Interview with Cadence Lee: Experiences and Growth as FCSNโ€™s CFS Intern

First introduced by her brother to summer internship opportunities advertised in FCSNโ€™s newsletter, Coordinated Family Support (CFS) intern Cadence Lee has made long-lasting contributions to FCSNโ€™s financial and organizational management. After Cadence learned about the internship’s availability, she applied for a position in the CFS program and Finance Department. Subsequently, she completed the interview round and was offered a position in the CFS program, which she gladly accepted. โ€œIโ€™ve always been passionate about helping in the community, and [the] CFS intern position aligns with my values in community involvement,โ€ Cadence said… Continue reading Interview with Cadence Lee: Experiences and Growth as FCSNโ€™s CFS Intern

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

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

FCSN 2024 Art Exhibition: Expressionsย 

How do you express yourself? Through words, body language? Or maybe more creatively โ€” through music, dance, fashion, cooking โ€ฆ 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 FCSNโ€™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: Expressionsย 

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 Praxeumโ€™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

Itโ€™s an early Saturday morning, and the summer sun casts a warm glow over FCSNโ€™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

Interview with Yvonne Liu: The Journey of a Parent Volunteer

In 2015, Yvonne Liu and her family joined the FCSN community after hearing about its various enrichment programs. Hoping to find one suited for her two children with special needs, she enrolled her youngest son in an art program. After numerous positive experiences, Yvonne became more involved with FCSN and soon, Jennifer Li, a current member of the FCSN board, reached out to her. From there, she embarked on a journey to help and support the special needs community… Continue reading Interview with Yvonne Liu: The Journey of a Parent Volunteer

2024 FCSN Outstanding Volunteer: Melinda Wong

For 2024 FCSN Outstanding Volunteer Melinda Wong, dance has always been an integral part of her life. Her love for dance inspired her to teach a dance class at FCSN, which for three years, she has brought to FCSNโ€™s South Bay Center. In this article, Melinda shares her experience and the valuable insights that volunteering has given her. Continue reading 2024 FCSN Outstanding Volunteer: Melinda Wong

FCSN Summer Sports Program Empowers Inclusion and Encourages Growth

At the Campbell Community Center Auxiliary Gym, sounds of footsteps and laughter rang out as special needs individuals engaged in basketball drills and team building exercises. With the arrival of summer and newfound free time, many participants eagerly embraced the opportunity to stay active and socialize. The classes, part of FCSNโ€™s annual Summer Sports Program, featured basketball, badminton, and pickleball lessons… Continue reading FCSN Summer Sports Program Empowers Inclusion and Encourages Growth