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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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Join Us in Building Stronger Families
Everyone needs support at different times in their lives. Our 2026 Child Abuse Prevention Month theme, “Building Stronger Families: Solid Foundations for Family Well-being,” recognizes that strong families are built with help from friends, neighbors, schools, faith communities, and local services. You can help support families you know by sharing information about local resources, offering a listening ear, and promoting positive parenting and empathy. Together, we can promote safe, stable, and nurturing relationships so all children and families can thrive. Learn more about county resources.
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Unscripted: Conversations about Sexual and Domestic Violence—Turning Adversity into Advantage
Sexual violence headlines drive the news. Fairfax County has seen a plethora of family and domestic violence homicides. And trends show a spike in strangulations. This is on top of rising gas and grocery prices, a charged political season, and fears about war. How’s a survivor expected to feel hope when all else seems hopeless? On this episode of Unscripted, that’s the question host Kendra Lee and Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Division Director Keesha Coke and sexual and domestic violence counselor Lisa Groat attempt to answer.
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Loss of Appetite Is Common But Not Normal
As we age, we may eat less than we did when we were younger. This can be the case for people who are perfectly healthy, and maintaining a healthy weight has numerous benefits to overall health. Eating fewer calories while making sure the calories you do eat are dense in essential vitamins and minerals, fiber, and protein is a great way to look and feel your best. It is a myth, however, that older people don’t feel like eating because our bodies don’t require as much food. Loss of appetite is not “natural,” and can signal a serious medical issue. Also, by not eating enough, we may not get the nutrients our bodies need to stay healthy. Read about some of the things that cause loss of appetite and why it shouldn’t be ignored in the April issue of the Golden Gazette.
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SUN Bucks is Coming! Update Your Address to Get Benefits
Virginia SUN Bucks is a one-time benefit to help families with the cost of groceries during the summer when children are not in school. Some families will automatically qualify for SUN Bucks based on participation in SNAP, TANF, income-based Medical Assistance, or free or reduced-price meals at school. Whether you're applying for SUN Bucks or automatically qualify, make sure your child's school and/or Public Assistance and Employment Services (PAES) have your correct address. Learn more about SUN Bucks and how to apply.
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9 Movies/Shows to Watch During Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Warning: sexual assault and sexual violence. Watching movies or shows can be helpful to learn about the experiences of some survivors and start conversations about sexual violence in our communities. Many of these works explore important topics in our communities, including safety, equity, justice, resilience, healing, and more. Host movie night at your house with a selection from our playlist of movies and shows exploring this topic.
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Supporting Foster Care Changes Lives!
There are approximately 5,800 children in foster care in Virginia, with 250 in Fairfax County. These children need the caring support of our community to overcome their challenges. Join us at Herndon Fortnightly Library on May 5, 7-8:30 p.m. for an event focused on how we all can make a difference for these vulnerable children in our community. Come find out about supporting foster care, how it works, and why it matters. Be the hearts and hands for these children. Get more information online. Drop-ins are welcome or you can register online.
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Access Top Talent for Your Business - At No Cost to You
Are you an employer seeking highly skilled professionals with federal government or government contracting experience in Project Management or IT? We're calling on local businesses to join Talent Up NOVA, an initiative designed to connect local businesses with top tier, transitioning former federal employees and contractors, bringing experienced talent directly into your applicant pool. Wages are fully covered by Talent Up NOVA. Strengthen your workforce while helping a talented Fairfax County resident launch their next career chapter. Want to learn more? Complete the Employer Interest Form for Talent Up NOVA.
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Wednesday, April 22 – Teen Advocates Art Night
Join the Fairfax County Teen Advocates as they host Art Night on Wednesday, April 22, from 6-8 p.m. at the Sully Community Center (13800 Wall Rd., Herndon, VA 20171). This event, which will feature a talent show, arts and crafts, and community education about healthy relationships and teen dating violence, is free and open to Fairfax County teenagers and their families. Questions? Email Debra Miller or Shanna Kim.
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Thursday, April 23 – Exploring the Dimensions of Aging - The Beatriz Lab: Alzheimer’s Disease
Join Inova ElderLink and the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, on Thursday, April 23 from 10:00 - 11:15 a.m. for online training to help family and professional caregivers. Embody Beatriz as she goes through the challenges of progressive Alzheimer’s Disease, seeing how it affects her communication, thinking, and emotional well-being, while learning ways to help her feel safe, supported, and maintain a better quality of life. Register now.
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Thursday, April 23 – Free In-Person Workshop: Healthy Relationships – Parenting with Empathy (in Spanish)
Join us on Thursday, April 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Centreville Library for a free in-person workshop offered in Spanish, “Healthy Relationships – Parenting with Empathy (Relaciones saludables: Criar con Empatía),” part of the Stronger Foundations for Parenting Workshop Series. Learn about the role of empathy in parenting and explore communication techniques that support positive, healthy relationships with your children. Any Fairfax County parents or guardians with children ages 0–18 years old can register online. Prizes will be available for participants. For more information, email or call 703-324-7720.
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Wednesday, April 29 – Denim Day
Protest victim-blaming attitudes and sexual violence misconceptions on Denim Day, Wednesday, April 29. Slip into your favorite denim to raise awareness about the destructive myths about sexual violence. Take a selfie. Share it on social media with the #DenimDay hashtag. Be sure to tag Fairfax County Department of Family Services on Facebook! Send photos to Victoria Nevel-Babla. Photos may be shared online. Learn more about Denim Day.
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Wednesday, April 29 – Free Virtual Workshop: Holistic Child Well-Being – Mind, Body, and Community
Join us on Wednesday, April 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. for a free virtual workshop, “Holistic Child Well-Being: Mind, Body, and Community,” part of the Stronger Foundations for Parenting Workshop Series. Explore how children’s mental, physical, and social health are connected, and learn about family activities and community involvement that support overall wellbeing. Any Fairfax County parents or guardians with children ages 0–18 years old can register online. 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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 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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