NEIGHBORHOOD and COMMUNITY SERVICES

Interfaith Coordination

Fairfax County Fiscal Year 2027 Budget

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved its Fiscal Year 2027 budget markup this morning. The next step is that the School Board adopts FY 2027 Approved Budget on May 21st. For more information visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/budget.

May 19th Day to End Hate Proclamation

Faith Communities in Action has been invited to attend the Fairfax County Board of Supervisor’s meeting on May 19^th recognizing Fairfax County’s Day to End Hate. This proclamation is at the request Chairman McKay.

We are bringing together community members from differing faith traditions, ethnic backgrounds, abilities, and identities to stand in unity and in support of denouncing all actions of bias towards any individual or group, and to reflect the diversity and strength of our County.

Event Details:

Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Time: Arrival between 8:45 - 9:00 AM, Board Meeting starts at 9:30 AM

Location: Fairfax County Government Center Board Auditorium, 12000 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax, VA 22035

We have identified seating for all who are attending, and, if interested, you will be a part of the group picture when the proclamation is presented. You are encouraged to wear attire that represents your community; this includes traditional garments, clerical vestments, or other meaningful expressions of identity.

Your presence demonstrates a shared commitment to inclusion, belonging, and ending hate in all its forms across Fairfax County.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to lyndzey.elliott@fairfaxcounty.gov.

You talked, and we listened!

Based on the valuable insights gathered from the 2026 FCIA Feedback Form, we are adjusting our meeting schedule to better accommodate your needs. Moving forward, we are excited to implement these changes to ensure our sessions remain impactful and accessible for everyone.

For our next gathering, we are stepping out of the traditional space for an immersive experience. Please join us for a special site visit and information session:

Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026

Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Location: Department of Emergency Management and Security Office

Focus: Emergency Preparedness and Faith Community Support

Why This Meeting Matters

This session is a unique opportunity to strengthen the bridge between our county’s emergency infrastructure and your congregations. During this visit, we will:

• Tour the 9-1-1 Call Center Get a behind-the-scenes look at how emergency calls are processed and dispatched. 
• Organizational Preparedness: Learn how DEMS can support your house of worship in becoming more resilient and more effective in your communication to your congregation. We will discuss building robust internal emergency plans, so your leadership is ready before an incident occurs.
• Safety and Security: Discuss how faith-based organizations can become partners within the county's safety and security network to protect your congregants and surrounding community.

By understanding the systems behind our emergency response, we can better prepare our communities to act as a vital resource in times of need.

Please click the RSVP below to register by Thursday, May 13th.

Email lyndzey.elliott@fairfaxcounty.gov by May 8th if you'll need language translation services. 

Hurricane Preparedness Week May 3rd - 9th 2026

This week is an ideal time to refresh your knowledge on key topics that can help keep you and your community safe, including understanding the risks associated with water and wind, interpreting forecast information, and knowing how to stay protected during storms.

Equally important is learning what precautions to take after a storm and how to take proactive steps today to ensure you are prepared.

Staying informed and prepared is essential to building resilience before, during, and after a hurricane.

Click here for more information regarding wind and rain threats and click here to learn more about how to prepare before a hurricane. 

Mini-grants for Faith Communities for Invasive Plant Control

Fairfax Tree Rescuers PRISM is excited to announce another round of mini-grants to faith communities and community associations. Apply now for a site visit by an experienced volunteer to start the process. Find the details on the Fairfax PRISM website.

May is Foster Care Month

Fairfax County’s theme for National Foster Care Month is “Supporting Foster Care Changes Lives!” Fairfax County's Department of Family Services (DFS) is actively engaging with Fairfax County community members to move them from awareness to action. DFS' Foster Care and Adoption program has a critical need for more dedicated foster parents and community partners to support their efforts. Learn more and get involved here. 

Calling All Young Artists - Introducing the Sustain Fairfax Earth Month Youth Art Contest!

Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) is seeking original artwork from youth in grades 4-12 to help inspire residents to complete climate actions in our community. Using the theme “My Actions, Our Climate” and actions as noted on the Sustain Fairfax Challenge, students can create and submit original artwork, including designs, photographs, or drawings, that highlight climate friendly actions they complete and their impacts.

Participants will fall into one of three categories, grades 4-6, grades 7-8, and grades 9-12. Winners will be selected from each category and will receive a $25 gift card and signed certificate. There may be one honorable mention selection picked from any of the categories that may also receive a prize.

The winning artwork will be used on OEEC’s marketing and promotional materials and may be shared in places such as on social media, websites, in email, and on in-person platforms (i.e. flyers, posters, giveaways, etc.).  Submissions will be accepted physically or digitally and are due by May 15, 2026, at 4 p.m. Winners will be notified in May or early June 2026.  For more information about the contest, including how to submit artwork, submission guidelines and entry requirements found  here.

NVSWCD Free Veggie Seedling Giveaway

The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District, along with several community partners, is hosting a free vegetable seedling giveaway on May 8 and 9, 2026. Open to all residents, first‑come, first‑served. A per‑person limit around 6-10 per person/family to ensure fair access. Seedlings include: tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, basil, and bunching onions. The seedlings are smaller varieties that can grow in small spaces for those who live in multi-unit housing. Click here for more details. 

Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS)

DSVS is accepting participants for our spring 2026 Domestic Violence Women’s Group. This free, confidential, 10-week group is for adult women who are currently experiencing or have previously experienced domestic abuse (physical, emotional, or other forms) led by a therapist specializing in domestic violence and trauma held weekly in the evenings in English via Zoom. To learn more or inquire about joining, call 703-324-5730 or email DFSDSVSClinicalServices@fairfaxcounty.gov

Fairfax County Commission for Women

The Fairfax County Commission for Women is recruiting a Student Representative for the 2026–2027 academic year. This is an excellent leadership opportunity for students 16+ to build their resume. For questions or additional information, please contact Alexandra Hernandez at fairfaxcountycommissionforwomen@fairfaxcounty.gov

Accessing In-person Advocacy Services

With the temporary closure of the Pennino building and Historic Courthouse, you can access in-person advocacy services at Fairfax County Courthouse, General District Court 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax VA 22030 weekdays from 8:00am-4:30pm, at the INOVA Cares Clinic at 6400 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church, VA 22042 on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00am-5:00pm, and at the James Lee Community Center 2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church, VA 22042 on Fridays from 9:00am-5:00pm. 

Learn More about Domestic and Sexual Violence Services

(DSVS)

Want to learn more about domestic and sexual violence issues and resources in the community? Join us for training led by experts from Fairfax County's Sexual Assault Response Team. Register now for Sexual Violence Tier One on June 24 and 25 at Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation in Reston. Thank you to the Interfaith Partners for your incredible support in strengthening our community!

Opioid Response Network

The Opioid Response Network (ORN) in SAMHSA Region 3 is hosting a one-day regional summit on substance use disorders and the faith community on Thursday May 14 in Richmond, Virginia. The summit brings together faith leaders, lay ministers, mentors, health professionals, and community members from all traditions who are committed to supporting individuals and families impacted by opioid use. This full-day gathering offers opportunities for meaningful connection, shared learning, and collaboration, empowering participants to strengthen partnerships and deepen their collective impact in prevention, treatment, and recovery. For more information and to register click here.

Teen Dating Violence Social Media Day

Teen Dating Violence Social Media Day is this Thursday, May 7! The full toolkit is now available on our Fairfax County website.

Learn More about the Fairfax County Health Department Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP)

Listen to this Fairfax County podcast that informs communities about the CHIP development process, goals, and how everyone can get involved in making Fairfax County a healthier place to live, work, learn and grow!

Farmers Markets Return

Our weekend farmers markets are open for the season! Shop for a variety of fresh produce, flowers, locally made goods and more at our markets:

• McLean Farmers Market - Friday, 8 a.m. - noon
• Kingstowne Farmers Market - Friday, 3 - 7 p.m.
• Burke Farmers Market - Saturday, 8 a.m. - noon
• Reston Farmers Market - Saturday, 8 a.m. - noon
• Lorton Farmers Market - Sunday, 8 a.m. - noon

SNAP is accepted at the Reston and Lorton Farmers Markets. Learn more here.

Affordable Housing in Our Backyard Forum

Cornerstones’ Faith Council and Advocacy Committee invite you to the Affordable Housing in Our Backyard Forum on Tuesday, May 12, from 3:30–5:30 p.m. at Herndon United Methodist Church. The forum will bring together faith leaders, community advocates, elected officials, housing experts, and regional partners to discuss outcomes from the Virginia General Assembly and affordable housing initiatives in Fairfax and Loudoun Counties. The program will include community voices, two panel discussions, and breakout discussion groups focused on how we can strengthen our shared voice for stable, affordable homes in our region. Register Here

Take the Virginia Faith-Based Affordable Housing Survey

SPAN (Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia)

Join SPAN’s webinar, From Signs to Support: What to Do When Someone You Love Is Struggling A virtual fireside chat featuring NAMI Northern Virginia and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention on May 18, 2026, from 6:00–7:30 PM. Click here for more information and registration.

Second Story Learning Series

Join the Second Story Learning Series event: "Betting on Risk: What Families Need to Know About Online Gambling and its Effects on Young People” on May 21, 2026 from 12 to 12:45 PM ET via Zoom. Join for them for a timely conversation on the rapidly growing world of online gambling, and what it means for young people today. From sports betting apps to gaming platforms that blur the line between play and wagering, this session will explore how these trends are showing up in teens’ lives, why they can be so hard to recognize, and the real risks they pose. Registration is free but required.

NAACP Youth Mental Health

Join the NAACP Center for Health Equity and the NAACP Youth & College Division for a critical discussion on Youth Mental Health. The Wellness Blueprint is an engaging webinar designed for youth, educators, parents, community leaders, and advocates who serve on the front lines of support. 

This session provides a practical roadmap for shifting from crisis response to holistic prevention. Participants will gain accessible tools and strategies to strengthen youth mental well‑being across schools, homes, and communities. 

EVENT DETAILS: 

Oneness of Humanity Education Series

Different Beliefs ~ Shared Values

A Path to Peace Open to All

Sunday, May 17, 2026, 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm

McLean Baptist Church Youth Hall, 1367 Chain Bridge Road McLean, VA 22101

Do you have any idea how many values you have in common with your neighbor? What can a Hindu, Jew, and a Baha’i teach us about how we live and how we connect?

Please join Tysons Interfaith in person and on-line as we explore the foundational principles of some of the world’s major religions.

*Link to register here

 ( A ZOOM link will be emailed to registered attendees 24 hours before the event. )

Submission Guidelines:

If you are interested in submitting something for the newsletter, please review our guidelines:

• Submissions should be sent to NCSInterfaith@fairfaxcounty.gov
• Submissions should be timely and occurring in the upcoming month. For ongoing needs or services, we reserve the right to hold for future issues.
• All submissions should have no more than a 3-line description of the event and include a link for more information or to register.
• The event must be open to the entire community.
• Proselytizing events/activities will not be posted.
• Events must be apolitical. Legislative lobbying efforts will not be posted.
• Fundraisers or events soliciting financial contributions will not be posted.
• Events must be geared to promoting understanding, goodwill, community service or fulfilling a defined need in helping strengthen Fairfax County residents and communities.