Department of Family Services – Children, Youth and Families

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
703-324-7500 TTY 711
12011 Government Center Parkway, Pennino Building
Fairfax, VA 22035
Oriane Eriksen
Director

The Volunteer Post Newsletter – 2022 September

The Volunteer Post Newsletter blue banner graphic

Welcome to the 2022 September issue of The Volunteer Post Newsletter, for current and potential volunteers, sponsors and donors interested in supporting children and families in crisis. 

Table of Contents
  • Looking for Ways to Give During the Holiday Season?
  • Volunteer & Partner Services Director Krissa Slone Announces Retirement 
  • September is Child Welfare Workforce Development Month 
  • Going Back to School Can Trigger Ambient Stress 
  • Volunteer & Partner Services Celebrates Successful 2022-2023 Back-to-School Drive
  • Congrats to our Homework Helpers’ Graduating Student Volunteers!
  • VPS Volunteer Restores Furniture for Fairfax Families

 

Looking for Ways to Give During the Holiday Season?

two adults holding giftsThe holiday season can be extremely challenging for some of the families in Fairfax County, while others are blessed beyond measure. Thanks to the amazing Volunteer & Partner Services team and wonderful donors, the Adopt-A-Family program is gearing up for another amazing outpouring of support for the 16th year in a row! 

That’s right, we are seeking new Adopt-A-Family donors, such as yourself, looking for a fun way to give to a family in need during the holiday season and we need you to spread the word! Learn more about how you and your organization can become donors with Adopt-A-Family

Volunteer & Partner Services Director Krissa Slone Announces Retirement 

Krissa SloneJoin us in wishing a Happy Retirement to Volunteer & Partner Services Director, Krissa Slone.

Krissa has served the agency well over the last 23 years, and she has left an indelible mark on the community through her work building partnerships and recruiting volunteers to support children and families involved with our Children, Youth and Families Division. Read more about Krissa's impact.  

 

September is Child Welfare Workforce Development Month 

Child Welfare Workforce Development MonthWe have some of the most dedicated child welfare professionals around, and we would love to expand our team.

If you are looking to work in a diverse community, supporting children and families, then this opportunity may be right for you. We offer a competitive salary and benefits. Learn more about the open positions

Going Back to School Can Trigger Ambient Stress

stress looming over womanIt’s no surprise that family stress can run high as children return to school in the fall. However, it may be difficult for children to communicate their stress to their safe adults. 

Volunteer & Partner Services provides some insight about the source of ambient stress, and ways to overcome it. Check it out.  

 

Volunteer & Partner Services Celebrates Successful 2022-2023 Back-to-School Drive 

staff with donated backpacks

Staff from our Children, Youth and Families Division joined with hundreds of community volunteers to ensure children in foster care are ready for the upcoming school year.

This “Christmas is Not Cancelled,” event was coordinated by Comfort Cases at their offices in Rockville. Volunteers worked together to fill more than 2,000 backpacks with school supplies and necessities.

Learn More

Congrats to our Homework Helpers’ Graduating Student Volunteers!

2021-2022 Homework HelpersEach year high school student volunteers commit 2-3 hours per week to support the tutees in Volunteer & Partner Services' Study Buddy Homework Helpers program!

In addition to tutoring, the Homework Helpers student volunteers commit time to building strong relationships with their tutees, identifying different techniques in which to better support their tutees, and following up with resources to further reinforce the academic success of their tutees! Throughout the 2021-2022 school year, volunteers have successfully managed their tutoring responsibilities along with being students themselves!

We here at Volunteer & Partner Services wanted to take a moment to congratulate all the graduating Homework Helper seniors, class of 2022! We thank you all for your service and wish you all the best in your future endeavors! 

VPS Volunteer Restores Furniture for Fairfax Families

grey headboardVolunteer & Partner Services is shining the spotlight on a partnership with a local resident.

She has a unique talent and vision for supporting children and families in the Fairfax County community through restoring and donating used furniture.

Learn more.

 

 

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, Study Buddy Tutoring Program); 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.

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