Spotlight on Math FUN-damentals 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

Interview with Cathy Yang: SEP & TDS Coordinator

Cathy Yang serves as the coordinator for two programs at FCSN: the Supported Employment Program (SEP) and Tailored Day Services (TDS) at the Fremont Center. Both initiatives are dedicated to assisting individuals with special needs in finding employment based on their skills and preferences. Come along as Cathy shares details about the programs, and their impact on clients and the greater community. Continue reading Interview with Cathy Yang: SEP & TDS Coordinator

A Look into the South Bay Adult Day Program with Annabelle Foz

Opened by FCSN in 2004, the South Bay Adult Day Program (ADP) offers adults with developmental disabilities a joyful, supportive environment that facilitates personal growth, community interaction, and a healthy, meaningful life. Annabelle Foz, the Program Manager, shares an insider’s-look into the program’s purpose and services, as well as her favorite experiences from over 12 years of involvement. Continue reading A Look into the South Bay Adult Day Program with Annabelle Foz

Interview with Dr. Lucy Qiao: Gastrointestinal (GI) Issues in Individuals with Special Needs

Food and Nutrition Series #8
FCSN Voices has initiated a series of interviews with Dr. Lucy Qiao on topics related to food and nutrition for individuals with special needs. In this interview, Dr. Qiao discusses the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) issues in individuals with special needs. She breaks down the three major types of GI issues and explains why they are so common within the special needs community. She also shares intriguing discoveries from current research on the gut-brain axis, a topic found to have strong links to autism and special needs. Continue reading Interview with Dr. Lucy Qiao: Gastrointestinal (GI) Issues in Individuals with Special Needs

Empowering Independence: Inside FCSN’s Supported Living Services

For many families with children with special needs, the question of care, especially as parents age, is paramount. As many special needs adults transition into independence, Supported Living Services, or SLS, assists them with developing the skills and obtaining resources they need to live on their own in the community. The program helps adults over 18 years old with independent living skills such as hygiene, communication and socialization, safety, nutrition, household maintenance, and more. The program also helps clients find housing and sign up for resources like section 8 housing voucher and IHSS ( In Home Support Service ). Beyond that, the program helps clients build up living skills so that they can live independently within the community with support. Continue reading Empowering Independence: Inside FCSN’s Supported Living Services

Interview with Dr. Lucy Qiao: Establishing Healthy Eating Habits

Food and Nutrition Series #7
FCSN Voices has initiated a series of interviews with Dr. Lucy Qiao on topics related to food and nutrition for individuals with special needs. In this interview, Dr. Qiao discusses her personal journey as a mother of a child with autism. She shares her insight on the importance of nutrition, as well as her experiences with establishing healthy eating habits and providing a balanced diet for her child. She also offers valuable advice and strategies for other parents facing similar challenges. Continue reading Interview with Dr. Lucy Qiao: Establishing Healthy Eating Habits

FCSN GYVers 2023: Rosalie Chiang

As a young actor, 18-year-old Rosalie Chiang has already accomplished impressive milestones in her career, including being the voice actor for the main character Mei Lee of Turning Red. While Rosalie is known for her voice and acting skills, a big part of her identity lies elsewhere: giving back to the community. FCSN has always been a key part of her story. Having joined FCSN at an incredibly young age and growing up with the organization by her side, the recent high school graduate has not only made a defining impact on the organization but has also learned valuable lessons while volunteering.  Continue reading FCSN GYVers 2023: Rosalie Chiang

FCSN GYVers 2023: Jennie Wang

Between her work at SNTutoring and FCSN Voices, Jennie Wang’s volunteer service has been invaluable to the special needs community. A hard working and determined volunteer and a strong advocate for neurodiverse children, Jennie has worked tirelessly for the past 2 years with the goal of raising awareness for issues that are commonly brushed over in the neurodiverse community. Continue reading FCSN GYVers 2023: Jennie Wang

Parent Sharing on Housing Topic

Special needs adults are often challenged with the difficulty of finding affordable and sustainable housing. According to the Center for American Progress, nearly 25 percent of more than 580,000 homeless people on any given night in the United States have a disability. FCSN members Alice Liu and Edmend Lin, along with other parents, tried two different approaches – an accessory dwelling unit and a dwelling owned by a parent LLC (limited liability company) – to address this issue for their beloved ones. Continue reading Parent Sharing on Housing Topic

FCSN 2023 Art Exhibition: Color Beyond Lines

On a sunlit afternoon, vibrant energy among FCSN families filled the air with joy and warmth. Laughter, chatters, and smiles were all around accompanied by music playing in the background by FCSN’s talented musicians. Amidst this lively atmosphere, FCSN presented its 2nd art exhibition in 2023 following its first exhibition – Through Our Eyes – at the South Bay Center. The exhibition ran from August 25 to September 1 from 10am to 4pm with a special grand opening night on the first day with guest speakers, refreshments prepared by Friends’ coffee, and great turnouts with 183 guests, 50+ dedicated staff, and volunteers. Continue reading FCSN 2023 Art Exhibition: Color Beyond Lines