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.
Updated April 7.
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. Attend self-help courses such as Practicing Mindfulness and employment info sessions such as interview workshops and drop-in resume and job search help.
Keith Butler and Seysew
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.
Capital Area Food Bank
This organization partners with more than 400 others in the area to help people experiencing food insecurity, and on April 5, it’s launching pop-up markets where people who have been affected by reductions in federal jobs and funding can pick up shelf-stable pantry items and fresh produce twice a week. Find them Thursdays, 5-7 p.m., and Saturdays, 9-11 a.m., or until supplies last. So far, the Virginia locations are at a Giant grocery store in Springfield and a Safeway in Dale City, but check the website for more information.
Career Reignite
Together with the Northern Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, this new initiative aims to support former federal employees and contractors. On April 9, 6 p.m., share your experience and learn what Career Reignite can help with at a virtual focus group. Register to get a link to join via email.
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.
Fairfax CORE
Former feds looking to launch a business can learn how through this Fairfax County resource. The Fairfax CORE Business Startup Guide has info on planning, permitting and launching, and the Resource Navigator connects budding business owners with more than 120 resource providers who offer free, specialized assistance. Check the Events Calendar for free and low-cost education and training.
Fairfax County Federal Workforce Resource Hub
Watch this webpage for updates on local resources and employment fairs, plus links to available jobs and help with health care coverage and financial assistance.
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.
Falls Church Resources Supporting Our Local Community
A new webpage from the city of Falls Church lists area opportunities and resources. Find a lit of state, regional and local resources, plus dates for upcoming events and job fairs.
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.
George Mason University’s College of Visual & Performing Arts
The college is offering free tickets to performances across Mason Arts venues for federal employees and contractors who recently lost their jobs. The offer includes 23 professional and student performances at the Center for the Arts and Harris Theatre on the Fairfax Campus and the Hylton Performing Arts Center on the Science and Technology Campus in Manassas. Free content is also available online through Mason Arts Amplified. Reserve a ticket (amounts vary by location) by phone or in person two Tuesdays before each performance. “Individuals will be asked to confirm government agency and date of separation,” according to the announcement.
Hope Center for Advanced Veterinary Care
This 24-hour emergency care center for pets is waiving ER exam fees and will set up payment plans for pet owners who have been affected by the federal government layoffs. “If you or a family member have been affected, simply bring proof of recent government employment to your visit,” according to the March 11 announcement on Facebook. “Our goal is to ensure your pets receive the care they need without added financial stress.” // 140 Park St., SE, Vienna
Jewish Fertility Foundation Support Group
Leadership, Career and Volunteer Expo
The Leadership Center of Arlington and by Arlington Economic Development will host this free event happening April 5, 1-5 p.m. Attend leadership development seminars, connect with community leaders and swing by a job fair, plus get free headshots taken. // DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Washington DC – Crystal City, 300 Army Navy Drive, Arlington
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
Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments
NiHao
Chef Peter Chang’s small-plates restaurant is offering a BOGO Happy Hour for federal workers on Mondays-Fridays, 4-6 p.m. The deal is good on food items from both the happy hour and full dinner menus. To redeem the offer, just show a business card as identification. // 1550 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA)
Resource Tuesdays at Refraction Innovation Hub
With a goal of supporting early-stage tech startups and entrepreneurs, this organization has a free weekly co-working and support program designed to help professionals in career transition. Use a workspace with free Wi-Fi and stocked kitchens, get career advice, and learn the details you need start a new business every Tuesday. // 7950 Jones Branch Drive, McLean
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. Signature Theatre (4200 Campbell Ave.) in Shirlington is holding a daily lottery 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.
Yoga: Free Your Mind at the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington
Stretch and relax at a free yoga session April 2, May 7 and June 4, 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)