Unity in Diversity: Disability Resource Festival

It was a warm day with the sun shining brightly as crowds of people of all ages and backgrounds eagerly followed the neon markers labeled “This Way to the Disability Resource Festival.” Held on September 24 at Ardenwood Farm in Fremont, the Disability Resource Festival was hosted by the City of Fremont Human Relations Commission, in partnership with FCSN. The goal of this free event was to connect people with disabilities at all ages and to promote safety with law enforcement in the disabled community. In a day full of festivity and information, participants visited many booths by community organizations and attended safety demonstrations by police and fire departments, all while soaking in the lively music, games, and entertainment.  Continue reading Unity in Diversity: Disability Resource Festival

Interview with Dr. Lucy Qiao: Establishing Healthy Eating Habits

Food and Nutrition Series #7
FCSN Voices has initiated a series of interviews with Dr. Lucy Qiao on topics related to food and nutrition for individuals with special needs. In this interview, Dr. Qiao discusses her personal journey as a mother of a child with autism. She shares her insight on the importance of nutrition, as well as her experiences with establishing healthy eating habits and providing a balanced diet for her child. She also offers valuable advice and strategies for other parents facing similar challenges. Continue reading Interview with Dr. Lucy Qiao: Establishing Healthy Eating Habits

Empowering Social and Emotional Growth: The Kid & Teen Social Play Group for Special Needs Children

Every day, many special needs children face new, uncomfortable, and unfamiliar situations. They need important life skills to handle the complex world of social interactions in various settings. How can they express and cope with their emotions when someone hurts or upsets them? How can they start and maintain a conversation when they want to talk, play, and make friends with others? The Kid and Teen Social Play Group program at FCSN is here to help them by teaching how to identify, express, and manage their feelings, communicate and solve problems with others, take different perspectives, and work as a team. Continue reading Empowering Social and Emotional Growth: The Kid & Teen Social Play Group for Special Needs Children

FCSN GYVers 2023: Rosalie Chiang

As a young actor, 18-year-old Rosalie Chiang has already accomplished impressive milestones in her career, including being the voice actor for the main character Mei Lee of Turning Red. While Rosalie is known for her voice and acting skills, a big part of her identity lies elsewhere: giving back to the community. FCSN has always been a key part of her story. Having joined FCSN at an incredibly young age and growing up with the organization by her side, the recent high school graduate has not only made a defining impact on the organization but has also learned valuable lessons while volunteering.  Continue reading FCSN GYVers 2023: Rosalie Chiang

FCSN Family Gathering at South Bay Center Hosts a Variety of Activities for Families 

On September 2nd from 4 PM to 7 PM, FCSN’s South Bay center was bursting with music, laughter, warmth, energy, and creativity as FCSN members gathered for the bi-weekly family gathering. Between 4 to 6 PM, youth volunteers guided special needs children and teens through different activities. There were stations for dance and drawing, and the center also hosted a social skills session. Groups rotated after 20 minutes at each station. While the special needs students were busy with the fun activities, in a separate room of the center, speakers CK Lee and Jason Hwan covered FCSN updates and goals for the 2023–2024 year at the parent seminar. Parent seminars go over a variety of topics from self-improvement ideas to FCSN organization updates. At 6 PM, attendees enjoyed a dinner of grilled chicken and vermicelli and cabbage salad over rice, prepared by parent volunteers.  Continue reading FCSN Family Gathering at South Bay Center Hosts a Variety of Activities for Families