Written By: Jessica Hung, FCSN Voices Editor
Graphics By: Olivia Koo, FCSN Voices Graphic Artist

Cathy Yang serves as the coordinator for two programs at FCSN: the Supported Employment Program (SEP) and Tailored Day Services (TDS) at the Fremont Center. Both initiatives are dedicated to assisting individuals with special needs in finding employment based on their skills and preferences. Eligibility for these programs is open to those aged 18 and above. The California Department of Rehabilitation and Region Centers fund the SEP and TDS programs. Currently, there are about 15 clients in the SEP program, while the TDS program has around 12 (clients are around 20-56 years old).

Originally joining FCSN part-time in 2019, Yang expanded her commitment in 2021 to work full-time as a coordinator for SEP and TDS. Her deep connection with FCSN comes from the fulfillment she experiences from witnessing the joy on her clients’ faces. Yang enjoys all of the different events she has been a part of, especially events that involve her clients.

The Supported Employment Program (SEP) focuses on aiding clients in finding employment aligned with their preferences. Yang emphasized the untapped potential within their client base, stating, “We have a lot of clients that have a lot of potential to shine in some way. But we need to give them a chance.”

Individualized support is provided by the SEP, involving one-on-one meetings between the trainer and the client to develop skills and resumes. Meetings will depend on the client’s work schedule. Once employed, clients receive continuous support from their job coach, gradually decreasing as clients become more independent.

“That’s our goal, to train them to be independent, and then make sure that they know what to do in the job,” Yang comments.

Clients are employed in various fields, from restaurants and supermarkets to becoming substitute teachers. The program is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for clients and making sure they get the same treatment as others in the workplace. In addition, the program holds occasional workshops and seminars to educate employers on how to interact with special needs individuals.

Yang expresses, “I’m very proud of our clients, whoever can work outside by themselves, and they get out of their comfort zone. But for our clients to survive in this world, it’s not really easy. Not everybody can accept them.”

In 2022, the Supported Employment Program at FCSN achieved a significant milestone with a three-year accreditation from CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities). This accreditation determines if a program’s services meet international standards of quality and lasts three years. Yang and the rest of the team will continue to work hard to maintain the quality of the program and ensure that clients receive optimal support.

Tailored Day Services (TDS) is a flexible day program with fewer hours, focusing on the development of specialized skills and individualization. Clients can spend two to three days a week honing specific interests or skills (4-6 hours per week). Depending on the client’s needs and the approval of the Regional Center, clients can spend up to 26 hours or more in the TDS program until they feel ready to move on to the SEP. The program is highly personalized, addressing clients’ needs and weaknesses. The program also offers job-related activities, such as a snack bar where clients can bake and sell snacks while learning to interact with customers. Additionally, clients participate in food banks where they get a chance to give back to the community.

Expressing oneself can be challenging for clients, making trust between the client and trainer crucial. Yang stresses the importance of building this trust to establish a meaningful connection. Good communication between the employer and the client is equally important to avoid misunderstandings and is one of the key factors in building a successful relationship between the two.

In the future, Yang hopes to expand the programs to assist more clients in finding their dream jobs. She advises parents to allow their special needs children to explore various jobs, embracing failure as part of the learning process, and finding programs that align with their skills and needs.

For those who are interested, visit these links to learn more about the programs:
TDS: https://fcsn1996.org/tailored-day-services/
SEP: https://fcsn1996.org/supported-employment-program/