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 “Expand Our Dream,” this year’s gala focused on fundraising to create new programs at the newly constructed Osgood Center and to expand  current services for the community. Co-chair and board member Jason Hwan applauded last year’s achievements and emphasized this year’s goal  to fully integrate the Osgood Center. “This 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 Annual Drama Production: Super Mario Bros with a Twist

On July 13th, FCSN showcased their production of “Super Mario Bros with a Twist” at their annual Summer Drama Camp, held from July 10 to July 12 at the FCSN Fremont Center. The camp allowed participants to engage in auditions, act in diverse roles, and collaborate with others, including other participants and student volunteers. This year’s camp reimagined the classic Super Mario narrative, adding unique elements that transformed the familiar movie into a live-action performance. Continue reading FCSN Annual Drama Production: Super Mario Bros with a Twist

The Grand Opening of FCSN Osgood Center: A Continuation of a 25-Year Dream Project

25 years ago, FCSN board proposed an “impossible” goal — to build a Dream Community that would provide resources and opportunities to support individuals with special needs in reaching their greatest potential. Initially deemed an unattainable dream, the acquisition of a parcel of land in Fremont planted the first seeds. From these seeds sprouted the roots of the Dream Project, an initiative dedicated to making the Dream Community a reality. In 2006, the Dream Project reached its first milestone with the grand opening of FCSN’s Dream Center, now named the Chenming and Margaret Hu Center. In 2017, FCSN opened the doors of its second center, the South Bay Bascom Center in San Jose. Now, in August 2024, after more than three years of design and renovation, FCSN continues transforming impossibilities into possibilities with the grand opening of its third center and new headquarters: the Osgood Center… Continue reading The Grand Opening of FCSN Osgood Center: A Continuation of a 25-Year Dream Project

FCSN 2024 Art Exhibition: Expressions 

How do you express yourself? Through words, body language? Or maybe more creatively — through music, dance, fashion, cooking … the list goes on. Yet no matter the form, expression digs deep, unearthing a complex inner world that we all uniquely possess. This inner world houses our perspectives, thoughts, and dreams. Sitting center at FCSN’s 2024 Art Exhibition, Expression manifests itself in an explosion of diversity and artistic talent. Through each piece of artwork, we are invited for a glimpse into the rich inner world of an artist with special needs… Continue reading FCSN 2024 Art Exhibition: Expressions 

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

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

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

Blue Devils Color Guard Rehearsals: Navigating Life’s Lessons for Special Needs Students

In a harmonious blend of rhythmic movements, colorful flags, and joyful spirits, the Blue Devils Special Needs Color Guard demonstrates a story of growth and inclusivity. Annette Odello, the team’s passionate coach, launched the Blue Devils special needs color guard program in Fremont. A visit to one of the Blue Devils’ rehearsals reveals both Annette’s devotion to her students and the team’s enthusiasm to learn. Continue reading Blue Devils Color Guard Rehearsals: Navigating Life’s Lessons for Special Needs Students

FCSN Gala 2023: Dreams Become a Reality

On November 5, 2023, FCSN held its annual “Expand Our Dream” gala at the Grand Dynasty Seafood Restaurant, the second in-person Gala since the COVID pandemic. This event, bringing together hundreds of supporters, volunteers, board members, and staff, was a night filled with hope and gratitude, helping to foster connections among the community. Along with recognizing the achievements of individuals and the community as a whole, FCSN also shared with its supporters their visions for the future. Continue reading FCSN Gala 2023: Dreams Become a Reality