On Saturday, March 4, 2023, county leaders, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington and community members gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the new Annandale Community Center at the Heritage Shopping Plaza.

The 2,100-square-foot center features two multipurpose rooms, small lounge, a kitchen and restrooms. Fairfax County is partnering with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington (BGCGW) to offer affordable youth programming and afterschool activities in the new space. Additional programs and resources will be added following the grand opening. 

“This shows the many true partnerships we have in Fairfax County to improve the lives of our young people,” said Fairfax County Supervisor Chair Jeffrey McKay of the new facility.

NCS Deputy Director Pallas Washington said it was vital that the community’s voice was heard in the multiple public engagement sessions on the new facility’s features.

“We are committed to making sure that everything that happens here to support families is definitely a reflection of [the community],” she said.

Open Hire Events March 14

The Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services is holding two Open Hire events on Tuesday, March 14, 5 – 7 p.m.

Locations:

• Pennino Building, Room 206, 12011 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA, 20035

• Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center, 1086 Elden Street, Herndon, VA, 20170

Apply and interview on the spot for multiple positions. Applicants should bring several copies of their resume. Available positions throughout the county include: Community-based Programs and Services – Recreation Leader II and III; School Age Child Care – Day Care Center Teacher I and Day Care Center Assistant Teacher; Therapeutic Recreation Services – Therapeutic Recreation Leader, Unit Leader and Director

Fair Housing

Where you live continues to have a significant impact on your life outcomes in the metropolitan Washington region. COG supports local governments in their duty to affirmatively further fair housing and prevent discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing so that all residents can choose to live in communities with access to quality schools, jobs, transportation, and housing that is affordable for a range of incomes. 

Collaborating closely with local governments, COG is helping area jurisdictions meet fair housing requirements through the Regional Fair Housing Plan (also known as the Regional Housing Equity Plan). Participating local governments in the region, together with their public housing authority partners have determined that working together to create a regional fair housing plan may help ensure that local goals are consistent, collaborative, innovative, and more likely to be effective.

The Fair Housing Act was passed in 1968 and prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. The law was designed with two aims: one, to prevent discrimination; and two, to take active steps to undo historic patterns of segregation. 

Review and comment on the draft Regional Fair Housing Plan. The 60-day public comment period is open from January 31 – March 31. https://www.mwcog.org/community/planning-areas/housing-and-homelessness/regional-fair-housing-plan-comment-form/