NEIGHBORHOOD and COMMUNITY SERVICES

Interfaith Coordination

Common Ground

A Newsletter for the Interfaith Community

August/September 2025

Help for Residents Affected by Federal Workforce Restructuring

Fairfax County has a dedicated page for resources so please share this with anyone you know who is being impacted: 

Federal Workforce Resource HUB

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Faith Communities in Action (FCIA) Updates

 On Tuesday, July 15th, FCIA convened for our routine meeting. This meeting featured NCS Equity Manager, Ramona Carroll. The presentation and discussion focused on centering equity in the work of Houses of Faith. Thank you to Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax for allowing us to meet in your space, thank you to Ramona Carroll for the insightful presentation, and thank you to everyone who attended! We had a rich conversation that brought together perspectives from diverse faiths and cultures, helping the faith community recognize the important role they play in supporting the community in a more equitable way.

Attached is a video from Interfaith America on Creating Spaces for Interfaith Cooperation that was shared during the meeting.

4th Annual Interfaith Resiliency Conference

Our next FCIA gathering will be on Thursday September 18^th at our 4th Annual Interfaith Resiliency Conference. Have you registered yet? If not, register: here.

Here's what you can expect:

Eli Russ, Director of Security, will share valuable insights and best practices for enhancing safety and emergency preparedness in Houses of Faith. Following his presentation, we’ll engage in a hands-on exercise to help your congregation strengthen its emergency response plan. The program will conclude with a discussion with the Fairfax County Police Department about available security assessments for Houses of Faith. A light breakfast will be served, and resource tables will be available for you to gather additional information.

Equity

Equity Focus for August/September SAVE THE DATE: Historical Marker for Louise Archer Please save the date for a historical marker ceremony honoring Louise Archer (1893-1948), the latest in the Black/African American Historical Marker Project. When: Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. Where: Louise Archer Elementary School, 324 Nutley St., Vienna, VA, 22180 This dedication to Louise Archer, initiated from The Black/African American Historical Marker Project, marks the fifth and final in a series of markers to be installed across Fairfax County, each aimed at illuminating the African American experience and its vital role in shaping the region’s history. To learn more about The Black/African American Historical Marker Project or to view the other installations click here. Stuff the Bus Stuff the Bus is equitable work mobilizing community resources to ensure that all students, regardless of income or background, have access to essential school supplies. By addressing barriers to educational readiness, this initiative helps level the playing field and supports every child’s opportunity to succeed. See the flyer before for more information:

Food Access

Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) partners with community-based organizations, food pantries, local nonprofits, Fairfax County Public Schools and other government organizations to provide opportunities for food access throughout Fairfax County. Explore their website for food access information: Food Access Program

No Kid Hungry is a national campaign run by Share Our Strength, a nonprofit working to solve problems of hunger and poverty in the United States and around the world. Please check out their website for more information: Free Meal Finder | No Kid Hungry

Hunger Action Month is September! 

In recognition of Hunger Action Month and to support our community through Stuff the Bus, we invite your House of Faith or your organization to join this important effort. You can help make a difference in your community by connecting with one of the participating community-based organizations to coordinate donation drop-off or pick-up. Please visit the Stuff the Bus website where you’ll find the full list of participating organizations. Together, you can help ensure that no family in our community goes without essential resources.

Safety and Security

The Fairfax County Department of Emergency Management Services (DEMS) Wants to Hear From Houses of Worship 

DEMS regularly partners with community organizations—including faith-based groups— to build a more resilient and connected community. To strengthen these efforts, DEMS is currently gathering information about the disaster related initiatives and services faith-based organizations may provide, whether locally, nationally, or internationally. DEMS kindly asks that you take a few minutes to complete the survey. Your input will help us better understand your organization's role in disaster response and identify opportunities for collaboration and support.

Community Resources

Engage Fairfax

Engage Fairfax County is the official public participation portal that features select projects, surveys and opportunities to provide feedback as part of our commitment to inclusive community engagement. Here you can find upcoming events, initiatives, and opportunities to share your input on key topics, helping to shape the future of our community.

