1
10
140
-
https://digitalcollections.jasc-chicago.org/omeka/files/original/180c082732fb585c1c8630ba2878dff9.png
18e6bc35e025c3e8f91f95eabd21431e
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
JASC Legacy Center Oral History Collection
Subject
The topic of the resource
Japanese Americans--History.
Description
An account of the resource
This collection contains oral history interviews from the Japanese American Service Committee (JASC) Legacy Center's holdings. Where available, transcriptions have been included and synced to the recordings to enable full-text searching.
Interviews were recorded at various times, some by JASC staff and some by external partners, often supported by grant funding. See the metadata associated with each interview for full details.
This digital collection will continue to grow as new interviews are recorded, and as additional pre-existing recordings are received by donation or discovered in the physical archives.
The digitization and transcription of many of the recordings in this collection, the recording of interviews between July 2018 and June 2021, and the creation of this publicly accessible digital platform, were funded by a Japanese American Confinements Sites (JACS) grant awarded by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. The JASC Legacy Center gratefully acknowledges the financial support received between 2018 and 2021 that enabled this project to succeed.
---
This material is based upon work assisted by a grant from the U.S. Department of the
Interior, National Park Service. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations
expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views
of the U.S. Department of the Interior.
This material received Federal financial assistance for the preservation and interpretation of
U.S. confinement sites where Japanese Americans were detained during World War II.
Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,
and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, the U.S. Department of the Interior
prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability or age in its
federally funded assisted projects. If you believe you have been discriminated against in any
program, activity, or facility as described above, or if you desire further information, please
write to:
Office of Equal Opportunity
National Park Service
1849 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20240
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Japanese American Service Committee (Chicago, Ill.). Legacy Center
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Japanese American Service Committee (Chicago, Ill.). Legacy Center
Oral History
A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge.
Interviewer
The person(s) performing the interview
Doi, Mary
Interviewee
The person(s) being interviewed
Adachi, Christina
Adachi, Patti
OHMS Object
https://digitalcollections.jasc-chicago.org/ohms-viewer/render.php?cachefile=AdachiPattiAndTina20230214.xml
Interview Keyword
Sansei
Japanese American Citizens League
JACL Chicago chapter
Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians
Northeastern Illinois University
CWRIC Hearings
Activism
South Side
Hyde Park
OHMS Object Text
5.4 2/14/2023 Adachi, Patti and Christina (2/14/2023) 1:10:31 JASC_OHP JASC Legacy Center Oral History Collection REDR Redress Japanese American Service Committee Legacy Center Recorded, transcribed, and made accessible online with financial support from the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Japanese American Confinement Sites grant program. Sansei Japanese American Citizens League JACL Chicago chapter Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians Northeastern Illinois University CWRIC Hearings Activism South Side Hyde Park Adachi, Christina Adachi, Patti Doi, Mary video 1:|7(6)|37(8)|49(6)|65(1)|80(3)|96(7)|120(15)|135(1)|156(10)|169(12)|181(2)|193(5)|211(16)|230(13)|246(14)|274(16)|309(1)|320(14)|334(11)|350(14)|368(10)|390(11)|412(7)|428(4)|439(4)|457(10)|467(9)|480(11)|497(3)|512(7)|528(9)|541(8)|551(6)|561(11)|576(8)|599(16)|615(4)|632(13)|646(2)|666(2)|678(5)|696(4)|713(1)|722(17)|742(15)|768(6)|791(2)|810(15)|832(10)|875(10)|889(7)|902(14)|913(9)|922(13)|956(8)|981(10)|1000(5)|1025(9)|1038(1)|1058(5)|1079(4)|1117(6)|1140(5)|1185(15)|1234(5)|1268(14)|1302(8)|1329(13)|1352(3)|1371(6) 0 https://vimeo.com/824891617 Vimeo video < ; iframe src=" ; https://player.vimeo.com/video/824891617" ; width=" ; 640" ; height=" ; 360" ; frameborder=" ; 0" ; allow=" ; autoplay ; fullscreen ; picture-in-picture" ; allowfullscreen> ; < ; /iframe> ; Sisters Patti and Tina Adachi, born and raised in Hyde Park, discuss their experiences as sansei growing up on Chicago's South Side. They describe involvement with the Civil Rights Movement, Women's Movement, and anti-war demonstrations as precursors to their participation in Japanese American redress efforts. They recall being motivated by their outrage after learning about their family's treatment during WWII, engaging with Asian American activism, and joining the Japanese American Citizens League's redress efforts. Having both served in multiple roles at JACL's Chicago chapter, they describe experiences such as editing the newsletter (Patti) and attending the Chicago CWRIC hearings at NEIU (Tina). In reflecting on the significance of redress and reparations, they recount the impact of the apology from the U.S. government on their family and the larger community and express the belief that more work remains to be done with regard to race and identity beyond the Japanese American community. Mary Doi: Thank you. This interview is being recorded by the JASC Legacy Center in order to document the Japanese American Redress movement in Chicago and the Midwest. This interview will differ from a normal conversation in that I won' ; t use verbal cues and responses. Instead, I' ; ll use facial expressions to communicate my interest in what you' ; re saying, it makes for a cleaner transcript. You can decline to answer any question without giving a reason, you can take breaks whenever you need them, and you can end the interview at any point. Got it? Please make sure your phone is silenced. Patti Adachi: Yeah. Mine is on airplane. Mary Doi: Okay, great. Thanks. So, all right, well, let' ; s begin. Christina Adachi (Tina): All right, you know what? I' ; m going to turn my notifications off. Patti Adachi: Oh, watch your mic. Oh, where' ; s your phone? Mary Doi: Is it in your purse? Patti Adachi: Yes, sorry. Mary Doi: Okay. Purse. Patti Adachi: We' ; re paused right now. Mary Doi: Okay so this interview is really about the Redress movement, but I' ; m going to ask a little bit of background information before we get into that. And so I' ; m going to start out with your knowledge about internment. When did you first learn about the Japanese American incarceration and what was your reaction? Christina Adachi (Tina): Well, I, I think the first time I ever heard about it was actually through a news program hosted by Walter Cronkite, the CBS news anchor. And I realized I hadn' ; t ever heard about it from our parents and in fact, I had heard about camp experiences, especially from my mother. Growing up, she would often recount things that happened in camp and I always thought she meant summer camp because that was the only kind of camp I was familiar with. And then when I went to college, which would' ; ve been in 1966, I wrote a paper for a political science class and I wrote it about the internment. And I remember I was at the Washington University Library and I just went around and I just grabbed every, every book, every photograph, every piece of information that I could about the internment. And I sat down at one of the tables in the library and I surrounded by this mound of books and I started going through them and I was just so shocked, horrified, traumatized. I remember sitting there in the library and just weeping at what I was, what I was reading and just trying to process that this had really happened and that it had happened to my parents and their families. Patti Adachi: Yeah and our grandparents. Yeah, well, sometimes with a bunch of Nisei friends they' ; d go, " ; Oh, remember, remember in camp and the food and the lines of the showers?" ; And they' ; d go, " ; ha ha ha" ; and they' ; d laugh. Christina Adachi (Tina): Yeah. Patti Adachi: So yeah, that was it. They' ; d just laugh and remember the bad food and, but it was, it was like like summer camp. They never really sat down and talked to us about it. We didn' ; t really talk about you know, prejudice growing up and... Christina Adachi (Tina): They were definitely Nisei who had ended up in Chicago, both originally from Los Angeles and had just made the decision as so many others had to just look forward, make the best of where they were and not dwell on the past and-- for any number of reasons, and did in fact create successful and happy life for themselves in Chicago. So now that I think about it, the stories that they told about camp didn' ; t really make any sense ' ; cause they were clearly not, they weren' ; t kids at a summer camp, they were adults, but I just never, it still never occurred to me that it could be anything other than like a summer camp. Mary Doi: After you learned more of the facts when you were a student at Wash U, did you go back and talk to your parents about it? Christina Adachi (Tina): I don' ; t remember. Our, I probably... I might have tried to open up a conversation but neither of my parents was interested really in talking about it and they, if they gave any answers, they were very brief and they just said things like, " ; Well, you know, that was a long time ago and we don' ; t really want to remember that." ; And, and so I was probably not encouraged to continue the conversation. Patti Adachi: Well, let' ; s see. So maybe about 1962, my best friend Loretta, her father who had been in the Korean War and I remember coming home and I was in eighth grade and I said, " ; So Dad, did you fight in the w-- were you a soldier?" ; And he said, " ; Yeah, they asked me if I wanted to fight and I said hell no." ; Christina Adachi (Tina): That was the first thing I ever, first time I ever remember my dad expressing any anger over what had happened but we did find out that he had said no. Patti Adachi: Well, he was in grad school. He was at UC Berkeley in graduate school. Yeah, and he' ; s yanked, yanked out of grad school and his parents owned a, a grocery store in Boyle Heights where he grew up, you know, bank accounts are frozen, everything' ; s lost. I mean they' ; d lose land, businesses. Christina Adachi (Tina): When I think about how much they had accomplished in Los Angeles because you know, he was born in Los Angeles, Boyle Heights and of course, both his parents were immigrants and he had managed to graduate from UCLA and then, get into grad school at UC Berkeley. Patti Adachi: Yeah, yeah. Christina Adachi (Tina): And our mom was younger and she was in junior college, but she was a college student. And so then, the internment completely upended their lives and neither one of them ended up being able to go back to school and complete their education. Mary Doi: Right, I often wonder if that' ; s why education was so important that my mom, my mom stressed it for us. Patti Adachi: Oh yes. Mary Doi: You know, get as much as you can get, I' ; ll figure out how to pay for it. Christina Adachi (Tina): Oh, yeah. We were definitely one of those families where we never talked about are you going to college. It was always, where are you going to college. There was never any question the expectation was we would go to college. Mary Doi: That sounds very familiar. Well now, I' ; m going to jump into the JACL because this is really what we' ; re most interested in and I' ; m really interested in when did you join the JACL, and I guess I' ; ll go with Tina first. Why did you join it, are you still a member, were your parents members? Did you know anybody in the JACL before you joined? So, can you tell me a little bit about your history with the organization? Christina Adachi (Tina): It was really the Redress movement. When I heard or read about the commission and the effort for Redress and the role that JACL was playing, that they kind of came onto my radar. Because we lived in Hyde Park, so our life was mostly there. We weren' ; t really part of, we didn' ; t belong to any of the temples, we didn' ; t really have a lot of contact with the Japanese American community other than the Enterprisers Club, that investment club. Once a year there would be a golf tournament and we would go to the dinner and the Christmas party was always at our house, but we, our roots really were in Hyde Park. So JACL, I think my parents might have been members, I think they were members of the JACL Credit Union, but I really didn' ; t pay that much attention to the organization. I sort of didn' ; t think it was for someone my age or someone like me but then when I found out about the Redress and the JACL' ; s role. That' ; s when I really started paying attention and that' ; s when I first contacted them and I started going to meetings and I ended up joining the board and I ended up becoming the president of the Chicago chapter. But it was absolutely the Redress which got me involved in JACL. Mary Doi: Do you remember how you learned about the Redress movement? Christina Adachi (Tina): I don' ; t know whether it was a story that I saw in the newspaper or something on the news. I don' ; t remember any individual telling me about it because I don' ; t remember knowing anyone in the JACL. Mary Doi: Right, I was mentioning to Ty how when you' ; re a Southsider, we were really in our own little bubble-- Patti Adachi: Mm-hmm, yeah. Mary Doi: --and coming North was almost like going to a foreign country for us. Christina Adachi (Tina): We were politically active because we were Hyde Parkers. So I was like the Vice President of Young Democrats for Johnson in 1962. We were involved in civil rights, I actually saw Martin Luther King speak in person. So we were, we were political, but that didn' ; t include JACL or, or Asian American activism, which kind of didn' ; t really exist here in Chicago up until a certain time. Mary Doi: And how about for you, Patti? Patti Adachi: Oh, well, so I, I lived in Japan for two years teaching English in Tokyo. And then when I came back in 1980, Tina, I think it was like Fall of ' ; 80, she took me to an annual meeting, the JACL annual meeting in 1980. So it was Fall, it' ; s usually in Fall. And then I, maybe there was another event, I can' ; t remember. But in any case, not long after that, I mean I still didn' ; t really know anyone in JACL. I was getting a ride from a meeting... Oh I, then I moved to the North side in the late Fall of 1980, I moved to the North side because I couldn' ; t find anything affordable in Hyde Park and I got to know someone, Glenn Ikeda, who helped me find an apartment. But from some JACL meeting, I was still pretty new. John Tani was the president then and he was driving me home and he was driving Chiye home and Chiye said to John, " ; John, I don' ; t think I can do the newsletter this month. I' ; m so busy." ; and I said, " ; I' ; ll, I' ; ll do it," ; and they said " ; All right" ; , so then I became the editor! And I think you know because they knew Tina, they figured, well you know, I mean maybe they would' ; ve even if they hadn' ; t known me, ' ; cause it' ; s a volunteer organization. You know, it' ; s unpaid, you' ; re just doing it because you want to. And so they said all right and then I, so I edited the newsletter, I was looking, from 1981 until 1995. Then I said, " ; I think I, does someone else want to edit? I think I' ; m sort of run out of energy." ; Yeah, so that' ; s how I, and then I had to join the-- because they said, " ; Well, you should join the board, because now you' ; re the editor" ; . " ; Okay." ; And then eventually, it was actually I became president. They said, " ; Well, you know, everyone else on the board has already been president. You know you have your year turn. It' ; s your turn." ; And so it was like, " ; It' ; s your turn." ; I said " ; Oookay." ; And it was 1988, so it was a big year, right? So I became president. Luckily, I didn' ; t have to give a speech at the, the big, the big inaugural, which I would have because it was such a huge year because the Civil Rights Act had passed. Somebody from national, somebody much, very well known came, you know came and gave the speech. I was actually practicing my speech and saying, " ; I can do it, I can do it" ; . And