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

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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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The Fairfax Area Agency on Aging’s Home Delivered Meals Program is excited to be selected for the Giant Community Bag Program for the month of November!

The Home Delivered Meals program helps provide meals to adults over the age of 60, or adults with a disability, who are homebound and are unable to prepare their own meals. When you shop at Giant Food, 13043 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy, Fairfax VA during November and buy a $2.75 Community Bag, Giant will donate $1 to the Home Delivered Meals program. Thanks for supporting our program! Learn more about the Home Delivered Meals Program.

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, Dec. 9, at 6:45 p.m. Complete this short interest form for prospective parents. Learn more.

Join Domestic and Sexual Violence Services during Human Trafficking Awareness Month for an eye-opening training on the impact of exploitation and violence in our communities. In this presentation and multidisciplinary panel, we will delve into: the reality of human trafficking in Fairfax County and beyond; connections between human trafficking and other forms of violence; and how you can recognize the signs, support survivors, and refer to local resources. This 90-minute training (1-3:30 p.m. at Congregation Olam Tikvah, 3800 Glenbrook Road, Fairfax) is free, but registration is required.

Questions? Contact Human Trafficking and Sexual Violence Coordinator Victoria Nevel-Babla.

Want to be a part of ending teen dating violence in our community? Join the Fairfax County Teen Advocates Program and make your voice heard! Build your knowledge and tools to promote healthy relationships—and have fun along the way!

As a Teen Advocate you can:

  • Champion a cause you care about.
  • Become a leader among your peers.
  • Make new friends who are passionate like you.
  • Plan impactful events and activities!

Ready to make a difference? Apply by Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.

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CHECK OUT OLDER POSTS!

How much do you know about hunger in Fairfax County? As we enter the holiday season where food is a central piece of celebration and togetherness for many families, we want to shine a spotlight on this issue that often goes unnoticed in our community. The Public Assistance and Employment Services (PAES) division administers SNAP, the food benefits program that helps individuals and families at risk of experiencing hunger. Learn more about how SNAP helps households buy food and how to apply for food, medical, energy, and financial assistance.

Did you know that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among both men and women in the United States? November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month – a perfect time to learn about lung health, recognize warning signs of lung disease, and take steps to protect your lungs. Learn more in the November issue of the Golden Gazette.

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newsletter graphicFoster Family News for Current and Potential Fairfax County Foster Parents – November 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 November 2025 newsletter. This month we focus on Adoption Awareness Month, children awaiting adoption, and community outreach.


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

Check out the November 2025 Golden Gazette, featuring Rubina Jawiad, who has been a caregiver to Catherine with the support of CARES, Fairfax County’s Adult Foster Care program. You’ll also learn about holiday giving opportunities, how to safeguard your lung 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 November 2025 issue to learn about some DFS holiday giving programs, a partnership with Neighborhood and Community Services, and recent program highlights.


newsletter graphicVolunteer Voices Newsletter

What’s the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services volunteer corps doing this month? Find out in the November 2025 Volunteer Voices, where you’ll discover how the division observes Native American Heritage and National Homeless Youth Awareness months, learn about the partnership with Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Language Access program, read a survivor story of loss and hope, familiarize yourself with the steps for holiday giving, and more.

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Fairfax Virtual Assistant