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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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

fcsnvoicesNovember 23, 2025November 24, 2025Leave a comment

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Learning to Speak Through Stories: My FCSN Voices Experience

As someone who had never considered journalism before joining FCSN Voices, becoming a youth reporter was the last thing I thought I would ever do. I have always been a quiet person—more comfortable listening to others than speaking, and more at ease expressing myself through music than through writing or conversation. Yet, interviewing people and writing articles for Voices has turned out to be one of the most rewarding things I have ever done… Continue reading Learning to Speak Through Stories: My FCSN Voices Experience

fcsnvoicesJuly 13, 2025July 27, 2025Leave a comment

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Reprint: Supporting Branden Through the Self Determination Program (SDP)

FCSN’s mission is to help individuals with special needs and their families find love, hope, respect, and support through integrated community involvement. Since its start in 1996, FCSN team has always strived to fulfill its mission. SDP (self-determination program) is a new service model that gives individuals more control and choice in selecting their own services and supports, essentially allowing them to manage their own service plan with a designated budget within the program guidelines Continue reading Reprint: Supporting Branden Through the Self Determination Program (SDP)

fcsnvoicesJune 28, 2025July 18, 2025Leave a comment