Welcome to the Department of Community and Human Services

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.

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 is 5 p.m. February 24.  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.

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.

 Join the Friends of the Alexandria Commission for Women for Josephine Tonight, presented at MetroStage, 1201 North Royal Street, on Friday, February 9. The reception starts at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. with a live auction at intermission.  Tickets are $75 ($40 tax deductible) and will benefit the Alexandria Campaign on Adolescent Pregnancy (ACAP).  The performance is appropriate for high school-aged youth.  See the news release for more information.  Purchase tickets here. 

Over the last eight years, more than 2,880 Alexandria children aged 3-5 have made great strides in decreasing problem behaviors and developing their social skills, thanks to the friendly puppets in the Al’s Pals: Kids Making Healthy Choices Program. Read the news release and learn more about the work of the Preschool Prevention Team.

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.

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.