then, this... I said, " ; I don' ; t have to speak in public. This is great." ; So that' ; s, so yeah, that' ; s how I became involved and I loved being the editor. I met so many people. You know, it was that whole era of the Redress, working on getting witnesses. Mary Doi: So you mentioned Chiye. Are there other people who come to mind that you got to work with? Patti Adachi: Oh, Tsune, I got to work with Noriko Takada, Shig Wakamatsu, he was always in the office and I was always there typing on, you know we had those IBM Selectric typewriter, so I' ; m typing up the copy and Shig was always in there. And sometimes, he' ; d take me out to dinner and it was kind of fun. It was like, he was kind of like a surrogate father and we' ; d talk politics and I was kind of like he thought of me as a daughter and he was, he was wonderful. I loved Shig. Smoky Sakurada became, was always you know, there. Mary Doi: You also mentioned, I think when we were talking, Alice Esaki. Yeah. Patti Adachi: Alice Esaki, yes. ' ; Cause she, so she was always there every afternoon after working at Senn High School and that' ; s how I got a job then. I got my next job through Alice writing curriculum for refugee high school kids at Senn. Christina Adachi (Tina): And there was also this new group of Sansei, like us like John Tani, Dennis Honda, others who were beginning to come into the organization. And then it was really a combination of Nisei and Sansei. Patti Adachi: Yeah, a lot of Sansei on the board. Maybe even more than-- Christina Adachi (Tina): Yeah, it was really a transitional period. Mary Doi: Right I guess what both Ron and Bill have said was that the board was very amenable to having Sansei not only join the board but be leaders on the board. So kind of echoing what you said, Tina-- or Patti about taking your turn to be the president-- Patti Adachi: Yes, it was your turn. Right. Mary Doi: ...Which is, yeah. Which is a really nice image that they' ; re not being gatekeepers. So that' ; s good. So you think you, Tina, you think you might' ; ve heard about Redress on some news program-- Christina Adachi (Tina): Right, or a newspaper article. Something about, something about the Redress effort and maybe about the commission, creation of the commission. And that' ; s, that just really sparked my interest. And, because when I first heard about the internment you know, and I had that moment in the library where I was weeping, what could I do about it? There wasn' ; t anything I could do about it. So then when this happened, it was finally an opportunity to act, to do something and of course, to do something for our parents. Mary Doi: That' ; s interesting. Do you think your parents knew about the Redress movement? Christina Adachi (Tina): I think they were aware of it because mom read the paper faithfully every single day and they both watched the evening news so-- Patti Adachi: Oh and they got, well grandma always got the Rafu Shimpo. That was a big paper right, from Los Angeles. Mary Doi: Right. Patti Adachi: And there was the English section, so yeah, they must have covered a lot. Christina Adachi (Tina): I' ; m not sure they were members of JACL. Patti Adachi: No. Christina Adachi (Tina): As I said, they might' ; ve been members of the credit union and they might' ; ve known some people in JACL, but especially as you said, living in Hyde Park, they were not active with the JACL. So, I think they might' ; ve found out about it the same way we did and then, when we got involved, that certainly increased their interest and their involvement. Like my mother came to the hearings, which kind of surprised me. Mary Doi: How about your brothers, were they at all interested? Christina Adachi (Tina): No. They' ; re both considerably younger, enough years younger and pretty much completely apolitical. Patti Adachi: At the time, right. Christina Adachi (Tina): They were just interested in sports. Yeah, and in fact, they had more of a connection in a way to the Japanese community on the North side because they played in the basketball league and they were in the Boy Scout troops-- Patti Adachi: The BTC. Christina Adachi (Tina): Right, right, even though we didn' ; t belong to the temple but-- Patti Adachi: No, I think mom and dad were members of the Temple, BTC. Christina Adachi (Tina): You do? Patti Adachi: Yeah, they used to get the newsletter. Christina Adachi (Tina): But they were members of the church also. Patti Adachi: Well, yeah, that was just social reasons and then, BTC was their connection. Christina Adachi (Tina): Okay, okay yeah. Becasuse we went to, we went to a Protestant church in Hyde Park. Patti Adachi: Yeah, Hyde Park Baptist Church. Christina Adachi (Tina): Yeah. Mary Doi: Uh-huh, okay. I remember that Boy Scout troop, I remember that Tom Teraji would bring my brother up to the, for the meetings, you know? So I think our brothers, my brothers and your brothers were probably in that all together as the Hyde Parkers going up to the North side. Patti Adachi: Yeah, right, yeah. Mary Doi: That' ; s really interesting though to hear that they, that your parents may have been members of the credit union, but they may have learned about Redress independently of you, but also, from you, they are learning more about it. You' ; ve touched about, on this a little bit before, Tina, that you were involved in other social justice issues before you got involved with the JACL Redress movement. And you mentioned being there with, to hear Martin Luther King. Can you tell me about other kinds of social justice activities that you were involved in? Christina Adachi (Tina): Well, just growing up in Hyde Park, we were acti-- we were aware of and supporters of anti-war and Civil Rights and the Women' ; s movement. And then, in the 70s, I moved to Pittsburgh with my then husband, also, originally a Hyde Parker. And we were members of the Socialist Workers Party and I ran for U.S. Senate. I ran as the Social Workers party candidate for U.S. Senate, even though I wasn' ; t old enough to be a senator in, I think, it was either 1972 or 1974. So I was, and I just went on lots of, there' ; s actually a, for some reason, there' ; s a front page picture in the New York Times, which a friend of mine sent to me a few years ago and it was me speaking at an abortion rights rally in Pittsburgh during my Pittsburgh years. I have no idea who took the picture, how it ended up on the front page of the New York Times, but it was some story about abortion rights. And so I was sort of always politically active, but it was only later with my joining JACL and becoming part of the Redress movement that I became active in, I would say, Asian American activism. I remember going to Vincent Chin demonstrations. And then, I was one of the founders of... Patti Adachi: Well, there was Mina-sama no-- Christina Adachi (Tina): Right, Angel Island, Asian American Theater Company and with Linda Yu, I was one of the founders of the Chicago chapter of the Asian American Journalist Association. So then my activism also really did expand into Asian community and their issues and organizations. Mary Doi: Great. Tina do you think or-- Patti, do you think you had any previous involvement in social issues before joining the JACL? Patti Adachi: Oh, in Madison. Anti-war demonstrations, Madison was a hotbed of anti-war activism. Yes, so there were a lot of demonstrations and student strikes. Yeah, it was, that was what I participated in. Mary Doi: So I think in the late 1970s, JACL and especially, Chicago and Bill Curtis got involved in getting a pardon for Iva Toguri. Do you remember that? Patti Adachi: Mm-hmm, yes. Mary Doi: I think she was pardoned in 1977. Were you involved with that at all, do you know? Patti Adachi: No, we weren' ; t involved. Christina Adachi (Tina): I remember, I remember it, but I don' ; t remember having any active role in that. Mary Doi: Okay. Well, I think you' ; ve told me about some of the Niseis and the Sanseis involved. I know that Patti had also mentioned Janice Honda, Joy Yamasaki, Jim Fujimoto, and then, the other people that both of you had mentioned. And you remember, Patti, somebody you said, a Sansei guy who helped with the strategy development for the Redress movement. Can you tell me what you remember and who you kind of, what you remember about him? Patti Adachi: Yes, yes, I can' ; t remember his name, but I remember that he said we' ; ve got to make this as American as apple pie. It' ; s not about a certain group, like the Japanese Americans being discriminated, it is about a violation of constitutional rights. Yeah, and then that' ; s, you know you, you focus on that and you get all kinds of, the ACLU and lots of groups, Jewish groups getting inv-- you know getting support from them about a violation of your rights as a citizen. Mary Doi: I, I love that phrase. " ; Make it as American as apple pie" ; . Patti Adachi: Make it as American as apple pie, to get it passed through Congress, yeah. And I know maybe-- Mary Doi: Right, right. Katherine Nagasawa: Do you think that was... Oh sorry, I was wondering, was that Mike Ushijima? Patti Adachi: No, I don' ; t think it was Mike Ushijima. I' ; m, I' ; d have to see. I have an image of this guy, at one of the celeb-- maybe it was the inaugural that year and we' ; re dancing. And Chiye asked him. He was, I mean he was a brilliant strategist, but I remember she asked him to, say, " ; Hey, why don' ; t want to dance with me?" ; And he was terrible. And, but yeah, and I don' ; t know who he was. So I, if maybe if I saw a picture, I' ; d remember. I can' ; t remember his name, somebody would remember. Chiye would remember, maybe Bill will remember. Yeah but that. Mary Doi: So was that a, a catchphrase that really resonated in the chapter? Patti Adachi: Well, I just remember, I just, I remember you know, hearing that and being told that that is how we' ; re focusing now. We' ; re going to shape it, that' ; s the way, the narrative, it' ; s, it' ; s a constitutional rights issue. Mary Doi: Was that going to be a narrative not just in Chicago but for the national? Patti Adachi: Oh national, yeah, yeah. Mary Doi: Okay, great. Patti Adachi: So he was not local. He wasn' ; t from Chicago, I' ; m pretty sure. I don' ; t remember him at all. Mary Doi: Oh, oh okay. Christina Adachi (Tina): But hearing that and then, going on the Reckoning website, I had kind of forgotten about the divisions within the Redress movement. And so then I was reminded of NCJAR is that-- and William Hohri and the other group. That' ; s not surprising or uncommon. Political movements always have divisions and disagreements and support different strategies but it seems like the JACL strategy was the winning strategy and was the most informed as far as real politics, here' ; s what you have to do, here' ; s, this situation. Most people have never even heard of the internment and there were still a lot of internment deniers. I mean I' ; ve had many people in my life say to me, " ; That never happened. That could never happen here." ; And so you know you' ; re, that really, we were starting from ground zero in a lot of ways, including among members of Congress to get this bill passed and reparations and the apology and all of that. I think that that was a, a realistic and an accurate reading of the political landscape. Mary Doi: Right, one of the ways I think about it is that the JACL' ; s efforts was really the legislative effort that William Hohri' ; s NCJAR National Coalition for Japanese American Redress is the judicial route. Patti Adachi: It was about suing the government. Mary Doi: Yes. Class action lawsuit where they had I think 19 plaintiffs and they had a list of 20 infringements of civil rights. So they' ; re different approaches with the same goal is, is how I look at it and then, NCRR was the National Coalition for Redress and Reparations, which was a really a grassroots organization mainly based in L.A. I was in San Francisco during Redress and so I remember that in San Francisco, but I was told by my daughter, " ; It' ; s mainly in L.A. thing," ; and I' ; ve talked to the leaders and they, they said, " ; No, we didn' ; t have a branch in Chicago," ; so, you know, we got skipped over. But we did have definitely a JACL movement here and an NCJAR movement here. So I think that' ; s pretty remarkable that two of these big, big movements are based in Chicago and we were lucky to have Bill. We were so lucky to have a Midwest regional rep or district rep on staff. So how would you say the roles that Niseis and Sanseis took differ or were they pretty much similar? If you had to make a broad statement about Niseis did this and Sanseis did that, what would you say? Patti Adachi: Focusing on Redress? Mary Doi: Yeah. Patti Adachi: I don' ; t know how different the approaches were. You had some pretty radical Niseis, well, like William Hohri and you had like the No-No boys who also may not... You know, they probably didn' ; t have like JACL. Right? JACL joined, were often seen as collaborators, right? They tried, they were cooperating with the government, I mean you know they have their own defense, which is valid but I think some people like the No-No boys took a whole different approach. Mary Doi: Right, right. Christina Adachi (Tina): But here in Chicago, I feel like there was a really a very friendly and, and sort of mutually appreciative relationship between Nisei and Sansei who joined together for this effort and who ended up, for example, all becoming like Patti and me, members of JACL and members of the board. We were coming from different perspectives because the Nisei obviously had almost all been through the experience themselves, whereas, we hadn' ; t but I feel there was a real sense of this is something that we can do for our parents and our grandparents. This is something we can do for our families. Finally, there' ; s something we can do. And many of us also did have a lot of political activism experience as, as we' ; ve gone over, which I don' ; t think probably the majority of Nisei, many of them obviously became part of this because of their personal experiences but, but a lot of the Sansei were familiar with political organizing and activism because of the age that we were and the times in which we came to adulthood. Mary Doi: You know, I read your Mom' ; s obituary and I love the fact that she was an election judge in the fifth ward. I thought, " ; Yay, yay Mrs. Adachi." ; So it seems like, you know in her own way, she was politically active in the way that a Nisei woman probably felt comfortable doing but also very committed doing. Christina Adachi (Tina): Well, we also thinking about it, my parents kind of made a statement by deciding to stay in Hyde Park because so many, I remember so many other Nisei families that we knew growing up, growing up had either moved North, moved to the suburbs or moved back to the West Coast. And my parents and I never really discussed this with them, I think they, they liked Hyde Park and they felt comfortable there, although they were not part of the University of Chicago and most of my friends, their parents were University of Chicago faculty. But they did choose and they didn' ; t really have to... We didn' ; t have any family here other than our immediate family other than the family who lived together in our house, our two grandmothers, our grandfather, our parents and us. We didn' ; t have any other family. All the family would have been back on the West Coast but they chose to stay in Chicago and in Hyde Park, which is well known as a liberal, very politically active community neighborhood, unique part of Chicago, they, they did choose to stay there and that' ; s where they stayed pretty much all their lives. Mary Doi: Yeah, it was a special place. I' ; ll, I' ; ll agree. Christina Adachi (Tina): Mm-hmm, yeah. Mary Doi: So you talked, Patti, you' ; ve talked about being the editor of the newsletter for forever and you' ; ve both talked about being president, taking your turn being the president. What other kinds of things would you say that you, what other kinds of roles did you play in the Chicago JACL Redress effort? Are there specific things you could name? Patti Adachi: No, I just think I helped, well, exhibits with you know boards that were there during for the... Well, whatever big events, we had annual meetings. I can' ; t remember you know a lot of it I just can' ; t remember. But I know I was at all of these, a lot of meetings and I, and I just did the newsletter, so I did a lot of articles about Redress and there was special Redress issues and, and I helped with exhibits, with photos. But