The Caring Hearts Behind FCSN’s Supported Living System (SLS) Program

Behind many of FCSN’s programs are kind-hearted individuals who dedicate their lives to help those with special needs. Among these remarkable individuals is Feliza Hsu, a case manager for FCSN’s East Bay Supported Living Services (SLS) program. The mission of FCSN’s SLS program is to provide a lifestyle of choice, independence, and support for their clients, namely adults with special needs, through helping them develop personal skills as well as build financial independence by finding and maintaining a job. Continue reading The Caring Hearts Behind FCSN’s Supported Living System (SLS) Program

Spotlight on Math FUN-damentals Program

Along with many educational and recreational programs offered at FCSN, the organization has recently introduced its own Math Fun-damentals program. Math Fun-damentals, which launched in 2021, is an online tutoring class in which children with special needs can learn the basics of algebra and other varying topics. Continue reading Spotlight on Math FUN-damentals Program

Interview with Cathy Yang: SEP & TDS Coordinator

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. Come along as Cathy shares details about the programs, and their impact on clients and the greater community. Continue reading Interview with Cathy Yang: SEP & TDS Coordinator

A Look into the South Bay Adult Day Program with Annabelle Foz

Opened by FCSN in 2004, the South Bay Adult Day Program (ADP) offers adults with developmental disabilities a joyful, supportive environment that facilitates personal growth, community interaction, and a healthy, meaningful life. Annabelle Foz, the Program Manager, shares an insider’s-look into the program’s purpose and services, as well as her favorite experiences from over 12 years of involvement. Continue reading A Look into the South Bay Adult Day Program with Annabelle Foz

Empowering Independence: Inside FCSN’s Supported Living Services

For many families with children with special needs, the question of care, especially as parents age, is paramount. As many special needs adults transition into independence, Supported Living Services, or SLS, assists them with developing the skills and obtaining resources they need to live on their own in the community. The program helps adults over 18 years old with independent living skills such as hygiene, communication and socialization, safety, nutrition, household maintenance, and more. The program also helps clients find housing and sign up for resources like section 8 housing voucher and IHSS ( In Home Support Service ). Beyond that, the program helps clients build up living skills so that they can live independently within the community with support. Continue reading Empowering Independence: Inside FCSN’s Supported Living Services

Empowering Social and Emotional Growth: The Kid & Teen Social Play Group for Special Needs Children

Every day, many special needs children face new, uncomfortable, and unfamiliar situations. They need important life skills to handle the complex world of social interactions in various settings. How can they express and cope with their emotions when someone hurts or upsets them? How can they start and maintain a conversation when they want to talk, play, and make friends with others? The Kid and Teen Social Play Group program at FCSN is here to help them by teaching how to identify, express, and manage their feelings, communicate and solve problems with others, take different perspectives, and work as a team. Continue reading Empowering Social and Emotional Growth: The Kid & Teen Social Play Group for Special Needs Children

FCSN Family Gathering at South Bay Center Hosts a Variety of Activities for Families 

On September 2nd from 4 PM to 7 PM, FCSN’s South Bay center was bursting with music, laughter, warmth, energy, and creativity as FCSN members gathered for the bi-weekly family gathering. Between 4 to 6 PM, youth volunteers guided special needs children and teens through different activities. There were stations for dance and drawing, and the center also hosted a social skills session. Groups rotated after 20 minutes at each station. While the special needs students were busy with the fun activities, in a separate room of the center, speakers CK Lee and Jason Hwan covered FCSN updates and goals for the 2023–2024 year at the parent seminar. Parent seminars go over a variety of topics from self-improvement ideas to FCSN organization updates. At 6 PM, attendees enjoyed a dinner of grilled chicken and vermicelli and cabbage salad over rice, prepared by parent volunteers.  Continue reading FCSN Family Gathering at South Bay Center Hosts a Variety of Activities for Families 

Drama Camp Performs Another Exciting Play “Despicable Me (With a Twist)”

Have you ever seen a play performed by children with special needs? Ms. Anna Wang, the founder of FCSN, created the FCSN drama camp for children with special needs 12 years ago. In the last 12 years, the drama camp has performed various themed shows, such as Zootopia, Cars, Finding Nemo, and many more. This year, the FCSN drama camp was held from July 26th to July 29th, revolving around the theme of “Despicable Me” and led by Camp and Play Directors Kelly Ko and Penny Sapkunmongkun. With teamwork, beautiful prop designs, well-rehearsed actors, and many funny scenes, this year’s successful drama camp left show attendees entertained and satisfied.   Continue reading Drama Camp Performs Another Exciting Play “Despicable Me (With a Twist)”

Crafting a New Future: Ravi Prabhune Starts Successful Woodworking & 3D Printing Class

After attending an FCSN-hosted event and noticing attendees working with crafts, rising senior Ravi Prabhune had the idea to use his knowledge of crafting and start a series of courses that teach students how to create their own projects through woodworking and 3D printing. Because this course series was Ravi’s original idea, he asked FCSN for permission and then his family for advice and how to approach the task. He was able to launch his course successfully after receiving FCSN’s approval. Continue reading Crafting a New Future: Ravi Prabhune Starts Successful Woodworking & 3D Printing Class

Meet Aarav Sharma: the Rising Junior behind FCSN’s Intro To Spanish Course

Meet Aarav Sharma, a rising junior at Archbishop Mitty High who taught an 8 week Intro to Spanish Course at the South Bay FCSN Center. However, this was not Aarav’s first time teaching classes with FCSN. Previously, Aarav has also taught subjects ranging from coding to math to children with special needs at the South Bay FCSN Center. Continue reading Meet Aarav Sharma: the Rising Junior behind FCSN’s Intro To Spanish Course