Birdwatching is a popular pastime among people of all ages. If you prefer to watch birds from the comfort of home rather than searching them out, there are ways to attract them to your yard. The basic principles of creating a habitat to attract birds are simple – you must provide food, water, cover, and places for them to raise their young. These principles apply, no matter what size your yard is. Learn more in the April issue of the Golden Gazette.

This week, April 20-26, is Lesbian Visibility Week, which was created to celebrate and uplift LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary people. The focus for 2026 is amplifying the need to protect health and well-being in the lesbian community. As a reminder: All Domestic and Sexual Violence Services’ resources and support are confidential, free, and provided regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, national origin, limited English proficiency, age, disability, religion, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Learn more about specific DSVS LGBTQ+ resources.

Incorporating seasonal fruits and vegetables into your spring menu is a great way to cook with delicious, lower cost, and healthy ingredients. Farmers markets offer lots of great options and SNAP recipients can make their dollars go farther by getting up to $40 dollars matched on fruits and vegetables this summer. SNAP is accepted at five farmers markets in Fairfax County. The Mount Vernon market is open, and Reston opens Saturday, April 25. Lorton, Wakefield, and Annandale markets open in early May. Learn more about using SNAP at farmers markets.   

This inspirational foster care success story began in 2003 during a DFS Foster-to-Adopt training. It culminates with loving parents launching two exceptional children into adulthood to pursue higher education and chart their own path. Meet the Lindo-Allens! Learn more.

Denim Day was created in 1999 to bring awareness to victim blaming and the destructive myths about sexual violence. The day asks everyone--community members, elected officials, businesspeople, farmers, and students alike--to make a social statement with their fashion by wearing jeans on this day as a visible means of protest against sexual violence misconceptions. Learn more about why we wear denim on the last Wednesday of every April (this year April 29). 

On Thursday, April 16, more than 80 current and former federal employees and contractors joined Session 3 of the Redefine Your Path series, focused on transitioning into local health and human services careers. Leaders from Fairfax County (including Lisa Tatum, director of Public Assistance and Employment Services!), Prince William County, and the City of Alexandria shared concrete advice about how to translate federal experience into the realities of local human services work, through framing your resume, interviews, and transferable skills in a way that resonates with local hiring managers. The session also spotlighted growing opportunities in human services and related fields like public health, behavioral health and environmental health. Check out past sessions in the Redefine Your Path series and stay tuned for details about our next session with Human Resources professionals coming soon in May.  

Do you have time during school hours and love working with children? If so, we have the perfect volunteer opportunity for you! Join our Body Safety Program as a classroom instructor and help empower elementary students with the knowledge they need to prevent or interrupt child abuse. Apply online, email us or call 703-324-7459 to learn more.