that' ; s really all I remember. Mary Doi: You know, I' ; ve looked at the list of people who testified and unfortunately, I didn' ; t bring it with me but I saw Miyo Hayashi' ; s name on that as one of the people who testified and you know, a Hyde Parker through and through. Were there any other Hyde Parkers that you can remember who testified? And, and unfortunately, I don' ; t have the list to show you. Patti Adachi: Well, wait, was Mike Yasutake Northside or was he Hyde Park? Mary Doi: Well, when I knew him, he lived in Evanston. But I knew him at the end of his life, so I don' ; t know if he was ever in Hyde Park, okay but nobody else. And was there any buzz about Redress in Hyde Park, do you know? Christina Adachi (Tina): I guess by then, I was also living on the North Side. Yeah, we were both living on the North Side so, and I don' ; t recall anyone, any other Hyde Parkers that I could identify as being active in Redress. Mary Doi: Okay. Well, that' ; s good. And that' ; s exactly what you said, that you didn' ; t think of any other, couldn' ; t think of any other Hyde Parkers involved in Redress or even very much involved in the JACL. Now I want to move on to the hearings themselves. So these are the hearings that took place in September 1981 at the Northeastern Illinois University. So first of all, I' ; d like to know, Tina, were you somebody who attended the hearings? Christina Adachi (Tina): Yes. Mary Doi: Can you paint the picture for me what it' ; s like to be in that room? Christina Adachi (Tina): For me, I think my, the, what, what made the strongest impression was the individuals who chose to talk about their experiences and I, it seemed clear that they were really opening up for the first time. And it was so, it was painful, it was traumatic, but it was also so cathartic and just seemed like just an incredible release of emotions, pain, sorrow, shame that they were hesitant to feel and let loose and express previously for any number of reasons. And the hearings really gave them the opportunity to do that and it was just so, it just made it an incredible impression on me that it was just so raw, it really was, to, to see these people who were just not, didn' ; t hold positions in any organizations, weren' ; t representing anyone in particular, just sharing for the first time their individual personal most painful experiences. And it was so important that they did that but it also felt like the benefit was also really for them to be able to finally do that. Mary Doi: So, I' ; ve often wondered, this event has, has such gravitas, this is a commission appointed by the government. And so, I often think that who you testify to is as important as what you say. And if you' ; re ever going to, if you' ; re ever going to bare your soul, you do it when you' ; ve got this government commission in front of you, that' ; s listening, these nine sets of ears that are listening. Does that resonate with you? Christina Adachi (Tina): Well, I did feel the, the weight of it and just the importance, the significance that this was actually happening and at such a high level. And then just coincidentally, Arthur Goldberg was the uncle of one of my best friends, so I had actually, I think, I had met him before. I knew who he was, maybe before this commission but I, I, but certainly, the significance and the importance and the recognition that it meant just to have this commission put together and, and having these hearings, I, I was certainly very aware of that and that was just really meant a lot. Mary Doi: You' ; ve talked a little bit about your reaction, but you also mentioned that you think your mom attended. Do you remember anything about her reactions? Christina Adachi (Tina): I think that, I was kind of surprised that she came both days and she stayed the whole time because as I' ; ve said, she wasn' ; t really politically active but I think it was just... Patti Adachi: Do you remember her crying? Christina Adachi (Tina): I don' ; t remember her crying. I don' ; t remember her actually even talking about it. I just remember just the fact that she was there for both days, it obviously was important to her and it really meant something to her and she just sort of took it all in but I don' ; t remember having any particular conversation with her after that. Patti Adachi: Yeah, right, yeah, it was hard to kind of deal with controversial things with my mother. She preferred not to because even years later around the 90s or something I said, so-- I was interviewing her for something... And I said, " ; Tell me about, you know camp." ; She goes, " ; Oh, we had fun." ; That was it. Mary Doi: Well, did you talk to Patti about it? Tina, did you talk to Patti about being there? ' ; Cause I, as I recall, you didn' ; t think you were there? Patti Adachi: No, I don' ; t think I was there. I' ; m not sure why I wasn' ; t there. This was early 80s, right? Christina Adachi (Tina): Yeah. Patti Adachi: I was still living-- Mary Doi: ' ; 81. Patti Adachi: I was, ' ; 81, right. No, I was on the North side. I don' ; t know why I wasn' ; t there. Oh, maybe I' ; d had Emi. No, no, not yet. I don' ; t know why I wasn' ; t there. Christina Adachi (Tina): I think we probably had conversations about it because I would' ; ve wanted to tell you about it, but I don' ; t remember a particular conversation. Mary Doi: You know as I' ; ve been reading old notes and hearing other interviews, it seems as if there were, Chiye was really key in recruiting and helping to rehearse people to give their testimony. Were either of you involved in that kind of, that part of the Redress movement in Chi-- for Chicago? Christina Adachi (Tina): No. Patti Adachi: No. I know Chiye was an accountant, she-- And she also owned a couple buildings and she was like a landlady. But I remember every month, she' ; d go to the American Friends Service Committee office and do their books for free because she said, " ; Because they were the ones that helped resettle us," ; yeah so she always volunteered to do bookkeeping for them. Mary Doi: You know, there were some of these Nisei women that I so admire, so Chiye is one of them. And I don' ; t know if you knew Kiyo Yoshimura? Patti Adachi: Yeah. Mary Doi: She was another one, it' ; s like, " ; These are just dynamite women. I really liked them." ; Christina Adachi (Tina): Our mother was just really totally a glass half full person. She was just always very optimistic, very positive, so her response, " ; Oh, we had fun," ; was very much in keeping with her character. And I have to say, I finally for the first time got to take a pilgrimage to Amache just this last summer with my daughter Aurora. And in addition to the, the sadness and you know the horror of standing in this 9x12 room or whatever it was where my mother and her family and then our relatives next door lived and just how completely traumatic and grotesque it must have been, I was also so impressed like at the Amache Museum with all the social activities that they created in camp. There was that bulletin board filled with almost like prom invitations and casino nights and dances and bonfires and potluck dinners. And, and they just completely just sort of decided, well while they were there they were going to absolutely, absolutely make the best of it. The incredible art that they created-- Patti Adachi: Yes, they had vegetable gardens, they grew Japanese vegetables. Christina Adachi (Tina): Oh, right the agricultural success that they had. So clearly, while it was such a hardship and so horrible, I could understand when my mother said we had fun because you did have this, you got to see your friends every single day. For young people, they were robbed of a lot but they also were all together all the time. And they really, you know they went ice skating, they had sports teams, they had boy scouts and they really did create a sort of alternative social universe. Mary Doi: That' ; s a great description. Alternative social universe. Do you think your dad also had this more rosy view of being in camp? I mean he mentions that you know he, he was not you know, not a soldier, but-- Patti Adachi: No, I think he was angrier, but he didn' ; t talk about it growing up. You know, we didn' ; t hear about it. Mary Doi: How are we doing on time? Ty Yamamoto: We' ; re doing okay. Mary Doi: Okay. Christina Adachi (Tina): He was also five or six years older than my mother and it might' ; ve been harder for him to adjust than it was for her. And as we said, he was a grad student at the time at UC Berkeley and I think it was really hard for him. I mean don' ; t know what it, how much hard work it, it took for him to, to have acheieved, achieved that, you know to graduate from UCLA, then get accepted as a, and, and be in a grad program at Berkeley and then that all totally ended. Plus then, he had the responsibility in Chicago of he was the primary breadwinner and he had to start from scratch working as a laborer in factories and then, opened a dry cleaners but it was certainly not the professional future that he had imagined. Patti Adachi: Right he was either, he was either going to become a doctor or he was going to major in like entomology, you know insects right? I remember him saying that and was like " ; Eww" ; . He said, " ; Well, you know, you' ; re in California, it' ; s agricultural. That' ; s a field." ; Yeah and so you know, his parents had been, they' ; d gotten through the depression through the 30s, sent him to college and then they had a grocery store. They were totally self-sufficient, they took, they were supporting themselves and him. And then, then they come to Chicago and he had to support them and his mother-in-law, my you know, my mother' ; s mother. Mary Doi: Right so his, his life was hugely disrupted. Christina Adachi (Tina): It was, yeah. I don' ; t know whether we could in general say it was harder for men than for women but my mother was also just very social and I could just see in camp, she had friends, she made friends, she had fun. And for my father, not sure that there was that kind of social network. And as, as I said, he was older and then after camp, finding himself in Chicago and starting from scratch and feeling the responsibility of supporting a family, four children plus two, two grandmothers and a grandfather, that all kind of rested on his shoulders. Patti Adachi: Yeah, yeah. Mary Doi: Wow. Wow. That' ; s, that' ; s amazing. We' ; ve talked a little bit about the hearings. I' ; m really curious about that conference that happened before the hearings that Saturday, Monday conference. And Tina, I know you were a speaker. Can you talk to me about that, about how you got chosen, maybe what you said, what it was like to be a speaker at this conference, you know, how many people came? Who sponsored it? I can' ; t figure that out. Christina Adachi (Tina): I don' ; t know the answer to that question. Mary Doi: Okay. Christina Adachi (Tina): I don' ; t know whether it was just an offshoot from the JACL' ; s preparation for the hearings or not. So yeah, I don' ; t know who organized that. But I assume because I was introduced and I referred to myself as a member of the media and at the time, there were very few Asian American journalists. It was years later that we founded the Chicago chapter of the Asian American Journalist' ; s Association. But back then, it was Linda Yu and a writer for the Tribune and not too many others, Gene Honda and I think I was one of the few Japanese, of Japanese ancestry. So I would be, of the media members, I would be a logical choice. And I don' ; t remember whether, I don' ; t think at that time, I was an officer in JACL, I don' ; t think I was representing JACL. So, who chose me? I don' ; t know. And as I said, I think it was because I had some visibility as a, as a journalist and I was very comfortable giving a speech. I was very comfortable with public speaking because I had a radio show on WLS, I hosted a number of cable shows, I was a columnist for a newspaper, so that was not a problem for me. Not that I wasn' ; t a little bit nervous because speaking on a subject that, that was new to me, but I remember I was happy to do it and I was just really, I liked being included and being part of the group. Mary Doi: I think what' ; s so impressive is not just that you spoke but who else spoke with you. Do you know, I think Min Yasui was on the roster, Roger Daniels was also somebody who spoke and then, the next day retired Justice Goldberg you know. Christina Adachi (Tina): Right, I probably didn' ; t appreciate at the time the company I was keeping, I just knew that they picked me and I said yes. Mary Doi: Do you remember if your folks came to, to the conference? Christina Adachi (Tina): I think mom might' ; ve come because she usually, she usually showed up whenever I was doing anything, giving a speech or hosting-- Patti Adachi: Yeah, and she had more time. Dad was still working. Christina Adachi (Tina): Yeah, yeah so I don' ; t think that Dad came but I have a feeling that mom might' ; ve been there. Mary Doi: Okay. And Patti, you thought that you probably didn' ; t go, is that right? Patti Adachi: I don' ; t think I was there. I don' ; t remember being there. Mary Doi: Was it anything you would' ; ve talked to Tina about? Patti Adachi: Yeah, I mean that footage, that' ; s the first time I feel like I saw that, when you were speaking on that panel. But that' ; s odd ' ; cause I was editing the newsletter. Christina Adachi (Tina): Why weren' ; t you there? Patti Adachi: I don' ; t know. (laughs) What was I doing? Mary Doi: Well it' ; s interesting how, you know I, I wouldn' ; t expect to have really sharp recall either. You' ; re going back like 40 years-- Christina Adachi (Tina): Over 40 years. Mary Doi: How do I remember, how do I remember? We talked a little bit about NCJAR and NCRR. Did you support both of those efforts as well as the JACL or do you feel like you didn' ; t really know enough about them? Christina Adachi (Tina): I certainly was not an active supporter of either one of them. My, my efforts were really pretty much confined to JACL. Patti Adachi: But in general, any effort, wanting some kind of redress, some kind of reparations and acknowledgement and an apology, yeah we would' ; ve supported. Yeah, I don' ; t-- Mary Doi: But maybe not taken part in? Patti Adachi: No, ' ; cause I, we were just mainly involved in JACL. And I do remember reading Paul Igasaki and one of his president' ; s messages in the newsletter and he said you know, there are these different efforts but NCJAR' ; s, you know, there' ; s the statute of limitations. I just don' ; t think they' ; d succeed. Yeah, it' ; s a good, you know, we support the whole goal and the reason, you know the reason behind them but I don' ; t think they would be successful. Mary Doi: I' ; m going to have to look at those old newsletters which are in the really moldy basement. Patti Adachi: Oh, yeah. Sometime, I want to see too. Katherine Nagasawa: I love the newsletters. I have a couple of photocopies, Patti, and I, I love the Japanese designs included. There' ; s like all these like different swirls and waves and I don' ; t know where you got them from. Patti Adachi: Oh, you know, I, I did those myself but I got the idea from the New Yorker magazine, ' ; cause they always had pen and ink drawings filling little spaces. So I did those with things I had around from, probably from Tokyo. Katherine Nagasawa: Oh my gosh, they' ; re amazing. They' ; re like, I' ; ll show you some of them. I can photocopy some and send them to you but there' ; s one with a ship and there' ; s water and the ship has like a, kind of like a Japanese flag on it and some really-- Patti Adachi: I can' ; t remember that. Maybe that, I don' ; t know if that' ; s mine. It sounds more like-- Mary Doi: Just say thank you. (laughs) Patti Adachi: Yeah, but no, yeah, I did pen drawings and I got the idea from the New Yorker magazine. So I, yeah, I drew those and I' ; d stick them in and I started adding poems. I don' ; t know if everybody thought that... You know I had poems in there like Dwight Okita' ; s and Janice Mirikitani' ; s and Lawson Inada, and I don' ; t-- You know sometimes, the newsletters were bigger and they cost more to print and I' ; m not, nobody-- Japanese, they don' ; t say to your face, " ; Why, what are you doing?" ; You know they might say it behind your back. And Bill Yoshino would say, " ; Yeah, you know people they monku behind your back but they' ; re not going to tell you" ; . Like, " ; This is not the place to have these poems or these little drawings. They' ; re nice, but