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New Development at FCSN Voices

Founded with the purpose of amplifying the voices of the special needs community and instilling a sense of community within FCSN’s united families, FCSN Voices has evolved from a printed newsletter in 1997 to a fully-fledged online publication carrying all the strengths of the digital age. Today, the publication features more than 250 articles, accumulating more than 40,000 views and reaching readers across 10 countries. Over the years, FCSN Voices has seen significant growth as a publication and undergone changes in leadership, format, and direction, but has always remained true to its mission of informing readers on issues important to the special needs community.  Continue reading New Development at FCSN Voices

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Serving the Seniors at Fremont Age Well Center

FCSN Gala: Client Story 1
We go to the City of Fremont Age Well Center to volunteer every Wednesday. Ms. Cathy drives us there so we can work. When we get there, the first thing we do is to wash our hands by using hand soap, dry our hands with a towel, and then we put gloves on.  Once we are done with basic hygiene, we start to work! We would pick a table to work on, then move to another one. However, we also help each other when needed.  Continue reading Serving the Seniors at Fremont Age Well Center

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Food and Nutrition Series: Anna and Lawrence’s Gluten-Free Casein-Free Journey 

Food and Nutrition Series #6
Some people suffer from food intolerances, causing their bodies to experience immense discomfort which manifests in hyperactivity or self-injurious and aggressive behaviors. Addressing these food intolerances can result in drastic improvement in one’s quality of life. For this edition of the Food and Nutrition Series, Anna shares her journey with the gluten-free and casein-free (GFCF) diet for her son Lawrence.  Continue reading Food and Nutrition Series: Anna and Lawrence’s Gluten-Free Casein-Free Journey 

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Food and Nutrition Series: Jia and Alice’s Gluten-Free Journey 

Food and Nutrition Series #5
A food intolerance is caused by one’s body not being able to digest a certain food or an ingredient in the food. For this edition of the Food and Nutrition Series, FCSN parent Jia shared the challenges her daughter Alice faced as a result of gluten intolerance and their journey together in order to manage this condition. Providing inspiration for other families dealing with a similar situation, this article presents the story of a mother’s determination to help her daughter and advice that she would share with the community.   Continue reading Food and Nutrition Series: Jia and Alice’s Gluten-Free Journey 

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SN Tutoring Program Spotlight: Alison Ding and Ms. Liu

SN Tutoring Program Spotlight #1
Parent Ms. Liu recently thanked Tutor Alison Ding for her sharp insight, patience, and open-mindedness while teaching. “Alison is not only willing to help special needs kids with extra patience, but she also takes the effort to adjust her way to meet the kid’s level of ability. Not all professionals in the special education field can do that, but Alison does. She quickly builds the bond with her student and keeps open communication with the parents so that both of us can work together as a team. In summary, she is a great tutor!” Continue reading SN Tutoring Program Spotlight: Alison Ding and Ms. Liu

FCSN Plays an Integral Part of My Son’s Life

In March 2020, Bay Area counties instituted Shelter-in-Place orders due to the arrival of the COVID pandemic, and FCSN was forced to suspend in-person programs. This surely created enormous problems for the staff and volunteers who have been keeping this wonderful organization afloat under what are even in the best of times, challenging circumstances. But it also created a crisis for our son Jon and all of the clients and their families who have been relying on FCSN services. Continue reading FCSN Plays an Integral Part of My Son’s Life

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FCSN’s Milestone- 3-Year CARF Accreditation

When FCSN’s Supported Employment Program was certified by DOR (Department of Rehabilitation) in late 2017, we were informed that we needed to receive The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) Accreditation by the 5th year. At that time, three years before, we had to start preparing for accreditation, which we didn’t think would be daunting. We just went through a certification process, so how difficult could it be? Read more on FCSN’s journey on completing their first CARF accreditation review. Continue reading FCSN’s Milestone- 3-Year CARF Accreditation

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2022 FCSN Scholarship Recipient: Joyce Lui

Meet Joyce Lui: a senior at Monta Vista High School located in Cupertino, California, who is incredibly passionate about the special needs community. Since 10th grade, she has been very involved in school and volunteering, finding various ways to support special needs children. From hanging out virtually over Zoom to pairing special needs individuals with a buddy at school, her journey of supporting special needs children started with FCSN. Continue reading 2022 FCSN Scholarship Recipient: Joyce Lui

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Behind the Scenes of FCSN’s Successful Art Exhibit, “Through Our Eyes”

From the opening night on September 9 to the public exhibition on September 10 and September 12-14, Friends of Children with Special Needs (FCSN) held their 1st Art Exhibit, “Through Our Eyes,” a celebration of special needs talents in the arts. FCSN has always valued the arts of their students and wanted to organize this showcase to give exposure to their artists and their art. Continue reading Behind the Scenes of FCSN’s Successful Art Exhibit, “Through Our Eyes”