From a sophomore at Prospect High School to now an incoming college freshman, Karen Gong’s involvement with FCSN has not only shaped her personal growth but also has inspired her to pursue a path dedicated to making a positive difference in her community and beyond…
Continue reading 2024 FCSN Outstanding Volunteer Spotlight: Karen Gong
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
FCSN’s 2024 Volunteer of the Year, Aarav Sharma, is a rising senior at Archbishop Mitty High School and a dedicated volunteer for FCSN. As he recounts his FCSN experiences, he shares valuable lessons that FCSN has taught him as well as advice for fellow volunteers. Continue reading FCSN’s 2024 Volunteer of the Year Recipient: Aarav Sharma
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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