Rep. Don Beyer
Thousands of Alexandria and Fairfax County residents in the area and their families will likely be affected by the federal government’s recently announced plan to significantly downsize the federal workforce and budget.
Rep. Don Beyer (D), whose Northern Virginia U.S. House district includes Alexandria, Falls Church and Arlington, has released a list of resources for his constituency, who make up 16.2% of the federal workforce.
Here are the resources shared by Beyer:
- Civil Service Strong is an organization that advocates and provides information for civil servants and government employees about their rights.
- A whistleblower tipline, offered by the Congressman. "This page is secure and all information will only be seen by my team unless permission is given."
- Constituent services for workers in Rep. Beyer's district.
Alexandria has many resources which residents including social services, job assistance and business development help.
Fairfax County Public Schools is recruiting federal workers and also has a variety of resources and services that can help former federal employees, contractors and anyone else affected by job loss. Here's some of the help the county offers (from a news release):
Economic Development Authority – The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority maintains a database of open positions in Northern Virginia. The database contains several thousands of active listings in a range of industries.
Join the authority’s free weekly webinar series that can connect job seekers with the resources they need to find a job in Northern Virginia. The first 45-minute webinar is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 20. Up to 1,000 participants can register per session; each webinar is recorded and available on-demand. Register for the webinar.
Workforce and Career Centers – Job seekers have access to a comprehensive system of employment and training services and resources, either in person or virtually. Services include updating your resume for the private sector, interview preparation, career coaching and employment assessments, among other things.
- Fairfax County Workforce Centers are open for in-person and virtual services. Schedule an appointment to meet with a career specialist.
- Virginia Career Works – Alexandria and Annandale Centers provide employment services. Make an appointment for in-person or virtual services.
- Reston and Fairfax Employment Resource Centers provide employment services by appointment only.
The workforce centers can also help eligible residents apply for Virginia unemployment benefits.
County Job Openings – Fairfax County employs more than 12,000 employees for a variety of jobs in different fields, serving more than 1 million residents in one of the largest counties in the country.
Search for county job openings and apply.
Launching a Business
Fairfax CORE (Connecting Opportunities and Resources for Entrepreneurs) helps aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners with free, easy access to the help and information needed. Services provided by nonprofit partners include business planning, guidance on financing and licensing, networking and more.
The Economic Development Authority offers a range of support services, such as mentoring from a community of seasoned experts or help starting a new business. Business mentors offer expertise and mentoring services through an established partnership with SCORE. Entrepreneurs and business owners can connect with SCORE mentors at the FCEDA office via appointments or online.
Starting Retirement
County community centers and senior centers offer a range of programming that can help newly retired residents build social connections and stay active. Community centers are free; senior centers, with programs for residents age 50 and older, require an annual fee.
The Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern Virginia, affiliated with the Annandale campus of Northern Virginia Community College, is a nonprofit, member-run organization offering educational and cultural pursuits to adults age 50 and over.
Staying Active in the Community
County parks and libraries offer programs that are free or low-cost and can help residents stay active and connected to the community – both which are important to helping cope with the difficult feelings related to a job loss.
Residents can explore more than 334 miles of public trails or register for register for short- and longer-term activities and classes through ParkTakes.
The 23 public libraries throughout the county are open to anyone, and library cards are free for county residents. With a card, residents can borrow e-books and audiobooks, and read current magazines and newspapers online, among other things.
Managing Your Mental Health
Coping with job loss and uncertainty can take a toll on your health and family. The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) provides a range of services for people experiencing mental health concern and substance misuse, helping during both emergencies and non-emergencies.
Getting Financial Help
Our Health and Human Services agencies can connect you to county and community-based resources to help meet basic needs, including food, utility and rent assistance.
- Coordinated Services Planning. Residents in need can contact the Coordinated Services Planning hotline at 703-222-0880 (TTY 711) for assistance in connecting to county- and community-based resources. This service is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Multilingual specialists can assist callers in multiple foreign languages.
- SNAP, TANF and Medicaid. Our Department of Family Services can help eligible residents enroll in programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Medicaid. For more information, call the customer call center at 703-324-7500.
- Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program. The State Women, Infants, and Children program aims to improve the health of pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, infants and children under five years of age. For all WIC appointments and questions, call 703-246-5599.
- Human Services Resource Guide. The Human Services Resource Guide connects residents with thousands of nonprofit and government services. Listings include detailed service descriptions, eligibility requirements, locations (maps and directions) and contact information.
- School Age Child Care. Families enrolled in the SACC program who are unable to make payments should reach out to SACC to discuss options. Call 703-449-8989 or email saccregistration@fairfaxcounty.gov.
- Child Care Assistance Referral. Families in the CCAR program who are having difficulty making payments should reach out to CCAR staff at 703-449-8484 or email CCARInfo@fairfaxcounty.gov to explore resources and support available.
- Employees Child Care Center. Families enrolled in the ECCC program who are unable to make payments should reach out to staff to discuss options. Call 703-449-8989 or email saccregistration@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Pets – Residents in need of pet food or other pet resources can visit the Animal Shelter’s Pet Resource Center for a comprehensive list of resources and support.
Tax Payments – Any taxpayers who are unable to pay their county taxes will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Call 703-222-8234 (English) or 703-324-3855 (Español), TTY 711, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
