Tag: Volunteers

Children Programs, News/Events, Programs, Sharing By, Special Interest, Sports, Summer Programs, Volunteers

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 FCSN’s annual Summer Sports Program, featured basketball, badminton, and pickleball lessons… Continue reading FCSN Summer Sports Program Empowers Inclusion and Encourages Growth

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Programs, Sharing By, Uncategorized, Volunteers

A Growing Network: Student-Led Clubs at FCSN

Driven by a passion to make an impact, high-school and university students across Northern California have created numerous clubs under FCSN. Since 2019, the network of clubs has supported each other in carrying FCSN’s mission of helping the special needs community to the youth. Currently, there are fourteen clubs under the FCSN Clubs umbrella: Alsion Montessori High School/Ohlone College… Continue reading A Growing Network: Student-Led Clubs at FCSN

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Adult Programs, Art, Children Programs, Clients, News/Events, Programs, Remote/Virtual Programs, Sharing By, Special Interest, Volunteers

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

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News/Events, Sharing By

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

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News/Events, Sharing By, Volunteers

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

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Parents, Sharing By, Staff

Interview with Wei-Jen Hsia: An Adult Volunteer’s Journey

Between supervising Family Gatherings, attending FCSN Voices meetups, and overseeing other efforts to help out the special needs community, adult volunteer Wei-Jen Hsia has become a vital part of FCSN’s volunteering team. Since joining in 2008, she has become a dedicated adult volunteer for numerous programs, most notably FCSN’s newsletter, FCSN Voices, and the semesterly Family Gatherings. Continue reading Interview with Wei-Jen Hsia: An Adult Volunteer’s Journey

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Adult Programs, Art, Children Programs, Music, Programs, Special Interest, Sports, Volunteers

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

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Children Programs, Family Programs, Programs, Special Interest

A Recipe for Self-Growth: Spotlight on FCSN’s After-School Cooking Program

Food and Nutrition Series #9
Since its establishment in 2014, FCSN’s cooking program has served as a gateway to practical skills and culinary exploration for its eager participants. The program aims to teach basic, practical cooking skills that students can carry with them throughout their lives. Ms. Michelle, a lead instructor of the program, shares her own experiences and insights into the program along with an overview of the class itself. Continue reading A Recipe for Self-Growth: Spotlight on FCSN’s After-School Cooking Program

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Programs, Sharing By, Special Interest, Volunteers

Volunteering At FCSN

Imagine someone you love is in need of support from their community, but that support is just not there. Imagine how helpless that might make you feel as you witness your loved one struggle. Would you wish to find a haven where your loved one felt like they belonged? For many, Friends of Children with Special Needs (FCSN) is that haven. Founded in 1996 by ten families, and now serving over a thousand families in the Bay Area, FCSN’s mission is to help individuals with special needs and their families find love, hope, respect, and support through integrated community involvement. I spoke to one of the co-founders, Linmei Chiao, to find out more about the heroes running this organization. Continue reading Volunteering At FCSN

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