence. This workshop identifies new opportunities, will strengthen your professional voice, and help you shape the next chapter in your career. Register now for this virtual workshop.
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Thursday, Feb. 5 – Teen Advocates Gameshow
Join the Fairfax County Teen Advocates as they host gameshow event to raise awareness about teen dating violence on Thursday, February 5, from 6-8 p.m. at the James Lee Community Center (2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church). This event, which will feature team-based competitions, cool prizes, and more, is free and open to Fairfax County teenagers and their families. Questions? Contact Debra Miller.
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Tuesday, Feb. 10 – Orange Out
Wear orange to bring attention to teen dating violence and show support for survivors. Here’s how you can take part: 1) Take a selfie or group photo. 2) Share it on social media with the #OrangeOut hashtag. Be sure to tag Fairfax County Department of Family Services on Facebook! 3) Send your photos to Debra Miller. Photos may be shared online.
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Tuesday, Feb. 10 – 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, February 10 at 6:45 p.m. Complete this short interest form for prospective parents. For more information check out our website.
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Tuesdays, Starting Feb. 10 – New Session: Dads Parenting Group
Calling all dads! Join our free virtual parenting group sessions beginning Tuesday, Feb. 10. from 6-8:30 p.m. These 12-week sessions are specifically designed to support fathers in Fairfax County or those with children living in the area. Language interpretation services are available to ensure everyone can participate. Don't miss this opportunity to improve your parenting skills and build stronger relationships with your children. For more information or to register, call 703-324-7720, email or check online.
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Tuesday, Feb. 10 – Free Virtual Parent Café: Parenting in the Hispanic Culture
Join facilitators from 6:30 to 8 p.m. for 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 register online at https://bit.ly/DFS-Parent-Cafe-2026. For more information, email or call 703-324-7720.
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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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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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