Resources Update: WIOA’s Career Readiness Program Plus $3500 Award; Financial Classes with Gifts Cards; Teen and Adult Support Groups for Survivors of Sexual Assault; Assistance with Food and More

Twice monthly, DCHS highlights new and existing resources to support individuals and families impacted by the COVID-19 crisis or those in need.
Page updated on April 7, 2022 at 10:19 AM
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Resources Update: WIOA’s Career Readiness Program Plus $3500 Award; Financial Classes with Gifts Cards; Teen and Adult Support Groups for Survivors of Sexual Assault; DCHS Moving to New Location; Warming Centers; Winter Shelter; Vaccine Pop-Ups; Free Rides to Vaccine Sites for 60+; Assistance with Food, Rent, College and Career; and More 

A DCHS CONNECT FEATURE 


 

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January 13, 2022--Twice monthly, DCHS highlights new and existing resources to support individuals and families impacted by the COVID-19 crisis or those in need.  

We encourage residents and faith-based and nonprofit organizations to share these resources with their neighbors and networks. You can also learn about and share the latest resources and news by following DCHS on Facebook or Twitter or subscribing to the Spanish Language Text Line by texting ALEXINFOESP to 888777. 

Upcoming Vaccine Events on January 13-15, 17-21, 24, 26-28 and 31

  • There are multiple clinics every week around the city where adults and children aged 5 and up can receive their first and second free doses of the COVID-19 vaccine as well as booster shots. As part of Alexandria's commitment to serving all communities, clinics are hosted at a variety of times in conveniently located neighborhood locations and do not require ID, insurance or English fluency. Access a schedule of locations and times. 

DCHS Moving to New Location in 2023

  • The Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) will move to a new location in 2023 and is hosting two events during the month of January to gather community input on ways to make the place comfortable and welcoming for all. The new location of DCHS, Alexandria Health Department and Neighborhood Health will be located at 4850 Mark Center Place. Join us for a virtual discussion on January 13, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. to learn about the new location’s color palettes, materials for seating, flooring, layout, signage and lighting, and accordingly provide feedback and express preferences regarding the internal architectural features and decorative specifications. Advance registration is required. 

Transportation for Vaccine Appointments for Older Adults

  • Free transportation through Alexandria Yellow Cab is available for older adults aged 60+ to obtain their COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots. Transportation will be provided to City of Alexandria residents to and from vaccination sites in or outside of the city. Individuals do not need to be signed up for Senior Taxi for this service. The senior may bring one companion with them at no charge; however, they must arrange for their own companion. To schedule a trip, please make a vaccination appointment first, then call 703.746.5999 to schedule the trip at least two days prior to the appointment. Callers will be asked to provide basic demographic information, then, they will receive a return call to confirm details of the transportation to and from the appointment. Learn more at Alexandriava.gov/Aging.

*The Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) serves seniors and adults with disabilities in the City of Alexandria and helps them lead healthy and independent lives. Watch this video to learn about the Division and its work, services offered and the people it helps.

Free Narcan Mail delivery to Alexandria’s Residents and Employees:

  • City residents may obtain Narcan for free by emailing their name and mailing address to the City’s Opioid Response Coordinator at emily.bentley@alexandriava.gov. You can also obtain Narcan by appointment at the Alexandria Health Department by calling 703.746.4888. Narcan is also available without a prescription at all pharmacies. Narcan is an easy-to-use nasal spray that can save the life of someone experiencing an opioid overdose. For more information on Narcan visit alexandriava.gov/Opioids. * Narcan by mail is available to City of Alexandria residents and employees only.

WIOA's Career Readiness Program for Dislocated Workers

The City of Alexandria encourages job seekers to apply to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Dislocated Worker Program, a career readiness program intended to help eligible individuals get back to work as quickly as possible and overcome barriers to employment. Eligible participants can receive up to $3,500 to help jumpstart their career, and obtain assistance with education, training and other supportive services. To learn more about the program, register and attend a one-hour free virtual orientation, held every other Monday at 1 p.m. and view and download a printable flyer. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/WorkforceDevelopment, call 703.746.5990 or email WDC@alexandriava.gov. 

