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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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ElderLink Partners with Oakwood Meadow Senior Residences to Improve the Health and Wellness of Its Residents
ElderLink, a nonprofit partnership between Inova and the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, offers free educational health and wellness workshops designed to address the needs of older adults, including fall prevention and chronic disease. To reach the people who will benefit the most from their workshops, ElderLink partners with independent living communities for older adults and other community-based organizations to bring workshops directly to residents. Their recent partnership with Oakwood Meadow Senior Residences in Alexandria has been especially successful. Read more about this partnership and learn how to join one of their free workshops in the August issue of the Golden Gazette.
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Free Dads Parenting Groups Video
Check out this video about our Dads Parenting Groups, a supportive place for fathers and father figures to meet and share life’s ups and downs while gaining practical parenting skills. These free groups are open to dads that live in Fairfax County or have children living here.
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Meet Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Hotline Volunteer Laura Faino
“I completed Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Tier 1 training to fulfill Court Appointed Special Advocate continuing education requirements,” says Hotline volunteer Laura Faino. “I knew nothing about the landscape of domestic violence services prior to doing Tier 1, and the training was very eye opening. I was motivated to learn more in part because I had come to see that many of the families I was working with as a CASA have also experienced domestic violence. Read more of Laura’s journey.
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Find Career Success with No-Cost Services
Looking for a new job or need help finding a new career path? Make an appointment at a One-Stop Employment Resource Center for no-cost employment services and workforce programs. Maybe you would benefit from resume or cover letter review, or doing a practice interview with a Career Specialist. Or maybe you’re not sure what you need, but you want to take the next step towards success. Learn more about our free services for job seekers, available virtually or in-person.
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Foster Care Unit Success Story: A Mother’s Love
When the Department of Family Services first becomes involved with families, we often meet them at some of the lowest points in their lives. That was the case for a young woman, struggling to overcome her alcohol and substance abuse so that she could be reunified with her young daughters. Learn more!
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SNAP and SUN Bucks in the Summer
Stretch your summer grocery dollars with SNAP at farmers markets and Virginia SUN Bucks! SNAP participants can get up to $40 dollars matched on fruits and vegetables at five farmers markets in Fairfax County. If you think you may be eligible for SNAP, you can apply online at CommonHelp or contact the Enterprise Call Center at 1-833-522-5582. Virginia SUN Bucks is a one-time $120 grocery benefit per school-age child to help with the cost of groceries in the summer. Many eligible families will qualify automatically, while others should apply. You can learn more and apply for SUN Bucks online before August 31, 2026.
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Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence Need Housing Support
Intimate partner violence survivors are at increased risk of housing and economic insecurity when they leave an unhealthy relationship. Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Advocacy Services can help survivors understand their housing options, open a bank account, repair their credit, and more. Learn more about the resources the housing and economic support advocate provides.
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Thursday, Aug. 27 – Body Safety Program Facilitator Training
Empower children, make a difference in your community, and help prevent child abuse in a non-alarming way. The Body Safety Education Program is seeking volunteers who are available on weekdays to teach our evidence-based, age-appropriate lessons in local schools across Fairfax County.
We offer flexible scheduling around your availability, thorough training, ongoing/onsite staff support, and the opportunity to choose the classes you prefer. Our training is Thursday, August 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Si usted habla Español, ¡necesitamos su ayuda! Learn more or apply online, or email.
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Friday, Aug. 28 – Exploring the Dimensions of Aging - The Clay Lab: End of Life Conversations
Join Inova ElderLink and the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging for online training to help family and professional caregivers. Embody Clay as he and his family cope with his terminal illness and move into hospice care, learning how clear and caring communication can help with end-of-life choices and understanding what to expect in his final days. Session will be held from Noon-1:15 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. Register now.
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Friday, Aug. 28 – Virtual Spanish Speaking Dementia Friends Information Session
Join this virtual presentation presented in Spanish and learn how to become a dementia friend. Turn your new understanding of dementia into practical action that can help someone living in your community. Presented by Marina Giovannini, Dementia Friends Champion Volunteer. Session will be held from Noon-1:15 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. Register now.
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Wednesday, Sept. 2 – Construction Careers with William A. Hazel, Inc.
William A. Hazel, Inc. is hiring laborers and more! Attend this Meet the Employer event from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. to learn about current open positions that give you the opportunity to advance into higher roles. Benefits include health insurance, 401(k) with matching, paid time off, and more! Hosted by DFS Workforce Development. Register now.
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Wednesdays, Sept. 2-Dec. 9 – Free Parenting Classes (Parenting Children Ages 5-11 years old)
Do you want to develop your confidence as a parent and build stronger relationships with your child? Join our free weekly virtual parenting classes, starting Wednesday, Sept. 2, from 6–8 p.m. Designed for parents of children ages 5–11 years old, these classes will inspire you with strategies for encouraging positive behaviors, building self-esteem, and creating lasting family memories. Sign up today or reach out with questions at BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-324-7720. Learn more.
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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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