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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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Volunteer Spotlight: The Couple that Vows to Give Back
Check out this profile of a wonderful couple volunteering with DFS programs! Husband and wife, Peter and Caroline Steinberg both began volunteering with us in 2025. Peter is a mentor with the Befriend program and Caroline is a classroom facilitator with the Body Safety Education Program. They both have made an impact through contributing over 100 combined volunteer hours, while bringing warmth, compassion, and flexibility to their roles working with children. Learn more about their motivations and their volunteer journey. Learn more.
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Safety Planning While Pregnant
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 1 in 6 abused women is first abused during pregnancy. And more than 320,000 women are abused by their partners during pregnancy each year. Existing abuse often escalates during pregnancy, making it essential to create a specialized safety plan. Learn how Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Advocacy Services can help with this plan.
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Youth Build Future-Ready Job Skills Through Transformative Summer Internships
Summer is well underway and so are dozens of summer internships through the Educating Youth through Employment (EYE) program! Interns between the ages of 16-24 spend six weeks with a government agency or local business learning essential skills to support their future career. DFS Workforce Development matches youth with worksites based on their interests and staff provide support throughout the internship. Read more about some of the ways youth are preparing for careers and building professional connections.
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Donate Foster Care Packages
Foster care placements can happen anytime, day or night, without much warning. Foster parents don’t have much time to gather the essential supplies a child will need. Help us with foster care packages to make a new child comfortable in their home. Learn more about this project or visit our online wish list to purchase items for delivery. |
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Understanding the Financial Toll of Domestic Violence
Most survivors of domestic violence also face financial abuse, creating an increased risk of violence and adding obstacles to safety. Plus, direct and indirect results of financial abuse can impact survivors long after the relationship is over. Pathways to safety for survivors must include access to resources like job training, childcare, and housing. Learn more about the finances of domestic violence.
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Stay Cool This Summer: Cooling Assistance Available for Eligible Households
Do you need help with energy costs this summer? Cooling Assistance is a program designed to help keep vulnerable Fairfax County residents cool during the summer months. To be eligible, at least one household member must be: 60 or older, 5 or younger, or disabled according to Social Security, Medicaid or 100% Veteran’s Administration. Some households will be preapproved, and others will need to apply. Applications are accepted until August 17, 2026. Learn more about how Cooling Assistance helps cover costs and how to apply online, by phone, or by mail.
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Monthly – Virtual WIOA Information Sessions for Job Seekers
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) offers workforce development services to eligible job seekers. Attend a virtual information session to hear more about WIOA as well as the other programs and services provided by the Virginia Career Works centers.
Held twice a month on alternating Fridays at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
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Thursday, July 30 – United Nations World Day Against Trafficking in Persons
Human trafficking is not a distant issue. It’s a global crisis that demands awareness, action, and accountability from all of us. In Fairfax County and around the world, frontline workers, advocates, and community leaders are fighting exploitation and building safer communities. Commit to listening to survivors, supporting their healing and leadership, and strengthening the systems that protect people everywhere. For more information on how to observe this day, contact Victoria Nevel-Babla.
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Tuesday, Aug. 11 – Attend a Foster Care Information Meeting
Could Fostering Be in Your Future? There is a significant, immediate need in Virginia for foster parents. Hundreds of children in Fairfax County need a temporary loving home until they can safely return to their families. Our next information meeting is by invitation only on Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 5:30 p.m. Complete this short interest form for prospective parents. For more information check out our website.
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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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