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

Department Resources

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Fairfax Area Commission on Aging

Vision
The Fairfax Area is a community that embraces aging, and is a place where older adults, adults with disabilities, and their caregiver can learn, connect, and thrive.

Members

Photo of members of the Commission on Aging

Meetings

The Fairfax Area Commission on Aging (COA) meetings are held in-person. Learn more about upcoming and past meeting information.

We Work For You!

We are 12 volunteers appointed by elected officials of Fairfax County, Falls Church and the City of Fairfax. 

We advocate for the needs of older adults and tap their potential to enrich the community.

The federal Older Americans Act mandates that local area agencies on aging have community advisory committees. The Fairfax Area Commission on Aging is the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging's community advisory committee. It advises the agency on developing and coordinating community services, policies, programs and actions affecting older adults in the Fairfax area.
 

Get Involved

As your representatives, we need to hear from you. We hope you will consider the following:

  • Join us at a monthly meeting to share your ideas and concerns. Each meeting begins with a public comment period. Meetings are from 1-3 p.m. on the third Wednesday every month, except August. Find Fairfax Area Commission on Aging meeting locations.
     
  • Invite us to speak to your group or faith community. We can discuss our accomplishments, the challenges lying ahead, and the importance of advocacy in preserving quality community services.
     
  • Share your concerns and ideas with us by email.

Current Activities

The SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan was adopted by the Board of Supervisors in May 2023. The SHAPE the Future of Aging plan is aligned with the Fairfax County Strategic Plan and OneFairfax to address the needs of older adults as we plan for the future. Initiative Development Committees (IDC) have been formed and are focusing on each of the five SHAPE categories. Each committee is led by two members of the Fairfax Area Commission on Aging. Learn more.  

Ongoing Activities

We represent the Fairfax area on the Northern Virginia Aging Network, an advocacy group that each year develops a state legislative platform on aging issues and advocates for its adoption by the state legislature. 

We also testify before the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on policy and budgetary issues affecting older adults.   

Who We Are

Contact the COA by email.

At Large: Catherine S. Cole, Chair

Sully District: Cathy Muha, Vice Chair

Springfield District: James R. Kirkpatrick, Secretary

Braddock District: Mike Perel

City of Fairfax: Manisha Maskay

City of Falls Church: Irving Katz

Dranesville District: Juan Tuason 

Franconia: Sharron Dreyer

Hunter Mill District: Brenda Irons LeCesne

Mason District: Vacant

Mount Vernon District:  Diane R. Watson

Providence District: Joseph A. Heastie

Our Goals

  • Older adults will be self-sufficient and will avoid premature dependence.
  • Older adults will have meaningful activities including volunteer opportunities that allow them to engage with their community.
  • Older adults will have effective support systems - especially those who are vulnerable, socially or culturally isolated, who have a disability or who need protection from abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
  • Older adults will be aware of community services. 

Connections

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