Some places become more than a building. For a lot of people, CFO South County is where you grab a coffee, take a hot shower, wash a load of clothes, or sit down with someone who gets it.
Our last day at Sacramento Drive is Monday, November 9. On Friday, November 13, CFO South County opens at its new home: the Gartlan Center in Alexandria. We’re always closed Tuesday through Thursday, so you won’t miss a single open day.
Change is hard, even good change
When a place has been there for you on hard days, leaving it can bring up feelings you didn’t expect. You might feel sad, unsure, or nervous about finding your way somewhere new. All of that is normal.
Here’s what isn’t changing: your South County team is moving with you. In peer support, we say recovery isn’t something we do alone. Moving isn’t either. Together, we’ll learn the new space, from where the coffee is to which seat starts to feel like yours.
How to find us
Gartlan Center 8119 Holland Road Alexandria, VA 22306
- We’re directly behind Inova Mount Vernon Hospital, about one mile off Richmond Highway.
- Look for the CFO Wellness Center sign. There’s free parking in front of the building.
- Use the CFO South County entrance. It opens right into our community room. The building’s front main door is for Gartlan Center appointments.
By bus
- From Huntington Metro Station (Yellow Line): take Fairfax Connector route 152, 161, or 162 to Inova Mount Vernon Hospital. Route 162 also stops on Holland Road at Derek Road.
- From Franconia–Springfield Metro Station (Blue Line): take Fairfax Connector route 308 to Inova Mount Vernon Hospital.
- Check times before you go. Bus service in the evenings and on weekends varies. For real-time arrivals, use BusTracker at fairfaxcounty.gov/connector or call 703-339-7200 (TTY: 703-339-1608).
- You may be able to ride for free. Fairfax Connector’s TRIP100 program covers your whole fare if you get SSI or SSDI, use MetroAccess, have a caseworker through a Fairfax County agency or organization, or meet the income limits. Apply at fairfaxcounty.gov/connector/trip.
Same hours, same welcome
- Monday and Friday: 3:00 – 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: 12:00 – 7:00 p.m.
- Tuesday through Thursday: closed
Everything you count on is coming with us: coffee, tea, and snacks; free dinner at 5:00 p.m.; showers and laundry; the clothing closet and toiletries; one-on-one peer support; groups every day we’re open; and help with jobs and benefits.
A few new routines
Other programs also work in the Gartlan Center. Here’s what to expect when you arrive:
- Early? Wait at the picnic tables outside. Two staff members are there 30 minutes before we open.
- Sign in every visit. The front desk will sign you up for a shower or laundry.
- Showers, laundry, and restrooms are right off the community room.
- Dinner comes to you. Find a seat in the community room and we’ll bring your meal. Please don’t line up at the food truck out back.
- Staff will walk with you. Stay in the community room unless a staff member is with you. We’ll walk you to and from groups. This isn’t about trust. It’s how we share the building respectfully and protect the privacy of everyone getting care there.
Closed for Veterans Day: Wednesday, November 11
All CFO centers and Virtual Services will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, for Veterans Day. Regular hours resume Thursday, November 12. CFO South County is always closed on Wednesdays, so its schedule doesn’t change. We’ll see you Friday at the Gartlan Center.
To the veterans in our community, including those who come through our doors: thank you. You’re always welcome here.
If you need support while we’re closed:
- Emergency: call 911.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988.
- Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255.
- Fairfax-Falls Church CSB Emergency Services (24/7): 703-573-5679
- Northern Virginia Regional Crisis Call Center: 703-527-4077
See you Friday
Same team. Same welcome. Success waits behind every door, including our new one.
For full hours, directions, and details, visit centersforopportunity.org/cfo-south-county/.