Personal Finance and Career Building Classes for City’s Residents 

  • Alexandria’s Center for Economic Support (CES), in collaboration with community partners, is hosting a series of personal finance and career building classes during January and February. All classes are free and will be held virtually on Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and are meant to help participants improve their financial life, manage budgets, improve income stability, advance monetary education, and reduce and eliminate debts. It is encouraged to attend all classes. Participants will receive a $25 gift card for completing the first three classes or $75 gift card for finishing all six classes. Space is limited and advance registration is required. To register, call 703.746.5700 or email brandon.hare@alexandriava.gov. View and download a printable flyer to learn more about upcoming sessions.

New Work-Based Learning Program

  • The City of Alexandria is launching a work-based learning (WBL) program that matches job seekers to employers and utilizes the workplace as an environment where individuals can apply and expand upon their knowledge and technical skills while earning a stipend of at least $15/hour. Upcoming cohorts start on May 2 and August 29. Space is limited and job seekers must submit an application. Employers are also invited to partner with the City and join the employer network at no cost to identify future employees and save time and money in recruitment. Employers who are interested should complete this questionnaire. More information is available at alexandriava.gov/115059.

Weekly Jobs Flyer, Workshops and Skills Training 

College Readiness Assistance

  • The City encourages youth to apply to Project Discovery Alexandria (PDA), a college and career readiness program, helps low income and first-generation eligible students to access opportunities in higher education. Applicants can join free workshops, learn about scholarship opportunities and obtain help with academic planning. Join the program and start the application process here. Learn more at Alexandriava.gov/ProjectDiscovery.

Winter Shelter is Now Open in Two Locations

  • The City’s Winter Shelter for individuals and families experiencing homelessness is now open in two locations: one serving single adults at 2355 Mill Rd and another at 930 North Henry St. for families only. The opening is weather-driven until December 1 when the shelters are open nightly regardless of weather conditions until  the end of March. For April 1-15 the openings are dependent on the weather again. Both locations provide a warm, clean and safe environment for the guests. Transportation to and from the shelters is provided. The shelters perform health screenings for guests upon arrival. Learn more at Alexandriava.gov/49636.

Warming Centers Open During Daytime

  • The City provides several locations as options to those without heating in their homes, including recreation centers and libraries. Safety measures will be followed in all facilities in accordance with federal, state and local health COVID-19 guidelines. Alexandrians are also encouraged to check on neighbors who may be at risk of hypothermia and keep pets indoors as much as possible. View and download this printable flyer. For warming center locations and more information, visit alexandriava.gov/122602. 

Rental and Eviction Prevention Assistance 

  • Alexandria Eviction Prevention staff are available in-person for immediate assistance every Wednesday and Thursday from 12-3 p.m. at Casa Chirilagua (4109 Mt. Vernon Ave.). Call 571.351.3272 or email volunteerAEPP@alive-inc.org. 
  • Access City and state rental and eviction prevention assistance for renters and landlords through the Office of Housing and DCHS. Learn more. 

Reusable Bags to SNAP and WIC Communities

  • The City is offering reusable bags to individuals and families receiving benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. The bag can be used for shopping at grocery stores, convenience stores, and drug stores to avoid the five-cent per bag fee as the plastic bag tax goes into effect on January 1. For more information and pickup locations, visit alexandriava.gov/123190.

ALIVE! Food Distribution Pop-Ups 

Circle of Hope: Support Group for Teen Survivors

  • Alexandria’s Sexual Assault Center is hosting a series of in-person teen support group meetings called “Circle of Hope” for students aged 14 and up attending Alexandria High School who survived sexual violence. The group is aimed at educating teen survivors about ways to identify triggers, develop coping skills and set boundaries. The meetings will begin on February 2, 2022, and will be hosted on Wednesdays for six weeks during lunch from 11:19 a.m. to 12:33 p.m. To register, contact Shanice Smith at Shanice.smith@alexadriava.gov. To learn more about the upcoming meetings, view and download a printable flyer.

Let’s Talk Tuesday: New Support Group for Adult Survivors of Sexual Assault

  • Alexandria’s Sexual Assault Center is hosting a series of virtual support group meetings for adult survivors of sexual assault, called “Let’s Talk Tuesday”. The group is aimed at walking with survivors in their recovery journey toward a new sense of wholeness by focusing on education and fostering creativity, confidence and self-worth. The meetings will be held every Tuesday, starting January 25 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for six consecutive weeks. Prescreening and registration is required. To register, email gloria.saez@alexandriava.gov. 

For more information on a wide range of resources available, visit Resources to Meet Basic Needs of those Impacted by COVID-19: 

View or download a flyer to learn how to access a variety of essential services in English, Spanish, Arabic and Amharic.