DEPARTMENT of FAMILY SERVICES

April 23, 2025

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.

Drug Take Back Day: Saturday, April 26, 2025

Take advantage of free, convenient, confidential, and safe disposal of unused or expired medications during Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Find a drop-off site near you.

Spring Produce Picks

As the weather warms this spring, it is a terrific time to explore new produce and recipes. You may begin noticing lower prices and enhanced flavors of certain produce at grocery stores and the opening of local farmers markets. This is because many types of produce are coming into season across the country and our local area. Read about the health benefits of spring produce and get ideas on how to incorporate them into your diet in the April issue of the Golden Gazette.

Step Out in Your Blue Jeans

Denim Day was created in 1999 to bring awareness to victim blaming and the destructive myths about sexual violence. The day asks everyone--community members, elected officials, businesspeople, farmers, and students alike--to make a social statement with their fashion by wearing jeans on this day as a visible means of protest against sexual violence misconceptions. Learn more about why we wear denim on Wednesday, Apr. 30, 2025.

Make a Difference – Mentor a Young Child

Are you available on the weekends? Our BeFriend-A-Child Mentoring program may be the opportunity for you. You can work around your schedule to spend time with your mentee. Build up a child’s social skills, increase their self-esteem, and help them overcome trauma through fun enrichment activities. The next training for new mentors will take place on Saturday, July 12, from Noon-3 p.m., so start the application process now! Learn more about this opportunity.

Help Your Community Learn About Financial Assistance

Did you know the Public Assistance and Employment Services (PAES) division has a Community Outreach Request Form? You can bring PAES to your school, resource fair, health clinic, or any other organization! The PAES Outreach Team can do informational sessions, presentations, or tabling at your location to spread awareness about essential benefits and services. Need training for your staff or want to help spread the word about financial resources? We can help!

Foster Care Unit Success Story: Fostering Mental Health Resilience

When a 16-year-old girl disengaged from treatment, lost all motivation, and spiraled into a mental health crisis, her devastated mother reached out to the Adoption and Kinship Assistance unit for support. Check out this success story to understand how this family got back on track with some help from our adoption assistance specialists, various therapies and community resources. Learn more.

Do You Know the Signs? Domestic Violence Is More Than Black Eyes and Bruises

Domestic violence is complex. So, it makes sense that recognizing it and responding to it can be equally complicated—even for professionals. Nowhere is this made more evident than on the recent Netflix documentary “American Murder: Gabby Petito.” On this episode of Unscripted, host Kendra Lee, ADAPT Supervisor Jennifer Perkins, and Victim Services Specialist Kacey Kirkland analyze the challenges of responding to domestic violence using the Gabby Petito case to guide the discussion.

Weekly Job Leads for Your Inbox

Are you on the job hunt or just like knowing your options? Subscribe to our Career Resources newsletter! You’ll receive weekly job leads verified by our employer partners, upcoming hiring events and job fairs, and regional resources for job seekers. Or, are you an employer looking to improve your hiring process? Contact us at EmployerEngagement@fairfaxcounty.gov to learn more.

Wednesday, April 23 – Teen Advocates Gameshow Event

Join our Teen Advocates as they raise awareness about teen dating violence on Wednesday, April 23, from 6-8 p.m. at the James Lee Community Center (2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church, VA 22042). This event, which will feature team-based competitions, cool prizes, and more, is free and open to Fairfax County teenagers and their families. Questions? Email Debra Miller.

Únete a nosotros para el evento de concursos de los Teen Advocates que será emocionante. Que: Violencia en el noviazgo entre adolescentes concurso de concientización. Cuando: miércoles, abril. 23, 2025, 6-8 p.m. Donde: Centro comunitario de James Lee, 2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church, VA 22042. Quien puede atender: Jóvenes de la edad 12-19 (¡Trae a tus amigos/amigas!). Para más información, contacta Noraybeth Nieto.

Tuesday, April 29 – Supporting Foster Care Changes Lives!

Join Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoption for a special event in recognition of National Foster Care Month. Scheduled at the Lorton Library on April 29 from 5-7 p.m., social workers and community partners will come together to discuss how to make a difference for vulnerable children in our community. Whether you are simply curious to learn more or seriously considering becoming a foster parent, this meeting is the perfect chance to get all your questions answered. We’ll discuss the foster care system, the steps to become a foster parent, the life-changing rewards, and other ways to be involved. Register online.

Wednesday, April 30 – Scam Jam 2025: Prevention, Protection and Prosecution

Don’t miss the opportunity to learn more about fraud prevention and the protection of older adults. Attend Scam Jam to explore resources from local government agencies and non-profit organizations. Hear from a former district attorney who has prosecuted more than 750 cases of elder abuse. Watch HOAP: Heroes of Adult Protection, a film that showcases the resilience of abuse victims and the dedicated efforts of Adult Protective Services employees and community members working together to protect vulnerable adults. Register for this FREE event.