Who We Serve

The Challenges Families Face — and How We Help

New Diagnosis: Navigating the Unknown

Receiving a new diagnosis for a child can be overwhelming and anxiety-inducing. Many parents feel unsure about what steps to take next, especially when facing cultural stigma or other life stressors like housing or employment issues. Our families come to us for guidance and emotional support as they navigate this challenging time and figure out their next steps.

Transition to Adulthood: Becoming Young Adults

When young adults with disabilities or special health care needs age out of school services, families often don’t know what comes next. Parents seek help understanding available options and supporting their child’s transition to adulthood. Young adults need to make decisions for what comes next. We can assist you in exploring opportunities for continued education, independence, and job readiness.

Navigating the Systems: A Need for Guidance

Many families are receiving basic services like IEPs or therapies but feel frustrated with the results. They turn to us for help navigating complex systems, advocating for better services, and accessing additional resources. We provide the knowledge and strategies families need to improve their child’s care and achieve better outcomes.

Our Services

Get Support

We’re here to answer your questions, provide guidance and support.

Attend Events

Our trainings and events help you build community and build knowledge.

Build Skills

Develop your leadership and advocacy skills and use your voice for change.

Services

Where We Help Families Thrive

Our offices are located in San Leandro. All of FRN’s services are available to families who live or work in the East Bay. 

A woman gently places her hand on the shoulder of a young person wearing a pink hoodie. They stand in front of a white brick mantel with vinyl records displayed on top. The young person looks to the side. A woman hugs two children indoors. One child, in a striped shirt and blue bib, looks down, while the other, in a white dress, smiles at the camera. The woman smiles with her eyes closed. The setting appears friendly and warm. A woman in white smiles and hugs a girl in a red shirt with a llama graphic. The girl has a neutral expression. They are indoors with blurred people in the background. A woman holds a plate of food and smiles while standing beside a child and another woman in a face mask at what appears to be a community meal or food service event. A woman and a man are dancing together indoors. The woman is wearing glasses and a leopard-print sweater; the man is wearing a dark coat. They look at each other, surrounded by tables and people in the background.

Did you know…

That there are many leadership opportunities for families or individuals with disabilities or special health care needs. If you’re looking for opportunities to plug in and ways to build your leadership, follow us on social media or get more information on our leadership page.

See faq for more information

FRN has helped parents like me, who have children with disabilities, understand the process and learn practical and realistic steps to advocate for our kids on our own. Through peer support, coaching, and leadership opportunities, everything was taught in a way that was easy for me to understand. It was always uplifting walking out of an FRN training learning new nuggets of information, feeling energized on next steps (rather than feeling defeated and more confused), and gaining the friendship of other parents on the same journey.

April Key-Lee

What We Do Differently — And Why It Matters

At FRN, we are not about quick fixes. We build long-term relationships with families, meet them where they are, and tailor our support to their unique needs—because real change starts with understanding and belonging.

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Warm-line and Drop-in

Reach out by phone, message, or visit us in person for coaching or support. We’re here to help you overcome any challenges you’re facing and guide you through the next steps.

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A Lasting Community

Our staff and volunteers organize numerous community events each year, focused on informing, educating, and building a sense of belonging for families.

Family Navigation

The systems designed to help can often be overwhelming and confusing. We simplify the process, ensuring children and adults with disabilities receive the services and support they need to thrive.

Red line drawing of a hand holding a megaphone, with sound lines indicating the megaphone is being used to amplify sound or make an announcement.

Investing in Leadership

We train parents and young adults to become peer leaders and advocates, empowering them to make positive changes and improve systems for individuals with disabilities and special health care needs.