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| Last updated on November 8, 2008 |
Kokoro Assisted Living is a non-profit housing community dedicated to helping seniors to live in dignity and comfort. Kokoro seeks to promote and enhance the independence, well-being and security of older people through the provision of housing and assisted living services in a Japanese culture-centered environment.
Description:
54 apartments for seniors. Services include meals, activities, and various levels assistance with activities of daily living. Volunteers help the residents at the front receptionist desk and by supporting the 5-6 daily activities (such as exercise, music, art, lecture, etc.).
History:
Making the Vision a Reality
Over seventeen years ago, the idea of Kokoro Assisted Living began. In 1990, Pine Methodist Church formed a committee known as the Japanese American Skilled Nursing Home Project Committee to augment the culturally sensitive services available to older adults. The committee found that Nisei (second generation Japanese Americans) preferred to remain in their homes for as long as possible and that there was a strong need for in-home services. In 1995, the committee joined with the Japanese American Religious Federation (JARF) to form the JARF Senior Housing Task Force. After extensive research, the task force changed its focus to assisted living. In 1996, JARF Senior Housing Task Force bid for the ability to develop a piece of land on the corner of Bush and Laguna Street in San Francisco's Japantown. They won the bid and purchased the land for one dollar. In order to move to the next stage of financing, construction and management of the project, a separate corporate entity was created, to be known as the Japanese American Religious Federation Assisted Living, Inc. (JALFI). JALFI named the project, “Kokoro,” a Japanese term that communicates the combined notions of heart, mind and inner spirit as it reflects the true vision of the project.
The Hidden History
Kokoro’s most unique feature is the 111 year old historic temple that has been designated as a California Historical Landmark. Built in 1895, it was once a Jewish synagogue and known to the community as the Congregation Ohabai Shalom Temple. During renovations on the temple, a time capsule was discovered revealing the untold story of the pioneer congregation and the spirit of a changing city. The temple was the hub of San Francisco’s orthodox Jewish community life in the early 1900’s. Declining membership forced the sale of the Temple in 1934 to the Soto Zen Mission of the Sokoji Buddhist Church and became a prominent social gathering place in the Japantown community.
Kokoro’s unique feature, the Sokoji Temple holds great sentimental and historical value in the community. Many San Francisco Nikkei fondly remember when the temple served as a prominent social gathering place to watch Japanese films and enjoy the warmth and comfort of their neighborhood.
Contact people:
Main office number: (415) 776-8066 x12
Office fax number: (415) 776-8022
Address:
 |
1881 Bush Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
(See a map) |
Web Site: http://kokoroassistedliving.org
Miscellaneous Information
| Besides English, which languages are spoken at your agency? |
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Japanese
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| What is the minimum age for volunteers at your agency? |
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16 with supervision
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| Is your agency wheelchair accessible? |
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Yes
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| Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 10? |
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No
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| Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 20? |
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No
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