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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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Employment Services at Herndon Library: Registration Opens May 7
Meet with a Career Services Specialist to take your next step! One-Stop Employment Resource Center Services are coming to the Herndon Fortnightly Library on Thursday, May 21 and every third Thursday of the month. Get free resume review, job search assistance, and practice interviews with one of our employment specialists. Registration opens Thursday, May 7 and spots fill up fast! Save this page to schedule a 30-minute appointment for no-cost career services.
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College Tour Ignites Inspiration
Our Fostering Futures program for older youth in foster care hit the road for an inspiring two-day college tour, giving seven teenagers, ages 15–19, a firsthand look at life after high school and what their futures can truly hold. Learn more about this dynamic road trip.
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Fanny Gaston: Teacher and Lifelong Learner
Fanny Gaston moved to the United States from France over 30 years ago. She didn’t speak a word of English when she arrived but became fluent after taking classes offered by Fairfax County Public Schools Adult & Community Education (ACE) program. Along with the welcoming community she found in Fairfax County, she credits ACE with helping her find her footing and make connections in her new home. Years later, Fanny joined the staff of ACE and now connects with and inspires her own students. Learn more about Fanny, her life, and work, in the May issue of the Golden Gazette.
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Unscripted: Conversations about Sexual and Domestic Violence—Sexual Violence in Marginalized Communities
Too often, sexual violence is portrayed as an issue affecting pretty, young, white women only. But leaving marginalized communities—men, older adults, members of the LGBTQ+ community, other minoritized individuals—out of the discussion does everyone a disservice. On this episode of Unscripted, host Kendra Lee talks with Griselda Gonzalez, senior victim advocate with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services; Michelle Hand, sexual violence researcher and assistant professor of social work, and Denise Hines, Elisabeth Shirley Enochs Endowed Professor of Social Work, both at the George Mason University College of Public Health, about the importance of including everybody in this conversation.
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Learn About SNAP and Medicaid Changes
Are you up to date on the most recent and upcoming changes to SNAP and Medicaid eligibility? Changes to both programs will affect many, but not all, enrollees. For SNAP, there are new rules on providing proof of expenses, work requirement exemptions, and eligibility for non-citizens. Medicaid changes are coming soon, most notably the Work and Community Engagement requirement starting January 2027 for adults in the Medicaid Expansion population. There will also be eligibility changes for non-citizen adults and six-month renewals for certain adults (instead of twelve-month renewals). Learn more.
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Why Take a Parenting Class?
Is it possible to be a perfect parent? Of course not. Even if you think you have it all figured out with one child, the next one may be completely different. Our free Parenting Education classes will help you understand what to expect and how to respond at all ages from birth through the teen years. New FREE classes starting later this month! Find out more about this incredible free resource! |
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Meet Xavier Arana, Hospital Accompaniment Support Advocate
"The best part of volunteering with DSVS is feeling I have made a difference,” says HASA volunteer Xavier Arana, who is an audio engineer in his non-volunteer life. “I enjoy putting on concerts for people, but my job doesn’t often provide the spiritual fulfillment volunteering brings me." Read more of Xavier’s volunteer journey.
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Thursday, May 7 – Teen Advocates Social Media Day
Join Domestic and Sexual Violence Services as they continue shining a light on the importance of healthy relationships and preventing teen dating violence. Everyone’s voice is critical to preventing and ending teen dating violence in our community. Posts in our Teen Advocates Social Media Day Toolkit speak to parents, caregivers, and teens. Mark your calendars now and plan to share one to two posts on your social media channels on Thursday, May 7, 2026. Feel free to share this call to action with other organizations, colleagues, friends, and family to help expand our reach and make an even greater impact! Questions, contact Shanna Kim.
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Tuesday, May 12 – Exploring the Dimensions of Aging - The Beatriz Lab: Alzheimer's Disease
Join Inova ElderLink and the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging 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. Session will be held from 12:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. Register now.
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Tuesday, May 12 – Free Virtual Parent Café: Understanding Healthy and Unhealthy Relationships
Join this presentation and discussion to help you discover the signs of healthy versus unhealthy relationship patterns, learn how concerning behaviors can show up in families, understand why leaving an unsafe relationship can be complicated, and explore caring, practical ways to support someone, including a child or a teenager, who may be experiencing or witnessing abuse. Any Fairfax County parents or guardians with children ages 0-18 years old can join us Tuesday, May 12, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Register online or for more information, email or call 703-324-7720.
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Tuesday, May 12 – 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, May 12, at 6:45 p.m. Complete this short interest form for prospective parents. For more information check out our website.
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Tues., May 12 – ElderLink Virtual Support Call for Family Caregivers of Older Adults
Caring for someone with a mental health diagnosis can come with unique challenges, requiring patience, understanding, and effective strategies. In this session, we’ll discuss ways to provide meaningful support while prioritizing their mental health needs and your own well-being. Learn tips for communication, managing daily care, and accessing helpful resources for navigating caregiving with mental health in focus. Session will be held from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. Register now.
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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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