Kokoro Assisted Living is located on Bush and Laguna in San Francisco's Japantown.

Eighteen years ago, Pat Shiono joined a group of dedicated volunteers and community organizations that had been working to create a place where Asian seniors could live in their later years.

By the mid-1990s, their efforts were focused on transforming an abandoned building at the corner of Bush and Laguna streets in San Francisco. The result was Kokoro Assisted Living Center.

Four years ago, when Pat’s mother, Yuri, finally agreed it was time to move from her home, Kokoro was Yuri’s choice for a new place to live.

“She’s undergone a transformation since she’s been at Kokoro,” says Pat, describing her mother. “She’s happy to be back in Japantown, where she grew up, and now at 89, she interacts with more people, participates in more activities and has joined the church across the street.”

For Pat, her mother’s new home provides peace of mind, knowing that her mother will get regular meals and personal care, her daily medicines as prescribed, and programs that engage her socially, mentally, physically and spiritually.

For Yuri and Pat, Kokoro provides an ideal solution for the dilemma that everyone faces: how to help seniors live safely and fully in San Francisco when they can no longer care for themselves.

Because it provides a living environment that reflects Japanese culture and customs, Kokoro makes the transition from independent living to assisted living easier for Issei and Nisei, who often feel most comfortable with food, language and activities that reflect their heritage.

Although open to seniors of any ethnicity, religion and financial level, Kokoro distinguishes itself by allowing residents to choose between American or Asian cuisine at meals and offering social activities reflective of various cultures.

First Annual Fundraiser

With a goal to raise $50,000 a year, the first annual fundraising event to benefit Kokoro will be held on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 8 to 11 p.m. at the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California, 1840 Sutter St. in San Francisco. “Shall We Dance,” a three-hour event featuring dancing to live music and entertainment, will benefit the many activities and cultural events important to the Kokoro community. It will also help to maintain its affordability to many residents.

For the “dance-step challenged,” dance lessons are being offered prior to the event. Mike and Sylvia Lee will get people moving on Saturday, Oct. 4 and 11, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Christ United Presbyterian Church, 1700 Sutter St., San Francisco, just to make sure everyone gets into the swing of the evening.

“Kokoro has become a constant in Japantown and the greater San Francisco community,” says Vickie Ina, spokesperson for the event. “It cares for our seniors so we feel it’s important that we help to maintain the programs that enrich their lives. I believe that ‘Shall We Dance’ will be a great start to an annual fundraising effort.”

Tickets for the event are $60 per person and include the dance lessons. The cost of lessons only is $10 per lesson.

Major sponsors of the event are Union Bank of California, On Lok Lifeways and Catholic Healthcare West.

For more information, call (415) 776-8066.

About Kokoro

Since its conception in 1995, Kokoro has been dedicated to providing San Francisco area residents with elder care consistent with Japanese culture and customs. As a result, the Japanese American Religious Federation (JARF) Senior Housing Task Force, and later Japanese American Religious Federation Assisted Living Inc. (JALFI), guided the development and building of the center. Today, Kokoro Assisted Living Inc. (KALI) provides corporate leadership for the facility.

“Kokoro” is a Japanese term that reflects the integration of heart, mind and inner spirit. The center is dedicated to this idea, providing programs that promote the independence and well-being of the residents. With a comprehensive calendar of social, recreational and spiritual activities available, Kokoro is able to help seniors live a full, rich life.

Kokoro offers seniors of any ethnicity or religion residential services and assisted living care. Fees are assessed on a sliding scale based on an applicant’s needs and ability to pay. For more information, call (415) 776-8066.