|
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.
|
|
Celebrating Family Caregivers!
👏 Every November, we recognize National Family Caregivers Month and honor the individuals who care for, and support loved ones who are aging, ill, or living with disabilities. Family caregivers play a vital role in our communities, often balancing jobs, family responsibilities, and personal commitments while providing daily comfort and care. ❤️ This month recognizes their dedication, raising awareness about the challenges they face, and connecting them with the resources, support, and appreciation they truly deserve. Learn more about caregiving and resources available to help prevent caregiver stress and burnout in the November issue of the Golden Gazette.
|
November is Adoption Awareness Month
🫶 Our theme for Adoption Awareness Month, “Families, Handcrafted with Love,” recognizes the special way adoptive families are formed. When every effort has been made, and children in foster care are unable to return safely to their biological families, adoptive parents provide a permanent, loving place to call home. Learn more about foster care and adoption and how to support foster families and children in care.
|
November is Strangulation Awareness Month
Strangulation is a serious form of violence that leaves lasting harm even when evidence from it can’t be seen. Strangulation can happen during intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and other forms of physical abuse. It is not a minor assault; it is a dangerous act of control which can lead to death. Learn more about strangulation and how to recognize symptoms. |
|
 |
Heat Your Home with Energy Assistance
Don’t go without heat this winter. Whether it’s due to broken equipment or a disconnection notice, the Crisis Assistance program helps eligible households without heat or in immediate danger of being without heat. Don’t have a heat emergency but need help paying energy costs? Fuel Assistance applications are open until Friday, November 13. Apply for Fuel and Crisis Assistance online at CommonHelp.Virginia.gov or call 833-522-5582 from the comfort of your home. Learn more about Energy Assistance programs.
|
🎁 Spread Holiday Cheer
This holiday season, support older adults and adults with disabilities by donating a new throw-sized blanket or purchasing essential items through our Amazon Wishlist. Let’s join together to share a little warmth and comfort with our community. Donations are due by December 2. Donate today💙
|
Adopt-A-Family for the Holiday Season
Make an impact during this season of giving for children and families who are involved with the Department of Family Services. Sign up now to make holiday wishes come true for one or more families in our community. To become a donor and be part of an annual campaign that brought joy to more than 1,000 families last year, visit the Adopt-A-Family website. New families are being added through November 20.
|
Helping Job Seekers Enter High Growth Roles
Curious about launching or advancing a career in technology? The Employer Engagement Team recently hosted “Breaking into IT: A Career Pathway,” a virtual info session led by Elena Agaragimova of Horizon Industries, Ltd., with 107 job seekers in attendance. Participants learned how to get started with entry-level IT roles, translate existing skills into tech-ready strengths, and meet employer expectations. The session also covered practical job search strategies, career transition tips, and live Q&A—equipping attendees to confidently explore tech career paths. For personalized no-cost career coaching and job search support, make an appointment with one of our Career Specialists.
|
Understanding the Link Between Homelessness and Sexual Violence
Homelessness and sexual violence are inextricably linked, especially for youth living on the street. Recent research shows young adults experiencing homelessness are as much as 35% more likely to experience sexual violence than housed youth. November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, observed every year since 2007 to raise awareness about children and families dealing with homelessness and to educate the public on ways to end the problem. Learn more about the scope of this issue.
|
|
|
Thursday, November 5 – Build Your Career: Construction and Trades Job Fair
The Build Your Career: Construction and Trades Job Fair is BACK Thursday, November 5 from 1-4 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center! Meet hiring employers, explore career paths, and learn about training programs that help you start or advance in construction and trades. You'll have the opportunity to talk about your career goals and ask employers questions. We recommend bringing multiple copies of your resume and dressing in business casual or business attire. Register now.
|
|
Tuesday, Nov. 10 – Free Virtual Parent Café: Talk. They Hear You®
“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, Nov. 10, 6:30 to 8 p.m. for a free virtual presentation for parents and anyone else who has young people in their lives. This presentation will provide information and practical resources to help you have these important conversations. Register online.
|
|
Thursday, Nov. 10 – Attend a Foster Care Information Meeting
Wondering what it’s like to become a foster parent? It’s like nothing you can imagine! Children in Fairfax County foster care need a temporary loving home until they can safely return to their families. Maybe you can provide that stability. Our next virtual information meeting is by invitation only on Thursday, Nov. 10, at 6:45 p.m. Complete this short interest form for prospective parents. For more information check out our website.
|
|
Friday, Nov. 13 – Fairfax Area Agency on Aging 50th Anniversary Celebration
Join the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging (AAA) from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center to celebrate five decades of helping residents find resources, get support, and learn about programs that support older Americans. The event kicks off with a screening of Facing the Falls, an award‑winning short film documentary, and post-film conversation with Cara Yar Khan, the film’s star. Then stick around and enjoy workshops, our resource fair, health screenings, flu shots, and more. Come celebrate and connect with the community! Registration recommended but walk-ins are welcome. Pre-register today.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
