Right now, older adults in our community are counting on us.
With your help, they can continue to receive nourishing meals, meaningful connection, and the care they deserve.
When you give to J-Sei this May, your impact is doubled. Every dollar you contribute will be matched - up to $50,000 - thanks to the generosity of Susan, Scott and Mark Muranishi; June Masuyama and Harry Bergland; Arch Insurance Group; and 5 anonymous donors. There has never been a more powerful moment to give.
J-Sei provides healthy, home-delivered Japanese meals and in-person communal lunches, as well as wellness and cultural programs (both in-person and online), family caregiver support, a caregiver registry, case management, and friendly visitor services for Asian American communities across the East Bay of Northern California.
This year we provided approximately 35,000 home-delivered and in-person meals at our Emeryville Center, as well as 600 bags from our food pantry to our community.
Each meal is thoughtfully prepared by J-Sei's own chef, Yuji Ishikata, and team who select fresh ingredients and create dishes that are both nutritionally balanced and deeply comforting. All meals are prepared in J-Sei's kitchen to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety.
Beyond meals, your gift keeps our community connected through programs that bring joy, creativity and purpose. More than 600 seniors participate in 27 classes. Cultural programs include:
We continue to expand community at J-Sei while reaching a broader audience. Connecting Across Generations, a collaboration with community and student organizations, fosters intergenerational dialogue. Programs have included a Nikkei Stroll at UC Berkeley exploring the experiences of Nikkei students across different eras, and Career Explorations, which highlights diverse professional paths and influences.
We have also curated a series of animation and documentary films, along with writings on parenting, designed to engage multigenerational audiences.
Our new podcast series, Hibiku Kotoba, features conversations with AANHPI creatives and innovators across a range of fields. Guests have included Dr. Jeffrey Velotta discussing cancer in AAPI women, filmmaker Ema Ryan Yamazaki on Japanese societal influences, Mayor Adena Ishii on civic engagement, and Kim Kawakami on navigating sports media.
The J-Sei Gallery has showcased evocative and inspiring works by photographer Paul Kitagaki, Jr., artist and activist Naomi Kubota Lee, and Nisei artist Ruth Yoshiko Okimoto. This month, we will premiere America's Last Concentration Camp: Crystal City, a national traveling exhibition.
J-Sei at the Movies, our popular monthly screening series, brings people together to enjoy Japanese films followed by lively discussions. The J-Sei book club explores a wide range of genres, including translated works such as Mina's Matchbook by Yoko Ogawa and the alternate history novel, Daikon, by Samuel Hawley. In June, we will host a talk with Sansei writers Noami Hirahara and Karen Tei Yamashita.
For those facing more complex challenges, J-Sei's case managers provide critical, hands-on support -- coordinating care, navigating systems, and ensuring no one is left to struggle alone. This year, 70 seniors relied on this essential service.
This year's Give in May campaign is especially meaningful. We honor the memory of Aaron Muranishi. Aaron served on the Board of Directors for 5 years, leading the finance committee, bringing his professional expertise as a certified public accountant to steer J-Sei to growth and prosperity. His generosity inspired so many to give.
We also celebrate our 55th anniversary, and our new Executive Director, Ky Lam, as she leads J-Sei in our next chapter of service.
The need is real -- and it is growing. Too many seniors face isolation, food insecurity, and the quiet challenges of aging alone. But together, we are changing that.
This is our moment to show up for one another.
Please don't wait. Make your gift today -- and double your impact.
Help ensure that every senior we serve feels seen, supported, and part of a caring community.
Thank you so much for your support!
POPULATIONS SERVED
Japanese : Korean : Pacific Islander : Chinese : Filipino : Hawaiian
Organization name
J-Sei in May
Tax id (EIN)
94-2496799
Categories
Elderly Assistance, Food Security, Health & Well Being
Populations Served
Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Pacific Islander, Vietnamese, Multi-racial AAPI, Buddhist, Christian
Address
1285 66th St