100+ Volunteers Power Mental Health Recovery in Fairfax

When someone begins treatment for mental health or substance use challenges, small acts of kindness can change everything.

In Fairfax County, Virginia, more than 100 volunteers and interns are making those moments happen every single day. Through the Valued Interns & Volunteers in Action program (VIVA!), the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board connects caring people with those working toward recovery and wellness.

The program welcomes over 40 master's-level interns each year who complete at least 400 hours of clinical training alongside experienced mental health professionals. These future clinicians spend a full year learning how to support people in their most vulnerable moments while bringing fresh energy and ideas to treatment programs.

But the magic really happens in the everyday moments volunteers create. Some provide free haircuts for people entering treatment, offering dignity and care when it matters most. Master Gardeners teach clients how to grow plants and spend healing time outdoors, transforming CSB sites into spaces of growth and hope.

The Ripple Effect

What makes VIVA! truly special is its perfect track record. Every time a CSB supervisor needs help, whether for a specific skill or extra support, the VIVA! team finds exactly the right person. Every single request has been filled, no matter how unique.

That success creates a ripple effect throughout the community. Interns gain real-world experience that shapes their entire careers in mental health care. Volunteers discover meaningful ways to use their talents. And people receiving services feel the difference that genuine human connection makes in their recovery journey.

The program proves something powerful: when a community creates clear pathways for people to help, they show up. Those 100-plus volunteers aren't just filling gaps in services. They're adding warmth, creativity, and hope to moments that can feel overwhelming and isolating.

Anyone interested in volunteering can explore current opportunities through the CSB's Idealist page, where new roles appear regularly. Master's-level students can apply through their schools if an agreement with the CSB already exists.

VIVA! shows what happens when good systems meet good hearts.