Department of Family Services

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
Michael A. Becketts
Director

Community Corner

Community Corner banner graphic, text over a variety of stenciled homes

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.

Don't miss out on future postings; sign-up today!

Email Updates

To sign up for updates or to access your subscriber preferences, please enter your contact information below.

 

Click here to view the latest Community Corner newsletter!

Community Calendar section title graphic

Join Michael Kenny, president of Creative Arts for Social Action, for a drum circle workshop that nurtures connection, wellness, and joy through rhythm. Family caregivers and their loved ones are invited to explore the healing power of sound and community. Whether you're caring for a parent, child, partner, or friend, this experience offers a meaningful space to recharge together with gentle rhythm-based activities accessible to all ages and abilities. No musical experience or instruments required. Grab some spoons and a pot, use body percussion, whatever you have that can make sound! (household items welcome!) This virtual intergenerational workshop is hosted by the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging. The workshop is scheduled from 12-1 p.m. Register online.

Looking for an energizing, hands-on art experience for the whole family? Join Mckenzie Wilson, Intergenerational and Creative Projects Manager, with Silver Kite Community Arts®, for a dynamic online workshop. Expand your creative toolkit for family engagement and explore practical and fun collage and mixed media techniques. Whether you're a "sandwich" caregiver balancing the needs of both children and aging loved ones or simply seeking a meaningful way to connect with family, this workshop will provide creative tools to engage, explore, and connect across generations. Come as you are! This workshop is all about active participation and designed to spark creativity for caregivers and families. Bring your family, questions, and ideas. Let’s celebrate our stories! This virtual intergenerational workshop is hosted by the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging. The workshop is scheduled from 12-1 p.m. Register to learn more.

If you are available on weekdays during school hours and enjoy working with kids, this opportunity is for you! The Department of Family Services’ Body Safety Program needs volunteer classroom instructors to help empower elementary students with the tools they need to prevent or interrupt child abuse. Apply online or contact the Body Safety staff by email or phone at 703-324-7459 to attend this training and begin supporting the program at the start of the school year.

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, Aug. 12, at 6:45 p.m. Complete this short interest form for prospective parents. For more information check out our website.

Join this webinar from 12-1 p.m. to learn about the lived experiences of African American adult daughters caring for a parent with cognitive decline or dementia. Dr. Kalisha Bonds Johnson will highlight key factors that shape an adult daughters’ well-being and confidence in making healthcare decisions—for themselves and their loved ones. Dr. Shanae Rhodes will follow with powerful quotes from African American women caregivers, offering insight into their journeys. The presentation includes practical self-care strategies and core takeaways designed to support African American care partners of all genders. This presentation is hosted by the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging. Register for details. Learn more about dementia resources for family caregivers.

If you want to help parents and their children learn new ways to build healthy family relationships, please apply online with us to support our parenting classes. Our next volunteer co-facilitator training will be Tuesday, August 16 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information about this vital role, contact the Parenting Education Programs by email or call 703-324-7720.

Catch Up Corner section title graphic

CHECK OUT OLDER POSTS!

Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones weaken and become more fragile, leading to an increased risk of falls and fractures. Millions of Americans are affected by low bone density or osteoporosis. Good nutrition can help protect you against the onset of osteoporosis. Learn more about three nutrients that are vital for bone health in the July issue of the Golden Gazette.

School is out for summer, but parents know preparing for the next school year starts now. Find out what immunizations are required by grade level for fall registration, and plan how you will access care during the summer months. Free or low cost medical visits are available through the Medical Care for Children Partnership Foundation and Federally Qualified Health Centers for Adults and Children in Fairfax County. Learn more!

Community Conversations section title graphic


newsletter graphicFoster Family News for Current and Potential Fairfax County Foster Parents – July 2025

Our monthly Foster Family Newsletter shares resources and experiences relevant to foster and adoptive parents, children in care, and the resource workers who support them. Check out the July 2025 newsletter. This month we focus on summer safety, changes to in-service training, pre-natal drug exposure, and a way to help foster care graduates.


newsletter graphicGolden Gazette Newsletter Covers a Variety of Topics Concerning Older Adults and Caregivers in Fairfax County

Check out the July 2025 Golden Gazette, featuring Diana Artemis, who overcame a difficult childhood to live a life of accomplishment and service to others. You’ll also get a progress update on year two of the SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan, learn about nutrients that are good for bone health and more. 


newsletter graphicThe Volunteer Post Newsletter

We have many wonderful volunteers and donors helping children and families in Fairfax County. Our Volunteer Post Newsletter provides a glimpse into the many ways to get involved in making a difference and supporting families in our community. Check out the July 2025 issue for fun BeFriend-A-Child Spring events, Body Safety’s impact, a volunteer spotlight, and a way to help foster care graduates.


newsletter graphicVolunteer Voices Newsletter

What’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Services volunteer corps up to now? Find out in the July 2025 Volunteer Voices, where you’ll hear from volunteer liaisons how volunteers make DSVS run, spend a day with Clinical Services Program Manager Melody Vielbig, learn about regular donor Zonta Club, and mark your calendars for a special volunteer celebration. Also, check out our review of Survivor Made; get the lowdown on the Prevention, Education and Coordination team; tease your brain with movie facts; see who’s blowing out candles this month; get an ADAPT history lesson; and more.

Join the Community section title graphic

stock photo of employeesJoin Us! Learn about job opportunities in the Department of Family Services.
Fairfax Virtual Assistant