The year 2020 was an exceptional year as shelter-in-place forced FCSN to convert many in-person programs to virtual programs or online learning classes. The efforts of our outstanding volunteers vastly improved the quality of life for many special needs children and adults. Here are the winners of the President’s Volunteer Service Award 2020. Continue reading President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) 2020
LIFE Program Coordinator Monica Gonzalez describes how Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) evolved during shelter-in-place, allowing for the clients with more opportunities to voice their opinions, concerns, and ideas on how their program should function. This Person-Centered Planning (PCP) approach is facilitated by the weekly Client Councils, in which clients discuss new class options and plan for upcoming holiday parties. Continue reading Our Clients’ Voice Matters
After overcoming life’s many challenges, FCSN SEP Job Coach Yahui Cathy Yang is grateful for still being able to work at FCSN even though the pandemic has made the situation complicated. Along the way, she learned to embrace change and challenges, and take the lessons that come with it. Continue reading Caring Cannot be Quarantined!
Since the pandemic began last March, Kar was unable to go to FCSN’s day program anymore. Kar’s parents strive to maintain his good health and rich enjoyment of life with healthy habits, regular exercise, and virtual meetings with friends and teachers. Continue reading On Stay-At-Home for Kar
FCSN WILL student Bob was initially very confused when shelter-in-place started last March. But he quickly came to adjust to various virtual classes and now looks forward to his weekly online lessons. His parents share their appreciation on how FCSN helped Bob adapt to a changing world. Continue reading Adapted to the New Norm
When the pandemic began, Karina was confused and frustrated why she had to stay home. She thought she did something wrong and could not go to FCSN anymore because of that. But when she saw her friends and coaches through the computer screen, and noticed that everyone was at their own homes, she came to realize that she was not alone. Continue reading Weepy, Yet Happy Moment
A resident at the Peralta Dream Apartments and a Safeway courtesy clerk for 10 years, FCSN client Tatiana explains how her life has changed since the pandemic began. Continue reading An Interview with Tatiana Gudjohnsen, FCSN Client
Bellarmine Percussion teachers Jacob, Charles, Anthony, Adam, and Shoaib have been bringing people together by teaching percussion since 2018. Since the pandemic, they have had to move their lessons online, but they continue to adapt and devote themselves to teaching students with their passion. Classes are currently open for registration. Continue reading Feeling the Beat
Youth Volunteers Luna and Jessica started teaching FCSN’s cooking class since 2020. Students not only learn how to follow recipes, they also learn the cultural background and fun facts about the foods. This semester, they will learn how to make pancakes, sweet & sour chicken, chicken parmesan spaghetti, sushi, and much more. Continue reading Cooking with Friends
Teaching a class of special needs students can be nerve-racking, and even more so doing it over Zoom. Andria Luo shares her experience co-teaching a virtual dance class, and tips on how to make a virtual class fun and engaging for everyone in class. Continue reading My Experience Teaching Dance at FCSN
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