The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) depends on caring, skilled people to help support residents who are working toward recovery and wellness. One program that plays a big role in this work is the Valued Interns & Volunteers in Action program, also known as VIVA!
VIVA! connects master’s-level interns and dedicated volunteers with programs across the CSB where they can learn, grow and make a difference. At any given time, more than 100 people are part of the program.
Helping shape future clinicians
Each year, the CSB welcomes more than 40 interns through VIVA! These interns are master’s degree level students who are completing part of their clinical training. They work side-by-side with CSB clinicians for at least one year and gain at least 400 hours of hands-on experience.
The goal is simple: help prepare the next generation of mental health and substance use professionals. Interns gain real-world skills as they learn how to support people in need, while CSB programs benefit from their energy, talent and fresh ideas.
Volunteers make a daily impact
VIVA! also supports more than 60 volunteers who bring unique skills to CSB programs. These volunteers help in many creative and meaningful ways.
Some provide free haircuts for people entering treatment, helping them feel cared for during a difficult time. Others are part of the Master Gardener program. They set up and maintain gardens at CSB sites, teaching people receiving services how to grow plants and enjoy time outdoors.
No matter the task, volunteers help create a welcoming and supportive environment. Their work often fills important gaps and adds a special touch to CSB programs.
Connecting needs with skilled people
The VIVA! Team plays a key role in making all of this happen. CSB supervisors reach out to the team when they have a need—whether it’s for an extra set of hands, a special skill or support for a new project.
The VIVA! Team then begins the search for the right intern or volunteer. So far, every request has been filled, even the specific and unique openings.
How to get involved
If you are interested in volunteering with the CSB, you can explore current opportunities online. Visit Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board - Idealist to see what positions are open. New roles are added often, so check back regularly.
To become an intern with the CSB, the student’s school must have an agreement with the CSB for the student to apply. This helps make sure interns are supported, supervised and placed where they are most needed.
Whether through internships or volunteer service, VIVA! strengthens the CSB and supports the people we serve. The program shows how much a community can accomplish when people step up to help others.
Contact the CSB
If you or someone you love needs extra professional support, reach out today. Call the CSB’s Entry, Assessment and Referral Unit at 703-383-8500 TTY 771, Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For emergency mental health or substance use issues, walk-in services are available 24/7 at the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health or call 703-573-5679 TTY 711.
Contact for media inquiries: CSBCommunications@fairfaxcounty.gov.