pandemic response 2020-2021
Emergency Grants
The COVID-19 global pandemic created challenging situations and difficult funding hardships for the organizations and communities we support. In response, the JA Community Foundation established the JACF COVID-19 Emergency Grant Program.
With these emergency funds, grantees were able to pivot and adapt their services to meet the current needs of JA and Asian American communities.
Long Beach, CA
Long Beach Japanese Cultural Center (LBJCC)
With our grant, LBJCC was able to expand their meal delivery to twice weekly. The majority of their members are widows/widowers, live alone, are of very advanced age (average 87) and have health and mobility challenges.
“One of our seniors, photographs her meals each week and sends them with a text, thanking us. She writes: ‘This Thanksgiving, I’d like to take the opportunity to give thanks for all you do. I’m especially grateful for the lovely meals that are nourishing in so many ways. Several times, during the week, when I gaze at the incredible artwork [of the handmade greeting cards], when I hear the bell and knock at the door announcing the meal….I feel hopeful and not so isolated. It gives me something to look forward to.'” Learn more about LBJCC at https://www.lbjcc.org/
San Jose, CA
Yu-Ai Kai Japanese-American Community Senior Service
“Caregiving for a loved one is a stressful job. COVID-19 has brought additional challenges and isolation to caregivers and the person they are caring for. Our Caregivers Support Groups (CSG) offered in English and Japanese are meeting via video conference. CSG offers caregivers a chance to talk and share their difficulties in a confidential setting with people who understand their experience and can offer advice.
Pacoima, CA
San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center
” The JACF Emergency Grant has been a great financial relief for our center. It has allowed us to make purchases necessary for a future safe reopening. Many of these purchases will improve our ability to sanitize areas quickly and expand our capabilities to make use of outdoor areas including our playground on a more frequent schedule.
The grant has also enabled us to allocate resources to keep our members engaged through virtual event offerings including our “Virtual Together” event series, “Pandemic BINGO” and upcoming virtual events planned for 2021.
Your efforts are helping us provide some normalcy for our members, improving our overall sense of well-being and contributing to the endurance of our community.”
To learn more about the vital community resources provided by SFVJACC, visit their website at https://www.sfvjacc.com/
Los Angeles, CA
Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC)
“LTSC has seen a large increase in the number of senior Nikkei who are facing mental health issues as a result of this pandemic. Through regularly scheduled therapy sessions, as well case management services, LTSC social workers were able to stabilize the lives of seniors and support them during this unprecedented time.”
Los Angeles, CA
Japanese Community Pioneer Center (JCPC)
“JCPC was able to help hundreds of seniors because of the Emergency Grant.
Sachiko is 85 years old, she lives in senior housing in Little Tokyo. She wrote to us, ‘I live alone and on a limited income. I have to save every penny for rent and other basic expenses. So when I received a letter from JCPC about the Meal Voucher Giveaway event, I was appreciative to receive a free mask and a meal voucher. I am thankful for events such as this. It was helpful to be taught about Covid safety measures from a Japanese speaking volunteer.’
Eriko is 70 years old, she lives in the Los Angeles area. She told us, ‘I’m thankful for JCPC for their Meal Voucher Giveaway event and community classes. Prior to Covid, I took the smartphone class and basic computer classes offered by JCPC. Learning to use my smartphone has helped me cope with my loneliness. I used to be too shy and embarrassed to ask for help, and I did not feel comfortable with new technology. I now can text and communicate more easily. I also learned how to use the app, Line, to talk with family members in Japan. Before this, I had not communicated with my family in Japan for several years. This ability to connect has given me a new meaning in life.’ “
To learn more about JCPC, visit their website at https://jcpioneercenter.org/
community Impact
We are proud to support these organizations who have been working hard to meet the needs of their communities during this challenging and stressful time. Click below to view the full list COVID-19 Emergency Grants from 2020.