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In the early 1970's, aging Issei
(first generation Japanese Americans) had nowhere to go to
receive culturally sensitive nursing care. In response to
this need, seven Nisei (second generation) mobilized
the Japanese community to develop a nursing home to meet the
cultural, social, language and dietary needs of elderly Nikkei.
In 1975, these visionaries created Issei Concerns. Today,
the organization is known as Nikkei Concerns, a not-for-profit
organization that serves our growing community through its
four programs: Seattle Keiro,
Nikkei Manor, Kokoro
Kai and Nikkei Horizons.
After a concerted fund development campaign,
Seattle Keiro skilled nursing
facility opened its doors in South Seattle. The year was 1976.
By the end of the first year of operation, the facility was
filled to near capacity, and demand was growing. Residents
were receiving excellent care, and their lives were extending
beyond expectation.
In the spring of 1985, Nikkei Concerns embarked
on its second major fundraising effort for a new $6.6 million,
150-bed facility. On May 6, 1986, the new Seattle Keiro broke
ground at 16th Avenue and Yesler Way, its current location.
As the years passed, Nikkei Concerns developed
services that responded to the growing needs of the community.
The following programs were established: Kokoro
Kai, an adult day program promoting social interaction
and wellness activities, in the spring of 1978; and Nikkei
Horizons, a continuing education program for active seniors,
in 1990.
In 1995, Nikkei Concerns embarked on another
major campaign for the construction of a 50-unit assisted
living facility for elders who did not require skilled nursing
care, but could benefit from assistance with daily tasks.
More than 20 years after the Japanese American community was
challenged to open Seattle Keiro, the community responded
once more. In 1998, Nikkei Manor
opened its doors. It is the only assisted living facility
catering to the Japanese American community in the Pacific
Northwest.
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Seven
Visionaries