Welcome to Caring Community Updates where Volunteer Solutions shares the latest news and articles about our volunteers in action!
Volunteer Spotlight – Bill Vaughan
(Posted July 2026)
For many people, Medicare can feel confusing and overwhelming, with questions about coverage, enrollment, and changing plan options. For the past 15 years, Bill Vaughan has helped make sense of those questions as a volunteer with the Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP). He has worked with countless older adults and their families who want clear, unbiased information about Medicare.
Learn more about Bill’s volunteer experience with Volunteer Solutions, life and a message he wishes to share.
2026 Helping Hands
(Posted June 2026)
May is our annual Helping Hands month, and we’re so grateful for the volunteers who rolled up their sleeves to help with yard projects and indoor decluttering! From pulling weeds, gathering brush, trimming bushes, and sprucing up outdoor spaces, to sorting clothing, packing kitchen items and gathering donations, their efforts made a big difference to the thankful homeowners.
Thank you to Dan, Mary, Doug, Linda, Dana, Kade, Yousef, Alex and his daughter, Victoria, for giving their time and energy to help others! Special thanks to Linda for helping on two yard projects.
May 2026 Bloom Brigade
(Posted May 2026)
Beautiful floral arrangements were thoughtfully created and donated by the Yacht Haven Garden Club, bringing color and joy to Department of Family Services (DFS) clients in Alexandria and Springfield. We are grateful for their continued generosity and support.
These special deliveries were made possible through the ongoing collaboration of DFS Home Delivered Meals staff, Volunteer Solutions staff, and our volunteer drivers who helped bring the 112 bouquets directly to older adults in our community. Thank you to everyone who played a part in uplifting others!
2026 Scam Jam
(Posted May 2026)
Scam Jam 2026, held on April 30 at the Fairfax County Government Center, was a success! We are grateful to our community partners, all the speakers who shared valuable tips on scam and fraud prevention, and all who joined us. Learn more about Silver Shield.
Volunteer Solutions supervisor, Emily Swenson, shared about the latest way to receive alerts. A new Fairfax Alerts channel "Silver Shield Scam and Fraud Information" is now available for text updates on scam and fraud prevention. Its goal is to provide subscribers with timely information and send alerts when scams pose an imminent threat to the community.
Signing up is quick and free:
- Go to Fairfax Alerts
- If you are not an existing user, register for Fairfax Alerts.
- To subscribe to this channel, choose Area Agency on Aging.
- Then, select Silver Shield - Scam and Fraud Information.
Stay informed and keep protecting yourself and your community!
2026 Celebration of National Volunteer Week
(posted April 2026)
In celebration of National Volunteer Week, Volunteer Solutions hosted a volunteer appreciation lunch on Tuesday, April 21 at the new Franconia Governmental Center in Alexandria. The event brought our volunteers and staff together for a time of connection, recognition, and gratitude.
Emily Swenson, Volunteer Solutions Supervisor, served as the emcee, guiding the program. She and other VS staff highlighted the incredible contributions of volunteers. Remarks were also shared by Tara Turner, Director of the Area Agency on Aging, and Supervisor Rodney Lusk, who recognized the vital role volunteers play in strengthening the community.
Guests enjoyed a delicious meal, celebrated award recipients, and took part in raffle prize drawings. We are grateful for the dedication of our volunteers who make this work possible every day!
