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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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Talent Up Fairfax Recognized for Innovation in Workforce Solutions
Fairfax County is proud to announce that its Talent Up Fairfax program has been selected as Virginia’s featured innovation in 50 States, 50 Breakthroughs. The recognition underscores Fairfax County’s success in building a resilient, inclusive economy through innovative workforce solutions for both businesses and jobseekers. Launched by Fairfax County’s Department of Economic Initiatives in late 2023, in partnership with The SkillSource Group and the Department of Family Services, Talent Up Fairfax addressed a dual challenge: connecting overlooked jobseekers with high-quality career pathways while providing businesses with a low-risk strategy to expand their workforce. Learn more about why Talent Up Fairfax was selected.
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Time Management When You Finally Have Time
Judy Levenstein recently moved from her home in southern California, where she lived independently, to an assisted living facility in Fairfax County so she could be closer to her daughter. She looked forward to having people cook and clean for her, attending lots of planned activities and social events, and spending time with family. It’s a whole new lifestyle for her and she is enjoying it, but Judy is surprised by how overwhelmed and overscheduled she feels. If you can relate to Judy, the February Golden Gazette includes five tips for time management when you finally have time.
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Do You Have the Range?
Every relationship exists on a range--from healthy to abusive. Check out our Relationship Range by rating different scenarios as healthy, unhealthy, or abusive and find out where your own relationship lives. If you see warning signs that indicate your relationship is abusive, call the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline at 703-360-7273 to discuss your situation and explore your options.
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Developing Best Practices to Improve Outcomes for Young Adults Experiencing Foster Care
Recently Julie Bowman, one of our Foster Care and Adoption program managers, contributed to the creation of a national playbook as a resource for best practices and change for youth in foster care. Each section of the playbook focuses on an area of support for young people moving through the child welfare system, such as employment, housing, permanency, and health. Learn more about this joint effort of the National Collaborative for Transition-Age Youth.
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Don’t Be Left Out in the Cold: Apply for Crisis Assistance
Not having heat in the winter isn’t just inconvenient – it’s a crisis. The Crisis Assistance program helps eligible households with the purchase of home heating fuel, payment of a heat utility bill, broken equipment, or receiving a disconnection notice. You can apply online, by phone, or by mail. Applications are accepted until March 16. Learn more about Crisis Assistance and how to apply.
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Is It Rape If We’re Married?
Any sexual interaction within a relationship should be motivated by mutual desire. If one partner is forced to take part in a sex act—coerced into unwanted intercourse or penetration by force, threat of force or when the spouse is unable to consent—it is known as marital rape. And it is illegal. It’s also underreported, largely because victims don’t recognize it as a crime. Know the signs.
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The Secret to Nurturing Cooperation and Confidence in your child
Wondering how to get your child to help more around the house, do their homework without a battle, and go to bed on time? Check out this advice from our parenting education facilitators to prevent power struggles and promote motivation. Learn more.
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Monday, Feb. 23 – End of Life Conversations (Webinar)
Exploring the Dimensions of Aging lets users engage in a unique virtual experience to gain greater perspective and insight into working with older adults.
In this webinar, on Monday, Feb. 23 from 10:00-11:15 a.m., participates embody Clay as he and his family cope with his terminal illness and move into hospice care, learning how clear and caring communication can help with end-of-life choices and understanding what to expect in his final days. Register here.
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Mondays Starting Feb. 23 – Free Parenting Classes in Spanish for ages 12-18 years
Do you have kids who are 12-18 years old? This weekly in-Person parenting class offered in Spanish shows parents how to learn communication strategies, how to recognize each other’s needs, how to understand the developmental stages of adolescence, and ways to build their children’s personal power, self-concept, and self-esteem. Cultivar relaciones sanas con sus hijos. This class meets every Monday from 5:30-8 p.m. at Fairfax Church of Christ. Ready to sign up or have questions? Contact the Parenting Education Programs by email or call 703-324-7720. Learn more about the variety of parenting classes available.
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Thursday, Feb. 26 – Future Forward: Federal Talent Transition Career Fair
Are you a current or former federal government worker or contractor? Meet employers who value your experience at the Federal Talent Transition Career Fair from 1-4 p.m. on Thursday, February 26. Top employers in the region like CACI, Fairfax and Loudoun County Public Schools, PRISM INC., and more are hiring! Attend workshops to support your job search, and learn about programs specifically designed to support affected federal employees and government contractors. Register now!
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Saturdays, March 7 & 14 – DV Tier 1
Registration for the spring session of Domestic Violence Tier 1, a 16-hour training on the dynamics of domestic violence, systems responding to domestic violence in Fairfax County, and resources available in our community is now open. For full credit, all 16 hours must be completed. Questions? Contact Abby Picard.
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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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