no." ; Nobody said that to me. Christina Adachi (Tina): But they couldn' ; t fire her because she was a volunteer. Patti Adachi: No they wouldn' ; t. Well, yeah, they weren' ; t going to fire me. Christina Adachi (Tina): But she was a great editor I mean, because she' ; s always been an amazing artist, so she created all this artwork and she' ; s also an excellent writer, so they were very lucky to have you being willing to edit that newspaper for as many years as you did. Patti Adachi: Yes. Well, it was so rewarding. I got to know so many Nisei and so many Sansei I would never have known. Christina Adachi (Tina): But you know our involvement was not completely altruistic. We really had a lot of fun and it was just so gratifying to meet all these people and to get to work with them and spend time with them, Nisei and Sansei and we ended up going to some of the JACL national conventions, L.A. and Seattle and San Francisco. We went to some of the Midwest regional conventions. I remember getting in a car and driving to Iowa or Ohio or Wisconsin but it was really a great social experience, you know, and then there was this sense of our all being together in this joint effort. But, remember when we had a, when we had a JACL convention in Chicago and people came from around the country and we went to, we spent a night at the Limelight, we took all the young people dancing at the Limelight and so... It was, it was really, it really was a lot of-- Patti Adachi: Oh yeah it was very rewarding, personally rewarding. Christina Adachi (Tina): It was, it really was. And we had experiences that we would otherwise never, never have had. Mary Doi: Yeah, yeah. I' ; m going to-- Ty Yamamoto: Sorry, I' ; m going to pause really quick. Just one moment. Mary Doi: Okay, so we' ; re at the hour? Ty Yamamoto: Almost at the hour. Mary Doi: Okay. I was just going to jump in. Ty Yamamoto: Can we do 12 minutes left, is that possible? That' ; s about how much audio I have left. Mary Doi: Oh, and can you go to the phone or not? Ty Yamamoto: I c-- Let' ; s see. If you give me five minutes, I can get us more time. Is that possible? Mary Doi: Oh, I' ; m going to ask two questions and hopefully, we can get through them. Ty Yamamoto: Okay. Okay, if you can give me five minutes, I can swap this out and get us some more time on the-- Mary Doi: Well, let' ; s just see how far we get. Ty Yamamoto: Okay, give me one moment. Yeah, we have 12 minutes on the recorder. And it is-- Mary Doi: Okay. So tell me when it' ; s six minutes. One of the foci of these oral histories is to really focus on the Midwest efforts for Redress and contrast that with the rest of the country. Is there anything that comes to mind to you that makes the Midwest Region' ; s efforts different from any other region' ; s efforts? Patti Adachi: I don' ; t know what, anything about you know like the West Coast or like New York. Christina Adachi (Tina): The only thing I can remember is just the sheer size of the JA community in Chicago. You know the whole history of that, I forget what the number is, thousands of people, who came directly out of the camps to Chicago for various reasons, employment and, and all of that. So I think that we did have a sense that Chicago was a major player in this effort and, and we were, we were a part of that and that was important because we were such a large population center and really did have to take a leading role. Mary Doi: Okay. Well, I' ; m going to jump to questions, the last question, which I' ; m really interested in. I' ; m really interested, so this is called the Redress and Reparations Movement, which to me implies that there' ; s some kind of repair that happens. Do you think repair happened out of this movement and what does repair look like for the Japanese American community? What' ; s left to do? Patti Adachi: I think for my parents yeah there was, it, it was, it did repair a lot. It helped a lot for the acknowledgement and you know, the money was kind of token, but not really. I mean it was... Yeah, the money did mean, make a difference. I remember the whole debate, you know, it' ; s not about money, but they said, " ; No, you have to, you can' ; t just get an apology. That' ; s cheap. It has to cost something, because that' ; s how Americans, you know that' ; s Americans... it' ; s got to cost them actual dollars, so you' ; ve got to have a substantial amount." ; But there was a woman, a Nisei woman who was a teacher' ; s aid at Senn High School and she told me some of the land her parents owned before they lost it, it was part of Knotts Berry Farm. That' ; s like, I don' ; t know, millions of dollars. It' ; s, it' ; s huge. It' ; s very valuable land. So you know you lose land like that, prime land and... But it did, I think it, it made them feel good that there was the apology and some acknowledgement and some effort. Christina Adachi (Tina): Yeah, I think it was hugely significant both on an individual basis for people to be able to relive and finally, in, in many instances confront what the experience was and just kind of work through it and just release those emotions for the first time. And then I think for the JA community, it was just so important that this become part of history, that the commission was created, the bill was passed, the apology, the, the checks, I, I mean I just think we can' ; t underestimate what a difference that has made. That' ; s part of American history and so, it was really important that, that those steps were taken. I think there' ; s still a lot to do, not necessarily confined to the Japanese community, but as we know in recent years, there' ; s been so many instances of anti-Asian hate and violence and just clearly as a country we have such a long way to go as far as confronting the questions of race and identity and immigrants and all of that, so there' ; s a long path ahead of us. But I, I certainly feel that what happened with the Redress movement was just, just of huge importance and significance and I' ; m just so grateful that there were people to start this effort and see it all the way through and complete it and I think we' ; re all the benefits of that. We' ; re, we' ; ve all received the benefits of that. Mary Doi: I think especially that there were still some Isseis alive to get the checks as well as our Nisei parents. Patti Adachi: Yeah. Mary Doi: Let' ; s see. Christina Adachi (Tina): So grandma was still alive to get her check right? Patti Adachi: Grandma was still alive, but Oji-san and Ba-chan were not. Christina Adachi (Tina): Two of our grandparents were deceased by that time. Mary Doi: Kat? Katherine Nagasawa: Hey. Mary Doi: Hi. Katherine Nagasawa: Sorry, I think somehow the call might' ; ve dropped. Mary Doi: Right. We' ; re kind of winding up, we just talked a little bit about how does repair happen, what does it look like, what' ; s left to do. Katherine Nagasawa: Yeah, I definitely heard all that, it was just a couple seconds ago that it, it dropped. Mary Doi: Okay. Do you remember what your parents did with that $20,000? Christina Adachi (Tina): I don' ; t and when I think about it, that was a lot of money and it' ; s certainly a lot of money to them. I remember my dad made $10,000 a year, which I thought was like a huge amount of money, but there were three people in our household, my two parents and one of my grandmothers who was still alive, so that would' ; ve been $60,000 coming into our household and I don' ; t know whether they put it into a college fund or what did they do with it? Patti Adachi: I think they might' ; ve put some of it into CDs, is that certificate, what, whatever-- Mary Doi: Certificate of deposit. Patti Adachi: And, and, in case we needed-- I think dad said, you know, " ; This is for you know, any of the kids in case they need our help." ; ' ; Cause I know there were some of those. And I did use some when I had my hips resurfaced in India, part of them, mom said, " ; Yeah Dad, you know Dad, your, your father said this is for the kids if they need anything." ; Christina Adachi (Tina): Because up until then, I don' ; t think that they could have saved much money. ' ; Cause there, you know there were nine of us living in our house. Patti Adachi: I don' ; t know what grandma did with hers. Christina Adachi (Tina): I don' ; t know. Patti Adachi: She might have put it in the bank. Katherine Nagasawa: One thing I wanted to ask about Patti is I was looking in a 1981 issue of the JACL-er and you wrote an editorial about the formation of your Japanese American and Asian American identity but you also mentioned that your grandma used to say when the government sends the check, when the money comes from the government, I' ; m going to buy you anything you want. Patti Adachi: Right, yes, and-- Yeah. Katherine Nagasawa: Do you mind, do you mind telling that story? It seems like she passed away right before she would' ; ve-- Patti Adachi: That was, she died in 1964, that, my grandmother, my father' ; s mother. But yeah we were very close and, and you know ' ; cause they had the business and they must' ; ve had a house and she would send letters you know, and they, my father would send letters to try to get some compensation from the government. And I think that was what a lot of Issei did. And I think, I think I have a copy of a letter where she said, " ; Well, we can give you this much." ; It was just a paltry amount. You know but yeah she would, she' ; d say, " ; Yeah, when the money comes, I' ; m going to get you things," ; and then, then it did come and we never heard anything. It' ; s not like, " ; Yay, now we are going to buy--" ; They were so disappointed. They must' ; ve been so disappointed at what the government gave them you know, for their, their store, their home. Mary Doi: Yeah, pennies on the dollar. Patti Adachi: Yeah, yeah. Katherine Nagasawa: Mm-hmm. And then I did also want to just like read this other line that stood out to me, you talked about how you identified as white when you were younger because a lot of your friends were white. Patti Adachi: Oh yes, yeah. Katherine Nagasawa: But then, through being involved in Redress, through your trip and time in Japan, you wrote, " ; I now identify as Asian, as a minority, as third world. I think the Redress campaign has reactivated my anger." ; Patti Adachi: Yes, yes. Katherine Nagasawa: Can you talk about how being involved in the Redress movement sort of shaped your sense of identity? Patti Adachi: Well, being in Japan was a big part of it. All of a sudden, I realized, I feel so comfortable here. I don' ; t feel like I' ; m representing my race, you know wherever I, in, in... Even in Hyde Park, you know, I still was almost the only, only Asian sometimes in a group. So I realized how comfortable I felt, I realized how Japanese I was in many ways because we grew up with two grandmothers and a great uncle. You know so they really taught a lot of how we should act. They were the ones who said, you know, " ; You don' ; t do this in public, you don' ; t shame your family." ; " ; People," ; grandma used to say, my mother' ; s mother, " ; People will laugh." ; So yeah, but then, I real-- yeah I became very angry when I read all about you know the, just the whole history of racism against Asians and, and I did, I became very political. I used to not be at all and, yeah and I felt more comfortable with myself because we grew up reading Seventeen Magazine and everyone, you know everyone was white that we saw on TV and the movies and magazines and most of our friends. So yeah, it was huge and then, getting involved with JACL, I could sit at these meetings and just feel really comfortable with people. And you know you just understood each other. Katherine Nagasawa: Gotcha. Mary Doi: How about your daughters, do you think, how do they identify? Patti Adachi: Yeah, what do you, what, well-- Christina Adachi (Tina): Well, Aurora definitely identifies as, as Asian American or Japanese American or Hapa. And I think she would always, is very glad that part of her last name is Japanese because she has a hyphenated last name, Adachi-Winter. So yes, and she' ; s always been really interested in our family and our family history. And I was so glad that she wanted to make the pilgrimage with me to Amache over the summer. Mary Doi: So was that just a private pilgrimage, just the two of you or were you on a bigger group? Christina Adachi (Tina): No, it was a, it was an annual pilgrimage, which finally was able to be live after having been virtual for two or three years. Patti Adachi: ' ; Cause Minoru Tonai is my mother' ; s first cousin and he' ; s, he' ; s huge in the Japanese American community in like Southern California. He was president of the Japanese American Culture and Community Center. He was part of, he, he' ; s a really well-known person. So yeah, the whole Tonai family, which was my mother' ; s side, and they' ; re yeah, they' ; re very active in the museum. Christina Adachi (Tina): This is an annual pilgrimage which finally went live and Min Tonai is now like 95 or something like that. So Patti and I kept saying, if we want to see Min again, we cannot just wait many more years. We really need to make an effort and so then, we met in Amache and many of our relatives from Southern California and San Francisco, including Min and his family met us there. Mary Doi: Is Rosalyn Tonai... Patti Adachi: Rosalyn is also-- Christina Adachi (Tina): Yes! Mary Doi: Oh, I know Rosalyn. Christina Adachi (Tina): Yes, Rosalyn Tonai. Absolutely. Mary Doi: So Kat, you know her too? The museum National Japanese American Historical Society-- Christina Adachi (Tina): --in San Francisco. Mary Doi: --she' ; s at the Presidio or... Let' ; s see, she' ; s-- Katherine Nagasawa: Oh, I see. Wow. Mary Doi: Yeah, she' ; s a great person. Really great person. Christina Adachi (Tina): Yeah so she' ; s one of Min Tonai' ; s daughters. Mary Doi: Oh, okay, got it. That makes sense. Christina Adachi (Tina): Yeah so we all were together. Patti Adachi: No, Grace and Ichiro' ; s daughter. Christina Adachi (Tina): Oh, I' ; m sorry. Patti Adachi: Ichiro and Minoru-- Christina Adachi (Tina): Oh, that' ; s right, that' ; s right, she' ; s Min' ; s niece. Patti Adachi: And Minoru-- So my grandmother and Min Tonai, and Ichiro' ; s father, are brother and sister and so, Rosalyn is their, is Ichiro' ; s... So, so my mom was first, is first cousins with Minoru and, and Rosalyn? Rosalyn. Yeah, they' ; re first cousins. Mary Doi: Okay, okay. Now, the name Tonai means something to me. Patti Adachi: Yeah, and they grew up together. Real close. Mary Doi: Yeah, I think we' ; re very much at the end but is there anything else you' ; d like to say? Patti Adachi: No. Christina Adachi (Tina): I don' ; t think so. I mean I think we were both, well, it really was Redress that got us into JACL and that just became a really important part of our lives. It really created a sense of community and a, an effort and working for a cause. So we were happy to be part of it and to contribute but I certainly feel like we got as much from it as anything that we, anything that we might have contributed. So it was really-- Patti Adachi: Well, you got involved because of Redress, I got involved because of you. I used to, Tina, whatever she did, I would do it. If she said, " ; Let' ; s do this" ; , I said " ; Okay" ; . Mary Doi: You' ; re the little sister. Christina Adachi (Tina): Yeah. Patti Adachi: Yes, I do whatever my big sister suggested. Mary Doi: Well, this has been absolutely wonderful as an interview and as a conversation. I feel like I' ; m meeting you again. Patti Adachi: Yeah, yeah. Christina Adachi (Tina): We used to babysit for Mary. At least I did I used to babysit for Mary. Patti Adachi: I did too. I remember babysitting. Mary Doi: But I don' ; t remember this. So you, you were nice enough, Patti, you were nice enough to say, " ; Oh, I was probably babysitting your brothers." ; Patti Adachi: Well, really your brothers. I mean you yeah, you were not that much younger, but you know, your brothers... Christina Adachi (Tina): How old are you? Mary Doi: I' ; ll be 70 this year, so I was born in ' ; 53. Christina Adachi (Tina): Okay, ' ; cause I was born in ' ; 49, so I' ; m four years-- Patti Adachi: And I' ; m ' ; 50. Christina Adachi (Tina): Right so you know, if I was 14 when I was babysitting for you, you were only 10. Mary Doi: 10, yeah. Christina Adachi (Tina): Yeah, so you still needed a babysitter. (laughs) Mary Doi: Well, thanks again. Patti Adachi: You' ; re welcome. Katherine Nagasawa: I have quick question. Mary Doi: Yeah, okay. Katherine Nagasawa: Even if, if you guys aren' ; t