San Francisco Japantown Task Force

DATA SHEET

Program: Nihonmachi Little Friends – Bilingual/Multicultural Childcare

Address: 2031 Bush St., San Francisco

Description:

Nihonmachi Little Friends (NLF) is a private, nonprofit, childcare organization with a mission to provide Japanese/English bilingual, multicultural, and educational childcare for preschoolers through elementary school-age children from throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. NLF is committed to providing high-quality, affordable childcare services that foster children’s self-esteem, cooperation and confidence. Using a partnership among teachers, children and their families, NLF promotes a stimulating learning environment that encourages children to develop to their full potential and become active members of the community. NLF operates programs at four separate locations, three within the Japantown area. Its preschool-age programs are located in the Kinmon Gakuen building at 2031 Bush Street, and the 1830 Sutter Street building. NLF’s After School Programs for K-5^th graders are housed at Christ United Presbyterian Church and at the JBBP (Japanese Bilingual Bicultural Program) West school site. The after school programs provide homework assistance, outdoor activities, and enrichment activities with a bilingual and multicultural focus. Intergenerational opportunities for the students are provided by regular visits to the Kimochi Home, Nutrition Program, and Kokoro Assisted Living Facility.

History:

NLF was founded in 1975 by a group of parents, educators, and community-minded activists who were committed to the idea of offering culturally sensitive, bilingual and low-cost childcare for young children in San Francisco’s Japanese community. The program began with one site serving 15 children. Subsequent community demand for the service has expanded NLF to four sites serving more than 180 children annually, from diverse economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Over two-thirds of the families served fall within the low to moderate income levels while 32% of the families have household incomes low enough to qualify for government benefits.

Significance: Cultural, Educational, Social

Recognition of Significance:

Featured frequently in local newspapers; grants from the SF Foundation, California Wellness Foundation, Miriam and Peter Haas Fund, California Dept. of Education, and the City & County of San Francisco

Sources:

Cathy Inamasu, Executive Director, Nihonmachi Little Friends

Other Comments:

Nihonmachi Little Friends is involved in citywide collaborations to provide greater access to family services and programs to its families. Parents and families continue to play an active role at all levels of the organization’s work, either in the classrooms or in the various extracurricular activities such as family socials, community programs and festivals, educational workshops, committee work and fundraising.

Prepared By: Young Kim Date Prepared: 7/1/04