FCSN client Lawrence has worked at a State Farm Insurance company branch for 12 years, an office as a paper filer for 8 years, and at a TJ Maxx outlet as a retail and inventory worker for 8 years. In this interview, his mother Anna opens up about the process of finding Lawrence three engaging, steady jobs. Continue reading Employment Success Stories Series: Lawrence Wang
As the saying goes, “You don’t know what you’ve got until you lose it.” Choy’s parents had always known that he loves attending FCSN’s Adult Day Program, but going through 16 months of shelter-in-place made them realize just how important it was for him. Continue reading The Eagerness to Return to FCSN Day Program
“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
When the pandemic began, the sudden change in routine was very confusing for FCSN client Karina Peña. After 16 months of distance learning, she was able to go back to in person learning for two days a week. Karina describes the excitement she felt on her first day back to the program. Continue reading Happily Returning & A New Norm
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. Johnna Laird was truly a treasure within our FCSN community and our time with her was too short. Please enjoy these stories from four people who knew and worked with Johnna in various capacities at FCSN. Continue reading Remembering Johnna Laird
FCSN parent Jim Chiao had too many spare coins on his hands, yet sorting them himself was too time consuming and taking them to places where coins would be sorted for a fee was too troublesome. He came up with the solution to donate his coins to FCSN, which could also create some work opportunities for FCSN day program clients. Continue reading What To Do With Extra Coins?
Supported Employment Program (SEP) client Mariah Laguna learned how to make delicious drinks and would like to share the recipe with everyone. Continue reading Fruity Citrus Egg Honey Drink
During 2021 August Moon Festival’s “All Stars Rendezvous, Brighten Up Chinatown Recover” joint exhibition in San Francisco Chinatown, FCSN Client Iris Hu showcased two pieces of artwork along with 42 other Bay Area artists. Read how Iris’ parents helped her overcome her challenges and develop her talents as an artist. Continue reading Iris Hu’s Artistic Journey
FCSN recently published a compilation of stories in their new book, “Friends of Children with Special Needs – Building a Dream Community.” Written by FCSN staff, parents, clients, and volunteers, the book chronicles the history of FCSN in the past 25 years. This is the foreword to the book, written by FCSN parent, Board Member, and Chair, Chenming Hu.
Continue reading A Foreword to FCSN’s New Book
Lucy and Hua Gao, parents to Bob, share their how it is like to raise a child with special needs while building their professional careers. After learning about FCSN, the family decided to retire and move to the Bay Area in order to provide Bob with the supportive environment that allows him to flourish. Continue reading The Gao Family’s Journey to FCSN
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