LGBTQIA+ communities face significant barriers to accessing support when experiencing violence. Discrimination in housing and employment, high rates of homelessness, and isolation from community based on one’s identity can prevent those experiencing domestic violence from accessing support services. Additionally, many victim services programs address the needs of cisgender women without meaningfully accommodating survivors of other gender identities or sexualities. Find out how current and historical activists have worked hard to address these barriers.

The job market is competitive right now, but DFS Workforce Development is here to connect you to open opportunities and workshops to level up your skills. We have upcoming hiring events, weekly career development sessions and webinars to support your career outlook. All at no-cost! No matter where you are on your career journey, there's something for you. Learn more and register now.

Foster care placements can happen anytime, day or night, without much warning. Foster parents don’t have much time to gather the essential supplies a child will need. Help us with foster care packages to make a new child comfortable in their home. Learn more about this project or visit our online wish list to purchase items for delivery.

As people get older, it can be harder to keep or make friends. Some friends move away, some get sick, and some pass away. Many older men also lose work friends when they retire. One simple way to meet new people is to join a ROMEO group. ROMEO stands for “Retired Old Men Eating Out.” These are casual groups where retired men can get together, enjoy a meal, and talk. In Fairfax County, membership in the Vienna ROMEOs is booming among retired men who enjoy the group’s friendly atmosphere, easy conversation, and Vienna’s wide range of dining options. Learn more about the Vienna ROMEOs in the June issue of the Golden Gazette.

“I have seen how instability and violence at home show up in classrooms long before anyone names it,” says Larry Peacock, ADAPT co-facilitator and Hospital Accompaniment Support Advocate (HASA). “Volunteering with DSVS felt like a way to get closer to the root of those issues instead of just managing the symptoms. I want to be close to the people who need support, stability, and empathy the most, and to show up in a way that is direct and useful.” Learn more about Larry’s journey from schoolteacher to DSVS volunteer.

The BeFriend-A-Child Mentoring Program rolled out another fantastic skating event! Mentors and mentees hit the rink together, strengthening connections through laughter and support while trying something new. Learn more about this outing.

If this seems like a great way to connect and make a difference with young people, our next training for new mentors will take place virtually on Saturday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Virginia SUN Bucks is a one-time benefit to help families with the cost of groceries during the summer when children are not in school. Many families will automatically qualify for SUN Bucks based on participation in SNAP, TANF, income-based Medical Assistance, or free or reduced-price meals at school. Others may be eligible and should apply. You can apply online or by mail now. Starting June 15, the Virginia SUN Bucks Call Center (866-513-1414) will accept applications from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can use SUN Bucks to buy groceries — including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy and meat — at grocery stores, farmers markets and other businesses that accept SNAP EBT benefits. Learn more and apply now.