One of Fairfax County’s longstanding goals is to enhance the economic prosperity and quality of life by maximizing the ability of all residents to achieve their full potential. Over time, and for a variety of demographic and economic reasons, gaps and stresses in the region’s health and human services programs have increasingly become evident and are growing.  

In 2016, The Human Services Council sponsored a Human Services Needs Assessment, which found that our community members were challenged in reaching their full potential. Given limited resources and growing needs, it was imperative that community leaders and providers identify creative and innovative approaches for more effective service delivery.

The Council took the lead to host a solution-oriented effort called "The Innovation Challenge." This event was held on May 18, 2017, and brought ideas from social entrepreneurs, businesses, public sector representatives and more.