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 experience—one that shaped his patience, empathy, and ultimately, his decision to pursue medicine… Continue reading Interview with FCSN Alumni: Garrett Chan

fcsnvoicesDecember 15, 2025December 16, 2025Leave a comment

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Finding Family in FCSN: Yvette Ying’s Journey as a Mother, Fighter, and Do’er

It’s not easy being a mother. It means fulfilling the equal tasks of guardian, advisor, and best friend. It requires patient, constant nurturing and love–even when there are other tasks at hand pressing with equal need… Continue reading Finding Family in FCSN: Yvette Ying’s Journey as a Mother, Fighter, and Do’er

fcsnvoicesDecember 2, 2025December 8, 2025Leave a comment

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Coordinated Career Pathways: Tailored Employment Support

Jobs provide a unique opportunity to showcase strengths, build independence, and contribute to society while gaining structure, purpose, and financial security. However, in the US, 34% of neurodivergent individuals have had trouble with the recruitment and hiring process, according to a TextHelp survey. This leads to unemployment rates as high as 30 – 40% for neurodiverse adults, 8 times higher than the average. This is where FCSN’s Coordinated Career Pathways (CCP) program comes into play… Continue reading Coordinated Career Pathways: Tailored Employment Support

fcsnvoicesSeptember 21, 2025September 29, 2025Leave a comment

Programs, Remote/Virtual Programs, Sharing By, Staff

I LOVE FCSN

FCSN East Bay Adult Day Program teacher, Wendy Hoang, shares the various reasons why she is so committed to her job at FCSN. Continue reading I LOVE FCSN

fcsnvoicesApril 25, 2021April 13, 2025Leave a comment

Adult Programs, Programs, Remote/Virtual Programs, Sharing By, Special Interest, Staff

Bringing Individuals With Special Needs to the Virtual World

Adult Day Program Coordinator Jake Haw details the activity changes made to bring clients to the virtual world. Classes include physical fitness, social development, academic, and creativity classes. There are also special theme days, such as Hat Day, or Book Day, to generate extra enthusiasm among the clients. Continue reading Bringing Individuals With Special Needs to the Virtual World

fcsnvoicesMarch 27, 2021April 13, 2025Leave a comment

Adult Programs, Programs, Remote/Virtual Programs, Sharing By, Staff

Our Clients’ Voice Matters

LIFE Program Coordinator Monica Gonzalez describes how Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) evolved during shelter-in-place, allowing for the clients with more opportunities to voice their opinions, concerns, and ideas on how their program should function. This Person-Centered Planning (PCP) approach is facilitated by the weekly Client Councils, in which clients discuss new class options and plan for upcoming holiday parties. Continue reading Our Clients’ Voice Matters

fcsnvoicesMarch 13, 2021April 13, 2025Leave a comment