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

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

Summer Clay Class: A Creative Journey for Neurodiverse Students

On a hot Saturday afternoon, a classroom at the FCSN South Bay Center buzzed with energy, excitement, and creativity. Inside, 11 pairs of student-volunteers worked away at the finishing touches to their clay projects from the last three weeks: a starry night scene, a fish plate, and a flower or owl vase. Long tables were scattered with brushes, palettes, and an array of colorful paints… Continue reading Summer Clay Class: A Creative Journey for Neurodiverse Students

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

2024 FCSN Outstanding Youth Volunteer: Catherine Wang

Working as a fundamental part of FCSNโ€™s SNTutoring, Computer Classes Head Catherine Wang proved her valuable dedication towards helping the special needs community through her volunteer service. Having spent four years in FCSN, she truly exemplifies a driven and devoted team player in her endeavors… Continue reading 2024 FCSN Outstanding Youth Volunteer: Catherine Wang

FCSNโ€™s 2024 Volunteer of the Year Recipient: Aarav Sharma

FCSNโ€™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 FCSNโ€™s 2024 Volunteer of the Year Recipient: Aarav Sharma

FCSN Outstanding Volunteer Award Recipient: Stephanie Yu

Since Mission San Jose High School rising junior Stephanie Yu was six years old, visits to FCSN with her mom were more than just spending time at her momโ€™s workplace. It was her introduction to understanding the special needs community, ultimately prompting her to become an FCSN volunteer. Over the last two years, Stephanie has displayed her leadership through numerous FCSN events, from coaching basketball to fundraising money through the FCSN galas, resulting in her being selected as the 2024 Outstanding Youth Volunteer… Continue reading FCSN Outstanding Volunteer Award Recipient: Stephanie Yu

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 FCSNโ€™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

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