Written By: Jim Chiao, FCSN Co-Chair
Honored by State Senator Dr. Aisha Wahab, 10th Senate District

Each year, the California State Senate honors nonprofit organizations from across the state at the California Nonprofits of the Year celebration, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the community. Every State Senator’s office seeks community input to nominate nonprofits that have excelled in breaking down barriers and transforming lives. The selected honorees for 2025 are recognized at a special ceremony celebrating their remarkable achievements.

In California’s 10th Senate District, the office of State Senator Dr. Aisha Wahab has selected Friends of Children with Special Needs (FCSN) as the 2025 Nonprofit of the Year! The 10th District covers much of the East Bay, including Alameda County and the northwestern corner of Santa Clara County. Its cities include Hayward, Union City, Newark, Fremont, Milpitas, Sunnyvale, and Santa Clara, as well as the coastal area south of Oakland along the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay.

Founded in 1996 by ten Chinese American families, Friends of Children with Special Needs now operates three centers in Fremont and San Jose. What began as a small family support group has grown into a service organization with more than 1,200 member families. Each year, FCSN serves over 600 children and adults with special needs, extending its services to families of all ethnic backgrounds. Programs include adult education, living services, children’s enrichment classes, and family support groups. FCSN’s website is: www.fcsn1996.org.

The recognition ceremony was held on May 21, 2025 at the State Capitol in Sacramento. FCSN was represented by Board Co-Chair James Chiao, Co-President CK Lee, Vice President Anna Wang, and Chief Strategy Officer Sylvia Yeh. After arriving at the Capitol, we first met with Senator Wahab in her office. Then joined the Nonprofits of the Year Celebration on Capitol Mall.

Senator Wahab shared that she honored FCSN as the Non-Profit of the Year in her district for its long-standing work in providing services to individuals with special needs, connecting them with state resources and offering support for families. She further remarked: “Friends of Children with Special Needs’ dedication and service to children with special needs and their families is deeply inspiring. We are truly honored to recognize the profound impact your organization bas made.”