(Posted 2026 March)
Elizabeth Martinez has been with the Body Safety program for many years, teaching children vital safety skills in both English and Spanish. First as a volunteer, then as staff, her dedication has ensured that countless children have the tools they need to protect themselves.
“I will miss the amazing volunteers and the collaborative, generous team at Volunteer and Partner Services,” Martinez shares. “I’ll miss the energy and passion they bring to the Body Safety program every day. It’s been incredibly rewarding to work with such a dedicated team.”
Now, Martinez has stepped into an exciting new role within the Father Engagement Unit, focusing on the Fatherhood program. In this position, she will work directly with fathers and father figures, providing guidance, resources, and support as they navigate their vital role in their children’s lives. The program, which like VPS also falls within Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Services, encourages fathers to build stronger relationships with their children and remain actively engaged in their development.
Martinez’s experience with Body Safety, her fluency in English and Spanish, and her media experience have given her the tools she needs to excel in this new role. “Supporting fathers is crucial for healthy family dynamics, and I’m looking forward to helping fathers understand the importance of their involvement. This program is about fostering stronger, positive relationships that benefit not just children but entire families.”
Martinez is eager to apply her skills communicating about resources that resonate with families from diverse backgrounds to strengthen outreach and engagement within the Fatherhood program.
While excited about this new chapter, Martinez acknowledges the bittersweet nature of the transition. “I’ll definitely miss the day-to-day connection with the Body Safety team and the volunteers who are so passionate about making a difference,” she says. “But I’m also looking forward to the new challenges ahead and the opportunity to impact the lives of fathers and their children.”
As Martinez steps into this new role, we are confident her dedication, passion, and commitment to supporting families will continue to make a lasting impact. We look forward to what’s ahead.
This article posting is part of The Volunteer Post Newsletter for current and potential volunteers, sponsors and donors interested in supporting children and families in crisis. Learn more about Fairfax County Department of Family Services' Volunteer & Partner Services Program (VPS).