About Us
We walk the walk
About FRN
At Family Resource Navigators, we support children and adults with disabilities, delays and medical conditions by connecting them with the support and resources they need to thrive. Each year, we raise voices, educate, and support children, youth and adults with disabilities and their parents.
FRN is the largest and most racially and culturally diverse nonprofit in Alameda County with a focus on supporting families with disabilities of all ages.
100% of our staff has both personal and professional experience with raising a child or being a guardian or relative or person themselves with a disability.
Our Values
Our community knows what it needs.
We walk the walk.
We can all be powerful leaders.
Leave it better than you found it.
Mission & Vision
Our journey began with a small group of dedicated advocates — all parents themselves — who recognized the struggles many families face in finding the right resources.
Through collaboration, understanding, and walking the walk, we’ve grown into a vibrant nonprofit organization dedicated to making a lasting impact.
We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Alameda County that provides vital support for children, youth and adults with special needs. We provideguidance and support to help people navigate complex and inequitable systems. We train parents, youth and adults to champion their rights and the rights of their children. We build leaders who can advocate for themselves, their children and our resilient community.
A Family-Friendly Workplace:
Flexibility, Inclusion, and Balance
Eileen
Department: Executive Leadership
Title: Executive Director
Kausha
Department: Executive Leadership
Title: Director of Leadership & Programs
April
Department: Executive Leadership
Title: Director of Finance and Operations
FRN made it possible for me to support Kwame through countless therapies, surgeries, and challenges. They gave me the flexibility I needed to be present at school, attend field trips, and advocate for him as a parent leader. Most jobs aren’t like this! That support and understanding changed our lives.
2,339 families assisted
We help thousands of families get the services they need each year.
1,138 people provided with navigation
We coach families to navigate complex systems by removing barriers.
462 people trained
We hosted 36+ events, workshops and conferences to build community and skills.
*Data from the 2023 annual report
Frequently Asked Questions
Navigating services can be confusing, especially at first. This FAQ covers the most common questions families ask—from getting a diagnosis to school supports. Don’t see what you need?
Reach out—we’re here to help.
Do I have to pay for your services?
All of our services are FREE for families. FRN receives our funding from a variety of grant, local and state contracts and also gladly accepts donations.
How do you know about this?
Every FRN staff member has experiential knowledge from being a family member of a person with a disability. Parents, grandmothers, siblings all have experience helping family members navigate services. In addition, our staff receive extensive training in the service system, including Regional Center, medical systems, insurance and special education advocacy.
Do you have a list of activities available for kids with disabilities or special health care needs?
You can check out our Resources page for our annual Summer Fun List!
Can you go to my Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meeting?
Let’s connect you with a member of our Family Empowerment Center staff and see where we can help. We can assist you in reading and understanding your IEPs and may be able to attend a single IEP meeting to coach you on how to effectively engage with your school. We will also coach you and support you in the process for as long as you need.
Still have more questions?
Go to FAQDid you know?
We have a unique way of helping families. We like to think of ourselves as “Navigators.” This means we’ll guide you through the services available in your community and coach you on how to advocate for yourself or your child. The outcome? Most people end up with more services and feel more supported after working with FRN.
Featured Funders
We are thrilled to have the collaboration of private and public funders and individual donors who enable us to serve people with disabilities, delays, or medical needs – of all ages.
