California 2025 Nonprofits of the Year: FCSN

Each year, the California State Senate honors nonprofit organizations from across the state at the California Nonprofits of the Year celebration, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the community. Every State Senator’s office seeks community input to nominate nonprofits that have excelled in breaking down barriers and transforming lives. The selected honorees for 2025 are recognized at a special ceremony celebrating their remarkable achievements… Continue reading California 2025 Nonprofits of the Year: FCSN

Amanda Loh’s Journey with FCSN Voices Graphic Artist Team

FCSN Voices’ article banners and the heading of the FCSN Voices’ website are all made by the FCSN Voices Graphic Artist Team, run completely by volunteers and led by team leaders like Amanda Loh. With the benefit of her experience and leadership skills, Amanda, along with all the other leaders, plays a huge role in the success of the FCSN Graphic Artist Team. To make banners for the articles, the graphic artists in the FCSN Graphic Artist Team get to choose from a selection of assignments. If applicable, they would be officially assigned it. Then, the Senior Graphic Artists review them and give feedback. Afterwards, the team lead, who is currently Christy Ma, reviews and sends it for publication on the FCSN Voices website… Continue reading Amanda Loh’s Journey with FCSN Voices Graphic Artist Team

FCSN Gala 2025: Expand Our Dream

From 5-8 p.m. on November 2, FCSN hosted its annual fundraising gala at the Grand Dynasty Chinese Seafood Restaurant in San Jose. Upon entering, attendees were greeted by the bustling atmosphere with families and friends, joyful reunions, and excitement for the night’s festivities, which included the dinner, musical performances, FCSN co-chair speeches, sponsor and VIP introductions, and more… Continue reading FCSN Gala 2025: Expand Our Dream

FCSN X Neuroguidance Spookfest 2025

Energy buzzed in the air as staff members and volunteers hurriedly hung streamers across doorframes, covered the walls with Halloween decorations, and spread a tablecloth over activity tables to prepare for the SpookFest. Halloween is a universal celebration, a day where everyone can join in, move at their own pace, and enjoy the holiday excitement. By the time the door opened on October 18 at 4-6 p.m., the space was filled with Halloween spirit. The mix of decorations and energetic music set the tone for a genuinely welcoming event… Continue reading FCSN X Neuroguidance Spookfest 2025

FCSN Family Gathering : November 22 South Bay Family Day

FCSN was established in 1996 by ten families with children with special needs who wanted to build an inclusive community, and above all, support each other. Nearly 3 decades later, family support remains a priority for FCSN. Each week on Saturdays, FCSN organizes Family Support Gatherings, rotating between the FCSN South Bay center and the FCSN Headquarters. These family gatherings are places of connection and education, offering parent seminars on important topics, enrichment courses for children, and ending with a shared dinner… Continue reading FCSN Family Gathering : November 22 South Bay Family Day

Interview with FCSN Alumni: Garrett Chan

A photo of Dr. Garrett Chan

When Dr. Garrett Chan first began volunteering at Friends of Special Needs (FCSN) as a junior high school student, his goal was simple: to spend more time with his younger sister, who is on the autism spectrum. What began as a way to support her, however, quickly grew into a formative experienceβ€”one that shaped his patience, empathy, and ultimately, his decision to pursue medicine… Continue reading Interview with FCSN Alumni: Garrett Chan

An Interview with Saanvi Shah

In the summer before ninth grade, Saanvi Shah was searching for a meaningful way to give back to the community. She wanted more than just a volunteer opportunity; she was looking for something that would make a real difference. When Saanvi discovered the organization Friends of Children with Special Needs (FCSN), their mission resonated deeply within her and set her on a journey that would transform both her and the students she serves… Continue reading An Interview with Saanvi Shah