News and Information
November 1, 2024
November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to honor family members caring for an older adult or person with disabilities. According to the National Council on Aging, more than 53 million Americans are serving as family caregivers, an economic value of more than $470 billion. In Virginia, 980,000 people provide regular care or assistance to a family member, says an AARP report.
Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services’ mission is to partner with communities, families and individuals to provide opportunities to access a continuum of resources that promote equity and create positive outcomes for people of all ages and abilities. To meet that mission, NCS has a variety of services for older adults and persons with disabilities aimed at relieving the stress on family caregivers. Among them:
Adult Day Health Care – NCS’ four Adult Day Health Care locations enable adults with dementia or physical or intellectual disabilities to live their best life at home with their families. Trained staff focus on the whole person’s intellectual, physical and social needs with engaging activities and games that promote memory care while fostering social interaction. Participants often show better sleep and mood, which provides peace of mind for caregivers. Learn more.
Transportation Support – The Transportation Options, Programs and Services (TOPS) program provides subsidized transportation for eligible older adults, enabling them to travel affordably, safely and independently. Learn more.
Inclusion Services at NCS Senior Centers - Inclusion services for older adults allow seniors with minor cognitive and physical disabilities to actively participate in the day-to-day activities at Fairfax County Senior Centers. The program is provided in partnership with ServiceSource – a local non-profit organization with extensive background in supporting older adults and adults with disabilities. Learn more.
Virtual Center for Active Adults (VCAA) – This multiagency partnership is designed to enrich the lives of older adults and adults with disabilities in while combatting isolation. Participants can connect with peers, engage in a variety of activities, and discover useful resources though live, interactive programs or prerecorded programs on-demand. Learn more.
Additional Support – The Fairfax County Department of Family Services (DFS) Adult and Aging Division has many programs and resources to support family caregivers, including free webinars, respite and support services, and supports for caregivers of persons with dementia. For more information call the Aging, Disability and Caregiver Resources Line at 702-324-7948, TTY 711or visit Family Caregiver Support Programs.
DFS is supporting the 38th Annual Caregiver’s Conference “Navigating the Journey: Adjusting the Sails in Dementia Caregiving” on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 at the Fairfax County Government Center.
October 21, 2024
October is National Head Start Awareness Month. Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services is proud to support this important program that impacts school readiness for millions of young children nationwide.
Head Start is a national child development program that serves families with children from birth to age 5 and expectant parents. The program is designed to prepare children for success in school by enhancing their intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development. This service is provided at no cost to eligible families.
In Fairfax County, Head Start and Early Head Start are under the administration of NCS in partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools, Family Child Care homes and Center Based programs. Providing this free educational program aligns with NCS’ mission to provide opportunities to access a continuum of resources that promote equity and create positive outcomes for people of all ages and abilities.
There are Head Start and Early Head Start locations throughout the County. Please visit the NCS Head Start page for more information and eligibility requirements.
Since 1965, Head Start programs have reached more than 38 million children and their families. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, children enrolled in Head Start are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college; have improved social, emotional and behavioral development; and are better prepared to be parents themselves than similar children who do not attend the program.
Head Start currently serves 800,000 children annually nationwide and nearly 700 children in Fairfax County. Head Start Awareness Month was first recognized in October 1982.
October 22, 2024
NCS centers with youth programs will hold special events in October in honor of the 25th annual Lights On Afterschool, a national rally for after school programs sponsored by the Afterschool Alliance. This year’s Lights On Afterschool observance is Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024.
The Afterschool Alliance, a non-profit advocacy organization working to ensure all children and youth have access to quality after school programs, says after school programs will hold thousands of events nationwide to highlight the ways after school programs support student success.
NCS offers School Age Child Care (SACC), Teen Centers and other programs at community centers and school locations throughout Fairfax County. We provide a safe, structured environment for promoting social connections, commitment to learning, health, wellness and individual growth. Programs run on school days, as well as summer, spring and winter breaks.
SACC fees are based on household income. Many of the other programs are free.
"NCS' after-school programs are inclusive, educational, engaging, safe and affordable," said NCS Division Director Chris Scales. "We are very proud of the role we play in the development of Fairfax County children."
A large body of evidence demonstrates improvements in grades, school attendance, behavior and more among children who participate in after school programs, says the Afterschool Alliance.
Researchers have also found that students in after school programs are more engaged in school and excited about learning and develop critical work and life skills such as problem solving, teamwork, and communications, according to the Afterschool Alliance.
To learn more about NCS programs for children and teens, visit the NCS website.