Neighborhood and Community Services

Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) is proud to recognize Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month in April. The Board of Supervisors has proclaimed April 2025 Autism Acceptance Month and Autism Awareness Day (April 2). The proclamation was introduced by Board Chair Jeffrey C. McKay and Springfield Supervisor Pat Herrity, and accepted at the Supervisors’ April 22, 2025, meeting. NCS’ programs and services aspire to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for all, by offering opportunities to everyone while providing supports and opportunities that acknowledge differences. “NCS has a variety of opportunities for people of all ages and abilities,” said Susan Sigler, director of NCS' Inclusive Support Services division. “April is a great opportunity to come together and raise awareness, foster acceptance, and create a community where autistic people are supported, understood, and empowered.” NCS’ Infant and Toddler Connection (ITC) is a vital resource for families in Fairfax County and Falls Church for evaluation and early intervention. ITC provides those services for infants and toddlers up to age 3 who may have a developmental delay or a diagnosis that may lead to developmental delays and differences, including autism. Other resources providing services for people with autism include: Sensory Rooms provide a person-centered, safe, and nurturing environment designed to provide a calm and relaxing environment that promotes stress-free engagement for individuals of all ages with varying sensory systems. Sensory Rooms are located at Sully, Lorton and Providence Community Centers. Therapeutic Recreation Services (TRS) offers a variety of leisure and recreation programs specifically for individuals of varying abilities, including autism spectrum disorders, from age 2 to adult. The programs focus on building leisure skills, exploring leisure interests, socializing, and most importantly having fun in a safe, low-ratio and supportive environment. Family Autism Night is just one program offered by TRS. School Age Child Care (SACC) offers out-of-school-time programming for elementary age students in a welcoming, inclusive environment. SACC is open to all children with a variety of needs, interests and abilities.  For more resources, please visit Fairfax County's page for children with autism and their parents.  

NCS honored its volunteers for their dedication and impact at the annual NCS Volunteer Recognition Ceremony at The Country Club of Fairfax on April 5, 2025. The theme of this year’s awards was “Re-CONNECT,  Re-ENGAGE,  Re-DISCOVER Your Community!” NCS Director Lloyd Tucker reviewed some of the program highlights of 2024, including expansion of the GrandInvolve program that places older adults as mentors in Title I schools; the opening of more than a dozen Re-Engagement Centers that focus on empowering teens and young adults with career and higher education guidance; Senior Center Without Walls, which connects older adults; and community engagement events to enhance and connect the community. In 2024, 705 active volunteers gave nearly 12,000 hours of their time to support NCS, said Tucker. Individuals honored with Outstanding Volunteer Awards: Steve Lebo, Little River Glen Senior Center Alejandro Espinoza-Levia, James Lee Community Center Ernestine Jones, James Lee Community Center Cristhian Carrillo. Community Engagement Renee Hickman, Minnie H. Peyton Community Center at Bailey’s Gity Espahrom, Lewinsville Senior Center Romila Tandon, Sully Community Center Jennifer DeFazio, Pimmit Hills and Lewinsville Senior Centers   Teams honored with Outstanding Volunteer Team Awards: Little River Glen Senior Advisory Council “C” and Chuck Culpepper and Family; Rising Phoenix and Sun Dance Performers Team Leads of GrandInvolve To see more photos: view this Flickr album. Learn more about NCS volunteer opportunities. See a video from Fairfax County Channel 16 below.