I have learned so much in my journey of raising a kid with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Three learnings came out on top: love and patience, a growth mindset, and teamwork. Continue reading A Village, A Community, And Teamwork
After joining FCSN as a construction team volunteer in 2004, Stanley Woo has helped build all 3 of FCSN’s centers (East Bay, South Bay, and Osgood). He shares his journey from engineering student to construction team member, as well as all of the valuable lessons he has learned along the way. Continue reading Laying FCSN’s Foundations: Stanley Woo’s FCSN Journey
On January 27th, six special needs individuals and their parents traveled to San Jose to attend a workshop co-hosted with The Praxeum, an indigenous martial arts and parkour organization. The Praxeum teaches Guardian Art, an indigenous fighting art that heavily emphasizes teamwork and collaboration. In this workshop, special needs individuals were able to learn the fundamentals of Guardian Art, as well as participate in a game that pushed them beyond their limits. Continue reading FCSN X The Praxeum Workshop
Between supervising Family Gatherings, attending FCSN Voices meetups, and overseeing other efforts to help out the special needs community, adult volunteer Wei-Jen Hsia has become a vital part of FCSN’s volunteering team. Since joining in 2008, she has become a dedicated adult volunteer for numerous programs, most notably FCSN’s newsletter, FCSN Voices, and the semesterly Family Gatherings. Continue reading Interview with Wei-Jen Hsia: An Adult Volunteer’s Journey
In a harmonious blend of rhythmic movements, colorful flags, and joyful spirits, the Blue Devils Special Needs Color Guard demonstrates a story of growth and inclusivity. Annette Odello, the team’s passionate coach, launched the Blue Devils special needs color guard program in Fremont. A visit to one of the Blue Devils’ rehearsals reveals both Annette’s devotion to her students and the team’s enthusiasm to learn. Continue reading Blue Devils Color Guard Rehearsals: Navigating Life’s Lessons for Special Needs Students
Going on for 10 years now, FCSN has once again held its annual talent show auditions this year. Ranging from singing, dancing, and instruments to martial arts and comedy acts, our auditioners really succeeded on stage! Continue reading FCSN Talent Show 2024 Audition
Imagine someone you love is in need of support from their community, but that support is just not there. Imagine how helpless that might make you feel as you witness your loved one struggle. Would you wish to find a haven where your loved one felt like they belonged? For many, Friends of Children with Special Needs (FCSN) is that haven. Founded in 1996 by ten families, and now serving over a thousand families in the Bay Area, FCSN’s mission is to help individuals with special needs and their families find love, hope, respect, and support through integrated community involvement. I spoke to one of the co-founders, Linmei Chiao, to find out more about the heroes running this organization. Continue reading Volunteering At FCSN
Dr. Jennifer Carauddo describes her journey toward establishing the Health-Physical Therapy Class, a program designed to improve clients’ coordination, athleticism, and strength. She shares the inspiring stories of her clients’ progress as the class helps them grow beyond previous limitations. Continue reading A Journey to FCSN’s Health-Physical Therapy Class
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
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
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