DEPARTMENT of FAMILY SERVICES

July 9, 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.

Family Resources for a Fun, Safe & Healthy Summer

Summer is here, school is out, and it’s time for family fun! Having a fun and healthy summer begins with small steps. Set clear expectations with your kids, talk openly with them, and teach them ways to handle challenges. Check out these resources to help you prepare your kids to be ready for anything from sunburn– to –peer pressure– to– minor emergencies. Learn more.

SHAPE Plan Year Two Update

The SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan is Fairfax County’s strategic plan designed to guide efforts in building programs to support older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers in the Fairfax area. The plan acts as a North Star for Adult and Aging, helping us to understand the needs of older adults and their caregivers. It also helps community-based organizations that serve and support these groups. Learn more about the progress that was made during year two of the plan in the July issue of the Golden Gazette.

Providing Connections: Domestic and Sexual Violence Services’ Prevention, Education, and Coordination Team

Two years ago, Domestic and Sexual Violence Services’ Countywide Coordination Team evolved into the Prevention, Education, and Coordination (PEC) team to strengthen the response to domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, and stalking. Recently, Volunteer Voices sat down with PEC Team Program Manager Stacy Ziebell to talk about why this change was necessary and how it’s going as it approaches its second anniversary. Find out what we learned.

We’re Here for You: Financial and Medical Assistance

Do you know what to do when times are tough and budgets are tight? You don’t have to figure it out alone. Public Assistance and Employment Services administers financial and medical assistance that can help you afford essentials. Whether it’s help buying groceries, finding affordable medical care, or training and education to help you find a new job, we can help. Learn more about our services and consider sharing with a friend.

Building a Stronger and Safer Community One School at a Time

Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment. Yet across the United States, hundreds of thousands of children are affected by abuse and neglect each year—most often at the hands of someone they know and trust. While the statistics are sobering, the good news is that child maltreatment is preventable. Learn about Body Safety, a county program focused on this work and how to get involved and help us reach our goal of 30 new volunteers before our next training on Friday, August 8!

Free Clinical Services Available to All Impacted by Interpersonal Violence

Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Clinical Services program promotes community health, wellness, and safety by supporting those impacted by sexual violence, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and stalking. Clinical Services Program Manager Melody Vielbig shared more details about the program with County Conversation podcast host Jim Person. Find out what they discussed.

Thursday, July 10 – The Frank Lab: Social Isolation

Using an immersive training platform called Embodied Labs, caregivers will “see through the eyes” of older adults who are facing real-life challenges to their well-being. Embody Frank as he experiences the destructive impacts of social isolation and how it can overlap with loneliness, poor family relationships, and health. Learn how Frank seeks to improve his health, nourish more rewarding relationships, and find purpose again when offered proper support. These virtual training sessions are presented by ElderLink, in partnership with the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, for professional and family caregivers. Register to receive a link to join this presentation using Microsoft Teams. This training is scheduled from 10-11:15 a.m. on July 10.  

Friday, July 11 – Intergenerational Zumba Workshop

Join Zumba instructor Lan Le, for a workshop for the whole family on July 11 from 12-1 p.m. This dance-fitness class incorporates Latin and international music and dance movements, creating a dynamic, exciting, exhilarating, and effective fitness program. It combines fast and slow rhythms that tone and sculpt the body. This virtual intergenerational workshop is for family caregivers and their family members of all ages. It is hosted by the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging. Check out the newest series of workshops for family members of all ages! 

Wednesday, July 16 – Care for Others, Care for Yourself

In this virtual webinar presentation, Dr. Aaron Blight, Assistant Professor of Public Health at Shenandoah University and the author of When Caregiving Calls: Guidance as You Care for a Parent, Spouse, or Aging Relative, will share information about caregiver wellness. People who are caregivers usually offer themselves to others with little thought of recognition or reward. However, it’s important for caregivers to know that in addition to caring for others, they must also take care of themselves. This session emphasizes the giving and receiving of care – not only for others but also for oneself – as imperatives for wellness. It is hosted by the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging. Join this session from 12-1 p.m. Learn more and register. 

Saturday, July 19 – Summer Volunteer Appreciation Picnic

Enjoy good food and good company while Domestic and Sexual Violence Services celebrate all their volunteers have accomplished through hard work and dedication. At the Sully Community Center (13800 Wall Rd SACC Room (Multipurpose Room 2) Herndon, VA 20170) from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. For more information, contact DSVS Volunteer Manager Caroline Croghan.