On Friday, August 23, a host of city and county dignitaries, together with more than a hundred guests, gathered to celebrate the grand opening of Friends of Children with Special Needs’ newest center at 42080 Osgood Road in Fremont. It was also the launch of this year’s annual art exhibition, “Expressions.” A talented trio of musicians covering popular tunes welcomed arriving guests, and everyone was treated to an exciting performance by Harmony in Rhythm, a large all-percussion ensemble representing the Special Needs Percussion Guard Program.
FCSN’s mission is “to help individuals with special needs and their families find love, hope, respect, and support through integrated community involvement” (fcsn1996.org).
In 1996, special-education teacher Shiow-Luan Chen heard of Chinese American families working to provide education and support for their special needs children. She reached out and began teaching parents about special education.
Within two years, the initial informal alliance, South Bay Integrated Family Support Group, had established a structured organization and begun publishing newsletters. By the end of 1998, “The formal structure and increasing membership firmly established FCSN” (fcsn1996.org).
Today, in excess of 800 families have benefitted from FCSN’s more than 40 programs based in Fremont and San Jose. Receiving both private and government support, FCSN has taken a vital step with the opening of the new center in addressing the future needs of a rapidly expanding client base.
Board co-chair James Chiao expressed one of the primary concerns of parents with special needs children: “Parents want to feel secure that their children will become self-sufficient adults or at least have a resource for continuing education and enrichment once they leave the secondary school environment.”
The existing facilities had limited capacity, but according to Co-President, CK Lee, the new center will be able to serve at least two hundred more clients. When the center becomes fully licensed later this year, it will offer an Adult Day Program, Living Services, a Supported Employment Program and Tailored Day Services.
The building was purchased in 2022, with renovations beginning in February 2023. The 18,000-square-foot, two-story building has a meeting hall, kitchen and dining facilities, classrooms, conference rooms, computer labs and offices for staff and volunteers.
FCSN sponsors a variety of Enrichment and After School programs including education in the visual arts and music. The art exhibition, which ran August 26 – 29, features more than a hundred works by FCSN artists, embracing media such as oil-painting, pen and ink, and printmaking.
FCSN is widely recognized for its dedication to serving a growing need, and many representatives from the East Bay officially came to recognize it. Award presenters included Fremont Mayor Lily Mei, Assembly Members Alex Lee and Evan Low, State Senator Aisha Wahab and Alameda County Supervisor David Haubert.
With the new facility comes a need for more staff and volunteers. For information, visit fcsn1996.org. High school seniors and current college/graduate students who volunteer or work full-time with FCSN are encouraged to apply for an FCSN scholarship.
Friends of Children with Special Needs
42080 Osgood Road, Fremont
510.739.6900
Visit fcsn1996.org/upcoming events for more information
