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DEPARTMENT of FAMILY SERVICES
Access Fairfax
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Thriving Solo: Learn Independent Living Skills
Winter registration closes Nov. 15.
The ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia's Thriving Solo training program is open for registration. Thriving Solo is designed to teach important skills for independent living, such as cooking, budgeting, stress management, planning routines, using transportation, and speaking up for yourself. Participants will enjoy hands-on activities, field trips, and the chance to practice their new skills in real-life settings. This program is led by people with disabilities and creates a supportive space to learn, build social skills, and make new friends. Winter registration ends Nov. 15.
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Emergency Food Access Providers Map Application
Residents in the Fairfax County area can access food, baby supplies, toiletries, and household items through the Emergency Food Access Providers Application, available online. This tool provides information about distribution sites, including their services, hours of operation, eligibility criteria, and contact information. Filter the search by ZIP code, days you're available, product needs, and language preferences to find nearby distribution sites that meet your needs.
Residents are encouraged to call or email sites before visiting to confirm they are open and offering the services listed. Community members may also make donations by contacting the sites directly.
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Support the Home Delivered Meals Program at Giant
The Fairfax Agency on Aging’s Home Delivered Meals program is excited to participate in Giant Food’s Community Bag program. The Home Delivered Meals program provides nutritious meals to adults over 60 and adults with disabilities who are homebound and unable to prepare meals themselves.
This November, when you shop at the Giant Food located at 13043 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy in Fairfax, and purchase a $2.75 Community Bag, Giant will donate $1 directly to the Home Delivered Meals program. It’s an easy way to support neighbors in need while shopping. Thank you for making a difference in your community.
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Join Metro’s Accessibility Advisory Committee
Applications due Nov. 28.
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is looking for new volunteers from Northern Virginia and the District of Columbia (D.C.) to join its Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC). This committee was created to help Metro address the needs of and improve services for people with disabilities and older adults. Thanks to the AAC, Metro has already added helpful features, including barriers between rail cars, which help people who are blind or have low vision avoid accidentally stepping in the gap between train cars, and gap reducers, which make it easier for wheelchair users to board and deboard Metrorail trains.
There are currently two vacant positions, one representing the District of Columbia, and one representing Northern Virginia (including Arlington County, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, City of Alexandria, City of Falls Church, or Fairfax City). To qualify, you must be a rider of Metrobus, Metrorail, and/or MetroAccess but cannot be a Metro employee, contractor, or elected official.
Applications are due Friday, Nov. 28. Members of the disability community and older adults who use and would like to increase the accessibility of Metro services are strongly encouraged to apply.
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Free Microlearnings: Quick Lessons on Employment Success
 Opportunity to Advocate for People with Physical and Sensory Disabilities
You can help advocate for people with physical and sensory disabilities by joining the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board (FA-DSB), a group of 15 volunteers who work to improve local services. If you’ve lived with disabilities or have experience using social services, your insight is invaluable for creating fairer, more effective programs. You’re welcome to apply if you receive public assistance like SNAP or Medicaid, but you cannot work for the Department of Family Services. Contact your local Board of Supervisors representative to apply.
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If you would like to learn more about the Department of Family Services Disability Rights and Resources, visit Department of Family Services Disability Rights and Resources.
Access Fairfax is available in alternative formats by calling 703-324-3745, TTY 711.
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