California State Senator Aisha Wahab has chosen a Fremont-based organization as Nonprofit of the Year. She is one of over 100 legislators who chose a nonprofit to recognize this year. Wahab is the representative for District 10, which includes Hayward, Union City, Newark, Fremont and San Jose.
Wahab talked about why she chose Friends of Children with Special Needs (FCSN): “The fact that they care about not only the kids, but even into adulthood. They’ve been around for many many years,” she said. According to the website, FCSN was established in 1996 by families with special needs children.
Headquartered on Osgood Road in Fremont, FCSN works to provide services for children and adults with disabilities. There are two offices in Fremont and one in San Jose.
Nonprofit of the Year is a statewide initiative that aims to recognize and honor nonprofits in California. It is organized by the State Legislature and the nonprofit organization CalNonprofits. Now in its 10th year, the initiative is a way to strengthen relationships between nonprofit organizations and legislators who make policy and budget decisions.
The CalNonprofits website said that as policymakers, legislators need to know about nonprofits in their district so they can learn more about what their communities need.
Nearly all California Assembly Members and Senators choose an organization that made the most impact in their district. The chosen nonprofits receive an official plaque from their legislator on the Senate floor during an annual luncheon at the State Capitol on May 21, 2025.
District staff member Astrid Scott said in an email that the luncheon is a great opportunity to network, hear success stories from other nonprofits, and to celebrate their work.
Wahab said she was able to visit FCSN offices and tour their facilities. “I was deeply impressed with their thoughtfulness, their consideration and their care for the community,” she said.
‘I was deeply impressed with their thoughtfulness, their consideration and their care for the community’
State Senator Aisha Wahab
FCSN offers children’s services, such as social, recreation and after-school programs. They also offer services for adults with disabilities, including adult day programs, supported and independent living services and an employment program to help adult clients find jobs.
The nonprofit also helps families with disabled children and adults navigate the services available for their loved ones. They advocate for people with disabilities by making sure they are getting the services they need from government agencies like the California State Department of Developmental Services and the nonprofit Regional Center of the East Bay.
Wahab talked about why FCSN is so important. “It really prioritizes a lot of learning throughout the day and community building. These are individuals with disabilities and family struggles, especially within our community,” she said.
