Older Americans Month

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month (OAM), a time to recognize older Americans' contributions, highlight aging trends, and serve older adults.

2025's theme, Flip the Script on Aging, focuses on transforming how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging. It encourages communities to challenge  misconceptions on aging. This year, explore opportunities for staying active and engaged as we all age, and highlight opportunities for purpose and connection. Here in Arlington, RAFT supports the elder population. Subscribe to their newsletter!

Foster Care Awareness Month

Each year, we celebrate Arlington's foster parents of the year and for 2025 they are Drew and Melanie Bond! The Bonds became foster parents in 2005. They had three young kids, but knew they could open their home and hearts to children who needed stability and love.

Melanie joined the Training Team to support other foster parents with her expertise and connections, and helps with a community partner gift collection drive for teens in care.

Melanie and Drew say fostering is a tangible way to put faith into action and express thankfulness and unconditional love. It teaches flexibility peace in uncertainty, and hope in hard times. After 17 years and 14 children successfully returned to their families, they met a sibling group that could not go back home, so the Bonds adopted them. To anyone considering fostering, Drew and Melanie say that it is the best and hardest thing you could ever do! Do not hesitate to start. Learn how you, too, can foster in Arlington at an upcoming virtual Information Session.

Date: Thurs., May 29
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual; To attend a session, Contact openheartsopenhomes@arlingtonva.us

Mental Health Awareness Month

Promote wellness with activities to build mental health. Each week, you'll find ways to help you and your family manage stress, build resilience, and stay emotionally strong. Let's create a happier, healthier Arlington. Some ideas for why & how:

Start a Journal! Why: Journaling helps process emotions and reduce stress.
How: Set 15 minutes each day to write out thoughts, feelings, and experiences. "What made me glad today?" or "How did I face a challenge?"

Practice Mindfulness. Why: Reduce anxiety, improve focus, and enhance well-being. How: Find a quiet space, sit comfortably, and focus on the breath. Notice thoughts, do not judge, and gently return to breathing.

Get Active. Why: Exercise releases endorphins to boost mood and energy levels.
How: Jog, dance, or do yoga for at least 30 minutes, most days of the week.

Connect with Loved Ones. Why: Social supports provide emotional comfort and reduce loneliness. How: Plan regular phone/video chats, or meet-ups with friends and family. Share your experiences; listen to theirs.

Set Boundaries. Why: To protect your mental health and prevent burnout.
How: Identify areas where you need limits: work, relationships, or social media time. Communicate your own limits clearly, then stick to them.

Teen Network Board (TNB) is a county & school board-appointed teen advocacy group of high school and home school students, from different backgrounds, who provide community voice and service for youth. They discuss issues, make recommendations, and act to improve the lives of Arlington teens. Anyone in grades 9-12 who lives in Arlington County may apply. TNB meets the 1st and 3rd Tues. of the month, during the school year, 6:30-8 p.m. at Lubber Run. Learn more/Apply for 2025-26 today!