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The Volunteer Post Newsletter – Current Issue

Welcome to the 2026 September issue of The Volunteer Post Newsletter, for current and potential volunteers, sponsors and donors interested in supporting children and families.

Table of Contents
Powered by Community: Our Adopt-A-Student Drive Uplifts Over 800 Students Adventures in Mentoring: Connecting through Thrill Rides and Water Slides From Curious to Confident: New Volunteers Join Parenting Education Programs	Meeting Dads Where They Are Boosts Father Engagement Celebrating 20 Years of Giving: The Adopt-A-Family Holiday Program Returns October 1 Energized and Ready to Build a Safer Community for Our Kids Meet the Fall Interns Bringing New Energy to VPS

Powered by Community: Our Adopt-A-Student Drive Uplifts Over 800 Students

Because of the Department of Family Services’ amazing donors, the back-to-school season was less stressful for families involved with DFS who are working hard to make ends meet. The community adapted to the Roonga donation platform to bring joy and relief in the form of backpacks and school supplies to 808 students across 410 households. While valued partners like Redman Fleet Services, Inc., stepped in to fill a critical need! Learn more!

Adventures in Mentoring: Connecting through Thrill Rides and Water Slides

Danielle Waite, a mentor with our Befriend-A-Child program shared a fun look back at a day packed with roller-coaster screams, waterpark splashes, and relaxing moments at Kings Dominion. From conquering fears to discovering new favorites, the adventure delivered nonstop fun and authentic connection. It’s a reminder that sometimes mentorship happens best in the middle of a water slide. Thank you to our event sponsors, Barber Holdings and the Young Family. Read more.

From Curious to Confident: New Volunteers Join Parenting Education Programs

"Volunteering with the Parenting Education Programs has been an incredibly rewarding journey. More than just giving my time, I truly enjoyed getting to know the unique personalities of the children and parents and collaborating with the dedicated staff,” said new volunteer, Rahwa Weldemichael. She added, “My favorite moments were spent chatting with the older kids—sharing fresh ideas, listening to their perspectives, and helping guide them toward making positive choices." Learn more about our latest training and newest volunteers.

Celebrating 20 Years of Giving: The Adopt-A-Family Holiday Program Returns October 1

Volunteer and Partner Services is thrilled to partner once again with Roonga as we celebrate 20 years of our Adopt-A-Family Holiday Program! Last season, thanks to the incredible generosity of 882 donors, the holidays were brighter for 1,019 families and 2,096 children.

This year, we’re aiming even higher. From October 1 through December 11, 2026, you’re invited to Adopt-A-Family and help bring joy to households across Fairfax County. Our Roonga site goes live October 1, and it will be updated daily with new families. Make sure to check back often to see who you can adopt and support. To learn more about the program, visit our Adopt-A-Family Holiday Program page.

Energized and Ready to Build a Safer Community for Our Kids

On August 27, our team kicked off the school year with a lively Body Safety Facilitator Orientation. We welcomed nearly 40 participants including many brand new volunteers and five new interns for a day of training, connection, and hands on practice.

The orientation opened with essential mandated reporter training, reinforcing our shared commitment to student safety. Volunteers then mingled with seasoned facilitators, swapped tips, and learned what to expect in the classroom. A demo lesson using the 6th grade curriculum offered a real world look at body safety instruction, complete with role play and classroom management strategies.

With a Wegmans lunch and a visit from our facility dog, Rylynn, the event blended preparation and community and relationship building. Everyone left energized and ready for a strong year ahead!

ABOUT VOLUNTEER & PARTNER SERVICES (VPS)

The Volunteer Post Newsletter is part of the Department of Family Services Volunteer & Partner Services Program (VPS) - managing volunteer programs (Administrative Assistant Program, BeFriend-A-Child Mentoring Program, Body Safety Program - Speak Up Be Safe, recruiting and training volunteers for programs (Father Engagement Program and Parenting Education Programs); and working with partners, sponsors and donors to help in special efforts (Adopt-A-Family Program, Baby box initiative, back-to-school backpacks). Learn more about VPS and how volunteers are making a positive difference.

Browse through past newsletters in the archive. To provide feedback on our newsletter or to be added to our mailing list, contact us.

Department of Family Services – Children, Youth and Families

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The Volunteer Post Newsletter – Current Issue

Powered by Community: Our Adopt-A-Student Drive Uplifts Over 800 Students

Adventures in Mentoring: Connecting through Thrill Rides and Water Slides

From Curious to Confident: New Volunteers Join Parenting Education Programs

Meeting Dads Where They Are Boosts Father Engagement

Celebrating 20 Years of Giving: The Adopt-A-Family Holiday Program Returns October 1

Energized and Ready to Build a Safer Community for Our Kids

Meet the Fall Interns Bringing New Energy to VPS

ABOUT VOLUNTEER & PARTNER SERVICES (VPS)

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