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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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🗣️ Speak up and Help Virginia Age Better!
DARS is hosting listening sessions and wants to hear from Virginia residents who are age 60+, caregivers, advocates, or service providers. The first in-person session is Thursday, October 9 at the Fairfax County Government Herrity Building from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Learn more and register today.
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⚠️Fuel Assistance Opens October 13
Cooler weather increases heating costs, which can be difficult for anyone on a limited income. The Fuel Assistance program helps pay heating costs for eligible households. Some people will be pre-approved and others will need to apply. Applications will be accepted from October 13 until November 13. To apply for Fuel Assistance, or other food and medical benefits, visit CommonHelp or call 855-635-4370.
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Leaving Abuse Is Hard. This Is Why
When folks hear someone is in a toxic or abusive relationship, often the first question is, “Why doesn’t she leave?” If you’ve never been through an abusive relationship, this might seem like a logical question. Pack up the kids and peace out, right? But when it comes to intimate partner abuse, it’s not that simple. A better question might be: Why don’t people who cause harm stop the abuse? Learn more about the complexities of leaving domestic violence.
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Building a Bond with Baby to Last a Lifetime
🥰 A child’s first relationships shape how they learn, grow and connect with others. Being warm, patient and attentive makes babies feel protected and understood. Check out these tips from our Healthy Families Fairfax program for building a bond that supports healthy child development.
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Sharon Masterson’s Love of Learning Led to a Globe-Trotting Life
Sharon Masterson could have lived a comfortable and predictable life, but instead chose a life of travel, learning and adventure. Her 20-year career with the U.S. Army allowed her to live and travel to places all over the world, but her adventures haven’t stop in retirement. As a solo traveler, she has circled the globe with Road Scholar, visiting all seven continents. 🌎 She now has her sights set on visiting 100 countries and every U.S. National Park. Read about her travels, why she loves it, and find out where she is off to next in the October issue of the Golden Gazette. 🛫
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Employment Resources for Individuals with Disabilities
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and DFS Workforce Development programs and services are for adults and youth of all abilities. Our four workforce centers are equipped with adaptive technology to support your job search. If you prefer to connect from home, we offer virtual appointments with our Career Specialists. We can also provide referrals to specialized employment programs, including Ticket to Work, Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services, Service Source, and AbilityOne. Learn more about our centers, programs, and how we can help you celebrate your talent.
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Learn How to Safety Plan with Kids
When you live with someone who threatens your well-being, you worry about your child’s safety, too. The best time to plan for safety with your children is before the emergency starts. Just like fire drills help us prepare for the possibility of a fire, talking to children when things are calm will help everyone know what to do when things are stressful. Learn more about the special steps you may need to take to keep you and your children away from harm.
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🎙️ BeFriend-A-Child Mentoring Program – County Conversation Podcast
Tiffani Peguese, one of our BeFriend-A-Child Mentoring Program coordinators, joined Jim Person, host of the County Conversation podcast, to discuss the value of volunteering with our Children, Youth and Families Division to help support children and families in our community. Tiffani shared several short- and long-term opportunities that make a difference and help shape lives for the better. Listen 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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Tuesday, Oct. 13 – Free Virtual Parent Café: Talk. They Hear You® (in Spanish)
“Talk. They Hear You®” is a national substance use prevention campaign that encourages talking to children early and often about alcohol and other drugs. Join us Tuesday, Oct. 13, 6:30 to 8 p.m. for a free virtual presentation in Spanish providing information and practical resources to help you have these important conversations. Questions and discussion are welcome! Any Fairfax County parents or guardians with children ages 0-18 years old can join us. Register online.
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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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Friday, Oct. 16 – Martha Glennan Disability Inclusion and Equality Awards Nominations Due
Do you know an individual or organization that excels in providing equal rights and community inclusion for people with disabilities in the Fairfax area? Nominate them for the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board’s 2026 Martha Glennan Disability Inclusion and Equality Award! The awards recognize people, businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and other organizations. Nominations are due BEFORE 5 p.m. on Friday, October 16, 2026. Learn more about the award and process to submit a nomination.
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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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