FCSN Family Day 2025

Written by: Lindsay Li, FCSN Voices Youth Reporter
Graphics by: Angel Li, FCSN Voices Graphic Artist

On June 7, from 4 to 7 PM, FCSN held the annual Family Day at the Culture Center of TECO in Milpitas. The event included both a segment in which FCSN board members presented various milestones and a series of performances by members of East and South Bay recreation programs. Guests including special needs families and members of different song and dance programs enjoyed a musical opening by the South Bay Percussion Group before the announcements began.

Jason Hwan and Jennifer Li emceed the event, with Li translating Hwan’s words into Chinese for listeners. Hwan also presented the annual report along with CK Lee. In their announcement, Lee listed achievements such as the establishment of the Osgood Center and the increase in staff numbers and expressed that hiring is currently open, while Hwan praised CSO Sylvia Yeh, CFO Lillian Lin, and President’s Office Director Chia-ling Yen for their roles in FCSN’s growth.

*South Bay Percussion Group plays a lively piece to raise spirits before the program officially begins.*

Next, parent volunteer Yvette Ying told the audience a personal story of her 17-year old son Declan learning to tie his shoelaces and FCSN’s impact on their lives. Having been a member of FCSN for eight years, she has found a supportive community and like-minded parents within the organization. “I’m not worried because I can learn from the best [community] right here,” Ying said about her experience of being a mother to a special needs child. “Hope always prevails.”

Cofounder Linmei Chiao introduced three volunteers who greeted the audience through pre-recorded videos: Isabella He, a junior at Stanford University who created a network of FSCN clubs and leads SN Tutoring; John, a junior at San Mateo High School who teaches a dance class and designed a T-shirt for his students; and Melinda Wong, the co-president of Christian Valley High School’s FCSN Club. They and other hardworking volunteers were celebrated at the Volunteer Recognition day on June 21 from 2 to 5 PM.

Lillian Lin and Sylvia Yeh presented the Staff Recognition Award to Robert Yang, Yanely Zarate, and Kelly Ko (who was not in attendance). The award celebrates volunteers who have been part of the FCSN family for ten years, putting in hours of hard work to turn FCSN into what it is today. After receiving the award, each recipient spoke about his or her motivation to keep volunteering; Anna Wang spoke on behalf of Ko. Finally, a number of special guests presented, including State Senator Aisha Wahab of District 10, who spoke on her reason for choosing FCSN as the 2025 California Nonprofit of the Year. Standing out from other nonprofits, the collaboration within the organization and the abundance of opportunities for special needs individuals and their families that FCSN offers impressed Wahab.

*Hundreds of attendees gather at the Culture Center of TECO for Family Day. The event was open to parents and special needs children as well as performing volunteers.*

Afterwards, attendees enjoyed a dinner box and performances ranging from shows to singing to dancing from groups such as South Bay’s Special Melodies Choir, South Bay’s Art Class Fashion Show, the Harmonic Heartbeats Choir, and the Dream Achievers Band. The night ended with a raffle drawing and some final remarks from Hwan and Lee. Overall, the Family Day was a success, marking another milestone in FCSN’s nearly 30 years of operation. Here’s to another year filled with fun and accomplishments!