Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board

Over the course of my career, I've witnessed a shift towards greater openness about mental health, particularly how stress impacts people's daily lives. While stigma still exists, it's clear that we're making progress in breaking it down. This is crucial because mental health affects every aspect of our lives—how we interact with our families, loved ones, our work, and even the things we enjoy daily. - Daryl Washington, Executive Director, Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board How have you seen the perception of stress and or mental health change over the past 30 years? Over the course of my career, I've witnessed a shift towards greater openness about mental health, particularly how stress impacts people's daily lives. It's inspiring to see so many public figures now sharing their struggles with mental health and the pressures they face every day. This has opened the door for others to share their experiences as well. While stigma still exists, it's clear that we're making progress in breaking it down. Addressing how we cope with stress and its effects on our mental health and overall well-being is becoming more common. This is crucial because mental health affects every aspect of our lives—how we interact with our families, loved ones, our work, and even the things we enjoy daily. Why do you enjoy working in this profession? I enjoy my work for several reasons, mainly the variety it offers. Early in my career, I worked in residential services, which gave me a unique perspective on clients. In residential settings, you witness aspects of clients' lives that you won’t see in other settings.  Things, like sharing meals and helping with daily tasks such as laundry. You get to see firsthand how they struggle and where they need the most support. I also appreciate the opportunity to connect with clients in different ways, such as counseling them and then engaging in activities like playing basketball. This strengthens the bond and makes the work more impactful. As an administrator, I enjoy the variety of supervising staff and offering insights into improving systems and operations. It’s fulfilling to guide staff on how to support their teams and foster a better organizational culture. Additionally, I engage in a range of tasks from attending group functions and discussing clinical services to program development, grant writing, and advocating for policy changes to improve services. Do you have any favorite ways to manage stress? Over the years, my approach to managing stress has evolved. In the past, I wasn't great at handling it. These days, I focus on walking, hiking, and working out at the gym to manage stress more effectively. I also find it helpful to meet regularly with my peers, other executive directors in region 2. It’s a space where we can share challenges and speak frankly, knowing we face similar challenges. In my role, I’m often the one providing support to others, so it’s important to have a support network of my own. Do you have any advice or suggestions for individuals who may have anxiety or depression to manage their stress as well? Find a healthy activity outside of work that you enjoy and create a support system you can rely on when needed. It's also important to have someone at work you trust—someone who can offer honest feedback, even if it’s not what you want to hear. My best mentors were often the toughest on me, and while I didn’t appreciate it at the time, looking back, I’m grateful. Their feedback helped me grow and make necessary changes. What can the CSB do to support someone who is overwhelmed and noticing the negative impact of stress? The county offers an Employee Assistance Program, which I strongly encourage everyone to try. It may not be for everyone, but it’s worth exploring. Additionally, we’re in the process of establishing a peer support group and policy, with volunteers already lined up. This will provide trained peers who understand the unique stressors of our work, which can be different from those faced by private therapists. It's also crucial to create a safe environment where people feel comfortable discussing concerns—whether related to the individuals they serve or the workplace itself. Encouraging open, respectful communication is key. People need to feel heard and supported, and the best way to achieve this is by actively listening to their feelings about difficult topics. If, as a community member, I'm noticing that my stress is negatively impacting my life, can I call the CSB? Calling the main CSB number is helpful when stress is high, and we also have a strong prevention team that provides valuable resources. For example, the ACES training helps people understand how past life experiences shape their current perceptions and interactions. Additionally, we can direct individuals to mental health education and resources for managing stress. I also recommend exploring stress management apps, which offer tools like meditation and mindfulness activities. These can be especially useful for those who prefer tech-based solutions for everyday stress management. What is the outcome or improvement that you've seen? The CSB has made a significant impact on individuals’ lives by offering a broad range of services, from prevention to intensive residential care. This variety allows us to serve a population that many other CSBs struggle to reach. We’re one of the few with detoxification and residential treatment programs, as well as intensive case management, jail diversion teams, and outpatient therapy. We also have a robust set of services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Our goal is to meet people where they are—whether it’s mental health, substance use, or developmental challenges—and work with them to reach where they want to be. Our approach is all about listening and partnering to help individuals move forward. What is your favorite success story? It's hard to pick just one success story because of the variety of individuals we serve. Reflecting on my time managing the unhoused team, we helped someone who had been sleeping on the streets find long-term supportive housing. Initially, they struggled to adjust, sometimes returning to their campsite, but over time, they learned to feel comfortable in their new one-bedroom apartment, even grocery shopping and preparing meals for themselves instead of relying on fast food or begging. Similarly, helping someone transition from a state hospital to a community group home is another success. I also think about the closure of the Northern Virginia Training Center. Despite initial resistance, many of the individuals who once lived there are now thriving in the community, enjoying a level of freedom and integration they never had before. These are just a few examples of the successes we've had as an organization.

