With thousands of federal workers and contractors laid off or facing job losses as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) continues making cuts, the Washington, D.C. region has been deeply affected. Roughly 175,000 Northern Virginia residents—more than 107,000 of them in Arlington and Fairfax counties—hold federal civilian jobs, Northern Virginia Regional Commission numbers show. The following local businesses, nonprofits, public schools and municipal governments are offering help in the form of job fairs, discounts and deals.
This page will be updated as new options become available.
&Democracy Federal Worker Career Networking
Founded in January, this Arlington group aims to “organize and mobilize pro-democracy in action.” On March 18, 6:30-8 p.m., it will host a networking event at Carpool. // 900 N. Glebe Road, Arlington (Ballston)
Arlington County Assistance for Federal Employees and Contractors
“Arlington is working to support federal employees and contractors in our community who may need unanticipated help,” says the county website. Find a local government gig in Arlington County or get free assistance with resumes, cover letters, interviewing and using LinkedIn for networking from the Arlington Employment Center.
Arlington Public Library
The library’s calendar is chock full of worker-focused programs at branches countywide. On March 13, 6-7:30 p.m., attend “Translate Your Public Service Resume,” a class at Central Library (1015 N. Quincy St.) presented by the Partnership for Public Service for employees leaving the federal workforce. March 19, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Courthouse Library (2100 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington) will host a drop-in resume and job search help session. More options include “Launch Your Dream Business: Life After Government” March 26, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at Central Library, and “Reducing Stress Through Meditation” on March 29, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Shirlington Library (4200 Campbell Ave.).
The Boeser Group
This Vienna-based real estate firm is offering to help affected federal employees with home sales. If federal workers who buy a home through Boeser Group agents in the next six months are laid off, the company will list the home for a 0% listing fee for up to one year.
Nicolette Elm, Makeup Artist
Makeup artist Nicolette Elm is offering half off her services for affected federal workers. Reach out via Instagram or email her at makeupbynikkie101@gmail.com.
“Fades for Feds” at The Neighborhood Barbershop
Federal workers who have been laid off can get free haircuts on March 30, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at Dustin Foley’s Falls Church barbershop. Lazy Mike’s Delicatessen and Harvey’s Restaurant have signed on to contribute food and resources for the event. Note that the shop will be operating on a walk-in, first-come, first-serve basis and that all services are subject to availability. (Shampoos, hair color and updos are excluded from the offer). // 417 W. Broad St., Falls Church
Fairfax County Federal Workforce Resource Hub
Watch this new webpage for updates on local resource and employment fairs, including a town hall on March 11 in Manassas hosted by the Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce and an employment fair in Centreville on March 23.
Fairfax County Public Schools
Virginia’s largest school district is offering to help federal workers transition into careers in either educational or operational positions. The webpage “Continue Your Public Service Journey at FCPS” links to a self-paced online teacher-prep program and explains how to obtain a teaching license. People with bachelor’s degrees can get provisional licenses within weeks. FCPS also offers a variety of operational roles in departments such as finance, human resources, safety and security, food service, transportation and facilities. Slides from a recent presentation to current and former federal workers and contractors are available here.
Meaghan Faragasso, Personal Trainer
A master trainer and nutritionist for 27 years, Meaghan Faragasso is offering discounted personal training sessions to federal workers. “Working out is the best way to ward off anxiety, depression and stay productive,” she writes in a Facebook post. Sessions take place at the Fairlington Community Center & Park. Contact her at (202) 627-0383.
Katz-Moses Financial
Get pro bono financial planning with a certified financial planner who specializes in working with federal workers in the DMV. Schedule a virtual session with by contacting Andrew Katz-Moses at andrew@katzmosesfinancial.com.
Matt Mendelsohn Photography
Roda
The mobile mechanic company is offering affected feds 30% off any auto service, including maintenance and detailing, with code TOGETHER30.
The Teal Center
Show your federal badge or business card to get a 60-minute massage for $99 throughout the month of March at this wellness center. // 4001 9th St. N., Arlington (Ballston)
Theatre Washington
This collective of regional theaters in the DMV is offering free and discounted tickets to shows through the end of April. Laid-off federal workers can see Avant Bard Theatre’s The Margriad through March 29 at Arlington’s Gunston Arts Center (2700 S. Lang St.) for free. Signature Theatre (4200 Campbell Ave.) in Shirlington will hold a daily lottery starting March 13 for two complementary tickets to In the Heights, which runs through May 4. Enter to win them here and note that this is “for federal employees or contractors who recently had their employment terminated. When picking up tickets at the Box Office prior to showtime, lottery winners will be asked to show an official letter or email confirming this change,” according to the website.
Washington Nationals
The Nats are offering current and former federal workers two free tickets to their exhibition game against the Baltimore Orioles at Nationals Park on March 24 at 1:05 p.m. Instructions for redeeming the tickets are on the website.
Yoga: Free Your Mind at the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington
Stretch and relax at a free yoga session March 12 and 19, 10-11 a.m. “Our thoughts are with our community members who may have recently lost their jobs or suffered other losses,” the website states. “Find solace and inspiration with the art that surrounds us.” Registration is required. // 3550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)