The Grand Opening of FCSN Osgood Center: A Continuation of a 25-Year Dream Project

Written by: Shelley Li, FCSN Voices Youth Reporter
Graphics by: Megan Kellogg, FCSN Voices Graphic Artist

25 years ago, FCSN board proposed an “impossible” goal — to build a Dream Community that would provide resources and opportunities to support individuals with special needs in reaching their greatest potential. Initially deemed an unattainable dream, the acquisition of a parcel of land in Fremont planted the first seeds. From these seeds sprouted the roots of the Dream Project, an initiative dedicated to making the Dream Community a reality. In 2006, the Dream Project reached its first milestone with the grand opening of FCSN’s Dream Center, now named the Chenming and Margaret Hu Center. In 2017, FCSN opened the doors of its second center, the South Bay Bascom Center in San Jose. Now, in August 2024, after more than three years of design and renovation, FCSN continues transforming impossibilities into possibilities with the grand opening of its third center and new headquarters: the Osgood Center.

*East Bay Percussion delivers a lively performance at the Grand Opening, welcoming all guests to the momentous event.*

On August 23, more than 100 FCSN families, friends, and distinguished guests gathered in celebration of the Osgood Center Grand Opening. Welcoming guests at the entrance, FCSN clients gave out handmade beaded bracelets spelling “FCSN” and “LOVE.” They then provided a guided tour of the new facility, which concurrently was also featuring FCSN’s third Art Exhibition, a powerful display of approximately 300 pieces of talented artwork by artists with special needs. Commencing the momentous occasion, East Bay Percussion performed a spirited rendition of “The Stars and Stripes Forever.” The lively melodies, combined with dozens of clapping hands and dancing feet, mirrored the enthusiasm and cheer within every guest.

*With a blend of dreamy instrumentals and powerful vocals, the Dream Achievers band brightens the atmosphere as guests admire the talented artworks displayed in the exhibition.*

From its founding in 1996 with 10 families to the 1200+ family members and 160 employees it has today, FCSN has grown over the years to serve more than 500 adults and children with special needs. In attendance at the Grand Opening included longtime supporters of the organization — those that witnessed and also participated in the progression of FCSN’s Dream Project. As Executive Business Director Sylvia Yeh said, “Because FCSN can dream, we can be where we are today. We have three centers we can call home, but the only reason we can do this is because of the support we have received and also the trust from our parents and from our clients.” Together, VIPs, supporters, FCSN board, and FCSN’s construction and executive team cut the ribbon for the grand opening of the Osgood Center.

*Ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Osgood Center*

The new center consists of a 1-story building of 6000 square feet adjacent to a 2-story building of 12,000 square feet. With the larger physical space, FCSN hopes to expand its services, including establishing a new Adult Day Program, increasing the scope of its Afterschool Program, and enhancing employment support services. Co-Chair James Chiao expressed his hope for the new center: “Today the Osgood Project marks another milestone, and it shows that our vision to build a dream community is still a driving force at FCSN … We can provide more programs to help families with special needs and can impact many more people in our community.”

*More than a hundred guests came to commemorate the Grand Opening of the Osgood Center*

Over the past two years, with Adaptive Skills Training (AST) and Coordinated Family Support Service (CFS), FCSN has greatly extended its reach to encompass more individuals with special needs, including adults with higher-needs and those who reside at home with their parents. In their speeches at the Grand Opening, distinguished guests and supporters expressed their gratitude toward FCSN’s unwavering dedication in recognizing and empowering all members of the special needs community. Among the distinguished guests were TECO Deputy Director John Chu, CA House of Representatives (HOR) Alex Lee, and representatives from the offices of CA HOR Evan Low and CA Senator Aisha Wahab. Also present were Alameda County Board of Supervisors David Haubert and Lena Tam, Assessor Phong La, and Fremont Mayor Lily Mei with Councilmembers Yang Shao, Teresa Keng, Raj Salwan and Board of Education President Yajing Zhang. Lily Mei said, “I can’t be more proud of the fact that FCSN has made Fremont its home from the beginning of its journey and over the years … [Thank you FCSN] for always dreaming, always building, and always moving forward.”

*Distinguished guests celebrate FCSN’s new milestone*

Integral to FCSN’s journey are also numerous community partners. In attendance at the Grand Opening included Executive Director of RCEB Lisa Kleinbub, Executive Director of SARC Javier Zaldivar, Manager of SCCC Sheraden Nicolau, Gerrye Wang of CHCP, the Fremont Human Services Department, Fremont Planning Commission, and members of the API Coalition and Citizens for Better Community (CBC). In addition, FCSN specifically recognized a core group of individuals who have worked tirelessly to construct the new Dream Center since 2021. They include T Square Consulting Group, Pacific General Construction, special volunteers Jeff Woo and Stanley Woo — who helped construct all three of FCSN’s centers — and Tracy Chiao, who aided in finding and purchasing the Osgood building. Working with these individuals was FCSN’s own Osgood Center Design & Construction Team, consisting of Albert Wang, Anna Wang, Sylvia Yeh, Lilian Lin, Richard Lo, James Chiao, CK Lee, and Yee-Yeen Wang.

T Square Consulting Group Architect Wendy Chen (second from the right) and Pacific General Construction President Ray Tong (rightmost) receive recognition for their contributions in design and construction during the Osgood Center’s renovation process.

FCSN Osgood Center Design Team (from left to right): Stanley Woo (volunteer consultant), Jeff Woo (volunteer consultant), Albert Wang (board member), Anna Wang (Vice President), Sylvia Yeh (Executive Business Director), Lilian Lin (CFO), James Chiao (Co-Chair), CK Lee (Co-president)

From an impossible dream to the opening of a third Dream Center, FCSN advances a now 25-year-old Dream Project. Acting on the heart of FCSN’s mission, the organization hopes to continue bringing sunshine to individuals with special needs and their families, and supporting these individuals in becoming productive members of society. “As the co-president and also part of the FCSN leadership team, we are very proud we have reached this milestone. And as parents of special needs individuals, we feel very thankful and very blessed because today we witnessed FCSN continuing to expand its community,” Co-President Jason Hwan said. “Just like many years ago, we believe that FCSN will continue as promised to serve more people and serve better to the people who really need it.”

Photos folder: Osgood Center Grand Opening Photos + last photo is from the Press Release