Welcome to the Department of Community and Human Services

We envision a community in which residents enjoy a sense of well-being, safety and self-sufficiency. We strive to provide effective and essential safety net services that measurably improve or maintain the quality of life for Alexandrians. We are guided by the following values and principles: equal access for all people, dignity and respect, cultural competency, ethics and accountability, collaboration, competency, integrity and continuous improvement.

	Notice of Public Hearing The Alexandria Community Services Board is holding a public hearing to receive comment on the proposed FY 2013 budget and on the needs of Alexandrians with mental illness, intellectual disability or a substance dependency problem. Thursday, March 8, 2012 at 6:30 pm at 720 North Saint Asaph Street. To sign up to speak or to send comments, call 703.746.3523 or email Donielle Marshall.
	FY 2011 Annual Report We welcome this opportunity to share our FY 2011 activities. The Department of Community and Human Services is organized into three direct care centers: the Center for Adult Services, the Center for Children and Families, and the Center for Economic Support, as well as two offices: the Office of Administrative Services and the Office of Strategic Initiatives and Communications. The pages of this annual report highlight our fiscal information along with the accomplishments of our centers, offices and those of the people we serve.
	32nd Annual Salute to Women Awards The Alexandria Commission for Women is seeking nominations for the 32nd Annual Salute to Women Awards. These 10 awards, which recognize women, men and youth who have made a significant impact on women in Alexandria, will be presented at a banquet, Monday, March 26 at The Westin Alexandria. The deadline to nominate has been extended to March 1 at 5 p.m. Nominations can be made on-line and tickets to the event can be purchased at www.alexwomen.com. Money raised will support the Alexandria Sexual Assault Program. More information is available in the news release.
	Free Tax Preparation for Qualifying Individuals DCHS is offering free tax preparation for qualifying City residents during the 2012 tax season. Eligibility is based on income: $25k for individuals and approximately $45k for families. Sessions will be held Saturday mornings 9 a.m. - noon and Wednesday evenings 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. from February 4 through April 14 at 2525 Mount Vernon Ave. Spanish-speaking volunteers and electronic filing are available. See the news release and English/Spanish flyer for more information.
	Alexandria Strategic Plan on Aging The Aging Strategic Plan will be discussed at a public hearing at City Hall on Saturday, February 25 at 9:30 am. Information about speaking at public hearings is available here under Speaker's Form Instructions. The draft Plan is available to the public for review. To comment, contact debbie.ludington@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.5694.
	Quarterly Newsletter In this edition of the Department of Community and Human Services newsletter, see how the DCHS Shooting Stars faired against the Bellefonte Wizards; learn about CPS reporting and increased efficiency in the subsidized child-care process; check out features on the Walk to Fight Breast Cancer, the Opioid Treatment Program accreditation and a group home open house; and read how older Alexandrians feel about their quality of life.
	Confidential Screening The Department of Community and Human Services welcomes you to the online screening for mood & anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders. This free screening is made available to the general public and is taken anonymously. The screening is provided so that you may find out - in a few minutes - whether or not professional consultation would be helpful to you.