(Posted 2026 August)

This past June, the Fairfax County Department of Family Services and Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court held the fifth annual Reunification Month Celebration, honoring five families that worked diligently to improve themselves this past year so that they could be together.  

The theme of the event was “Family Reunification –Through Trials to Triumph.” CASAs, judges, parents, children, friends, family members, and DFS staff who supported the families were all on hand to cheer the families on. Dr. Michael A. Beckett, DFS director, who warmly welcomed everyone to the event was followed by several other speakers.  

A Parent’s Perspective
Makayla Holmes, a parent with lived experience, gave an encouraging speech, sharing some of her journey and reminding families of their resilience. Holmes said, “I’ve learned that healing doesn’t end at reunification it continues in the small, quiet moments of showing up, again and again. Today, I don’t look at my story and only see what was taken. I see what was rebuilt. I see a bond that survived separation. I see growth in myself that I never thought was possible. And I see my child not as a reminder of what I lost, but as a reminder of why I keep going.

“To the parents being honored today, I want you to hear this from my heart: what you have done is not small. There were days you probably didn’t think you would make it here. Days you wanted to give up. Days that felt too heavy to carry. But you kept going anyway.

And because of that, you are here. This is not just a celebration of reunification. It is a celebration of resilience, love, and the fight to bring your families back together. I am proud of you. And I hope, in time, you allow yourself to be proud of you too.”

Celebrating Perseverance
Then Breyanna Guiden, a foster care and adoption practitioner, provided her appreciation for the families, stating, “I encourage you to take a moment to recognize what you have accomplished today...remember that while this is a significant chapter in your story, it does not have to define your entire story.  

“For many of you in this room, you chose a path that was difficult. When a child is removed from a home, families often experience grief, frustration, uncertainty, and many emotions in between. Yet you chose to continue to move forward. You chose to do the work, to heal, and to create a different path for your family. That is why we celebrate you today.”

In addition to dinner and fellowship, each family received a gift basket with gift cards and activities for them to do together and toys for the kids.

Thank You to the Sponsors and Staff
We’d like to thank the amazing planning committee who pulled the event together including Aleta Carter, Namisha Khatri, Tamara Tanner, Kamonya Omatete, and Honorable Judge Maha Abejuela who also provided closing remarks. In addition, special thanks go out to the sponsors who helped make this day a success:

• Fairfax Community Church
• McLean Bible Church
• Magic Hand Orchestra through Y.A.L.E Organization
• Cakes 4 Kids
• Project Belong

Congratulations to each and every family for their perseverance and commitment.