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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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No More Week: Turning Awareness into Action
Observed the first week of March (this year March 2-8), No More Week is a global call to end domestic violence and sexual assault by shifting culture from silence to action. Advocates, service providers, survivors, and allies around the world mark the week by centering on a simple but powerful message: Violence and abuse are preventable, and everyone has a role in stopping them. Learn more about the purpose behind No More Week.
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What You Need to Know About Low Vision
Low vision is a condition that makes it hard to see and can affect your daily life in big ways. It is caused by different eye conditions and often has few treatments. Low vision is more common in older adults, so it’s important to know what causes it and how to prevent it. Learn more about low vision and its causes and treatments in the February issue of the Golden Gazette.
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Free Income Tax Preparation Services
Did you or your family make less than $69,000 in 2025? The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free help preparing your tax return and maximizing refunds and tax credits. Highlighted as one of the county's top accomplishments, VITA volunteers helped individuals and families receive $2,867,125 in combined refunds and $1,117,942 in Earned Income Tax Credits in 2025. Visit one of the four VITA locations in Fairfax County before April 15 to work with our VITA volunteers on your tax return. Plan your visit by knowing what documents to bring and viewing the full site schedule.
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Unit Success Story: Caring Foster Family Helps Youth to Make Her Dreams a Reality
Lily entered the foster care system at 15 years old — shy, scared, unable to speak English, and facing the prospect of repeating the 9th grade. A caring foster family and a team of supportive foster care practitioners made a huge difference that is still having a ripple effect in Lily’s life and the lives of others she touches. This remarkable young woman and her journey to becoming an educator is an inspiration. Learn more.
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Racial Justice Is Key to Ending Interpersonal Violence
Intimate partner violence and sexual assault do not happen in a vacuum; they exist within systems shaped by racism, sexism, classism, and other forms of oppression. During Black History Month, it is especially important to ground our work in these truths: 1) Black women, black teens, and black folks within the LGBTQ+ community experience domestic violence at disproportionately higher rates than their white counterparts; 2) 45 percent of black women have experienced stalking and physical or sexual violence in their lifetime; and 3) nearly 70 percent of black bisexual women and 56 percent of black transgender people experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime. Learn more about how racial justice can help end interpersonal violence.
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SNAP to It: Protect Your Benefits with ConnectEBT
SNAP security is at your fingertips! Protect your SNAP benefits from theft and potential scammers by locking your EBT card from your phone after checkout. Simply download the official ConnectEBT app and tap the “Lock/Unlock” button on the home screen. Before making a purchase, press “Lock/Unlock” again to unlock your card, but don’t forget to lock it again after checking out! With EBT scams on the rise, this is not just an extra tool – it's a necessity. Learn more about protecting yourself from EBT scams. Want to apply for SNAP? Apply online or by phone.
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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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Tuesday, Mar. 10 – The Dima Lab: Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson's Disease (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 Tuesday, March 10 from 12:00-1:15 p.m., participates embody Dima as she begins experiencing visual disturbances and changes in motor functions due to the progression of her Lewy Body Dementia, and how she and her family navigate coping with her symptoms. Learn about the early signs and progression of Lewy Body Dementia and important considerations for promoting independence, preserving dignity, and offering culturally competent care. Register here.
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Tuesday, Mar. 10 – Free Virtual Parent Café – The Role of Values and Morals in Shaping Positive Discipline
Join us online Tuesday, Mar. 10, 6:30 to 8 p.m. to explore how your family’s core beliefs can guide positive, consistent discipline and help your child develop self-control, empathy, and respect. We’ll discuss how discipline can be less about punishment and more about teaching, connection and shaping character. 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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Tuesday, Mar. 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, March 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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Wednesdays, Starting Mar. 11 – New Session: Dads Parenting Group from 6-8:30 p.m.
Calling all dads! Join our free in-person parenting group sessions beginning Wednesday, Mar. 11. 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 visit https://bit.ly/DFS-FE.
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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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