Ruth Ichinaga for J-Sei

Dear Friends,

I love being at J-sei! I feel relaxed and comfortable there and feel genuinely welcomed.  All of the staff are so warm and inviting which makes me want to spread their warmth and friendliness also.

At J-sei there is such a variety of classes and activities one can choose from.  At present I take a watercolor class from Wendy Yoshimura and a dance class, “Let’s Groove”, from Judy Kajiwara. I also attend support groups, educational talks, join field trips, and watch the monthly movies on the second Friday. In addition, I have lunches delivered to my home by dedicated volunteers.  The meals are nutritious, balanced, cooked Japanese style and meet my dietary needs for a low salt diet. 

It’s very important to me that J-Sei continues to exist and thrive.  It gives me a community for social connection, for keeping my mind and body active and for nourishing my body and soul with good food and warm smiles.

Botanical Printing with Dorothy Yuki 

J-Sei helps each of us in different ways. They have a Friendly Visitor program where those who are confined to their homes can have a volunteer visit regularly as well as case workers to assist in various ways.

I feel so fortunate and grateful to have this fantastic organization in our community. Please go to www.j-sei.org to see all of their offerings. I hope that you will support this wonderful organization with a donation of any amount so that J-Sei will be able to continue to offer their important and needed services. 

If you do not want to donate online, you may write a check and send to J-Sei, 1285 66th Street, Emeryville, CA 94608.  Please remember to add my name in the memo line for acknowledgement on my fundraising page.Steven and me at Flavors of Spring

Thank you,

Ruth

Playing taiko at the J-Sei Family Festival

My Family Connects to J-Sei

My mother, an issei, lived at the J-Sei home on Channing Way in Berkeley from when she was 97 until she passed away at 101 years of age.  She was alert and happy there.  She had her own couch, that she was able to bring with her, to sit on every day in the common living room and she was lovingly cared for by the Japanese speaking caretakers.

My brother, Jimmy Koide, taught calligraphy classes for many years at J-Sei. Also, people were able to appreciate his talent when he was thoughtfully persuaded by J-Sei staff to exhibit his paintings.