Founded in 2015, the showcase gives special needs individuals the opportunity to display their talents, passions, and abilities. Through the pandemic, the showcase has faced its share of challenges. However, the event emerged successful, pioneering a Zoom and in-person hybrid model for the auditions and final competition for 2022. Continue reading Special Needs Talent Showcase Through the Years
It is often said, “From small beginnings come great things.” For ten years, FCSN Co-Chairperson Jim Chiao collected spare coins in a large plastic bottle at his house. As the coins began to accumulate, Chiao started to consider what to do with them, and finally after much thought, he came up with a brilliant idea, which gave rise to FCSN’s Coin Bank Project. Continue reading FCSN Coin Bank Project: the Power of Small Ideas
“For our clients with special needs, holding a job can be a purpose already. It makes them feel like they belong.” states FCSN Supported Employment Program Manager Claire Brady. Although there are major hurdles, parents and employers can do a lot to help special needs individuals find employment and thrive in the workplace. Read the story of how Mico successfully landed his dream job at Trader Joe’s. Continue reading Employment for Special Needs Individuals
FCSN youth volunteer, Anna Kuang, shares how she overcame her initial nervousness interacting with her students with minimal verbal abilities, and eventually came to form strong bonds and have a good time doing many different kinds of activities together. Continue reading “Welcome to Social Group!”: My Experience Teaching Nonverbal and Limited Verbal Individuals
FCSN Toastmaster Club Vice President of Public Relation, Alan Hwan, crafted this announcement to promote membership. FCSN Toastmasters welcomes special needs adults 18 and older as members. Members run meetings, give speeches and play a variety of supportive roles. Continue reading FCSN Toastmaster Press Release
Over this past summer, FCSN hosted a drama camp for its After-School Program (ASP) students, who performed their own unique rendition of the well-known film Kung-Fu Panda on August 6 at the New Hope Church Chapel. Continue reading ASP Drama Camp and the Power of Teamwork
FCSN’s L.I.F.E. program stands for Learning, Integration, Friendship, Empowerment. This wonderful community program is based in FCSN’s East Bay Center. Learn about this quarter’s council members. Continue reading Meet Our Council Members – LIFE Q2
Instructors at Meducate used interactive lessons, individual attention, and fun and engaging activities to teach FCSN students about how your body works. Students had fun learning about the digestive system, the central nervous system, immune system, and much more. Continue reading Meducate’s Contribution to FCSN: Human Anatomy
FCSN youth volunteer James Hsu used Snap! programming language to introduce the world of programming to special needs children. Coding with colorful blocks of code and seeing instant results allowed the students to absorb the concepts easily. Continue reading Teaching Computer Programming in Snap!
Anna Wang is one of the co-founders of FCSN, inspired and driven by the autism diagnosis of her son, Lawrence. During the 25 years since a group of parents came together, Anna has helped create many programs for children, adults, and families, fostered a sense of community, and been an outspoken advocate for the rights of special needs individuals. Through countless challenges, Anna has stayed motivated with the mantra of never giving up, always having hope, and trusting that it would bring happiness. Continue reading Never Give Up, Always Have Hope: The Story of Anna and FCSN
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