Alexandria/Fairfax Solar 101

Learn about solar energy and its benefits for your home, or small business through this free online webinar. You'll be taken through the technology, economics, financing and more. You’ll also learn about the Switch Together program in your area. Learn more here

Walk, Bike & Roll to Worship Week – Save the Date! 

Walk, Bike and Roll to Worship Week

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) invites congregations across the County to participate in Walk, Bike & Roll to Worship Week on September 13-21, 2025. This event is free to join and can be celebrated on any day during the week that best suits your congregation's schedule.

To register, please complete the registration form at Bike & Walk to Worship Week 2025 | Transportation, or submit it via email to ryan.johnson3@fairfaxcounty.gov by TOMORROW August 15th, 2025.

Taxi Pilot Program

NCS Mobility Management has received funding from the Enhanced Mobility grant to coordinate and enhance transportation options for older adults and individuals with disabilities. They are currently offering the Taxi Pilot Program to agencies and organizations who work and assist with these two identified populations. The funding provides courtesy taxi rides to non-emergency medical appointments within Fairfax County. If you’re interested or want to learn more, please feel free to reach out to Cynthia Alarico at cynthia.alarico@fairfaxcounty.gov and Valesca Maldonado valesca.maldonado@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)

Senior FMNP provides eligible older adults and seniors with a $50 benefit to purchase fresh produce and herbs from participating farmers at local farmers markets. The application deadline, September 30. Learn more and apply.

Affordable Housing

The Affordable Housing Dashboard provides data about Fairfax County’s progress toward affordable housing goals. View the recently relaunched dashboard.

As we continue to have conversations around Affordable Housing in Fairfax County, take a look at the attached booklet which offers practical and creative ideas to help congregations, policymakers and communities work together to address the affordable
housing crisis - MatchMadeinHeavenDigital.pdf

Reengagement Centers for Youth (Ages 14–24)

NCS’ Re-Engagement Centers prepares Fairfax County’s future workforce by connecting youth ages 14 – 24 to jobs and educational opportunities through its dynamic programs and services. Click here for more information.

Parenting Education Programs

Learn positive and effective ways parents/guardians can interact with their children at every age and stage of development. Our Department of Family Services offers virtual and in-person classes that focus on understanding what to expect from children at different developmental stages and ages (0-18 years), and building strong, positive, respectful relationships between all family members. The class schedule is available at https://bit.ly/DFS-PEP.

Volunteer to Teach Kids About Staying Safe

The Department of Family Services’ Body Safety Program needs volunteer classroom instructors to help empower elementary school students with the tools they need to prevent or interrupt child abuse. Apply online at bit.ly/BodySafeVol or contact the Body Safety staff at DFSBodySafety@FairfaxCounty.gov or 703-324-7459. 

Fairfax County Immigration Resources

Please see the document of resources attached for immigrants in Fairfax County. The document includes legal assistance, educational support, and emergency planning.

Immigrants in Fairfax County | Topics

Venture into Volunteering Fair

Save the Date! Come to the Venture into Volunteering Fair on Sunday, October 5, 12–4 p.m. at the Springfield Town Center. Connect with local organizations offering meaningful volunteer opportunities—and explore a wealth of resources at the Beacon 50+ Expo! Health screenings and vaccines will be offered, and giveaways and door prizes! Learn more and share: here

Network and Hiring Fair for Veterans

Health and Wellness

Health Department Offering Walk-in Hour

The Fairfax County Health Department has begun offering walk-in hours for certain clinic services on select days at all five clinic locations! See more here

Heat Islands - What They Are and How To Protect Yourself

Heat Islands - What They Are and How To Protect Yourself Places, including Fairfax County, are seeing hotter weather and more extreme heat than in previous years.  When heat strikes, neighborhoods with less greenery and more buildings and pavements can get much hotter than surrounding areas. These hot spots, known as Urban Heat Islands, can have warmer temperatures during the day and at night, making it difficult for people to keep cool in these areas.

Care Navigation Service for Behavioral Health Services for Children, Youth, and their families

Healthy Minds Fairfax has partnered with Hopelink and Northern Virginia Service to help children and youth get connected to behavioral health services. To make a referral, please visit the link below. To find out about w