Volunteers – The Heart of Keiro

Keiro volunteers come from different generations, professions, geographical areas, and backgrounds. Whether they volunteer at a facility, teach a class, organize a special event, fundraise for Keiro, or help spread the word about Keiro’s mission and needs, volunteers have one important thing in common: a heart to care for seniors. Contributing an estimated 70,000 hours of service per year and raising funds to provide the culturally-sensitive care and “extras” that make life special for residents, volunteers are valued as Keiro’s Living Treasures.

“The success of our volunteer program is measured by its ability to improve the quality of life for our residents,” said Frank Kawana, chairman of the Keiro board.

Volunteering not only helps benefit seniors and our community, but also the volunteers themselves. Studies have shown that the very act of volunteering may prevent poor health and suggests that it provides positive effects on physical and psychological well-being, especially among older adults. Other research reports that those who volunteer are more likely to live longer than those who do not. With further examination into volunteerism, it can be safely said that it is much better to give than to receive.

“Volunteering is therapeutic,” said Joyce Nagafuchi, who has been volunteering at Keiro Intermediate Care Facility since May 2007. “I come to Keiro and I find peace.”

Keiro is grateful for its many volunteers and is pleased to offer many volunteer opportunities, ranging from drivers to Japanese dance teachers, fundraisers to event assistants. If you or your group is interested in volunteering for Keiro, please contact Kanako Kusano, director of The Institute for Healthy Aging at Keiro at (323) 326-7602 or kkusano@keiro.org.

“Sponsoring this luncheon is our chance to show appreciation to the seniors for all they have done for our community,” said Teruo Imaizumi, JRA honorary advisor, who started this event at Keiro when he was president of JRA nine years ago.

“At Keiro, we strive to provide residents with a comfortable and culturally-familiar environment, and we appreciate JRA and other professional groups for volunteering their time, talent, and resources to give residents this special luncheon,” said Takeshi Oishi, administrator of Keiro Retirement Home.









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