FCSN Gala 2024: Fulfilling the Dream

From 4:30-8:30 p.m. on November 3, FCSN hosted the annual FCSN Gala at the Grand Dynasty Chinese Seafood Restaurant. Events included speeches from organizers and board members, musical performances, and finally a raffle with grand prizes including an iPhone, gift cards, and round trip tickets to Taiwan. Themed β€œExpand Our Dream,” this year’s gala focused on fundraising to create new programs at the newly constructed Osgood Center and to expandΒ  current services for the community. Co-chair and board member Jason Hwan applauded last year’s achievements and emphasized this year’s goalΒ  to fully integrate the Osgood Center. β€œThis year is special because last year’s focus was to make the third center happen and it did … We will continue what we have established, putting focus on recruiting more staff, and developing new programs to accommodate and serve more clients,” Hwan said. Continue reading FCSN Gala 2024: Fulfilling the Dream

FCSN Celebrates the Spirit of Fall at the FCSN Chi Am Fall Festival

A small but lively auditorium at the FCSN Fremont Osgood Center was brimming with the festive spirit of fall. The sounds of music and laughter filled the air and a quick glance around the room would reveal a variety of fun fall activities managed by adult and student volunteers. On October 5th at 9:00 AM, forty special needs individuals were gathered here to enjoy the many delights of the pumpkin spice season. Hosted by FCSN and Chi Am Circle, the yearly Chi Am Fall Festival brings together a community to celebrate a season of harvest and happiness… Continue reading FCSN Celebrates the Spirit of Fall at the FCSN Chi Am Fall Festival

2024 FCSN Volunteer Recognition Day

On July 28, FCSN hosted its first Volunteer Recognition Day at the new Osgood campus. This afternoon event served as a housewarming for the new facility while also providing an opportunity for attendees to explore diverse volunteer opportunities and stay connected with FCSN. As volunteers and their families gathered for the special event, the center buzzed with lively energy. Old acquaintances reunited joyfully while recent high school graduates eagerly shared their college destinations with one another. Over a wide array of snacks and drinks, volunteers and parents forged new friendships, making the event a memorable celebration of the success, hard work, and dedication of FCSN volunteers… Continue reading 2024 FCSN Volunteer Recognition Day

Guardian Saga Support and The Praxeum Bring Guardian Art to the Special Needs Community

Guardian Art workshops at The Praxeum ignited collaboration and engagement, connecting the special needs community to an underrepresented culture. The Praxeum, an indigenous parkour and martial arts organization based in San Jose, hosted a special needs workshop on June 15 following the success of a similar workshop held on January 27. Guardian Saga Support, The Praxeum’s affiliated nonprofit, worked closely with The Praxeum and FCSN to organize these workshops… Continue reading Guardian Saga Support and The Praxeum Bring Guardian Art to the Special Needs Community

2024 FCSN South Bay Center Yard Cleaning and Planting Project

It’s an early Saturday morning, and the summer sun casts a warm glow over FCSN’s South Bay Center. Despite the nearly 90-degree heat, volunteers are hard at work. Some plant tree seedlings, others sweep leaves, and a few set up food and drinks in the cozy Friends Coffee & Tea cafe. In one corner of the parking lot, a group of volunteers lays down mulch, preparing the planters for the fragment lavender and sweet pea bushes to come. The air is filled with the scent of fresh earth and blossoming friendships as volunteers exchange friendly smiles and words of encouragement, united in their mission to transform the yard into a welcoming space for the FCSN South Bay community… Continue reading 2024 FCSN South Bay Center Yard Cleaning and Planting Project

Summer Clay Class: A Creative Journey for Neurodiverse Students

On a hot Saturday afternoon, a classroom at the FCSN South Bay Center buzzed with energy, excitement, and creativity. Inside, 11 pairs of student-volunteers worked away at the finishing touches to their clay projects from the last three weeks: a starry night scene, a fish plate, and a flower or owl vase. Long tables were scattered with brushes, palettes, and an array of colorful paints… Continue reading Summer Clay Class: A Creative Journey for Neurodiverse Students

Harmony in Rhythm – Special Needs Percussion Guard Program

In the heart of the bustling community of Fremont, California, a unique and transformative music program is making waves. This program is spearheaded by Anna Wang, FCSN Co-Founder and Harrison Cheng, a longtime music teacher, and inspired by Annie Wen, a USC senior and former president and CEO of the tri-city band core for FCSN. The Special Needs Percussion Guard Program, founded in 2018 and having its first performance in 2019, is not just about creating music; it’s about fostering connections between students, building confidence, and empowering individuals with special needs through the universal language of rhythm. Continue reading Harmony in Rhythm – Special Needs Percussion Guard Program

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

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

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