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UPCOMING EVENTS
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1:15PM, Monday, January 25, 1:15-2:15 p.m.
Featured Artist! Sharon Fishel,…
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1:15PM, Monday, January 25, 1:15-3:30 p.m.
1:15-2:15 p.m. - Beginner Line…
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9:00AM, Tuesday, January 26, 9-10 a.m.
Please join this informational session…
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10:30AM, Tuesday, January 26, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Please join us for “Name that…
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10:30AM, Wednesday, January 27, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
A strength, balance and…
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1:15PM, Wednesday, January 27, 1:15-2:15 p.m.
Test your knowledge and skills…
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1:15PM, Thursday, January 28, 1:15-2:15 p.m.
Guest Performer! Dance the…
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10:30AM, Friday, January 29, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Lots of people meet friends and…
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10:30AM, Friday, January 29, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
A strength, balance and fitness…
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2:30PM, Friday, January 29, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Service project! Learn how to knit…
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7:00PM, Friday, January 29, 7-7:45 p.m.
Featured Artists! Classical Music with…
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10:00AM, Interactive Support and Education for Caregivers of Older Adults
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News and Information
January 21, 2021
NCS Therapeutic Recreation Services provides opportunities for children and adults with disabilities to develop the skills that enable them to participate in the recreation and leisure programs of their choice. When the team’s in-person programs had to be cancelled due to COVID-19 last year, they quickly began developing a slew of virtual activities to continue supporting their participants.
In May 2020, TRS transitioned its spring and summer programs to Zoom, a virtual platform. TRS provided a wide array of virtual activities – all at no cost – for both youth and adults, from social and exercise activities to arts and crafts. After seeing success with this initial program, TRS innovated again and created a Little Adapted Virtual Adventures Preschool Learn & Play program for 2- to 5-year-olds, co-led by parents.
This program focused on early intervention and continued engagement for our youngest population. In addition to the virtual engagement platform, it included Preschool Activity Bags with age-appropriate manipulatives, crafts, social engagement activities and games that focused on fine and gross motor skills.
The activity bags were deemed immediately necessary, as TRS realized they were missing a crucial audience: those without access to the technology to participate in Zoom sessions. Using the activity bags, families were able to engage in a wide array of activities without needing access to technology.
TRS had initially planned on handing out 30 preschool activity bags. However, word quickly spread and within hours of opening registration, TRS had over 75 requests. Again, the team quickly adapted and tripled their supply order to accommodate all participants who enrolled.
They received more than 20 emails from parents thanking them for the program.
'This Is Exactly What We Needed'
Of the response, TRS Branch Manager Ashley Cunningham said, “The parents were so appreciative. We got so many emails saying ‘Thank you, this is exactly what we needed’” and ‘Not only are they having fun, but they are learning!’ It’s awesome to see the kids engage and their language and attention span improve.”
One parent wrote, “Thank you so much for the bag! My son is going to love the things in it, and I really appreciate how some of them will help him in the years to come (e.g., the counting blocks).” Another said, “I greatly appreciate your efforts for thinking of our kids to entertain and make it more fun during this pandemic.”
More Virtual Programs On the Way
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues into winter and spring, TRS will focus on further expanding programming to include replacing the ever-popular in-person adult New Year’s party with a virtual event featuring contests, activities and door prizes. Every participant will receive New Year’s activity bags filled with crafts, games and festive items.
Additionally, TRS will offer virtual Preschool Learn & Play, Youth Social Clubs, Adult Social Clubs, Hot Topics (in partnership with Regional Services and Center Operations), Spring Activity Bags for all populations, and even a cooking event for older youth called Family Night Sunday Bites.
For all the TRS efforts since the pandemic began, Ashley Cunningham expressed how proud she is of the team: “We’re serving so many returning and new participants, who are spreading the word about these amazing and impactful virtual programs available within Therapeutic Recreation,” she said. “Until we can go back in person, what the TR team has done thus far is a great collaboration between virtual and hands-on at-home activities.”
For more information on Therapeutic Recreation Services, see the NCS website.
January 19, 2021
The Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services is now accepting applications for the Partners in Prevention Fund Capacity Building Program. Awardees will receive funding, training, and technical assistance to implement prevention programs for children, youth, and families in the community.
The Request for Proposals and any additional documents can be found at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/solicitation/ .
Proposals are due on Friday, Feb. 19 by 2 p.m. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to attend a pre-proposal informational meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 2 at 11 a.m.; the meeting will be held via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86381705031 , passcode 294804Hv%@. You can also join by telephone at 888-270-9936, passcode 926977.
Any type of youth-serving organization is eligible. Community-based organizations, houses of worship and other faith-based organizations, healthcare providers, housing property management organizations, and others are all encouraged to apply.
Applicants can choose to implement any or all of the available programs, which include substance abuse prevention, child abuse and neglect prevention, teen dating abuse prevention, and teen sexual health curriculums.
Any questions should be directed to Shelley Brent of the Fairfax County Department of Procurement and Material Management at shelley.brent@fairfaxcounty.gov .
January 13, 2021
What began as a service project at one NCS Senior Center last year has evolved into a full-scale campaign with several centers, nonprofits, a youth volunteer group, and a business participating. The project began in 2019-20, when Pimmitt Hills Senior Center Assistant Director Kathy Fries saw a need and began collecting hats, gloves/mittens, and scarves to get adults and children through the winter.
Pimmitt members crocheted and knitted at the center and at home and donated new items to Cornerstones to distribute to the community. In 2020-21 even more centers are participating, including the Herndon Senior Center and Sandi’s Knitnicks, the Kingstowne Center for Older Adults, Service Source, Lewinsville Senior Center, and Mott Community Center.
Also participating are the National Charity League (Virginia Bluebell Chapter), Fairfax County Health Department, and a local business, Pruitt Title LLC. ServiceSource is further supporting this effort by facilitating a virtual class on loom knitting hats (see information below).
Herndon Senior Center Director Ruth Junkin said, “Kathy has drummed up enthusiasm and helped all to focus on helping others, which lifts spirits tremendously. Her coordination and advertising of the project has made a substantial increase in the number of children and adults who can be helped this year. I am so pleased Herndon Senior Center members are participating with such pleasure and gusto.”
As of this printing, 185 new hats, gloves/mittens and scarves have been collected in the month of January. For February, NCS is adding HomeStretch and Shelter House, which both serve homeless families, as recipients for this project.
How to Get Involved
Anyone is welcome to donate new purchased or handmade items! Simply leave items in the box in center entry areas no later than these dates:
Wednesday, Feb. 3
Kingstowne Center for Older Adults: 6488 Landsdowne Center, Alexandria, VA, 22315
Mott Community Center: 12111 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA, 22030
Lewinsville Senior Center: 1613 Great Falls Street, McLean, VA 22101
Friday, Feb. 5
Herndon Senior Center: 873 Grace St, Herndon, VA 20170
The public is also welcome to join the virtual Zoom class on loom knitting hats:
Friday, Jan. 29, 2:30 pm
Location: bit.ly/VCAASocialSpace
Meeting ID 901 875 2818; Password 8727
About Health & Human Services
This agency is a part of Fairfax County Health & Human Services (HHS). HHS is a network of county agencies and community partners that support the well-being of all who live, work, and play in Fairfax County.