recording, I just have a couple of questions about specific people that we' ; re still looking to track down. Do you mind if we could just stay on the phone and I can ask a couple of questions? Patti Adachi: Yeah, no, sure sure. Yeah, who? Katherine Nagasawa: Okay. ' ; Cause I, Mary, I don' ; t know if you shared with them the, the photo of the Redress Committee with all the contact info and the names but you mentioned Janice Honda as being one of the other Sansei. Do you know if she' ; s around? Patti Adachi: Well she should still be-- Doesn' ; t she, she lives on Balmoral. She lives in a three flat that she inherited. Yeah. Mary Doi: Is her name still Honda-- Patti Adachi: Janice Honda, yeah, I' ; m pretty sure. And yeah, you should be able to reach her. Katherine Nagasawa: Do you know who would still be in touch with her? Or like-- Patti Adachi: Well, Bill would know how to contact her. Bill Yoshino. Katherine Nagasawa: Okay, cool. And then how about Kurt Clark? Does that ring a bell? Patti Adachi: I don' ; t know who he is, no. Christina Adachi (Tina): No. Katherine Nagasawa: David Isono? Mary Doi: I know David Isono from the Heiwa board. He' ; s very quiet. Katherine Nagasawa: Oh, I remember you said okay, I, I remember you did kind of say that. Mary Doi: And he' ; s a CPA. Katherine Nagasawa: And how about Frank Sakamoto? Patti Adachi: Is he still alive? I don' ; t know. Katherine Nagasawa: Was he a Sansei or was he a Nisei. Patti Adachi: He' ; s a Nisei. He was a Nisei. Katherine Nagasawa: A Nisei, okay. Mary Doi: Who are his kids? Do you know who his kids are? No? Patti Adachi: No. Christina Adachi (Tina): No. Mary Doi: No, okay. All right so then-- Katherine Nagasawa: I imagine maybe he' ; s passed away. And then David Tanaka? Patti Adachi: I don' ; t know who he is. Christina Adachi (Tina): His name sounds familiar, but I don' ; t really remember much about him. Mary Doi: So, let' ; s ask Bill. Katherine Nagasawa: We can ask Bill, yeah. And the other thing is, I was wondering, does anybody still keep in touch with Mike Ushijima? Christina Adachi (Tina): Nope, not me. Katherine Nagasawa: Okay, cool. Thank you so much. That' ; s really helpful. It' ; s good to know that Janice is still around, maybe we can try to ask Bill for her number or something. Christina Adachi (Tina): Yeah, you should be able to find Janice. Patti Adachi: Yeah. Mary Doi: Okay, great. Well, again, both Kat and I thank you profusely. Patti Adachi: Oh you' ; re welcome! Katherine Nagasawa: Thank you so much, yeah. Mary Doi: This was just wonderful. Really, really wonderful. Christina Adachi (Tina): Well we' ; re happy to do it. ' ; Cause I think it' ; s a great project. I' ; m, I' ; m really, I' ; m really impressed with what I' ; ve seen and heard already and I' ; ll be following what, what' ; s yet to come. Mary Doi: Hats off to Kat. As somebody else at Full Spectrum says, Kat is a chameleon, that she' ; s great at so many things, not just oral histories, but the analysis of the oral histories, you know, making something as, as sophisticated as that online exhibit. So I think you' ; re in great hands working with Kat. Patti Adachi: Kat, are you still on the phone? Is she still there? Katherine Nagasawa: I am, yeah. Patti Adachi: So you' ; re not, are you going to be back in Chicago? I was looking forward to meeting you. Are you back in Chicago sometime? Katherine Nagasawa: I' ; m actually going to fly out on Thursday. I' ; ll be here for the Day of Remembrance event. Patti Adachi: Oh right. Katherine Nagasawa: So if you' ; re planning to go to that, I can, I' ; ll definitely be there. Patti Adachi: I can' ; t. I can' ; t be there. Mary Doi: Oh, I remember why! Patti Adachi: We won' ; t go into why! (laughs) Christina Adachi (Tina): So Kat, how do you like living in California with, with a, like such a, much more visible Asian community? Katherine Nagasawa: It' ; s so different. I mean I actually grew up in Southern California-- Christina Adachi (Tina): Oh, oh you did. Katherine Nagasawa: --so in some ways, like I, I kind of left that environment to then go to the Midwest and be one of the only, the only Japanese American I knew in my class in college. So it is really interesting to be steeped in a place where it' ; s so normal to be Asian, where there' ; s so many Asian American journalists like me or creatives and, yeah I feel like it sparked a lot of new community. But I also think that there' ; s something that comes with not having many, many numbers like when we were in Chicago, I feel like the people who were active in community really treasured that and it made the community stronger because we didn' ; t take it for granted, even though we had so many people around. Patti Adachi: That' ; s, yeah. Katherine Nagasawa: So, so I do miss Chicago a lot, you know? Christina Adachi (Tina): Where did you go to college? Katherine Nagasawa: I went to Northwestern for a journalism school. Christina Adachi (Tina): Right, right. Okay. Katherine Nagasawa: But I, I went to the Japan club there trying to find community and it was all white guys who were interested in anime. Christina Adachi (Tina): Oh God. Ty Yamamoto: Kat, Kat (laughs) Katherine Nagasawa: There was no actual Japanese Americans. And there was one Japanese person I met, but she' ; s ethnically Chinese but grew up in Japan. Honestly, it wasn' ; t until I met Mary and Lisa at the Ginza Festival that I really started learning about the resettlement era and the community that came to Chicago. You know and I tapped into that through the Kansha project and other involvements with the young Japanese American-- It' ; s called Next Gen Nikkei Group. Christina Adachi (Tina): Well, your Curious City Stories are great. Katherine Nagasawa: Oh, thanks. Thanks. That was my own personal quest to figure out you know, where community was and what happened to the Lakeview and Hyde Park community. So, it was really gratifying to do it and it was all because of Mary and Lisa that I was able to do that story in the first place. Mary Doi: We bugged her into getting involved. But again, so glad. Christina Adachi (Tina): I' ; m glad you did. Mary Doi: So glad that, that she is. Patti Adachi: You were going to ask her question? Ty Yamamoto: Oh, no, it' ; s okay. Kat, I' ; m, I' ; m in conversation with the Northwestern Japan Club right now, but I don' ; t know much about them. I assume it' ; s the same though, they' ; re asking for similar program from me, programs from me, so-- Mary Doi: Anime for white guys. Katherine Nagasawa: You know the thing is though, in the years after I graduated, I think I went back to campus for something and I met some actual Japanese Americans who were trying to revitalize, so I think there' ; s more now. Ty Yamamoto: Really? When I was, when I was in college, we had a Japan club and I had two, two... I think we were all Yonsei, Sansei or Yonsei and then mostly yeah, mostly you know the anime type. Although, we did have a lot of exchange students from Japan, so maybe that, that balanced out a little bit. Katherine Nagasawa: Yeah, true. So funny. Mary Doi: I think it' ; s really interesting how for Japanese Americans, anime and like cosplay, like what the heck is this? We' ; re really not part of that world, we' ; re part of this ethnic world that is not... We' ; re not Japanophiles as I like to think, but yeah, really different. Really different. Ty Yamamoto: Very different. Mary Doi: So, all right, are we on time to get you... Patti Adachi: Oh yeah, I probably should... Copyright held by the Japanese American Service Committee, Chicago, Illinois. video Footage may only be reproduced with permission from the Japanese American Service Committee Legacy Center. 0 https://digitalcollections.jasc-chicago.org/ohms-viewer/render.php?cachefile=AdachiPattiAndTina20230214.xml AdachiPattiAndTina20230214.xml http://digitalcollections.jasc-chicago.org/omeka/collections/show/1 https://digitalcollections.jasc-chicago.org/omeka/items/browse?tags=Series%3A+Redress
Sort Priority
0050
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Adachi, Patti and Christina (2/14/2023)
Description
An account of the resource
Sisters Patti and Tina Adachi, born and raised in Hyde Park, discuss their experiences as sansei growing up on Chicago's South Side. They describe involvement with the Civil Rights Movement, Women's Movement, and anti-war demonstrations as precursors to their participation in Japanese American redress efforts. They recall being motivated by their outrage after learning about their family's treatment during WWII, engaging with Asian American activism, and joining the Japanese American Citizens League's redress efforts. Having both served in multiple roles at JACL's Chicago chapter, they describe experiences such as editing the newsletter (Patti) and attending the Chicago CWRIC hearings at NEIU (Tina). In reflecting on the significance of redress and reparations, they recount the impact of the apology from the U.S. government on their family and the larger community and express the belief that more work remains to be done with regard to race and identity beyond the Japanese American community.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2023-02-14
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
video
FSF JACS
Series: Redress
-
https://digitalcollections.jasc-chicago.org/omeka/files/original/a89d8b2657ac2f447ae815146414b41b.pdf
04f2018276df367c85d69c905cb3ec0d
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Annual Reports
Description
An account of the resource
Record Group 9, JASC Publications
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Chicago Resettlers Committee
Japanese American Service Committee
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Japanese American Service Committee
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1946-2011
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
RG09
Subject
The topic of the resource
Annual Reports of the Chicago Resettlers Committee and Japanese American Service Committee
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
paper
Text
Any textual data included in the document
•
I
•
•
THE CHICAGO __ RESETTLERS I COMMITTEE
_REPORT
0 F , A C T I V I T I E S
.
'
Septombe�
;
.'
28, 1946
Corky T. Ke.wo.so.ki,
Executive Director
---��-----------�--�---�----�-----------�----------------------�----�---
'
.
In- July, 1944, _ a small group of volunteers among· Japanese. iuner:.-·
. cans, assembled o.nd conceived o. plo.n for the need of interp:cet:i.:r.g
the problems of evacuees (who were resettling into the Chico.go area from i·eloco.tic:n
centorn) to the Vvar Relocation Authority and social agencies which ha.d committed
thcmRelves to t_he (1ssistunce of resettlers. The group beli.rured in the souncL :;,ntegru�
progl"am to work toward th:.s
tien of resetplcrs o.nd en9 ()_urugod leudorship to develop
goal�
How it Began
a
Limited financial support, wo.rtime c onditions and restrictions,
and the unsettled sto.tus of resattlers themse,lves mo.di::i it difficult for the volun
teers to function beyoJ?d.,o.n �dvi.sory _ st(,ige.
The volunteers, however, foreso.w the need for o. continuing agcnc-y
to attend to th_e ').nfinisl1ed pJ;".oblems of evo.cuo.tion and resettlement. They desired ':r;
o.goDr-y tho.t wo1ild · supplement the work of the W.R.A., und advise· related agencies of
resettlement problems.
The commi:yte� ,wo.s formally organized in September, ·1945. The
Chicago Rcsettlers.' Committee owes its existence to the leo.dership · of the.: following
per sor.s:
Mr. Hurry Mayeda.
Mrs_., Ken Nishi
lvl:r 1 ,Mo,samori. Kojimo.
Mr:· Thomas Mo.sudo.
Rev. Andrew Oyo.mo.
Miss Gro.ce �o.giyn
Mr� deorge Aknhoshi
Mr. John K. Brenton
Mr. Ryoichi Fujii
Mr. G. T. Mo.t sunugo.
- Dr. Virgil Lowder·
Mr. Koichi Ma.sunnko.
Mr. Tom Shibuto.ni
Rev. Albert C. _Ronunder
Ori]fovember 5, 1945, n group of twenty men and.women met at the
W.R.A. Council Room and accepted the Consti tution o.nd By-laws drafted oy o. committee
l:oo.dod by Thomo.s Mus'v,9"0, and elected their officers. The officers,· me1nbers . of the
&,rncu tive a.nd Advisory ·Boards ure o.s follows:
EXECUT IVE BOARD
l�DVISORY BO.ARD
C
Ho.rry K. Mo.yea.a, ·President·
G. T. Mo.tsunaga, Vice-President
Mrs. Ken Nis�i,.Se6retary.
Kohuchiro Su-gimoto�- Treusu.rer
K- Ma.suno.kt.., J.1.udi tor
C(?rk:Y, T, Ko.wt1so.ki, .,Execrutive :Director
.
, ·,
John K. Brenton
Ryoichi Fujii
Dr. Willie,:m Hiuro..
Hnruo Ishimo.ru
Ichikuro Kond.o
Rev. G. M. Kubos,e
Rev. Virgil: E. Lowder·
Y. Muruynmo.
Joe Teiji Koide
Dr. Mo.+.suRo.buro Kuki
Thoma.s Musudn.
Rov. Ji tsuc, Morikawa.
Rev. J·inc�rew Y. Oya.mo.
Rev, Leslie T, P·:inningt.on·
:1{, Tn.k<;mc-,ri
Tom 'l'en.jl
Soko.e To'.lu
Brother '1'heopho.nc Wo.1-sh
Dr. Horry J. Vvulker
Russell W. Bul'lo.rd
Edwo.rd Engle Brown
Helen P. Bull
Hor!ice R. Co.yton
Eo.rl B. Dickerson
Dr. Arthur G.··Fo.lls'
William H. Ho.ight
Dr_ • .S. I. Hayakawa.
Dr. Melville J. Herskovitz
Joseph Keenan
Leo Lerner
Mrs. Emile Le:vy
Micho.el Marin
Judge John P. McGoorty
George B. McKibben
John Nuvee:n, Jr.,
Denn Robert R��field
Denn Curtiss W, R0ese
Dr. Harold W. RuC'pp
Judge 'Geo:.'ge r;; ;1·,:.:.lici
Elffier 1, Shiirell
Dr. Edwo.·rd j, $p'.lrling ..
W, K�_:_:;..s :�tE.:vr.x-�
ViTUl.1.u.r.c;J - �. 'l:ownsond
Ph:,:lip vrc�.n .
Mr·c·.·�io:�n H. Wedd.::lJ.
Ro.bbi Jo.cob J" Wei::1Stein
•
The Chico.go Resettlers' Committee
REPORT OF ;�c·rrvrT IES
- Po.ge 2 Nho.t It Is
The Chicago Resettlers' Committee is, therefore, o.n orgo.nizo.tion
of citizen o.nd non-citizen Jo.punese Junericuns, Ca.uca.siuns, o.nd
Negroes; Ca.tholics, Protestants, Buddhists, a.nd Jews; representative of business,
la.bar, education, the press, and other occupations who believe tha.t unless well-ad
vised leo.dership is given to the problems of persons of Japanese ancestry, further
physico.l a.nd psychologica.l isolation would become the trend.
What It Does
The INFORM.b.TION-REFERR.1,.L SERVICE o.t 734 N. La.Sa.lle Street o.ssists
close to 200 porsons a. month. Two-thirds of this number need
special interpretive service in medical und social service referra.l, counseling in
family and business problems, employment, and housing, because they o.re first genera
tion Ja.po.nese who do not sper,k English adequately to go directly to other agencies.
Vctero.ns and other Nisei who� because of their o.ncestry and evacuation experience,
need attention not given elsewhere o.lso uso the service.
More than fifteen hundred persons ho.ve gone through the office of
The Chico.go Resettlers' Committee during the po.st ni ne months of its existence. One
of the b�,sic purposes of the Committee is to encouro.ge Jo.pr-nose Junorico.ns to muke
use of community resources in aiding their adjustment in Chico.go.
Miss Lucy T. Carner, Executive Secretary of the Division on
Recroo.tiono.l Education of the Council of Social figencies, recently so.id tho.t the
recren.tiono.l needs of resettlers hc-d b(_3come increasingly "dramo.tic" o.nd cha.rged
tho.t though the c,goncies had not discriminated, they ha.d fo.iled to to.ke the
necesso.ry initiative in ma.king it possible for these "complete strangers" in Chico.go
to enjoy ugency resources.
Next yeur, we hope to employ o. full-time worker to stimulate
Nisei participation in the on-going recrea.tionul uctivities of Chico.go agencies.
The Community Referro.l Service in the loop ho.s been extremely helpful to the Com
mittee, but most Issei have difficulty in mo.king direct agency contacts due to
their lo.nguuge difficulty •
.l,. countless number of these referro.ls have be<:m mo.de via. tole•
phone. The following figures of the number of i nterviews will give some ideo. of
the importo.nce of the Committee 1 s work•
Employment ------------------Housing ---------------------
Referral --------------------Counseling ------------------
Business Opportunities ------Totnl
MAY
JUNE
101
14
56
12
3
186
83
25
30
7
7
-152
JULY
121
29
18
20
8
196
AUGUST
119
27
50
9
5
210
.b. Co.lendo.r of j1,ctivities of the Committoe to do.te is us follows;
.h.ugust 15, 1945
Sponsored enterto.inment o.t the Hull House.
people enjoyed the event.
Ja.nuo.ry 6, 1946
An Open House for tho Committee was held at the c. Y. o. Nisei
Genter, o.nd tho Committee mo.de its official debut o.s c.n 11.gency.
Jo.nuo.ry 12, 1946
The first 11 GO" Tourno.ment was held at the Chico.go Buddhist
Church, ::,nd close to u hundred people o.ssembled.
11.pproximutely 100
English classes were organized with the ussisto.nce of the CYO
Nisei Center und the �dult Educo.tion Depo.rtment of the Boo.rd of
Education. l.pproximutely sixty-five persons a.re ta.king o.dvo.n
tuge of this nctivity on the North Side.
February 12, 1946
February 16, 1946
April 2, 1946
of Education.
