MOST SANSEI are probably aware of the series of well thought-out senior programs offered by Nikkei Concerns, the Japanese community's senior-services umbrella organization. These include the stimulating Nikkei Horizons quarterly courses, Nikkei Manor-an assisted-living community center, and Keiro Nursing Home. But my guess is that few are familiar with Kokoro Kai, the logical second program under the umbrella, simply because it is smaller, and gathers out of sight of Sansei, who are mostly working when the program is in session (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.). Nonetheless, Kokoro Kai is something that Sansei with elderly parents need to be aware of. As my first visit to Koroko Kai in early June was eye-opening, I thought that other Sansei might like to learn of my experience.

Lunch on June 9th.

Kokoro Kai, which might be translated as "heartful gathering," comes across as a Nikkei-community version of the YMCA summer day-camps I occasionally attended as a kid.

Like any day program, the high point of the day is probably lunch. On the day of my visit, the menu was chirashi zushi (sushi in a dish). While the seasoning is on the mild side by necessity, I would be happy to eat a lovingly prepared meal like that a few times a week. All of this happens in such a comfortable Japanese-English bilingual environment that Kokoro Kai doubles as an excellent environment for brushing up on one's rusty Japanese.

Naoko Ulstein

Kokoro Kai is intended both for elders living at Nikkei Manor, and for those living at home who need some help getting out and constructively structuring their days. In the latter case, Kokoro Kai also serves to provide much-needed respite relief for family caregivers. After my visit, I concluded that the organizers simply provide a more diversified, interesting experience than can most home caregivers, where various demands on the caregiver's time limit that available for educational and fun activities.

Each session of Kokoro Kai is supervised by several paid staff, supported by several dedicated community volunteers. The lead instructor is Naoko Ulstein, who simply comes across as a gifted teacher and natural leader. Of her abilities, it is telling that one of the Nisei volunteers commented that the volunteers all listen to Naoko-san, "even though she is much younger than us."

Richard Miyauchi

On the day of my visit, the volunteers included Sansei Richard Miyauchi, who fills multiple roles as Kokoro-Kai van-driver, social time blackjack dealer, game organizer, joke teller, and general all-around young man who can lift heavy things.

Another very likeable volunteer is Miyo Ike, who explained to me that in a past life she was a nurse's aide at the Minidoka Hospital. I came away from my Kokoro-Kai visit grateful that our community has such a program and such people.

In addition to keeping Kokoro Kai in mind for parents, Sansei might also think about what they can do to help it. Like any school program, Kokoro Kai gladly accepts donations. They can use school supplies and healthy foods (keeping in mind the usual restrictions on food service to the public). In Richard's view, the most crying need is for younger volunteers, for the present situation is that most volunteers are nearly the same ages as the participants.

Miyo Ike

Further information on Kokoro Kai can be obtained at their number listed in Nikkei Concerns' "Tayori" quarterly newsletter, 206-726-6474. If wondering if the general type of senior daycare might be appropriate for your family, or if an alternative program might better serve your needs, a good place to start is the City of Seattle's Mayor's Office for Senior Citizens (206-684-0500). Among other things, that office can send a telling questionnaire that will guide you through a set of questions that allow you to self-evaluate your caregiving situation. Depending on parental income, the city may also be able to contribute partial support to defray costs.

Home caregivers may find that Kokoro Kai's sixteen hours a week of coverage (including pick-up and drop-off) is not enough to change their present lives. But it is probably sufficient to provide breathing room, time to look up and see the sky, and to figure out a way forward.