Yu-Ai Kai Capital Campaign

2005 - 2006

Honoring the Legacy, Building for the Future

Yu-Ai Kai was organized in the early 1970's by Sansei students from San Jose State University who sought their identities in the pursuit of their culture of honoring their elders. The Japanese American community, nineteen churches, businesses and many individuals gave generously to support the founding of Yu-Ai Kai, the only Japanese American focused senior center in Silicon Valley.

Yu-Ai Kai, which means friendship & love, was established in 1974 to provide culturally appropriate meals, services and activities for the Issei, immigrant generation and the Nisei, the second generation. These elders sacrificed themselves so that the following generations could enjoy the fruits of the "American Dream." We believe their struggles, a history of suffering of prejudice, discrimination before WWII, their courage enduring internment, the blood that they shed as soldiers in the 100th Battalion and 442nd Regiment, as well as the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) and their struggles to gain civil rights after WWII, are important stories for future generations. They speak to the ongoing culture, character and legacy of Japanese Americans. It is this rich tradition that must continue to be preserved and housed at Yu-Ai Kai.

Yu-Ai Kai is serving the Nisei children of the Issei who range in age from their mid 70's to the mid 90's. Our programs now welcome and serve immigrants from Japan, Taiwan, China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Korea and elsewhere. We must continue to grow and prepare for the Sansei (third generation) baby boomers who will comprise the largest population of seniors ever! From 2005 to 2050, the over 65 population will increase by 300%. With your support we can continue our work to secure the future of these incoming seniors and generations of seniors that follow.