A lecture on current events was held ut the CYO Nisei Cehtcr,
o.nd some fifty people were in Lttendo.nce.
� South Side English cla.ss was organized through the courtesy of
the Chicugo Buddhist Church c,nd the Jdult Educo.tion of the Boa.rd
Some twenty-five studonts ure attending the clo.ss.
Sponsored musical o.nd teu in honor of the behind-the-scenes Wo.r
Reloco.tion Authority employees, o.nd some one hundred and_twenty
five persons attended ��einteresting program.
Mo.y 5., 1946
..
The Chico.go Resottlers• Committee
REPORT OF aCTIVITIES
Po.ge 3
Tfay 30, 1946
. brg·rxnizo.tions.
September 17, 1946
instructor.
Purt icipo. ted in the gigantic Memorial Duv Vetoruns • Testimonial
Banque�, . which was sponsored together with thirtoc·n o-thcr Civic
Sto.r':f.ed anot her English cl4.l.s$ at the South··c'origrego.tionnl Church
with 'the Bouru of Ec:uct.�tion mu.king simikr arro.ngements for ·n.n
September 15 r:cnd
22, 1946
The second "GO" Tournament was sponsored by the Committee at the
-cyo His0i C-enter. Approximr..:.tcly one hundred -c.nd fifty persons
·purticipr..:.tad in the two-Sunday event.
· September 29, 1946
ii. city-wide golf tourm,mont wns sch0duled by populo.r request, and
o. cornmi tt0e 1icl�<led by Thomus M.t,sudo. o.rro.nged a good tournc,rrient
. for the. golfers of the younger group •
October. 5, l.9-1t6
.
stitute.
October 26, 1946
�lcl
JD.panese instrument) a.re getting o.
.. Music.,-,lov.cr.s of Biwo. ·· (o.n
thrill fr0ni·the announcemen t of a Biwa concert o.t the Olivet InA Hobby Show is r..nothor of th�_much-unti:cipated
events to be
..
spoiisorel by the ,c·ornrr\itt�e..
The Chico.go Resettlers' Committee is '.uctive in the following
coordino.ting groups:•
·Executive Board of th9 Diyision on. Ecl\l-00.tion-Recreution
Coordint:lting Committ'ee o
· ii Vfelfo.re s,orviqes to Persons
• o'f Jup(lnase desce:r.t · ·
Lowi;friNorth Cormnunity
, Couni;. il
. .
., ...dvisory Bari.rd
Dopartmont of Socio.l 86rvioa, . ..
Ct:1U:_:i;-.6}1:)'ed�ru.tion of Greater Chico.go
Ch:i,co.go Japanese ilJll.ericun Council
Chicago. Council Ji.go.inst Racial o.nd Religious Discrimino.tion
The relationship with other o.gencies o.nd organiza:bions hns been exceedingly good since
the beginning a.nd there is little or no duplicati<ln of eff ort. 'The Cbmmittoe became
c, member of the Chicc;go Council Ago.inst Rt:..cial und Religious p:tsc.:rimina.tion to fight,
o.gn.inst the unfo.ir prc.ctic0.s,qgo.inst minorities.
How it is Financed
Genotoiis.. d"Orio.tions huve been received from various organizations
and iridi vfdua.ls. Among them nro the following:
The Chicago Congregut ionnl Union, Dr� Neil E. Hansen; the
Unito.rio.n Service Committoci with headquarters iP Boston, Masso.chusettsr Congregation
al Committee on Christian Democro.cy, Dr. Clp:renco S � Gillett, have':b�en the major
supporting orgo.nizations. Marshall Field and Edward Eagle Brown havc·'cbntributed,
indicating an appreciation of the problems 9f resettlors in t'he trabsitidno.l period
of n.dju..stmcnt. i;n.. Chlci:.go.
- - .... -.. ...,_ - · - - - - · �� �
We believe that the Chicago Resottlers•: ;CornmitteJ is the kind of
organization that warrants the support of :E+ll.peopl<J, inasmuch a's'the_ Chico.go Com
munity at largo should be concerned with whEl,t happens to peop'ie 1who'-wero uprooted
from their homes and businesses on the West ',coo.st, forced to confinement without
chnrges, und -who were roset.t h,d in strunge 1.irbo.ri connnuni tios. On the kind leudership
o.nd coopero.ti ve attention g1ven'to their problems toduy will depend whether the
forced movement to the Middle, West !;en� .2;o.st permanently creuted an intensely self
conscious' min�rity group or ·no.steriod the assimilation of persons of Japanese descent.
The f'.ollowing Fino.ncial Report w o.s prepared by Mr. Koho.chiro Su
gimoto o.nd audited by Mr. Koichi Mn.sunako., who nre Treo.surer o.nd ii.uditor respective
ly:
(see following page)
..
The Chicugo Rascttlers' Committee
REPORT ON ACT IVIT !ES
- Page 4 '!'HE CHIC.i�GO RES E1T LERS ' COMMITTEE
ST,1.T EM ENT OF !NCOME i�D EXPENDITURES
From Dec·. 18, 1945 to June 30, 1946
INCOME
* DONJ..TIONS
MEMBERSHIP FEE ( 148 Members)
Sl�L.RY
OFFICE RENT
MAILING EXPENSE
OFFICE SUPPLY
TRIP EXPENSE
.ADVERTISING
PUBLIC RELi.TIONS
. '1'ELEPHONE
MISCELLiNEOUS
OFFICE FURNITURE
. In Bnnk - $536.28
On Hund - $230.00
.$2,812.25
296.00
EXP END IT URE
$1,525.00
254o44
53�50
155.58
53.60
42.00
99.42
97.26
4.75
56.42
$2; 341.97
766.28
$3,108.25
* Donations
Booth, Mrs, Raymond
$
Brown, Edwurd Eagle
Chico.go Congregf.ltionul Union
Chico.go Japnnese .hmerican Council
Dearborn Glnss Company
Field, Mursho.11
Huyakuwo., Dr. S. I.
Mutsunugn, To.hei
Nutionul City Linea
Congrer;ationi:.l Committee on
Christiun Democracy
Ross, Prydence
St. Mo.ry 1 s Girls' Dormitory
Unit�riun Homo Sorvico Committee
Other Donors (38 persons)
25,00
50,00
700.00
15.00
70.00
100�00
10.00
60,00
50�00
700.00
15.00
29.25
soo.oo
188.00
� 2,812.25
FINii.NCfoL STiSEMENT
,�s
OF SEPTEJ'v'fBER 30, 1946
Income:
MEMBERSHIP (296)
DONATION
592�00
3,52��25
_
4,115.25
Expenses:
Suhry
Mniling
Ront·
Office Supply
Trip Expense
Advert isemerit
Public Relations
Telephone
Office Furniture
Miscello.noous
$2,$15.00
133.78
364.66
236.12
67;10
47.00
_134. 26
157.26
55;42
·. 24.
75
_3, 736.35.
TOTi.L Bi.1.L..JWE
Rcsp(3ctf_ully submitted,
$378.90
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Annual Report, 1946
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1946 September 28
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
application/pdf
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
text
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
RG09_Series01_Box01_1946_09_28
-
https://digitalcollections.jasc-chicago.org/omeka/files/original/1111da5cb28387086a891cbdb4db0b0d.pdf
e47cf06b6c0aeaabb765557b95deb392
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Annual Reports
Description
An account of the resource
Record Group 9, JASC Publications
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Chicago Resettlers Committee
Japanese American Service Committee
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Japanese American Service Committee
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1946-2011
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
RG09
Subject
The topic of the resource
Annual Reports of the Chicago Resettlers Committee and Japanese American Service Committee
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
paper
Text
Any textual data included in the document
A REPORT
1 9 LI 7
PI� E PA R E D 13 Y
CORKY T. KAWASAKI,
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
CHICJ�GO RESETTLERS COIDIIITTEE.
A F3:R1�F HIST(:RY
The Chicago Resettlers Co:rrrrnittee W::'l.s forried in 1944 for the purpose of inter
preting the need.a of Jap<>.nese American resettlers as a liason agency between
the people and the agenc�es interested in their adjustment in Chicagou On
December 18� 1945, an executive director was appointed 3 and a program was
built to gear in with the termination of the Chicago Office of the liar Relo
cation Authority in the early part of 19460
'
The Committee has been carrying on its program in the community with no dupli
cation with other agencies, and 9 furthermore, hac made it possible for these
people to use these agency services.
The Chicago Resettlers Committee has faithfully adherred to its major function,
that of encouraging wide use by resettlers of community resources for we]fare,
education, recreation ., and other services, In this regard j, the Comm:i.ttee has
worked ve1·y closely with the Council of Social .b.gencies s The Church Federation
of Greater Chicago, The Catholic Youth Organization, settlement houses, and
other community agencies. The Commun:i.ty referral service has been used exten
sively for direction and guidance o:ri individ,.:w.l a�d comJnunity socio.l problems.
With the assistance of the Adult Education Dcpt.rtr:,ent of tho Board of Education,
the Co:mrrd.ttee started English classes for lsseL
During the year 1946., the Resettlers Committee was extremely helpful to re
settlers in broad,ming tho bas0 of their employment and housing. By referral
to health and welfare agencies, and intorprGt�tion cf these ag0ncy services
to tho people., tho Committee established a pattf:l�n of use of Chicago facill.
tios, rather than the d,Jvolopmont o.f separate and far loss adequate facilities.
In January, 1947_9 Brother Thoophano Walsh resigned from his position as direc
tor of tho CYO Nisei Center, duo to ill health. Subsequently, the facilities
of tho Nisei Center, th�ough the co�rtosy of Bishop Bernard J. Sheil, woro
then opened to tho COTllinunity undGr tho s�:porvis ::.on of t:1.0 Chico.go Rosottlers
Co:m:mi ttoo,. Tho Comm: tteo wa.s theroby ahJ.e to mcvo from its small offico at
734 North LaSaJ.J.o St:::oot to tho larger fa.ciJ.itj os of 1110 North LaSalle Stroot
under an arrangement with tho Catholic Youth Oi·ganization.
Following is an excerpt from a working agroomont made by tho Chicago Rosottlors
Co:mmittoo with tho Catholic Youth Organization. A verbatim statement is given
so �hat tho exact nature of tho arrangement will be clear.
"Through tho gonerosi ty of His Excellency, Bishop Bernard J. Sheil
of tho Catholic Yc;J.th Organizo.tio:'.l:, tho facilities o.f tho C. Y. O ..
Nisei Center at 1::.10 Nortn LaSci.J.lo St,·oot, are be:lng made availa.blo
to tho personnel of t�o Chicago Rosottlcrs Committee, for tho uso
of tho Japanoso comrrilnity hero in Chicago�
It is tho understanding of tho Chicago Rosottlors Committee that all
on-going projects shalJ. continue at tho Nisoi Center,. as well as all
other' activities that might bo spcnso::-od l·y tho Rcsottl0rs Ccmm�.ttoo,
and that those projects 0.11d o.ctivit::.os &h'll.l be o.dministerod o.nd
supervised for them by their oxocut.ivc d�£octor.
.. 1 -
It is further understood that the Nisei Center at 1110 North
LaSalle Street will be open to the Japanese people irrespective
of religious beliefs, and that no discrimination or favoritism
shall be shown any one particular group or groups,
The maintenance of tho building shall be continued by the C.Y.O.,
through tho generosity of His Excellency Bishop Sheil, with the
exception of the telephone or telephones.
•
It is further recommended that towards tho end of the year 1947,
the President of the Chicago Resottlers Comm:i.ttee, together with
his executive director and cabinet, shall evaluate the needs of
the Jo.po.nose community, and shall confer with Mrs Charles Smith,
Executive Director of the C.Y&O�, towards tho purpose of contin
uing tho C.Y.O. Nisei Center as a community project, or as a
privately financed o.nd managed project."
COMMUNITY TREND
Employment
Generally speaking, tho employment of Japanese Americans in the Chicago area
indico.tes o. fo.vor£,blo future. Heretofore, we have not faced many "problem
co.sos" and discriminatory practices; o.nd in tho professional field most firms
have been willing to employ rcscttlcrs on the basis of individual merit rather
than color of tho skin or religious affil:i. a tiono Consequently, young people
are encouraged to train themselves for tho future. Many Nisei ex-Gls uro
coming in from various communities $ as far as from tho West Coasto It is
encouraging to note that many resettlors arc enrolled in institutions of high
er learning in almost o.11 fields and professions.
..
Tho contribution mo.de by the resettlers· during the war years has continued
to win the confidence of tho cmployc::s and the number of employment calls
received at tho Rosottlcrs Committee office is indicati7e of this confidence.
Those who wore employed as unskilled laborers during war time, in almost all
instances :, have now attained tho status of scmi�·skillod or skilled workers .,
thus� earning higher wngos. Many of them arc holding responsible positions
in firms and have won tho respect of their co-workers. For example� a young
man who was trained in one of the colleges on tho West Coast has now achieved
an executive position in a promising business firm. A number of examples
can bo cited of rosottlers holding supervisory or foromon t s positions. Many
Niso1 women have found thomsolvos positions with institutions or business
firms,. It is particularly noteworthy that Nisei are cmpJ.oyod by numerous
social agencies > either as professional or cloric�l workers. The factories
continue to employ tho bulk of tho rosottlers.
As we look at the future of Nisei in the field of employment, we can bo
fairly optomistic. This is based on their efficiency and conscicncious ef
forts which have won the confidence of their employers and co-workers.
Tho majority of tho Issci have rouchod the point where their earning power
is limited. However, they have earned tho respect of employers and are
- 2 -
•
working in various factories. It can be said that tho I�sei have passed
their peak of productivity in the field of employment; so the tendency has
been for the Issoi to hold easy jobs, It is regretablo that some of them
aro forcing themselves to work 50 to 60 hours per week in an effort to make
ends meet� or trying to make up the time lost in the relocation centers.
The opportunities for employment in the larger Chicago community aro such
that unless thetc is a particular incentive to work for Japanese American
firms, tho tondeney i s t o be employed by others.
The Committee is not unaware of the particular susceptibility of Issei as
well as Nisei to rola.tively subtle forms of exploitation. Their circum
stances force them to work hard and long for the money they earn. Inexper
ienced in union participation and discriminated against by some unions, many
of them do not yet realize that a good union can be of groat advantage to
them.
Housing
Ono of the most urgent adjustment needs for rcsottlers is housing, which,
of course, is not exceptional to them. But because the rcscttlers arc re
lative newcomers, it has boon extremely difficult to tind suitable housing
accomodations. Tho trend of movement of rosottlcrs, as far as housing is
concerned, is that they first move into the Near North Side area and grad
ually move into the North ., South and Wost side areas, wherever they find
housing. It is said that approximately 10 $ 000 rcsottlors arc now residing
on the South side ., o.pproximatcly 5;000 on tho Near North side and possibly
another 5 ., 000 on tho North and Wost sides. Many roscttlors have purchased
apartments, hotels ., houses, and many have leased rooming houses to accomodate
other resottlors. It is surprising to note that very few roscttlcrs aro
occupying public housing. Housing on tho Near North side reveals a most
unfortunate situation. The rooms a.re small and sor;ricos arc negligible and
three or four persons arc frequently crowded into a one or two room kitchen
ette apartment.
