Project PEACE's 2024 Annual Report highlights the efforts of each Project PEACE workgroup, the leadership team, and outreach initiatives. Three years of partner data is included, for a nuanced look at the impact of sexual assault and intimate partner violence.

Thank you to all who gave feedback, and shoutouts to Ashley Blowe and Naomi Davis for contributions highlighting prevention, awareness outreach, and challenges.

Save the date! A health fair for elementary school age students will be on Thurs., Aug. 14, at Long Branch Elementary school, located at at 33 N. Fillmore St. Arlington 22201.

Free school entry physical exams and immunizations will be available from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and resources will be  shared as well. Please register students in advance for planning purposes, or contact you school's nurse for more information. Arlington Public Schools and the Arlington County School Health are partnering to host this health fair for newly registering elementary students free of charge.

Week 3:  Mental Health & Racism/Discrimination    

Current events, racism, and discrimination profoundly impact the mental health of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), who face unique stressors, including systemic racism, microaggressions, and historical trauma, adding to mental health disparities. Specifically, racism and discrimination are mental health issues because they cause trauma that impacts short- and long-term mental health. Learn more about the effects of racism on health and mental health

• Support BIPOC individuals and communities in pausing, reflecting, and processing feelings and trauma related to racism and discrimination is a crucial aspect of mental health work within these communities. MHA has developed a great resource with questions and steps on How to Cope When Your Community is Under Attack
• Connecting with community is especially important for BIPOC individuals as experiences of racism and discrimination can feel isolating. Learn more about community care and community building here: Community Care; Finding community; Creating a Community Safety and Connection Plan

Arlington County's Department of Human Services (DHS) is hiring one full-time, bilingual (English/Spanish) Human Services Clinician to support the Arlington Partner/SHIFT (Shaping Healthy Interactions For Tomorrow) Program, a recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, survivor-centered human services program. The Human Services Clinician will provide clinical support and direct services for participants enrolled in the Arlington Partner/SHIFT Program. Apply by July 17.

Until August 1: Meals for Students 

Summer nutrition for kids is available at these APS locations: Abingdon, Alice West Fleet, and Randolph Elementary Schools:

• Breakfast 8:30-9:30 a.m.
• Lunch 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

One meal per child, to be eaten on site per USDA guidelines. If your family receives SNAP or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits, or your child receives meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), they qualifie for SUN Bucks. Learn if you're automatically enrolled, or need to apply. 

Now-Aug. 11: Youth Enrichment

Youth Enrichment Program classes include computer programming, music, art, digital design, foreign languages and culture. The YEP program provides these courses at affordable prices, however tuition should not be a barrier for participation, and a limited number of scholarships are available for by contacting: Richard Delos Reyes at richard.delosreyes@apsva.us Additional teachers needed; Propose a Course.

July 23: AECOM Job Fair at AEC

AECOM is hiring for two critical public safety roles that help keep Virginia’s roads safe and efficient: Transportation Operations Center (TOC) Operators and Safety Service Patrol (SSP) Operators. Come learn more, apply and interview!

Time: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: Arlington Employment Center (2100 Washington Blvd.)
Register: AECOM Job Fair Tickets

July 23: Ticket to Work

Attend a session to learn about Social Security’s Ticket to Work program, offering disability beneficiaries, ages 18-64, an opportunity to achieve financial independence by providing education about benefits, employment services, and maintaining meaningful work. Questions, can’t make the session, or want to learn more? Call 703-228-1425 

Day and Time: Wed., Jul. 23 at 11-11:45 a.m.
Location: Virtual
Register: Ticket To Work Registration Form

Through August 17: Arlington Weaves Exhibit!

Visit “Threads and Expressions,” featuring works by the talented artists of ArlingtonWeaves, Etc. Check out handwoven works, creative stitching, and mixed-media, at Alliance Gallery at The Crossing in Clarendon.