Welcome to the Department of Community and Human Services

Join us for "Art Uniting People" and enjoy light refreshments while viewing the artwork of locals whose lives have been affected by mental health disorders.  Talk with the artists about the meaning, inspiration and creative process related to the works.  The evening will include a presentation by Dr. Margaret Dowell, who holds a Ph.D. in Education and an MFA in Art.  Her paintings are noted for their extraordinary technical skill and intense impact. Thursday, May 10, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson Street .

Calling all artists. The Alexandria Fire Department is seeking submissions for the logo for this year’s pink breast cancer walk t-shirts which are worn by fire department personnel during October, the month of the City’s Walk to Fight Breast Cancer. Deadline for submissions is June 1. Mail design and contact information to Station 201, 317 Prince St., Alexandria, VA  22314 or email to Rodney.massser@alexandriava.gov. For more information, contact Sarah Watson at sarah.watson@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3123.

As the over-65 population grows in the City as well as in the nation, the Division on Aging and Adult Services spearheaded an effort to assess the needs and desires of older residents and develop a plan to meet those requirements and recommendations. Titled, “The Alexandria of Our Future, A Livable Community for All Ages,” the strategic plan recognizes that older residents are a natural resource whose talents and contributions to the life of the City are fundamental to its health and vitality. The City Council adopted the plan April 10.  Read the entire document online at alexandriava.gov/Aging. 

The  National League of Cities (NLC) launched a program to help provide City residents with relief from the cost of prescription medications. Through the program, CVS Caremark cards offer savings on prescription drugs at participating pharmacies to residents who are without health insurance, have a traditional benefits plan, or have prescriptions that are not covered by insurance. The card is free, regardless of age, income or existing health insurance. See information about obtaining this and other discount prescription cards.

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.

In the Spring edition of the Department of Community and Human Services newsletter, see how the Family Finder program is helping foster kids connect to family; learn the five steps of mental health first aid; check out the winner's in the Alexandria Commission for Women's "Annual Salute to Women Awards;" and read about our anonymous alcohol self-assessment in support of National Alcohol Awareness Month.

“A Night at the Races” is the theme for the 9^th annual Fostering the Future Cruise to benefit The Fund for Alexandria’s Child, a program to assist children in foster care and those at risk of abuse and neglect. The cruise will be held Friday, June 8 at 8 p.m. aboard the Cherry Blossom paddleboat moored at the City Marina. A dockside reception begins at 7 p.m. with boat departure at 8 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person (for adults only, please). The cost is tax deductible to the full extent of the law.  To reserve your space or for more information, call 703.746.5663 or visit alexandriava.gov/TheFundForAlexChild.