DEPARTMENT of FAMILY SERVICES

May 2026

Fanny Gaston: Teacher and Lifelong Learner

Fanny Gaston moved to the United States from France over 30 years ago. She didn’t speak a word of English when she arrived but became fluent after taking classes offered by Fairfax County Public Schools Adult & Community Education (ACE) program. Along with the welcoming community she found in Fairfax County, she credits ACE with helping her find her footing and make connections in her new home. Years later, Fanny joined the staff of ACE and now connects with and inspires her own students.

Celebrating Older Americans Month: Take Charge of Your Health

May is Older Americans Month. It is a time to honor the many ways older adults contribute to our families and communities, to look at how our population is aging, and to renew our promise to support older adults.

KARE Supports Kinship Caregivers and Connects Them to Resources

Across Fairfax County, many grandparents, relatives, and close family friends are quietly stepping into an essential role: raising children when parents are unable to do so. If you are caring for a grandchild, niece, nephew, younger sibling, or the child of someone close to you, you are considered a kinship caregiver. These caregivers provide children with the comfort of familiar faces, routines, and cultural connections during times of uncertainty. But while this role can be deeply meaningful, it can also be challenging to navigate alone.

Walk This May for Stronger Bones

This month, you can take steps – literally – to help raise awareness about osteoporosis, support those affected, and promote better bone health for all. May is Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month, and the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation is encouraging everyone to “Walk a Mile a Day in May.”

May 2026 Table of Contents:

Read these additional articles online:

• Celebrate Older Americans Month at Nationals Park!
• Six Ways You Can Connect with and Help Your Older Adult Neighbors
• Help Prevent the Abuse of Older Adults in Your Community
• May: Weathering the Storm: Your Guide to Hurricane Season
• Family Caregiver Support: A Guide for Family Caregivers on Disposing of Home-Generated Medical Waste and Personal Hygiene Products
• Grievances in Long-Term Care Facilities
• Fairfax Area Commission on Aging
• Come to the Building Safety Month Resource Fair
• Free Classes Hosted by ElderLink
• Judgment Lien Scams: A Guide to Recognizing and Reporting Fraudulent Court and Tax Lien Notices
• Mature Living – The CARES Program
• Cultivate Change – Volunteer
• Volunteers Needed for Area Shepherd's Centers
• May Community Calendar

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