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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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Parenting Education on the County Conversation Podcast
On the latest "The County Conversation" podcast, Marcus Garr, the supervisor of our Parenting Education Programs, discussed parenting education and why it matters. Garr highlighted the wide range of free virtual and in-person classes Family Services offers. Classes teach positive and effective ways to parent your children at every age and stage of development from 0-18 years old!
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Request a Customized Training from Domestic and Sexual Violence Services
Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Violence Services and partners lead trainings every year to build skills to respond to violence in our community. Register for a current training. Don’t see a date that works for you or your team? Ready to tackle advanced topics? DSVS also takes requests and can tailor trainings for your needs.
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Safe Food Storage for Older Adults
While safe food storage is important for people of all ages, it is especially important for older adults. As we age, we are at higher risk for foodborne illness because our immune system becomes less effective at fighting infections, and we may be more vulnerable due to chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. Additionally, our bodies produce less stomach acid, so we are less able to kill harmful germs that enter through food. Learn how to store food properly in the August issue of the Golden Gazette.
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Chip Cards are Coming to SNAP EBT
Beginning in September 2026, VDSS will replace all magnetic stripe EBT cards with chip-enabled cards that support both tap and chip-insert transactions. The move to chip-enabled EBT cards is a major step toward protecting customer benefits and reducing fraud. EBT cardholders should update their address to get the new card on time.
Update your address online at CommonHelp; call 703-324-7500; or email DFSMyCase@fairfaxcounty.gov. Once you receive your new card, it will need to be activated. Learn more about chip cards and how they help protect your benefits.
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Emotional Safety Planning Helps Long-Term Healing
Safety planning is key to helping domestic violence survivors feel secure. Both emotional and physical safety planning are essential and interconnected. But even after physical safety is established, emotional wounds may linger. Survivors often say emotional safety planning helps them heal, rebuild trust, and regain independence long after the danger has passed. Learn more about what emotional safety planning looks like.
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Making Connections in Work-Based Learning
On Wednesday, August 12, the DFS Workforce Development team supported Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) with their Work-Based Learning Conference that brought together over 90 staff engaged in professional development to support students and community members. Many of our workforce programs, like WIOA, offer work-based learning opportunities as an important way to get real work experience alongside career coaching and supportive services. Learn more about WIOA.
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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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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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Thursdays, Sept. 3-Dec. 10 – Free Parenting Classes (Parenting Children Ages 5-11 years old)
Strengthen family relationships and learn positive parenting strategies at our free, in-person classes beginning Thursday, Sept. 3. Designed for parents of children ages 5–11, this class meets weekly from 5:30–8 p.m. at Grace Presbyterian Church, 7434 Bath Street, Springfield. Contact us with questions or sign up today! Email 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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