Assistance from Fairfax County Department of Family Services.
The community action type agency for the county of Fairfax Virginia is the Department of Family Services. The staff from the center can provide information on financial assistance, direct low income families to resources, and help them on the path to self-sufficiency. The agency will help seniors, the unemployed, working poor, and many others in the region. Some of their primary services are listed below.
Financial support from Fairfax County Action - Department of Family Services
Low cost Meals on Wheels provides food, meals and healthy supplements to older adults who live in Fairfax County. The community action agency and family services offer this. The homebound can get up to two nutritious meals such as a cold meal and a hot lunch that includes a sandwich or salad.
There can be customized meals served as well, such as Ethnic Korean and Vietnamese food items in some areas. Some elderly may also get free liquid nutritional supplements delivered throughout the county for pickup by caregivers or family members.
The Department of Family Services targets meals on wheels for area residents age 60 and over and adults with disabilities. They need to be unable to shop for groceries or prepare their own meals or have no one available to prepare meals. 703-324-5409
Cash assistance is from the federal and state of Virginia Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF. The Fairfax County Department of Family Services program provides short term cash assistance to needy, low income and poor families with children. Adults receiving TANF in Fairfax County, the individual must participate in the jobs program of Virginia Initiative for Employment not Welfare
TANF was known as welfare, or AFDC (Aid to Families with Dependent Children AFDC). Cash funds can be used by clients for paying for basic needs. This can include housing costs such has rent or utility bills. Food, clothing, and more can be addressed too. The main purpose of TANF is to provide short term cash assistance to families in need and to end the dependence on government benefits. It does this by promoting job preparation and employment.
Food stamps or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is processed by the Fairfax County Department of Family Services. Vouchers can be used by families to buy fruits, breads, food or groceries at local grocery stores.
Free Medical Care is from Medicaid, FAMIS, clinics, and other local programs. They work together to help pay the bills and costs of medical or dental care for low-income people who are blind, elderly or disabled. Other beneficiaries in Fairfax County are pregnant women, needy children and immigrants.
The county services department can pay for costs such as Physician’s services, Inpatient hospital care, Emergency transportation, Prescription drugs, Outpatient hospital care, supplies and equipment, and Pre-natal care.
Utility, Heating Bill and Cooling Assistance is offered from LIHEAP fuel assistance in Virginia. There are also seasonal programs to assist low-income families and individuals. Grants and credits can be used to help pay for their heating and cooling bills. This can help low income tenants free up their income for paying their monthly rent. Main number is 703-787-3100.
Child Care Financial Assistance is when the Fairfax County Department of Family Services helps pay for child or day care costs. The government subsidized program provides financial assistance and vouchers. They need to be used to pay for child care to low and moderate income Fairfax County families who are in education/training programs, working, or who need assistance with paying for the bills associated with child care. The countywide community action program pays for this in centers, School Age Child Care, or in family child care homes.
This assistance is for families that receive TANF - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, low and moderate income families who work or are in training, those with children with special needs, the homeless, or children who are in the Child Protective Services system. Dial 703-449-8484.
School Age Child Care is another option. This coordinates safe, fun and educational care for 5-12 year-olds before and after school or during vacations. There is also the USDA Food Assistance Program 703-449-1414.
Fairfax County Head Start provides free comprehensive family support services and quality early childhood education to income-eligible families with children from birth to 5 years old and to expectant parents. It is a federal funded program that serves children up to the age of five, infants and pregnant women from low-income families.
Students can receive early childhood education; Healthy meals and free snacks; pregnant women can get help to find pre-natal care; dental and mental health care; and more. Call 703-324-8290 for more details on Head Start.
Income Tax Preparation Assistance is free advice, support, and more for working families and individuals who meet certain income guidelines. Trained staff from the community action agency in Fairfax offer this. 703-533-5471.
Information on financial literacy and credit counseling is available. Learn about Fairfax Virginia organizations that can advise consumers on budgeting, credit repair, and alternatives to using loans for paying for housing costs or other bills.
Employment Assistance and Job Training is important. Both the under and unemployed can get connected with services such as resume review, employment and training opportunities. To learn more, in South County dial 703-704-6286, Fairfax call 703-324-7280, Annandale: 703-533-5400, or in Reston dial 703-787-4974.
Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotlines, Prevention and Treatment includes support and counseling to those in current or past domestic abuse situations. Or get domestic abuse intervention, information on legal aid and other services. The Artemis House can provide them with shelter and transitional housing. Call 703-360-7273 or 703-968-4052.
Senior and disabled assistance programs
A resource line is for the elderly or those with a disability. Dial 703-324-7948. Clients can get information on educational services, resources, and programs for adults with disabilities, caregivers, and senior citizens.
In-Home Care for Older Adults, Care Management/Social Work can be reached at 703-324-7948. ElderLink is when staff work with older adults and their families to develop a care plan, assess needs, help find, coordinate, monitor and appropriate services. Another resource is Adult Services, which provides assessment, care monitoring and development.
Adult Protective Services is the division that investigates reports of abuse, exploitation, or neglect involving older or incapacitated adults.
VICAP - Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program gives Fairfax County residents with information on financial assistance such as Medicare Part D, health plans, Medigap insurance and long term care. 703-324-5851.
Caregiver Respite and Support offers information, training and more, including support and programs for family caregivers of people with disabilities or older adults. Call 703-324-7948
Nursing Homes and Assisted Living is information for those who need it. Phone 703-324-7948. The offices assist people who need an assisted living facility or a nursing home. The county also helps residents and families of those concerned about proper care.
New parents can get Education and Support. This is also offered to those with older children. The agency coordinates parenting education classes for people in Fairfax County who want to build healthy interactions and create positive change. Main number is 703-324-7720. Family Preservation Services is a similar service and is for those facing neglect, abuse or family dissolution. 703-324-7500
Fairfax County Department of Family Services locations are noted below.
Pennino Building – Human Services Center which is at 12011 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035
Lake Anne, 11484 Washington Plaza West, Reston, VA 20190
Heritage Center, West Wing, 7611 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003
South County Center, 8350 Richmond Highway, Alexandria, VA 22309
Cameron Glen, 1850 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston, Virginia 20190
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