“Working at FCSN as a trainer, mentor, and teacher has its challenges as well as rewards. I have had the opportunity to work with several clients with different disabilities and challenges as well as personalities. Each client brings his or her own individuality and unique style. [Clients] are encouraged to lead full, enjoyable, and productive lives based on their individual needs and desires. Helping clients create and maintain balance in their schedule is one of my goals as a trainer. Being a part of helping enrich someone’s life is probably the greatest feeling of accomplishment of all. ”
Lisa Gudjohnsen, Parent
“My daughter has been part of the FCSN family since 2008. From my very first visit, I knew FCSN was special for my daughter. The staff is caring, kind, and supportive. They have also worked with me tirelessly to address my daughter’s unique needs and have done a great deal of creative thinking to help solve her special issues.
FCSN has given me the best gift any parent might want where a special needs child is concerned: a loving family environment, supported with firm and consistent guidance, so that she can be at her best every day. Thank you, FCSN!”
Johnna Laird, Parent
“My daughter wanted her own apartment to live an adult’s life. I wanted safeguards, so she would be connected to others, not [retreated] in isolation. I visited a number of programs in Northern California and even out of state [and] she tried living in a few. None [of them] can compare to FCSN and the remarkable environment created by the staff of young adults and veteran case managers. After the day program, she grabs a snack and participates in activities that foster further growth. Art has become her major pastime, thanks to a nurturing class. A social skills group and the relentless friendliness of the apartment-dwellers have helped her feel part of the community. She often remarks, “Mom, everyone is so inclusive!” With 36 people in 12 apartments, there is always someone with a birthday. They rally to support each other, [go] out to eat, [and] celebrate. FCSN helps individuals push boundaries. My daughter’s life is enriched immeasurably because she lives at FCSN. She feels more independent yet secure with staff guidance and support. FCSN is a fun place to live.”
David
“I love my life in SLS because I learn new things every day. My trainers help me learn new skills and meet people while ensuring my safety. Watching TV and staying at home used to be my life but now I am more excited to go out and socialize. I enjoy being part of our social skills group that is led by our behaviorist. I am happy because I have more friends now. Right now, I am also doing more chores and it makes me feel that I am getting more and more independent.”
Laurie
“I am so glad to be a part of the Supported Living program of FCSN. I have learned lots of things from my staff and SLS case manager. This service helps me improve my independent living skills such as recording my budgets, planning meals and learning to cook them, and maintaining a clean home. It also gives me the opportunity to have a continuous bond through friendships. The staff supports my decisions [by] taking me to the gym, letting me watch any movies I like, and even [supporting] my dream to travel around the world by helping me plan and save money to make it become a reality.”
Carol Selak, RCEB Case Manager
“I have worked at the Regional Center of East Bay for over 20 years, and without question, have not observed my clients as content and happy as those who attend FCSN’s site-based and community-based programs. I have 15 clients who attend FCSN, and I have observed over the years that FCSN’s Program not only excites them to be involved in new learning experiences but engages them in meaningful, downright fun activities! The program management and instructors put forth a great deal of creative energy to provide daily activities that fluctuate from day to day, week to week, so that the program participants are energized and enthused in their participation!
They greet my clients with cheerful optimism, recognizing their giftedness and worthiness to take a step further in maximizing their God-given gifts. Their classes of math/money management, reading/writing, sign language, computer/iPad, arts & crafts, dance/exercise, science, history/culture, and vocational training are all given with the expectation from their instructors that each program participant has personal gifts that can be utilized and strengthened in order for them to realize their best self! This program has an ability to bring out the very best in others, thus bringing them closer to feeling good about who they are and their abilities!
At every client’s annual meeting, FCSN creates a meaningful video, showcasing them as ‘stars’ as they engage over the year in some of their varied activities! I could go on and on. Without a doubt, a program par excellence, very worthy of being awarded for the ‘Excellence in Service.’”
Susan Pluhowski, Parent
“FCSN is a head and shoulders above any other program in terms of the best fit for my son. It has a younger “vibe”, lots of energetic staff, very creative activities, and a campus that looks like it would minimize the opportunity to wander. They focus on continuing education, self-help, pre-vocational skills, and much more. I am particularly excited about their open arms towards families and the opportunities to be a part of the fabric of the school.”
Steve, Student
“The reason why I decided to join FCSN is because I [wanted] to have friends. I didn’t have any friends in college, because my schoolmates didn’t feel comfortable talking to me. I don’t talk like any of them. I also have a tendency of just wanting to talk about topics that interest me. I usually feel frustrated, because most of my schoolmates just ignore me when I want to start a conversation. I was born with Autism, which means I have a language disability, and this caused me to refuse friendships in elementary school. I was used to not having friends and was always alone when I was younger; and because of this, it was extremely difficult for me to talk to people when I was in college. Luckily at FCSN I am learning the appropriate ways to talk and communicate with other people. I haven’t reached my goal yet, but I am on my way there. Here at FCSN, I feel like I belong, and I am happy to finally have friends. FCSN feels like home.”