The Fairfax Area Agency on Aging and Inova ElderLink received a 2025 USAging Achievement Award for their virtual reality program, Exploring the Dimensions of Aging. The award recognizes the most contemporary, effective and replicable programs offered by Area Agencies on Aging that help older adults, people with disabilities and family caregivers live with independence and dignity in their homes and communities. Learn more about the award-winning program.

When children are placed in foster care, the primary goal is to reunify them with their birth families as soon as it is safe to do so. Learn about the Fourth Annual Reunification Celebration hosted by the Fairfax County Department of Family Services and Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court during National Family Unification Month in June. Hear from a youth with lived experience in foster care about the significance of reunification efforts for her family. Read more.

George Mason University’s Student Support and Advocacy Center has existed since 2012 with a mission to assist students encountering life crises or barriers to success. One way the center supports students is through violence reduction and education, which is how it intersects with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services. We recently sat down with SSAC staff to talk about the center’s mission and its collaboration with DSVS. Learn more about this partnership.

We celebrated another successful Summer Youth Employment Program last week with 122 participants and 113 employer sponsors. EYE provides youth ages 16-24 with a paid summer work experience to build workplace skills, explore areas of interest, and prepare youth for future work opportunities. It provides employers a chance to build a pipeline of talent and give back to the community by mentoring the rising workforce. Learn more! Start planning for next summer.

Older homeowners in Fairfax County who live on a fixed income may find it difficult to afford even minor home repairs. The good news is that there are programs to help these homeowners, ensuring that they are living in homes that are safe and healthy. You can read more about these programs in the August issue of the Golden Gazette.

To ensure that no child goes hungry during the summer months, two SUN Meals programs are available to all children in the Commonwealth - no application needed. Learn more and apply! Eligible families can also receive SUN Bucks for grocery benefits.

Domestic and Sexual Violence Services volunteer corps are integral to how the division supports clients and staff. DSVS simply couldn’t do the work it does without its volunteers. Check out this graphic, which provides a snapshot of the hourly contributions volunteers made to DSVS’ programming during fiscal year 2025. Get more information about becoming part of this team.

Our Parent Support Line is a great resource for parents and caregivers of children. Get help from our staff with parenting advice, support, and tips to navigate emotional and relational parenting issues. Contact the Parent Support Line 703-324-7720 or by email Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Learn more about how we provide support to parents.