\
The housing shortage has been the cause of many co.sos of delinquency and
marital difficulties. Rescttlcrs who have managed to find housing either
on the far North or far South sides have better arrangement in living con
ditions.
Boarding houses mushroomed throughout tho city ., but they give a feeling of
insecurity� due to its temporary arrangement and monotony. For instance .,
the boarders are fed the so.me menu rcgo.rdless of likes and dislikes. Some
Sha.re their rooms while still others have to sho.rc their bods with strangers ..
Services in housing rendered by the Chicago Rosettlers Committee a.re inade
quate in comparison with the number of requests received from rosettlers.
fhoir awareness of tho housing situation was soon in the recent election .,
when many Nisei supported tho bond issue for slum clearance.
)1:
't •,
.i..._-
.\..}
I
Refcr:i:-o.l
Tho rosottlors o.ro beginning to understand Chico.go c ommunity resources
through tho rcforro.l services rendo!'ed by tho Rosettlers Conm1j_ tto c th:cough
direct referrals or through publi.cl.tyo It is hoo.:ctening to note tho.t social
o.gencios in Chico.go ho.vo incroo.sed their services to persons o� Jo.po.nose
o.ncostry since tho purticipo.tion of the Chico.go Re settlers Commi ttco in the
Cot1.ncil of Soc io.l Agencies.
Problems of foster home co.re and delinquency o.mong young resottlors huvo
boon o. most alarming subj oct of concern of' agencies tho.t have dealt with
Jo.po.nose .amorico.n clients. Tho Commlttoo has t:::ied dosporo.to1y to flnd
foster homos for tho co.re of babies born out of wodloc� but ho.s not suc ceed•
od duo to vo.rious roo.sons. As o. whole, tho resettlors ho.vo not yet found
o. homo in Chico.go o.nd do not fool tho security that o. sense of belonging
in tho c ommunity gives. This is particularly true for those many unmarried
young people trying to mo.kc ends moot� but the high cost of living o.nd the
lo.ck of o.doquo.to housing discourages them from considering possible mo.rrio.go.
:Mo.ny roforro.ls o.ro hand led throu gh tho Community Referro.l Service; however .,
there a.re mo.ny insto.ncos in which tho different cul tu.ro.l bo.ckground ma.kos it
difficult to refer to other o.gencies and to o:rt;o.in so.tisfuctory results.
Mm1y hours of c onsulto.tion o.nd counscHng o.ro required :i.n those instances.
Thero wo.s o. co.so of o. young mo.n whoso adjustment in Chicngo wo.s seemingly
impossible under tho provo.iling circ:.xm1,to.nccs, But through cons1.1.lto.tion o.nd
mo.ny hours of counseling he is now plo.cod �n B�JS Town� Nobro.sko.� o.nd is re
ported to be mo.king o. so.tisfacto:r·y o.djustmcn+;. Another co.so W['.S an Issoi
blind person, who� boco.use his culturo.l bo.ckg�ound 9 required more counseling
tho.n direct rofcrro.L. Those o.nd many other insto.ncos justify tho kind of
rcfcrro.l service rendered by tho Chico.go Resettiers Committee.
•
'\
Gcno�o.lly spoo.king, tho o.voro.go ugo of tho Issoi is a.round 65. We find mo.ny
Issoi bo.chelors ho.ving fino.ncio.1 difficulties und requiring roferro.l t o
welfare ugcncioso Mo.ny o.lso desire to mo.kc nrro.ngcmonts for old a.go pension •
Those o.rro.ngomen�s would require o. considorublc a.mount of o.gency time boco.use
of their lo.nguo.ge difficulty. But without such o.ssisto.nco, tho lo.nguo.go o.nd
cuJ.�uro.1 diffo!'oncc of these people would tend to croo.to phsychologico.l iso
lo.tion f:..·om tho Chico.go communityo
.£_ounsel:i.ng
Res�ttlors bring to the office of tho Chico.go Rosettlers Committee various
pho.sos of socio.l problems for counseling. Among them wo find difficulties
in mo.rito.l o.nd family ttdjustmcnt� hou:::ing� o.nd finunc:i.al problems. It o.p
poo.rs tho.t most of t he fo.mily difficulties nsult from o. lo.ck of under
standing between the first o.nd second gonoro.tion d�e to differences in
lo.nguo.go o.nd custom. However, a.ft.er ho.ving o. fr.unk discussion with them,
we find that our sto.ff ho.s boon o.blo to competen+;J.y solve those peculiar
problems of cul turo.l o.djustmont without m::i.k:�ng o. ro.:'o:rro.l to other o.gcnc ies.
Counseling is not only limit ed to porsono.l o.djustmont but o.lso regarding
I
business o.nd legal ento.ngloments. Tho tolephono :lines o.ro oonsto.ntly kept
busy with inquiries on "every thing :ind o.ny thing und�r tho sun,,"
Tho kind of services rendered by tho Chico.go Resottlors Co:mrnittoc to per
sons of Jo.po.nose ancestry is a boost tc their morale in mo.king o. so.tisfo.c
tory o.djustmont in Chico.go o.s their permanent homoD
THE CoR.C. IN REL./\.TION TO PROGRESS IN ADJUSTMENT
Recently tho Committee received tho following statement from Mr. Poter I.
Bukowski, President of tho Cosmopolitan National Bunk J reflecting tho
thoughts of o. person who ho.s ho.d considoro.blo experience with resottlors:
"Dour Mr. Ko.waso.ki:
Recently, you asked me if, in my opinion, tho Rosottlors have
made a contribution to tho civic o.nd economic conditions of our community,
and I offered to give you rrry impressions shortly thereafter. This, I um
now pleased to do.
Our contact with tho Rosottlors goos bo.ck to tho o.rrivo.l in
Chico.go of tho first contingent� members of which group sottlod in tho
immediate vicinity of our Bank. Subsoqaent o.rrivo.ls likewise mo.do their
homos in this o.roo.. Ours being tho Bank most conveniently loco.tad to them
in their now locations� it was only natural tho.t many of tho Resottlors
shou]d find our fo.cilities useful to them. Stemming from this association
is a first hand knowledge of their b usiness and personal lives. Vfu arc de
lighted to attest to the fact tho.t in our opinion tho Rosottlors have been
o.n influence for good. We have found them o. ho.rd working and thrifty people,
animated by desire to found o. now homo in o. tolerant comrrunity, which would
oncouro.go building for o. happy life for themselves and their children. This,
they seem to ho.vc found in tho Chicago o.roo., o.nd we observe on their po.rt a
keen appreciation of the opportunity Chico.go affords them for honest o.nd do
cent living.
They have now to.ken root hero, o.nd wo see mo.ny manifestations of
their contributions to our connnunity ., first, by their high standards of per
sonal o.nd business integrity, o.nd� second, by their industry und applico.tion
to their to.sks, be they as employees in crafts, industry and commerce, or as
owners o.nd operators of their own business enterprises, such o.s retail shops,
rooming houses, apartment hotels o.nd small munufo.cturing enterprises.
In this respect, tho Resottlors arc fortunate in being and ho.ving
had tho benefit of your direction and counsel.
Very truly yours,
/s/ P. I. Bukowski
Poter I� Bukowski
President"
- 5 -
VOUJME OF WORK
1946
Employment
Housing
"
Referro.l
Counseling
1947
Oct ..
Nov.
Doc.
Ja.n.
Fob.
83
73
63
122
69
101
111
85
95
136
64
112
5
13
11
9
7
10
9
18
23
18
13
23
51
27
22
16
9
27
36
49
47
28
1
6
7
17
14
14
4
11
22
17
13
11
5
14
3
1
3
l
Business
Opportunities
M::nch Apr.
May
Juno J�g.
Sept.
3
Educational, Social-Recreational Program
Following programs nro now being cnrriod out nt tho C.Y.O. Nisoi Center:
English Classes
Boginners
Advanced
Cooking class
Current Events Forum
Bridge Cla.ss
Goh Gr01.lp
Shogi Group
Jo.pa.nose La.ngua.ge Class
Twice weekly
Once weekly
Once weekly
Once weokly
Once weekly
Once weekly
Twice weekly
Following projects indicate the type of program sponsored during the past
fiscn.l period:
English Clo.sses
Marriage Hygiene Class
Literary Art Show
Dancing Cla.ss
City-Wide Committee
on Recreation
Movie of Interest
Sightseeing Tour
Chico.go Buddhist Church
South Congregational Church
Chico.go Buddhist Church
CYO Nisei Center
CYO Nisei Center
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Abo Hngiwo.rn in Chnrgo
OJ.ive-J:; I!lstitute
Entire City
Twice weekly
Once weekly
6 weeks' course
6 weeks' course
r
,J ...., J.
., .. , .:,. .
·'l
,.,
'
Program of vo.rious typ0s wore pla.nn0d with following or.go.nizo.tions:
Tho Chico.go Shimpo
Midwest Golf hssocio.tion
JACL Anti-Discrimino.tion Committee
Mo.yor' s Commission on Humo.n Relo.tions
Chieng o Oriento.l Council
Chico.go Children's Homo & Aid Society
Museuip. of Science o.nd Industry
Nisei Athletic Associo.tion
Chicago JupD.110s0 Amorico.n Council
Co.tholic Youth Orgo.nizo.tion
Chico.go Jo.po.nose Amcrico.n Music Glub
Foster Homos for Children
South Po.rkwo.y Community House
MLS - Presidio of Monterey, Co.lif.
TREASURY REPORT
From Jo.nuc,ry 1st to September 30th, 1947
Income:
Individuo.l Donations
Dues o.nd Memberships
Other Organized Society
Foundo.tions o.nd Trust
Educo.tiono.l Progro.m
Misc cl lo.noou s
Community Fund
$ 421.12
1032000
2175.00
500.00
170.98
8.64
1547. 75
Totnl
�5855.49
682.19
Bnnk Bo.lo.nee o.s of Jo.n. 1, 1947
$6537.68
Expenses:
Snlo.rics
Rent
Electricity
Insuro.nco
Organizo.tion Dues o.nd Expenses
Rcpo.irs
Office Supplies
Tolophono
Educo.tiono.l Progro.m
Trnnsportntion
Conference Foo
Legnl Expense
Furniture o.nd Fixture
Sundries
Recroo.tiono.l Expense
t4595.50
35.00
5.52
22.70
25.00
122.08
513. 72
324. 84
140.00
67.76
142 .13
1.00
257.97
22.89
84&35
Toto.l
Bo.nk Bulo.nco o.nd Co.sh
- 7 ..
$6360.46
177.,22
----$6537 .68
Wo urc to.king tho liberty of incorporo.ting herewith o. comprehensive report
propo.rod by the Chico.go Congrego.tiono.l Union, one of tho st�ongest supporters
of' tho progrum of tho Chicago Rosettlers Committee. It w�.s this organization,
under its outstanding Gen0ro.l Director, Dr. Neil E. Hansen/ that encouro.ged
the execution of the philosophy of tho Chico.go Rcscttlers Com."!littoo. "\'Vo po.y
our hi ghest tribute to the Chico.go Congrego.tiono.l Union.·
CHICAGO RESETTLERS COMMITTEE
1110 N. Lo.Salle St.
C
'
REMARKS:
I.
C
In Review: The Chico.go Resottlers Committee wo.s organized o.t tho end of
1945 by o. group of Jo.po.nose Americo.ns who believed there should be o.n
o.gcncy with Jo.po.nose Americo.n loo.dorship to help their people in their
problems o.nd to direct them to other agencies according to their needs.
Tho Chico.go Congrogo.tiono.l Union voted o.n allocation of �1,200.00 for
1946, with th o understanding tho.t there would be o. tote.I budget of o.p
proximo.toly $6,500.00 o.nd tho.t contributions would be secured from the
No.tiono.l Congregc,tiono.l Committee on Christian Democro.cy ., the C ommunity
Trust, o.nd other orgo.nizo.tions.
Tho work wo.s curried on in 1946 with Mr. Corky Ko..wo.so.ki o.s Executive
Director, with no o.dditiono.l stuff except o. secretary for o. po.rt of the
yoo.r. During tho first your it wo.s recognized tho.t there wo.s greo.t
need for o. recreo.tiono.l program o.nd facilities for Jo.po.neso Americans,
und for co.po.blo loo.dcrship to direct this program. Applicatio� wo.s mo.de
to tho Community Fund and o.n ullocation for 1947 wo.s secured from tho
Fund. Tho Resettlers Committee was o.cceptod into membership by tho
Council of Social Agencies in September, 1946.
During 1947 tho work o.nd budget ho.s boon considornbly,o�pnnded. Two
full time stuff members ho.�o boon employed in addition to Mr, tnwo.snki.
In junc Mr. Abo Ho.giwnro. began work o.s Recreational Ditector fo� Nisei
work. a.na in July Mr. Jack Yasutake bogo.n work o.s Rocroo.tiono.1 Director
for work With Issoi. Tho heo.dquo.rtors of the Chicago Resottlors Com
mittee, formerly 734 North Lo.Salle, wore moved during tho yeo.r to o.
Catholic Youth Organization Nisei Center o.t 1110 North Lo.Salle Stroot,
C.Y.O� mo.king spo.co o.vailo.ble free of rent. Tho C.Y.O. formerly op
oro.tod tho building und occupied o. po.rt of tho spo.cc. During tho year
this o.rro.ngomcnt was changed so that the Rosettlers Committee now has
tho entire building rent free, but needs to beo.r tho expense of mo.in
to.ining tho property.
- 8 -
' '
.:
,
j
j -· ••
. J '.
... :; :;')':,.
·'
.[,::·:.:-
II.
.!E_ Rogc,rd to tho Budget
INCOME:
Earnings:
Duos & Memberships
Productive Enterprises
Other Eurn ings
Gifts:
Individuals & Firms
Chicc..go Congl. Union
Congl. No.tl. Committee
Unitnrinn Service "
Hinsdnlo Church
Community Trust
Community Fund
Wieboldt Foundation
1946
c.c.u ..
1.
c.c.u.
1948 A.nticipo.ted
c.c.u.
1,200.00
170.98
8.64
672.00
825.00
972.45
450.00
1,200.00 1,200.00 1,200.00 1,200.00 1,200.00 1,200.00
1,000.00
)
1., 000.00
1,500.00
1,200.00)
75,,00
500.00
500000
500.00
8,375.00
4,475.00
3,000.00
16,900.00
9,279,62
5,844.45
EXPENSE:
So.lnrios:
2,825.00
Executive Director
632.33
Office Secretnry,otc.
