Welcome to the 2025 May issue of The Volunteer Post Newsletter, for current and potential volunteers, sponsors and donors interested in supporting children and families.
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2025 Volunteer and Partner Appreciation Event
We want to thank everyone who was able to attend the VPS Volunteer and Partner Appreciation Dinner in April and extend our deepest gratitude to all the donors from Fairfax County and beyond who contributed to the fun, food, prizes, giveaways, and more. You helped make the night a success! Learn more and watch the video of the event.
Donate Foster Care Housewarming Baskets
Housewarming baskets are a meaningful way to make sure that older youth in foster care have the essentials to get started in life. Individuals or organizations can fill housewarming baskets to help these youth get on their feet as they are transitioning out of foster homes into independent living. This is a great service project that can make a profound impact and help youth have the peace of mind to focus on their education and training to elevate themselves. Learn more!
Spotlight on Carrie Bradshaw, Body Safety Program Volunteer
After retiring from a rewarding career as a pediatric nurse, Clare Bradshaw felt that it was time for her to give back. She is a recent volunteer with the Body Safety Program going into the schools to teach children all over Fairfax County about what abuse is, the different types of abuse, how to identify their safe adults, and what to do in unsafe situations. Learn about Clare and why she supports this program and how you can get involved.
BeFriend-A-Child Program Seeks Volunteer Mentors
Mentoring plays a vital role in the growth and development of children. From building self-esteem to promoting educational success, the influence of a caring adult can be transformative. Volunteers are essential to providing children with the support they need to overcome challenges and realize their potential. Learn how you can help.
Supporting Foster Care Changes Lives!
During Foster Care Month this May, we recognize the role of foster care in providing children with opportunities to be part of safe, caring homes and raise awareness of ways to help. Please, join us at our Community Special Event on Tuesday, May 20 at Burke Centre Library if you are curious or interested about ways you can make an impact. Our theme “Awareness to Action – Supporting Foster Care Changes Lives!” is a reminder of the collective responsibility we share to support and uplift the most vulnerable members of our community. Learn more about this topic on our Foster Care Month page.
Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation
Thank you to all the county and community partners who joined us for the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors' proclamation of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. We worked with public and private partners to plant a record 176 pinwheel gardens symbolizing a safe and healthy childhood across Fairfax County, many at Fairfax County Public Library, Public Schools, and Neighborhood and Community Services locations. Thank you for helping to raise awareness of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention resources in our community. Check out the assorted pinwheel garden photos as well.
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.