Category: Sharing By

Sharing By, Uncategorized, Volunteers

FCSN Outstanding Volunteer Award Recipient: Stephanie Yu

Since Mission San Jose High School rising junior Stephanie Yu was six years old, visits to FCSN with her mom were more than just spending time at her mom’s workplace. It was her introduction to understanding the special needs community, ultimately prompting her to become an FCSN volunteer. Over the last two years, Stephanie has displayed her leadership through numerous FCSN events, from coaching basketball to fundraising money through the FCSN galas, resulting in her being selected as the 2024 Outstanding Youth Volunteer… Continue reading FCSN Outstanding Volunteer Award Recipient: Stephanie Yu

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Programs, Sharing By, Uncategorized, Volunteers

A Growing Network: Student-Led Clubs at FCSN

Driven by a passion to make an impact, high-school and university students across Northern California have created numerous clubs under FCSN. Since 2019, the network of clubs has supported each other in carrying FCSN’s mission of helping the special needs community to the youth. Currently, there are fourteen clubs under the FCSN Clubs umbrella: Alsion Montessori High School/Ohlone College… Continue reading A Growing Network: Student-Led Clubs at FCSN

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Sharing By, Uncategorized, Volunteers

Interview with Mannching Wang: An Inspiring, 26-Year Journey of a Special Needs Parent

Mrs. Mannching Wang, a parent of a special needs individual, has dedicated herself tirelessly to advocating for the special needs community and contributing significantly to FCSN. Over her 26-year journey with the organization, she has served as the South Bay Local Program Coordinator for five years, mentored numerous FCSN volunteers, and helped in Saturday Family Gatherings to foster community bonds among families facing similar challenges. Now, she shares a message of hope and solidarity for future generations united by love and support. Continue reading Interview with Mannching Wang: An Inspiring, 26-Year Journey of a Special Needs Parent

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News/Events, Parents, Sharing By, Special Interest, Volunteers, Work & Job Training

Interview with Sherry Meng: Advice for Parents on Preparing Children for Employment & Starting a Business

Through Turtleworks, founder Sherry Meng provides young adults with special needs the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in a supportive environment, fostering their independence and personal growth.
In this interview, Meng describes how parents can best prepare their children for future employment based on her own experiences. She also shares advice for other parents who want to start a business employing people with special needs. Continue reading Interview with Sherry Meng: Advice for Parents on Preparing Children for Employment & Starting a Business

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Adult Programs, Art, Children Programs, Clients, News/Events, Programs, Remote/Virtual Programs, Sharing By, Special Interest, Volunteers

Uniting Art and Community through FCSN Voices Graphic Artist Collaboration Project

In January 2024, the Graphic Artists on the FCSN Voices team launched a Digital Art Collaboration program. In this program, special needs students and graphic artists embark on a journey of artistic exploration over the course of four weeks. The resulting artwork proudly lives on the FCSN Voices website in an online gallery, showcasing special needs individuals’ combined talents and creativity. Continue reading Uniting Art and Community through FCSN Voices Graphic Artist Collaboration Project

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Parents, Programs, Sharing By, Special Interest, Work & Job Training

Interview with Sherry Meng: Empowering Special Needs Employment, One Stitch at a Time

For the past 15 years, Turtleworks founder, Sherry Meng, has devoted her time as a volunteer and program leader at FCSN, where she has taught students with special needs a wide range of practical skills. However, she soon realized that her students lacked the experience of working for a real business. As an educator, Meng wanted to determine what skills the job market seeks in individuals with special needs. As a parent, Meng was driven to create a supportive working environment where children like her own could gain meaningful employment opportunities and training. In this interview, Meng describes the initiation of Turtleworks, its employment model, and inclusive working environment and impact. Continue reading Interview with Sherry Meng: Empowering Special Needs Employment, One Stitch at a Time

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Events, News/Events, Sharing By, Uncategorized

Building Community and Support: The Impact of East Bay Family Gathering at FCSN

Since its establishment in 1996, the Friends of Children with Special Needs (FCSN) organization has been a beacon of support for families facing challenges with children who have special needs. Among the organization’s many initiatives, family support gatherings stand out as cornerstone events, offering nurturing environments where children can engage in enriching activities while parents connect, share their experiences with their children, and find resources… Continue reading Building Community and Support: The Impact of East Bay Family Gathering at FCSN

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News/Events, Sharing By

FCSN Young Leaders Committee: Gingerbread House Building Social

The FCSN High School Student Council is a new branch of youth leadership within FCSN’s Young Leaders Committee, aimed at fostering community engagement and strengthening bonds among FCSN youth volunteers. Since its creation, the council has been actively organizing various events to provide opportunities for volunteers to connect and collaborate… Continue reading FCSN Young Leaders Committee: Gingerbread House Building Social

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Clients, News/Events, Parents, Sharing By, Special Interest, Work & Job Training

Thank You To Our FCSN Family & An Incredible Journey

Our child Victoria has experienced so many challenges in her life from birth until her young adulthood now. Despite all her challenges, she has dramatically grown and improved tremendously because of all the teaching and guidance and support from FCSN for many years now. Victoria is very happy and loves going to FCSN. Continue reading Thank You To Our FCSN Family & An Incredible Journey

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