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Community Corner

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Welcome to the Department of Family Services' Community Corner. Our weekly newsletter, updated each Wednesday, provides information about upcoming events, parenting and wellness tips, programs and services, and more! Share these helpful posts with your family and friends.

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Dads, do you want to build a stronger bond with your children? The Father Engagement Unit understands the challenges you face and is here to support you. Our FREE Dads Parenting Groups are designed to help fathers be the best they can be. This virtual 12-week course takes place from 6-8:30 p.m. starting Tuesday, May 19. Language interpretation services are available. If you or your children live in Fairfax County, call 703-324-7720, email BuildingStrongerfamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov for more information or visit our website.

Join Fairfax County Department of Family Services’ Adult & Aging Division to celebrate Older Americans Month at Nationals Park! This event brings together older adults, adults with disabilities, family caregivers, dedicated aging service professionals, and organizations for a day filled with joy, connection, and community spirit. Learn more and purchase tickets.

Join Inova ElderLink and the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging for online training to help family and professional caregivers. Embody Clay as he and his family cope with his terminal illness and move into hospice care, learning how clear and caring communication can help with end-of-life choices and understanding what to expect in his final days. Session will be held from 10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. via Microsoft Teams. Register now.

Are you curious about becoming a foster parent? Hundreds of children in Fairfax County need a temporary loving home until they can safely return to their families. Our next virtual information meeting is by invitation only on Tuesday, June 9, at 6:45 p.m. Complete this short interest form for prospective parents. For more information check out our website.

Mark your calendar! Join DSVS for an afternoon of food, fun, and connection in the park at the Summer Volunteer Appreciation Picnic, Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 3-5 p.m. at the Providence Park Pavilion (10715 West Dr., Fairfax, VA). Enjoy refreshments, activities, and great company. Family and friends are welcome. Potluck optional; if you’d like, bring a favorite dish to share. For more information, contact DSVS Volunteer Manager Caroline Croghan.

Registration for the summer session of Sexual Violence Tier 1, a 16-hour training on understanding sexual violence, systems responding to sexual violence in Fairfax County, and resources available in our community, is now open. The summer session is 8 a.m.-5 p.m., in-person at Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation, 1441 Wiehle Avenue, Reston, VA 22190. This training is free but seats fill quickly, so sign up now. For full credit, all 16 hours must be completed. Questions? Contact Victoria Nevel-Babla.

Apply Now if you want to make a difference for a child and you are available on the weekends. The BeFriend-A-Child Mentoring Program is a great opportunity for you to shape a child’s future. You can even work around your schedule to spend time with your mentee. Build up a child’s social skills, increase their self-esteem and help them overcome challenges. The next training for new mentors will take place virtually on Saturday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn more about the program or apply online.

Fanny Gaston moved to the United States from France over 30 years ago. She didn’t speak a word of English when she arrived but became fluent after taking classes offered by Fairfax County Public Schools Adult & Community Education (ACE) program. Along with the welcoming community she found in Fairfax County, she credits ACE with helping her find her footing and make connections in her new home. Years later, Fanny joined the staff of ACE and now connects with and inspires her own students. Learn more about Fanny, her life, and work, in the May issue of the Golden Gazette.

Are you up to date on the most recent and upcoming changes to SNAP and Medicaid eligibility? Changes to both programs will affect many, but not all, enrollees. For SNAP, there are new rules on providing proof of expenses, work requirement exemptions, and eligibility for non-citizens. Medicaid changes are coming soon, most notably the Work and Community Engagement requirement starting January 2027 for adults in the Medicaid Expansion population. There will also be eligibility changes for non-citizen adults and six-month renewals for certain adults (instead of twelve-month renewals). Learn more.