Uniting Art and Community through FCSN Voices Graphic Artist Collaboration Project

In January 2024, the Graphic Artists on the FCSN Voices team launched a Digital Art Collaboration program. In this program, special needs students and graphic artists embark on a journey of artistic exploration over the course of four weeks. The resulting artwork proudly lives on the FCSN Voices website in an online gallery, showcasing special needs individuals’ combined talents and creativity. Continue reading Uniting Art and Community through FCSN Voices Graphic Artist Collaboration Project

Interview with Sherry Meng: Empowering Special Needs Employment, One Stitch at a Time

For the past 15 years, Turtleworks founder, Sherry Meng, has devoted her time as a volunteer and program leader at FCSN, where she has taught students with special needs a wide range of practical skills. However, she soon realized that her students lacked the experience of working for a real business. As an educator, Meng wanted to determine what skills the job market seeks in individuals with special needs. As a parent, Meng was driven to create a supportive working environment where children like her own could gain meaningful employment opportunities and training. In this interview, Meng describes the initiation of Turtleworks, its employment model, and inclusive working environment and impact. Continue reading Interview with Sherry Meng: Empowering Special Needs Employment, One Stitch at a Time

Special Needs Talent Showcase: 10 Years of Empowerment

On April 13, 2024, FCSN held its tenth annual talent show finals at the Santa Clara Convention Theater. The show featured eleven finalist performances and eight honorable mentions. Now on its tenth year, the showcase has evolved from an informal opportunity for the special needs community to showcase their talent to a diverse form of empowerment for the community as a whole. Continue reading Special Needs Talent Showcase: 10 Years of Empowerment

Building Community and Support: The Impact of East Bay Family Gathering at FCSN

Since its establishment in 1996, the Friends of Children with Special Needs (FCSN) organization has been a beacon of support for families facing challenges with children who have special needs. Among the organization’s many initiatives, family support gatherings stand out as cornerstone events, offering nurturing environments where children can engage in enriching activities while parents connect, share their experiences with their children, and find resources… Continue reading Building Community and Support: The Impact of East Bay Family Gathering at FCSN

FCSN Young Leaders Committee: Gingerbread House Building Social

The FCSN High School Student Council is a new branch of youth leadership within FCSN’s Young Leaders Committee, aimed at fostering community engagement and strengthening bonds among FCSN youth volunteers. Since its creation, the council has been actively organizing various events to provide opportunities for volunteers to connect and collaborate… Continue reading FCSN Young Leaders Committee: Gingerbread House Building Social

Thank You To Our FCSN Family & An Incredible Journey

Our child Victoria has experienced so many challenges in her life from birth until her young adulthood now. Despite all her challenges, she has dramatically grown and improved tremendously because of all the teaching and guidance and support from FCSN for many years now. Victoria is very happy and loves going to FCSN. Continue reading Thank You To Our FCSN Family & An Incredible Journey

Laying FCSN’s Foundations: Stanley Woo’s FCSN Journey

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

It’s Happening: Expand our Dream

IT IS HAPPENING!! Upon completion of the renovation of our new center at the end of 2023, FCSN will transform it into a headquarters, encompass service expansions and new program developments to meet the evolving needs of the individuals and families we serve. EXPANDING OUR DREAM reflects FCSN’s commitment to growth, innovation, and excellence in providing support and services to individuals with special needs. Continue reading It’s Happening: Expand our Dream

FCSN X The Praxeum Workshop

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