10/05/2026
Republic Services and FCSN Join Forces to Strengthen the Community
FREMONT, Calif. — October 3, 2026 — Employees of Republic Services, Fremont City Council members,
Fremont Rotarians, and FCSN staff gathered Saturday at the Friends of Children with Special Needs (FCSN) Center in Fremont for a volunteer project aimed at creating a safer, more welcoming environment for individuals with special needs and their families.
The volunteer event was part of Republic Services’ National Neighborhood Promise, a program that brings businesses and community organizations together to improve neighborhoods and support local nonprofits.
FCSN was awarded a $250,000 grant from the Republic Services Charitable Foundation in March 2026. It was the only organization in California selected for the grant this year, among 25 nonprofit organizations nationwide.
During the event, 19 Republic Services employees and eight Fremont Rotary Club members worked alongside FCSN and community volunteers. They removed an old storage shed, built a new one, cleared overgrown vines and weeds, improved the landscaping, and made safety improvements around the center.
Despite temperatures reaching 93°F, volunteers worked throughout the day to help transform the outdoor space.
FCSN CSO Sylvia Yeh expressed her appreciation to Republic Services and the community volunteers for their generous support and hands-on participation.
According to Yeh, the $250,000 grant will support three major improvements at the FCSN Center: upgrading the outdoor environment and safety features, creating a multi-sensory room for individuals with the spectrum and other sensory needs, and renovating the kitchen and replacing aging equipment.
A portion of the funding will also establish a Republic Services Collaboration Space, which is expected to benefit approximately 500 individuals with special needs and their families. The space will support life-skills development, employment preparation, and meaningful community participation.
The FCSN C&M Hu Center opened in 2006 and currently serves approximately 150 people each day. As some of the facilities are now nearly 20 years old, the grant will provide much-needed improvements to better meet the needs of the community.
Tim Parrish, Western Region Vice President of Republic Services, said the company believes in supporting communities not only through its environmental services, but also through volunteerism, charitable giving, and partnerships with local organizations.
Since the launch of its charitable foundation and National Neighborhood Promise program in 2018, Republic Services has supported nonprofit organizations across North America that work to strengthen communities and create opportunities for the people they serve.
Fremont leaders also attended the event and praised the partnership.
Fremont Mayor Raj Salwan emphasized that government resources alone cannot meet every community need. Strong communities require collaboration among businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and residents. He praised FCSN for its three decades of service to individuals with special needs and their families.
Fremont Councilmember Teresa Keng, who helped connect Republic Services with FCSN, said she was especially pleased to see FCSN selected for the National Neighborhood Promise grant after a competitive application process. As a mother of a child with autism, she also shared how valuable FCSN’s programs and resources are to families in the community.
Councilmember Yangyi Zhang likewise thanked Republic Services for investing in FCSN and highlighted the meaningful impact that corporate support can have on local nonprofit organizations.
Three Decades of Service
FCSN co-founder Anna Wang reflected on the organization’s beginnings 30 years ago. After her son was diagnosed with autism, she and nine other families came together to establish FCSN to support children and adults with special needs and their families.
Today, FCSN provides a wide range of programs and services, including education, vocational training, employment support, music and arts programs, community integration, and advocacy.
Wang shared that her son, who is now an adult, plays saxophone and sings with an FCSN music group. Many other individuals served by FCSN have also discovered and developed their talents through the organization.
She said that creating a safe, joyful, and supportive environment where individuals with special needs can learn, grow, and express themselves has always been central to FCSN’s mission. The new grant-funded improvements will allow FCSN to provide an even better environment for the community.
Families Giving Back
The volunteer spirit extended to families as well.
Republic Services employee Winnie Lau brought her daughter to the event so she could experience volunteering firsthand and learn about supporting people with special needs.
Kim Ponce, manager of the California Bank & Trust Fremont branch, also brought her 9- and 12-year-old children. She wanted them to understand the importance of volunteering and giving back to the community through hands-on experience.
The event demonstrated the power of partnership among businesses, nonprofit organizations, local government, and community members. Together, they are helping create a more inclusive community where individuals with special needs can feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to thrive
華人特殊兒童之友（FCSN）10月3日（週六）在菲利蒙（Fremont）舉辦「National Neighborhood Promise」社區義工活動。Republic Services員工、菲利蒙扶輪社成員及社區義工共同參與，為FCSN CMH 中心進行園藝整理、路緣安全標線、拆除及搭建儲...