Take advantage of free, convenient, confidential, and safe disposal of unused or expired medications during Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Why drop off your unwanted medications? Drug take back programs are a safe method for disposing of prescription drugs, and are organized and closely monitored by local, state, and federal government agencies. Safe disposal of unused or expired medications prevents drug misuse and accidental poisoning and protects the environment. Date and Time Saturday, April 26, 2025 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Drop off unused or expired medications at the locations listed below. Accepted items: Prescription and non-prescription pills, e-cigarettes and vaping devices with batteries removed, small liquid packs/pods for e-cigarettes and vaping devices, prescription ointments, and medications for pets. Not accepted: Illegal drugs, pressurized canisters [inhalers/aerosol cans], needles, large sources of liquids, and non-prescription ointments and lotions. Drop-Off Sites Fair Oaks District Police Station 12300 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway, Fairfax, VA 22033 Franconia District Police Station 6121 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310 Mason District Police Station 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003 McLean District Police Station 1437 Balls Hill Road, McLean, VA 22101 Mount Vernon District Police Station 2511 Parkers Lane, Alexandria, VA 22306 Reston Hospital Center 1850 Town Center Parkway, Reston, VA 20190 Outside Pavilion 1, across from Parking Garage B Sully District Police Station 4900 Stonecroft Boulevard, Chantilly, VA 20151 West Springfield District Police Station 6140 Rolling Road, Springfield, VA 22152 Town of Vienna Police Department 215 Center Street South, Vienna, VA 22180 Need help with a substance misuse issue? Call the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board: Emergency Services (24/7) – 703-573-5679 (TTY 711) Fairfax Detoxification Center (24/7) – 703-502-7000(TTY 703-322-9080) CSB Entry & Referral Services – 703-383-8500 Call 988 for urgent mental health-related distress Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies Can’t make it to Drug Take Back Day? No problem. Learn about year-round prescription and over the counter medication disposal, including those prescribed by veterinarians. Our community partners The DEA Drug Take Back Day is coordinated by the Fairfax County Police Department in collaboration with the various Fairfax County government departments: the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board, Health Department, Neighborhood and Community Services, Public Works and Environmental Services, and in partnership with the Rotary Clubs of Fairfax County, the Fairfax Prevention Coalition and local businesses. For media inquiries, contact CSBCommunications@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Women’s History Month, observed every March, is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society. It has been observed annually since 1987. At the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB), women make up 77% of the agency's top leadership. The CSB benefits from these changemakers who provide cutting-edge treatments and integrate innovative technologies into the agency’s operations—all for the benefit of our community. The 2025 Women’s History Month theme, “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” celebrates the collective strength and influence of women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship and leadership, shaping the minds and futures of all generations. In honor and recognition of Women’s History Month, the CSB shares profiles of some of its amazing women leaders who are dedicated to ensuring everyone in our community has the support needed to live a healthy, fulfilling life.

The Developmental Disability Support Coordination Team is composed of 154 talented, resilient, and compassionate individuals who show up every day to positively impact the lives of those with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The team currently serves over 5,000 individuals, helping them navigate various needs across their lifespan. Unlike many other CSB services, Developmental Disability Services are not episodic but provide lifelong support. I am incredibly proud to lead such a dedicated, passionate group of professionals who make a lasting difference in the lives of those they serve. - Sierra Simmons, CSB Division Director, Developmental Disability Support Coordination About Developmental Disability (DD) Support Coordination Services Developmental Disability (DD) Support Coordination provides a range of essential services to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, helping them access the resources they need throughout their lives. Key Services Offered: Intake: Assessment and Eligibility Determine eligibility for Developmental Disability Services. Assist in placement on the Statewide Waiting List. Targeted Case Management: Linking, Monitoring, and Coordinating Services Includes 30/90-day face-to-face visits. Annual Individual Service Plans (ISPs), Quarterly ISPs, and Monthly Collateral Contacts. Ensures that there are no unmet needs and that individuals are satisfied with the services provided. Monitoring Case Management: Annually and As Needed Help individuals on the Statewide Waiting List access services such as housing, employment, transportation, and provide annual waitlist updates. Transition Case Management: Final Year of School Assist graduating individuals in obtaining employment, day support services, and navigating non-mandated adult services. Who in the community is eligible and where do they go for assistance? To be eligible for Fairfax-Falls Church DD Services, an individual must meet the State of Virginia's diagnostic criteria for a DD Waiver: A documented diagnosis of a developmental disability with onset before age 22 (or before age 18 if the qualifying diagnosis is intellectual disability). Have significant support needs in at least three (3) categories of adaptive functioning (based on functional adaptive& assessments/testing), and Meet criteria on the Virginia Individual Developmental Disabilities Eligibility Survey (VIDES), an assessment tool that will be administered by CSB staff during the eligibility appointment. To find out if you are eligible for Developmental Disability Services, call 703-324-4400 and request to speak with an intake support coordinator. What are the outcomes or improvements in people’s lives after they have received services? Individuals connected to DD Support Coordination are placed on the Statewide Waiting List for a DD Waiver, which funds services like residential support, personal assistance, in-home support, employment, nursing, assistive technology, and environmental modifications. While waiting, individuals can access local funding for employment, day support services, and Self-Directed Services. Those with a DD Waiver receive targeted case management to ensure their health and safety, and that services meet their needs. Crisis intervention is also provided to all individuals open to Developmental Disability Services. Could you share a success story? Levi was awarded a Family and Individual Services (FIS) Waiver and assigned a support coordinator to guide his family through available services and providers. With the FIS Waiver, Levi continued his day program without interruption. He selected an In-Home Services provider who also handled transportation when local options ended, and his caregiver was hired by the provider to maintain continuity in Levi’s life. Levi also chose a Respite services provider for overnight and weekend stays, which helped him build independent living skills. Having lived at home with his parents, Levi has developed his own friendships and activities in Fairfax County, and has made it clear he doesn't want to move away from his life here. He is considering moving into a group home with a friend, which excites him. Levi remains socially active, participating in a bowling league, a baseball team, and a monthly social club. His strong community support system continues to help him navigate his choices.