According to research, women are disproportionately stressed by Thanksgiving, but they aren’t the only ones. People occupying marginalized identities, immigrants, and folks navigating hectic finances might feel stressed by the holiday season, too. No worries: self-care to the rescue with these three tips!

The holiday season is a time for celebration and spending time with family and friends. It is also the season of giving. If helping others is part of your holiday tradition, consider donating to one of the drives listed here. Your donation will directly impact those living in your community. Learn more in the November issue of the Golden Gazette.

This fall, the Department of Family Services was honored to offer Mandated Reporter Training to a group of nearly 200 Fairfax County Public School employees. This was a collaborative effort to start the school year off with clear guidance on state reporting policies and procedures for child abuse and neglect. DFS Volunteer and Partner Services own Samantha Carrico, Francesca Lovitt, and Elizabeth Aguilar Martinez helped to lead the training. Check it out.

How much do you know about hunger in Fairfax County? This week is Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, an annual opportunity to shine a spotlight on these issues that can go unnoticed in our community. The Public Assistance and Employment Services (PAES) division administers SNAP, the food benefits program that helps individuals and families at risk of experiencing hunger.

There are many older adults and adults with disabilities in our community facing challenges obtaining the basic necessities others take for granted. For these people, such essentials are not just needed but deeply appreciated. As we gather with our loved ones, many of us reflect on ways to make a positive impact in the lives of others. The Adult and Aging Division of Fairfax County's Department of Family Services is seeking donations of hygiene items to include in this year’s holiday project gift bags. Each donation brings comfort and seasonal cheer and serves as a heartfelt reminder that our community cares. Donations are due by Monday, December 2, 2024. Learn how to donate.

November is Native American Heritage Month. The impact of sexual and domestic violence on indigenous communities in the U.S. has a long history, and the effects of this violence still can be seen today, with research showing American Indian/Alaska Native women having some of the highest rates of rape of any other people. Native women and girls go missing and are murdered at the highest rate of any racial or ethnic group, often related to domestic violence and human trafficking. Learn more about the intersection between gender-based violence and Native American communities and how activists are working to change this narrative.

Meet Don and Emily, who became Fairfax County foster parents in 2018. After providing respite care for a couple of children, they welcomed 15-month-old Angel into their home in 2021 and recently adopted him. Don and Emily developed a close relationship with Angel’s biological family along the way, which has been a blessing to everyone. Angel, who is now an active 4-year-old, is receiving the care and support he needs from the whole family and he is thriving. Learn more about this family and how their choice to foster has led to such joy. Check out the video.

Everyone looks for ways to give back during the holiday season, but we need your help during tax season! Volunteers are needed to help individuals and families who made less than $67,000 in 2024 prepare their taxes in spring 2025. Some experience preparing taxes is recommended, and additional training will be provided. You can have a big impact: last year, volunteers helped secure a total federal tax refund amount of $2,888,787 across 2,151 returns. Learn more about the VITA program. Sign up now or contact  DFSVITA@fairfaxcounty.gov to volunteer.