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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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💜 October Is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Domestic violence is a family, community and public health issue with widespread ripple effects that impact all parts of our community. We can prevent domestic violence across our community by addressing the root causes of the issue--including troublesome attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, environments, and policies--while confronting the gender and racial injustices that also contribute to the problem. It will take all of us to build a peaceful and safe Fairfax County. Learn how Domestic and Sexual Violence Services is observing the month, and find out how you can help raise awareness.
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🚨 Thinking Ahead: Being Prepared for a Medical Emergency
Medical emergencies can happen anytime and anywhere. If the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department is called to respond to an emergency in your home or community, there are a few steps you can take to help yourself and the first responders during a medical emergency. Learn more in the September issue of the Golden Gazette.
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Double Your SNAP Dollars at Farmers Markets
🧺 Fill your basket with fresh fall produce for nutritious meals. SNAP participants can make their dollars go farther by getting up to $40 dollars matched on fruits and vegetables. 🍎 SNAP is accepted at five farmers markets in Fairfax County: Mount Vernon, Reston, Lorton, Wakefield, and Annandale. Markets are open through October and some until November! Learn more about using SNAP at farmers markets.
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Foster Care Unit Success Story: The Power of Fictive Kinship
🫂 A teen in need. A neighborhood ready to help. See how Fairfax County’s Kinship Unit and a group of caring neighbors ensured that a 13-year-old boy stayed connected to his school, friends, and community when his family was in crisis. Learn more.
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Unscripted: Conversations about Sexual and Domestic Violence—The Intersection of Traumatic Brain Injuries and Domestic Violence
🧠 Brain injuries resulting from intimate partner violence can often go unrecognized or untreated, leaving survivors without the specialized support they may need. In fact, we have long thought traumatic brain injuries—or TBIs—caused by domestic violence were less damaging than the ones athletes and folks in the military experience. But we’re learning this form of violence can cause a distinctive pattern of brain damage, one that is at least as disabling as the damage that occurs on a football field or a battlefield.
🎙️ On this episode of Unscripted, listen to host Kendra Lee, Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Clinical Services Coordinator Katia Aguirre-Vega; Donna Meltzer, CEO, of Brain Injury Services; and Jess Linquist, intake case manager also with Brain Injury Services, discuss the intersection of TBIs and domestic violence.
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💰 Money Smarts: Learning How to Protect Your Green
At our recent “Money Smarts for Older Adults: Confident Financial Decisions at Any Age” workshop, 42 attendees left feeling informed, empowered, and better prepared to protect their hard-earned money. Facilitated by Silver Shield, with Neighborhood and Community Services and The SkillSource Group, Inc. as partners, participants explored real-life scenarios, shared their own experiences, and practiced spotting red flags in financial scams and fraud. Learn more about financial and employment resources that can strengthen financial stability.
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🎢 Adventures in Mentoring: Connecting through Thrill Rides and Water Slides
Sometimes mentorship happens best in the middle of a water slide according to Danielle Waite, a mentor with our Befriend‑A‑Child program. Check out her fun look back at a day packed with roller-coaster screams, waterpark splashes, and relaxing moments at Kings Dominion. From conquering fears to discovering new favorites, the adventure delivered nonstop fun and authentic connections. Learn more.
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Tuesday, Oct. 6 – Talent Tuesdays
Connect virtually with Recruiting Manager Theresa Mazzaro from Fairfax Radiology Centers as she reviews resume tips, interviewing techniques, and best practices on how to represent yourself when applying to jobs. Tuesday, Oct. 6 from 12 p.m.-1 p.m. Register now.
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Tuesday, Oct. 13 – 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 information meeting is by invitation only on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 5:30 p.m. Complete this short interest form for prospective parents. For more information check out our website.
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Wednesdays, Oct. 14, 21, and 28 – Stalking Training Series
Join Domestic and Sexual Violence Services and the Stalking Prevention and Awareness Resource Center for a three-session webinar series on stalking and sexual and domestic violence. Participants will learn how to identify stalking behaviors and dynamics, assess danger in stalking cases, and apply strategies for enhancing victim safety. This training series (virtual, 1-3 p.m.) is free but registration is required.
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Friday, Oct. 16 – Domestic and Sexual Violence Community Annual Meeting
Join us from 8:30-11:30 a.m. as we celebrate the past 12 months of achievements and recommit to the work as one community, interwoven, until everyone is safe. Enjoy a networking breakfast, keynote speaker, presentations, and community awards. (Government Center Atrium and Board Auditorium, 12000 Government Center Parkway). Contact Stacy Ziebell for more information.
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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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