|
DEPARTMENT of FAMILY SERVICES |
|
 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.
|
|
Redefine Your Path: From Federal Expertise to Local Impact
Join Fairfax County Workforce Development for Part 2: Information Technology and Data Analysis in the Redefine Your Path webinar series for federal workers and contractors looking to make the move to local government. Speakers include local government leaders from Fairfax County, Stafford County, Loudoun County, City of Alexandria, and the Virginia Local Government Management Association. You’ll also learn about educational programs offered by Virginia Tech’s School of Public and International Affairs, Center for Public Administration and Policy. Tuesday, March 10 from 10-11:30 a.m. Learn more and register now.
|
Edwyna Wingo: A Lifetime of Serving Her Community
Edwyna Wingo has always been a people person, eager to meet strangers, get involved and lend a helping hand. Her natural inclination to serve her community led to a successful career as a public health nurse. It also caused her to devote much of her free time to community service. Her care for others and desire to connect has resulted in a wide social circle and happy life. Read about Edwyna’s life and work in the March issue of the Golden Gazette.
|
MLK Jr. Day of Service 2026
Volunteer and Partner Services staff and volunteers represented The Children, Youth and Families Division of the Fairfax County Department of Family Services at the Volunteer Fairfax MLK Jr. Day of Service. It was a truly inspirational day in which nearly 800 community participants came together to address critical community needs through service. Learn more.
|
Tax Prep for Survivors
Navigating domestic violence and tax season can feel overwhelming, especially if finances have been controlled, hidden, or used as a tool of abuse. You’re not alone—and there are ways to protect yourself while meeting tax requirements. Find out more from this practical, trauma-informed guide that you can use or share with other survivors.
|
DFS Spotlight: Meet Maria Garay
Maria started working in the Public Assistance and Employment Services (PAES) division 15 years ago as a non-merit Human Services Assistant after her cousin recommended the role as a strong fit for Maria’s skills and interests. Maria became immersed in the division’s mission of supporting individuals and families on the path to self-sufficiency and now serves as Operations Manager, overseeing a team of 60 staff across four regional offices. She discovered a true passion for this line of work and thrives in the fast-paced yet rewarding work of public assistance. Learn more about Maria’s role and impact.
|
Unscripted: Conversations about Sexual and Domestic Violence—Can People Who Cause Harm Change?
We all change, right? We mature and outgrow childish behavior. Experience sometimes teaches us to adjust our beliefs or political leanings. People quit smoking and give up other addictions all the time. But when it comes to domestic violence and whether people who harm those they say they love can turn that behavior around, change is a more complicated discussion with no easy answers. On this episode of Unscripted, that’s the topic host Kendra Lee, Domestic and Sexual Violence Services ADAPT Counselor Irvin Hernandez, and Darla Timberlake, clinical director and vice president of the Behavioral Health Center for Child and Family Services in Newport News, Virginia, dissect.
|
Welcoming Volunteer and Partner Services’ Intern Litzy Reyes
Volunteer and Partner Services is excited to welcome Litzy Reyes as an intern with the Body Safety program this semester. Check out her profile to learn about her role and get to know what has motivated this criminology major to pursue a career in child welfare. Learn more.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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! |
|
 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.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
