Welcome to the 2026 January issue of The Volunteer Post Newsletter, for current and potential volunteers, sponsors and donors interested in supporting children and families.
| Table of Contents | |
|---|---|
|
|
Adopt-A-Family Holiday Program Spreading Joy and Cheer
Our 2025 Adopt-A-Family Holiday Program had a record-breaking year! It was incredible to see such unprecedented levels of giving in a year when our community also experienced so many financial challenges! Thanks to our 882 donors the holidays were brighter for 1,019 families and 2,096 children this season! Learn more.
BeFriend-A-Child Mentors and Mentees Making Spirits Bright
The BeFriend-A-Child Mentoring Program hosted a joyful holiday celebration for mentors, mentees and their families. This heartwarming event was filled with fun, laughter, and community spirit. We are so grateful to each and every sponsor, donor and volunteer who supported this crowd-pleasing event. Learn more!
Children, Youth, and Families Staff Support Volunteer Fest
What an amazing day at the Volunteer Fest Community Fair! This fall, staff from the Department of Family Services Children Youth and Families Division had a fantastic time, sharing information about volunteer opportunities alongside 30 other nonprofit organizations. Representatives from our Prevention programs as well as Foster Care and Adoption jumped at the chance to connect with people and explain how they could get involved with CYF programs. There was an amazing coalition of volunteers on hand packing 75,000 meals to support individuals and families affected by the government shutdown.
DFS Director Dr. Michael A. Becketts, who is also the Volunteer Fairfax Board president, and several members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors also attended and made remarks. It was a valuable opportunity for our programs to connect with community members, partner organizations, and potential volunteers who have an inspirational level of enthusiasm for giving back.
Hygiene Products Needed
Help a family today with your donation. We are accepting NEW, full-sized, packaged, and sealed hygiene products. We encourage inclusive donations of personal hygiene items for all genders, ages (children, teens, and adults), backgrounds, and ethnicities. For the full list of products and more information, visit our website.
Comfort Cases Provides “Coats of Comfort”
Comfort Cases partnered with CNN News Anchor Laura Coates during National Adoption Awareness Month in November for “Coats of Comfort.” After this successful coat drive closed, they paid a visit to our offices with generous donors from Anthem just in time for the holidays. They delivered a generous shipment of new outerwear for children in foster care and other children involved with DFS programs, offering comfort and care to those who need it most. We are so thankful for this caring program that donated approximately 100 coats with more expected.
Exploring the Importance of Active Fathers
Bennie Herron, Father Engagement Unit supervisor, was the guest speaker for OKK Chapter Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated’s kickoff event for their Annual Achievement Week 2026. Herron addressed the crucial role fathers play in shaping the lives of their children and families. Learn more about this event and the opportunities with this program.
DPWES Packs Foster Care Housewarming Baskets
Foster Care and Adoption received a thoughtful donation from Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services. Their Women of Works (WOW) group provided care packages that will benefit older youth in foster care. These donations will help to make for a smoother transition for older youth in our Fostering Futures program as they move into living more independently. Learn how you can support the Fostering Futures program.
Celebrating Our Mentors During National Mentoring Month
January is National Mentoring Month and January 28 is Thank your Mentor Day! Shaping one person's story can transform countless others. Let's take a moment to celebrate our mentors by expressing our heartfelt gratitude for their presence, support, and the profound impact they've had on the lives of the mentees in our BeFriend-A-Child program. These mentors play a crucial role in sparking connections for our county’s vulnerable children. Learn more about the program.
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.