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On Saturday, June 25, Keiro Senior HealthCare unveiled the Service Wall, a permanent mural in Keiro’s Activity Center recognizing volunteer groups, organizations, and clubs that have volunteered time or helped to generate support for Keiro throughout its 50 year history.
“The Service Wall is significant because it permanently recognizes the volunteer groups that have been involved with Keiro over the past 50 years,” says Shawn Miyake, president and CEO of Keiro Senior HealthCare. “It preserves their legacy and will show future generations that the values of our community are important to maintain.”
A timeline on the mural indicates the involvement of nearly 200 volunteer groups, including community centers, churches, temples, scout troops, cultural groups, service groups, sports groups, and more. Historic photos, inspiring volunteer quotes, colorful ribbon bands, and three-dimensional, hand-crafted butterflies and dragonflies reflect the vibrancy and life that these groups bring to Keiro.
At the unveiling, representatives from several groups shared testimonials on why they have been involved with Keiro. A recurring theme was the importance of giving back to our community and maintaining the values of our elders.
“Helping Keiro gives us an opportunity to give back to the generation before us some of what they’ve instilled in us as work ethics, wisdom, love of family, and sacrifices they made for us,” said Grace Hiura on behalf of Les Dames, one of over 90 groups that has supported Keiro for ten or more years.
“I decided to do my Eagle Scout project at Keiro because I wanted to be able to show appreciation for my grandfather’s generation,” added Paul Terasaki, Jr. of Nishi Hongwanji Los Angeles Boy Scout Troop 738. “They worked hard to get established in America and overcame adversity so that they could pave the way for future generations.”
“My mom told me that some of the seniors in the community who started JAO basketball also mortgaged their homes to start Keiro so Japanese Americans could have a culturally comfortable place for senior health care,” said Elise Takahama, who participates in the JAO Kids for Keiro
Hoop Shoot and makes crafts for Keiro residents. “I think that’s awesome. I know my little volunteering is nothing compared to that. But at least I want to give back what I can and show my respect to the seniors who have done so much for us.”
The Service Wall Unveiling is one of several events planned in conjunction with Keiro’s 50th anniversary. Other upcoming events include the Visions for Keiro Charity Golf Classic on July 18 and Keiro’s 50th Anniversary Genki Living Expo and Celebration Luncheon in Pasadena on October 15.
For more information on upcoming 50th Anniversary events and healthy aging programs, please visit Keiro’s website at www.keiro.org.
Pictured above are volunteers from Ventura County JACL who drove to Los Angeles to view the Service Wall.
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