|
DEPARTMENT of FAMILY SERVICES |
|
 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.
|
|
September is Hunger Action Month
Hunger is more widespread in Fairfax County than you might suspect. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps fill the gap with a monthly benefit for eligible families to buy food. Join us as we share facts about SNAP throughout September and learn how to apply for food, energy, medical or financial assistance. Read more about Hunger Action Month and check out our community engagement toolkit to spread the word about how SNAP helps protect against hunger.
|
Unscripted: Conversations about Sexual and Domestic Violence—Dispelling Domestic Violence Myths
There’s a plethora of misunderstandings, myths, and misconceptions in the world of domestic violence. Some of them are baked in half-truths that a little education can clarify; others can be downright dangerous. On this episode of Unscripted: Conversations about Sexual and Domestic Violence, Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Education and Outreach Coordinator Abby Picard and Advocacy Services Supervisor Ayaan Ali discuss a few myths they regularly encounter and how they challenge the narrative.
|
September is Kinship Care Month
Did you know? About 2.5 million children in the United States, approximately 74,000 children in Virginia, and approximately 4,000 children in Fairfax County, are being raised in kinship care by grandparents, relatives, or close family friends when their parents are unable. These families keep children safe and loved, yet they often go unseen and unsupported. This Kinship Care Month is focused on raising awareness and prioritizing the voices of kin caregivers. Learn more.
|
Paul Howard: Creating Connections Through a Shared Love of Learning
Paul Howard has been fascinated by personal computers since they first became available. But despite his years of interest, he doesn’t consider himself a computer expert. Instead, he views his decades-long membership in computer clubs as a way to learn, get involved, and connect with like-minded people. He also does this as a member of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University, a nonprofit organization offering educational, social and cultural opportunities for people 50 and older. Read more about Paul’s life and work in the September issue of the Golden Gazette.
|
Join Us for Workforce Development Month
DFS Workforce Development provides a wide range of no-cost employment services and workforce programs in the Northern Virginia region for job seekers of all ages and abilities. Our dedicated workforce professionals support job seekers at every stage of their career journey—whether you're exploring opportunities, seeking new skills, or ready to take the next step. Learn more about what we do and follow along on Facebook to hear from staff and partners about how our approach and programs make a difference.
|
Make the Connection: Medicaid and Survivors of Interpersonal Violence
Losing health insurance can create challenges in accessing and managing care. This can be especially true for survivors of domestic violence, who often access Medicaid to have health care independent of the person who caused harm. Medicaid provides economic security for a survivor to be able to leave an abusive relationship while maintaining access to physical or emotional health care for themselves and their children after an abusive relationship or as a result of one. So how will the upcoming changes to Medicaid impact these survivors? Find out more.
|
Powered by Community: Our Adopt-A-Student Drive Uplifts 808 Students
Because of the Department of Family Services’ amazing donors, the back-to-school season was less stressful for families involved with DFS who are working hard to make ends meet. The community adapted to the Roonga donation platform to bring joy and relief in the form of backpacks and school supplies to 808 students across 410 households. While valued partners like Redman Fleet Services, Inc., stepped in to fill a critical need! Learn more!
|
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
Friday, Sept. 4 – Fall Prevention, Home Modifications, and Community Resources for Family Caregivers
In this virtual panel discussion, hosted by the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, community partners will focus on helping family caregivers of older adults and people with disabilities reduce the risk of falls at home. By the end of the session, caregivers will be better equipped to identify risks, access community support, and advocate for the services their loved ones need. Session will take place virtually from Noon-1:30 p.m. Register now.
|
|
Tuesdays, Sept. 8–Nov. 24 – Free In-Person Dads Parenting Group
Join our FREE 12-session In-Person Dads Parenting Group to improve your parenting skills and foster better relationships with your children. This opportunity is open to Fairfax County residents or dads with children living in Fairfax. Language interpretation services are available. For more information, call 703-324-7720, email, or check online to learn more.
|
|
Wednesday, Sept. 9 – Exploring the Dimensions of Aging - The Dima Lab: Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease
Join Inova ElderLink and the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging for online training to help family and professional caregivers. Embody Dima as she begins experiencing visual disturbances and changes in motor functions due to the progression of her Lewy Body Dementia, and how she and her family navigate coping with her symptoms. Learn about the early signs and progression of Lewy Body Dementia and important considerations for promoting independence, preserving dignity, and offering culturally competent care. Session will be held from 10-11:15 a.m. via Microsoft Teams. Register now.
|
|
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! |
|
 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.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
