Department of Family Services Alert:
Gail Ruf: Bringing Joy to Children Experiencing Homelessness
Gail Ruf is full of boundless energy. After raising three children while enjoying a successful career in television, she retired from work but didn’t slow down. She has filled her retirement years with pursuits she is passionate about, devoting hours volunteering at Fairfax Public Access, using her experience and expertise to help others create TV shows from scratch. However, the bulk of her time is spent concepting, shopping for, assembling, and delivering customized bags full of arts and crafts supplies to children living in family shelters throughout the region. This project is purely her own, born out of a lifetime love of arts and crafts and the knowledge that creative expression can bring joy and relieve some of the stress experienced by children who are homeless. Read more.
Celebrate the Life-Changing Work of Social Workers in March
Every day, social workers in Fairfax County help improve the lives of the most vulnerable members of our community. In the Adult and Aging Division of the Department of Family Services, social services specialists ensure that older adults and adults with disabilities are protected from abuse, exploitation, and neglect. They also work to assess the needs of older adults, work in partnership with adults and families to create care plans, and support adults and families to carry out those plans. Through compassion, collaboration and problem solving, these dedicated workers help to achieve favorable outcomes for the people they serve. Here are a few stories of their life-changing work. Read more.
Artificial Intelligence and Deepfake Videos: What You Need to Know
Until recently, it was difficult to create a fake video that was convincing without considerable time and expertise. With the evolving capabilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI), that is no longer the case. AI generated videos, called deepfakes, are challenging our ability to tell what is real and what is fake, empowering bad actors to spread misinformation. Deepfakes are also being used by scammers to steal money and personal information. Read more.
Emergency Preparedness for People with Lung Disease
Preparing for emergencies looks different if you live with or care for someone with lung disease. Here are five key steps you can take to prevent worsening of symptoms, and prepare to manage lung disease during an emergency. Read more.
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