SN Tutoring Program Spotlight: Alison Ding and Ms. Liu

SN Tutoring Program Spotlight #1
Parent Ms. Liu recently thanked Tutor Alison Ding for her sharp insight, patience, and open-mindedness while teaching. “Alison is not only willing to help special needs kids with extra patience, but she also takes the effort to adjust her way to meet the kid’s level of ability. Not all professionals in the special education field can do that, but Alison does. She quickly builds the bond with her student and keeps open communication with the parents so that both of us can work together as a team. In summary, she is a great tutor!” Continue reading SN Tutoring Program Spotlight: Alison Ding and Ms. Liu

Q&A: How to Help Children With Overeating Habits

Food and Nutrition Series #3
FCSN Voices has recently initiated a series of interviews with Cecillia Sun, Registered Dietitian (RD), on the important topics related to nutrition for children with special needs. In this interview, Cecilia addresses parents’ concerns regarding children (aged 13 and over) who have a habit of overeating. Continue reading Q&A: How to Help Children With Overeating Habits

2022 FCSN Scholarship Recipient: Erica Chiu

Written by: Jessica Hung and Crystal Chen, FCSN Voices Youth/Senior Reporter Graphics by: Barkha Trivedi, FCSN Voices Graphic Artist For UC Davis fourth-year student Erica Chiu, her commitment to FCSN knows no bounds. In her five years at FCSN, she, again and again, defined volunteering as a timeless adventure–continuing through college and into her career. Today, Chiu manages the Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) Program … Continue reading 2022 FCSN Scholarship Recipient: Erica Chiu

Beyond Picky Eaters: A Parent’s Experience with Special Needs Nutrition

Food and Nutrition Series #2

Friends and family told Stephanie Tom, “Kids will get hungry and then they’ll eat what you give them.” However, that was never the case with her son. “He could go a day without eating. Once he was diagnosed with autism, it made a whole lot of sense,” Tom said. Tom, mother to a teenage autistic son, provides insight on special needs nutrition for other parents of special needs children as well as the general public. Continue reading Beyond Picky Eaters: A Parent’s Experience with Special Needs Nutrition

2022 FCSN Scholarship Program Recipients

Since the inception of FCSN in 1996, the organization has strived to improve and foster community amongst children who have special needs. FCSN encourages acceptance, improvement, and aims to create a feeling of closeness amongst those who take their time to dedicate their skills. In light of this, a scholarship was awarded for the second year in a row, the first of this kind having been given in 2021. The competition was expanded this year, and individuals who were involved in FCSN that showed a commitment to helping, promoting, and expanding opportunities for people with special needs as well as had financial needs themselves were those who were favored in the application process.  Continue reading 2022 FCSN Scholarship Program Recipients

FCSN Youth Volunteer Aarav Sharma Engages Special Needs Students in Programming and Pre-Algebra

During the past couple years, Archbishop Mitty High School Sophomore Aarav Sharma taught a 12 week Scratch Language class and a week long Pre-Algebra summer camp for FCSN students with the hopes of helping special needs students pursue STEM in the future. Sharma’s previous experience with Scratch has given him the experience needed to help guide his students through the language and create an efficient curriculum for his class. Continue reading FCSN Youth Volunteer Aarav Sharma Engages Special Needs Students in Programming and Pre-Algebra

2022 Summer Computer Classes

Inspired by the volunteer contributions of hid older brother and father, Lynbrook High School senior James Wang began volunteering at FCSN in 2018. Since then, James has expanded the FCSN Computer Class Program to 9+ classes and 43 students. His impressive contributions led him to receive the title of FCSN’s Volunteer of the Year. Continue reading 2022 Summer Computer Classes

FCSN GYVers 2022: Katherine He

Basis Independent Silicon Valley Senior Katherine He’s family first joined FCSN in 2022, hoping to find a supportive special needs community for her brother. Since then, Katherine has developed new interactive classes for special needs individuals such as Lego Digital Design, Find Your Voice, and Life Skills, helping participants develop computer skills, improve speech and communication, and learn about finances and current events. Continue reading FCSN GYVers 2022: Katherine He