Stay connected with recent events and news in the Public Assistance and Employment Services (PAES) division!
Celebrating Youth at the CLIMB Recognition Ceremony
(Posted November 2024)
On November 14, 2024, Employment Services celebrated the inaugural cohort of the CLIMB Program at their Recognition Ceremony. 15 youth between the ages of 18-24 completed a six-week skills development and career exploration program to support their success. To support their participation in the program, youth received an hourly wage of $14/hour.
Youth learned about top industries, meeting with employers such as Amazon Web Services, Baltimore-DC Metro Building and Construction Trades Council, Fairfax County Fire Department, Fairfax County Neighborhood & Community Services, Fairfax County Police Department, Minority Tech Foundation, National Park Service, Truist Bank, and the U.S. Army.
The participants also attended interactive workshops on resume building, interview preparation, financial literacy, and workplace communication skills from representatives of BritePaths, Leadership Fairfax, Truist Bank, and Virginia Career Works Center.
Visiting the Amazon Skills Center, Culmore Center (formerly Woodrow Wilson) Library, Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA -Annandale) campus, and the Workforce Innovation and Skills Hub (W.I.S.H.) gave the CLIMB participants the opportunity to see resources first-hand and learn about all of the supports available to them.
At the Recognition Ceremony, Paulisha Kellum from Neighborhood and Community Services delivered an inspiring keynote address, and community partner Jorge Figueredo from Edu-Futuro shared insights to support the youth’s future success. Congratulations to the CLIMB cohort on their accomplishments!
The CLIMB Program is a partnership of Fairfax County Department of Family Services, Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services, and Second Story. Do you know someone between ages 17-24 who would benefit from career support services? Learn about our youth employment programs or contact DFSYouthWorks@fairfaxcounty.gov to learn more.
Recognizing the Medical Care for Children Partnership (MCCP) Foundation
(Posted October 2024)
On October 16, 2024, at the Department of Family Services (DFS) “This Is Us” Wellness and Recognition Event, attendees gathered to recognize the outstanding partnership and achievements of the Medical Care for Children Partnership (MCCP) Foundation. For over 35 years, this award-winning, nationally recognized public-private partnership has improved health outcomes for vulnerable children in Fairfax County. In collaboration with the DFS Public Assistance and Employment (PAES) Division and the medical community, the MCCP Foundation ensures access to comprehensive medical and dental services for families who are otherwise ineligible for Medicaid or other healthcare options. Currently, 3,439 children are enrolled in the program, with countless more benefiting since its inception.
With Executive Director Marcia Twomey at its helm, the MCCP Foundation is a true champion of children’s health and wellness, actively engaging the community through events such as food distribution stations, Culmore Community Day, and Give Kids a Smile, among many others. Their efforts embody DFS values of equity, partnership, innovation, people-focused, and accountability, and we are proud to be their partner.
DFS and PAES staff extend the deepest appreciation to the MCCP Foundation for their invaluable partnership and extraordinary contributions to the community.
On October 16, 2024, at the Department of Family Services (DFS) “This Is Us” Wellness and Recognition Event, attendees gathered to recognize David Hunn and 
On October 10, 2024, the Fairfax County Department of Family Services (DFS) participated in the 2024 Digital Equity Summit, organized by Cox Communications, Inova, and Fairfax County Government. Represented by Daniel Mekibib, Assistant Division Director for Workforce Development, DFS reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring residents have the resources and skills to thrive in digitally connected communities. Daniel outlined DFS's multipronged approach: Access to Devices, Broadband Connectivity, Digital Literacy, and Tech Career Readiness. Daniel stressed the importance of tech partnerships to ensure the digital divide doesn't widen economic disparities as automation and AI reshape the workforce by displacing some jobs and creating newer ones.