Rccreo.tiono.l Director
"
" (Issei)
Total Salo.ries
Fixed Cho.rges:
455.00
Rent
Operating Expense
30.93
Repairs & Painting
Office & Controlling
1,219.00
Expense
Furniture & Fixtures
Institutional Supplies
5 :, 162.26
c.c.u. Expenditure in
Addition to Allocation
Student Field Service
1947 Actual: Jan.
Septo » plus .hnti
cipatod: Octo-D�cn
75.00
1,275.00
3,350.00
790.50
1,600.00
1,375.00
7,115.50
3,600.00
2,195.00
3 ., 000.00
3 ., 000�00
11,795.00
35.00
89.77
150.00
1., 215.00
600.00
1., 700.31
300.00
180.00
9,570:58
2 ., 190.00
300.00
800�00
l6,900e00
137.50
1,337.50
1,200.00
It will be noted that, while tho Rosettlers Committee expects to socuro
increased income from Earnings and from Gifts from Individuals & Firms� cer
tain other contributions arc decreasing:
(n)
The National Congrego.tiono.l Committee ., which was one of tho orgo.nizo.tions
origino.lly contributing to tho work, was unable to renew its cont:ri"bu
tion in 1947. Tho Committee indico.ted its contribution (�700�00 for
1946 plus a special o.dditionul gift of �300000 rondo in December, 1946)
wn.s o. specio.l for helping inuuguro.te tho work o.nd could not be �0�tinued.
- 9 -
(b)
The Unitarian Service Committee contributed $1,500000 in 1946 and $1,200
for the first six months of 1947. Its allocation was mo.do on tho basis
of t his being new and experimental work, t,nd it was indicated such o.llo
cuti ons can only be made for a limited period.
The budget includes an amount of �1 ., 000 from "Other Church Organizations"
for 1948, and we understand that cont inued efforts will bo made to secure
gifts from tho National Congregational Committee $ the Unitarian Service
Committoc and other groupse
Tho Community Fund has given definite assurance of an allocation of �4,475.00
for 1947. Tho Fund has been approached for an increased amount in 1948 -in that the staff has boon increased and the budget has also needud to be
increased to cover maintenance of tho building. The Committeo will want to
know about tho possibility of securing an increase in tho Community Fund
allocation from $4,475.00 in 1947 t o �8,375.00 in 1948.
2.
As indicated under I, the expense budget is considcrably increased:
(a)
The salary of the Executive Director was increased as of June 1, 1947,
from $3,000 to $3,600.
Two recreational directors were employed, the snlary for each being o.t
the rate of �3,000 annually.
(b)
"Fixed Charges" will be increased as follows as a result of the now
arrangement with the C.Y.O.
1948 Est.
$ 500.00
25.00
375.00
50.00
265.00
1,215.00
600.00
35.00
49.25
89.77
150«00
35.00
�274. 77
lOeOO
30.93
Repairs and Painting
Rent
(c)
1947 Est.
$ 5.52
1946
$ 20 .. 93
Operating Expense
Elect ricit;-
Electrical Supplies
Gas
Org. Dues & Expense
Insuro.nce
455000
�485093
� l, 815.00
Office & Controlling Expense is necessarily large because of the nature
of much of the work. This is detailed us follows:
1946
Stationery, Printing
and Postage
Tolophono & Telegraph
Transportation
Conference Expense
Other
602 .09
2140 78
73ol0
139�67
189.,36
�l,219�00
�?
- 10 -
1947
$
680�00
435�28
80051
175000
329052
�l, 700.31
1948
::l;
800.,00
480.,00
300.,00
250,.00
360.00
�2�190.00
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Annual Report, 1947
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1947
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
application/pdf
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
text
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
RG09_Series01_Box01_1947
-
https://digitalcollections.jasc-chicago.org/omeka/files/original/7c345611901c1e3741fca84b087431b8.pdf
a169810db609e09b1a76f4570e043a49
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Annual Reports
Description
An account of the resource
Record Group 9, JASC Publications
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Chicago Resettlers Committee
Japanese American Service Committee
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Japanese American Service Committee
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1946-2011
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
RG09
Subject
The topic of the resource
Annual Reports of the Chicago Resettlers Committee and Japanese American Service Committee
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
paper
Text
Any textual data included in the document
..
l
,
.,
I
ANNUAL
REPORT
1 9 4- 8
PREPARED
BY
JLC:K IC. YASUTA'.KE
EXECUTIVE DIREC'"i'OR
CHICAGO RESETTLERS COMMITTEE
THE TABLE OF CONTENTS
I
Purpose and Functions., •• ,.,.,,, ••••••••• ,.
1
II
El.iPLOYlfl:ENT • •• , •••••••••••••••••••••••• , •••••••••••• ••••••
3
III
HOUSING •• • • : ••• , •••••• • ••• -� • , • •••• • • • � •••••••• • •• •••••• , •
4
IT
COUNSELING AND REFERRAL••• � •••••• • •• , • •••••••••••••••••• ,
5
V
EDUCATibM,: SOCIAL ..RECREATION; • ••• ,. • �, ••••••, •••••••••• , •
VI
r
INTRODUCTION
.
I
'
'
THE C .R .c. IN RELATION TO PROGfrnts
:i&
ADJUST�JE)lrf I.
• • • ' • • • •
6
8
VII
Tm:: C,R.C. UTRELATIOl! TO OTHER OB.GAlJIZATI�� ........... .
9
VIII
REI�i1A.RKS •••••• , ••••••••••••••••• - •••••• , •• � • � • , •• • •••••• • •
13
IX
CONCLUSIONS .••.•••••.••••••••••••••••• , . , ............. ,, •••
13
X
TREASUR.ER' S REPOR'+ ••.•...•.•..••••••.•••••••• • • • • r •• • ••• ,
14
XI
STATISTICS OF SERVICES RElIDERED •••••• , .......... � ....... .
16
THE CHICf>,'1O R!<;SETTL::�:'.'.8 OOL'lNITTEE
Director's Rop�rt - 1948
I
INTRODUCTION' - Purposes� Functions
The Chicago Resettlers Committee was formed i
for the
purpose of interpreting t e needs an proulems oft e Japanese
resettlers and to help them adjust themselves to the community
of Chicago. i:Jith the termination of the Chicago Office of the
War Relocation Authority in the early part of 1946, a program
was pla:rmed to meet the immediate problems facing these newcomers
to the city. Since then, the Chicago Resettlers Committee has
faithfully adhered to its major function of encouraging tho wider
use, by the resettlers, of resources for welfare, education, rec
reation and other services. In this regard, the Committee has
worked very closely with the Council of Social Agencies, the Church
Federation of Greater Chicago, the Catholic Youth Organization,
local churches, settlement houses, and other community agencies.
The Committee is also a participating member of the Community Fund.
Specifically the services provided by the Chicago Resettlers
Committee may be summarized as follows:
T he Chicago Resettlers Committee
1.
provides referral-i.nformation service for employment,
housing, business opp0rtl.!nities, counseling and schools,
2.
for v1elfare relief,
assists resettlers on appL.cation
o
unemployment compensation, anu ld-age pension,
3.
cooperates with existing social welfare agencies and
business firms in establishing good sound working re
lationships,
4.
maintains a list of available houses, apartments, rooms,
and domestic opportunities,
5.
cultivates better understanding of our problems through
public relation activities with private and public offi
cials, and
6.
stimulates the use of existing facilities for all-around
recreational purposes.
The following chart illust:t-ates the program conducted by this
agency:
-----------�/// SOC! /.\L PERSONAL�"o�
// ·RECREATION
•: d��g��t;'�NJ _'�?�?tc� zrn__ _
j' . .
II/
//
1
1
;
CLASSES
COUNCILS
CLUBS
LEAGUES
OPEN HOUSES
LECTURES
FORUMS
BRIDGE
SHOGI
GOH
UTAI
POETRY
MOVIES
EXHIBITS
t
.
EMPLOYMENT
HOUSING
REFERRAL
COUNSi,L1NC
BUSINESS
OPPORTUNITIES
TRA!\ISLATION
INfORMATJON
I I
The effective services which the Resettlers Committee have rendered
to the Japanese people can, 'in pa.rt, be seen by the 100% increase in its
membership during the past year. An increasing number of the resettlers
in Chicago are beginning to look to �his organization as a +iason agency
through which social, economic and cultural needs can be met, which other
wi$e a.re not accessible to them •.
There are approximately 20,000 persons of Japanese descent in Chicago.
It is highly significant that m ost of them are newcomers to this city. The
1940 United states census reveals that there were only 390 persons of Japan
ese extraction then residing in Chicago. The majority of the population
now consists of former evacuees of t he west coast who moved into thi� city
tov,rards the end and after the war years.
Approximately 7 ,,000 of th" re;;ettler s a.re Isseis (Japanese aliens,)
many of v,hom look to an agency such as the Chicago Resettlers Committee
for assistance in employment, housing and recreation.
The remaining number of approximately 13 ,, 000 Niseis (American citizens)
are encouraged by the Committee to be less dependent on Japanese agencies.
In every way the Committee endeavo rs to give them the incentive to make use
of the various local agencies and community centers -throughout the city in
which they reside. Rapid as the Nisei adjustment is to the community life ,,
they still need to be assisted in various ways by the Committee, particularly
in regard to recreation.
II EMPLOYMENT
The employment possibilities of the Japanese Americans in the Chica
go area are plentiful, as in the previous year; many are occupied in in
dustries and factories as skilled und responsible workers. One important
reason for the large population of Japanese-Americans in Chicago is due
to the great number of job opportunities open to them. For example, dur
ing the period of seven months, from March through September of this year
the Resettlers Committee was n.hle '1.;0 in+,erview about 1,290 resettlers in
various jobs ranging from professi.o:::1al work to manual labor, For the same
period of last year (1947) there were approximately 700 persons helped.
The graph below compares the number of persons interviewed each month be
tween 1947 and 1948 from March through September, the period which well
represents the trend of employment of the entire fiscal year of 1947.
200
:
100
MAR
0 1947
�i
.APR
( Total - 704
Mar. - Sept.)
-
JUNE
JULY
ffifil 104g
AUG
SEPT
( Total 1292
Mar. - Sept.)
Within a year, many Niseis have made rapid progress to higher and oot
ter positions. Their sincerit'J and industry have wo n tiie respect and con
fidence of their co-workers ar.d em�)�.oyer::.
Many Niseis are enrolled in institutions of higher learning, and it is
very likely that the majority of them will remain in Chicago after the oom
�letion of their studies, because of numerous job opportunities in the city.
The trend indicates that there will be a large proportion of specialists
and well trained workers in the future. The prospect of advancement in
business circles among the presently employed Ifiseis also appears very fa
vorable. This group of resettlers can, by patient and proper guidance, be
led to find jobs according to their abilities, and be on the look-out f,or
chances of advancement in their respective fields.
The need to be constantly assured, at the present stage, that it is
their in!ividual ability which will find them positions for which they
are qualified, regardless of their racial, religious or cultural back
grounds. This constant encouragement is of vital necessity due to the
impression which many of them have either consciously or subconsciously
acquired that they are an unwanted minori�y. One way in which the Chi
cago Resettlers Committee is undertaking this task of building confi
dence in these young men and women is by encouraging them to take full ad
vantage of the present favorable employment situation by establishing
themse1 ves where they can.
The approach used for finding jobs for the Issei is f�r different from
the method employed for the Nisei. In dealing with the Issei we find that
their great differences 1n age, and their language and cultural backgrollllil.ds
must be considered. The bulk of the Issei, whose average age is about
65, are employed in factories, and are working for relatively lov1 wages.
Consequently, many insist on working overtime to make ends meet. This type
of problem needs to be ironed out with their respective employers, who
would rather have the younger workers who have no language barriers and who
will work for shorter h ours.
Many Isseis attend weekly English classes held in the Chicago Resettlers
Building, to overcome the language barrier. The classes are under the aus
.pices of the Adult Education Department of the Board of Education of Chica
go. This is one of the many ways in which the Committee attempts to help
the older generation of the Japanese population.
Before evacuation on the Yfest Coast many of these Isseis had held fine
jobs and ovmed large properties. During the war years they lost not only
their occupations, but many lost a greater part of t heir properties. In
the unfamiliar environment of this large city, therefore, most of the Is
seis a.re beginning from "scratch." They need constant guidance and sympa
thy, and the Committee is staffed with wor leers who can understand their'
positions and help them in a constructive way.
III
HOUSING
The matter of adequately housing the resettlers still remains a di:f'fri
oult problem. This, of course, is not a situation peculiar to the Japanese
population only, since the housing shortage is acute throughout the nation.
The concentration of the resettler population is still in four well def:imed
areas of Chicago: (1) Lower Northside, (2) Far Northside, (3) Oakland-Ken
wood, (4) Hyde Park-1Toodlawn. A small minority are scattered throughout
the city and the suburban districts. The four areas of concentration just
noted are marginal areas of racial ten sion. These sections are the least
desirable for a long-range settlement, especially for the younger generation.
The concentration in these areas is due greatly to their accessibility and
the relatively low prices of the house&.
By a more equitable distribution the assimilation of Japanese and Japan
ese-American population into the whole community would be greatly speeded.
To make this possible every means should be employed t o create a better un
derstanding between the resettlers and the community populace at large •
... 4 -
c:.ill"
The Chicago Resettlers Committee is doing its utmost to help the
resettlers who come to the office with housing problems. In most cases.thcbe,+-1-ha.t
be done is t o provide the best quarters that are available under the existing circumstances.
The table below compares the number of requests for housing accomoda
tion from March through September, between 1947 and 1948. The housing trend
during this period is typical of tLn.t of +he entire period of the 1947 fis
cal year,
f
i
75
50
·•.::::.
25
APR
MAY
1947
n
,__.
Total - 114
lTar. - Sept.
IV
JUNE
IB@
JULY
1948
AUG
I
I
SEPT
Total - 394
Mar. - Sept.
COUNSELIWG AHD REFERRAL
For cowiseling and referral services the Chicago Resettlers Committee
has been cooperating,as in pre<:im.,-:;-year:·,vd.th the Council of Social Agen
cfo s, and the Community Refer:::.ilsiryi c�
The number of counseling and referral services are necessarily small
in number in relati on to other services rendered, because of the great a
mount of time which must be spent on individual cases. At present, the
Director assists six per sons a month who need old-age assistance. Approxi
mately a half day must be spent on each case in interpretation alone.
As with employment, the method of approach toward Nisei and the Kibei
(Japanese-Americans who have spent their formative years in Japan and have
returned to this country), differs in giving counseling and referral servicee
Due considerations must be given to their various backgrounds.
The Issei
ave
in
writing
problems
letters, applying for unemploy
and the Kibei who h
ment compensation, old-age pensions and relief funds, evacuation claims, le
gal assistance, and health and welfare problems in general, pr0sent an un
usual number of problems which cannot be easily presented in a statistical
- 5 -
form, because of the many complicated processes involved in manners of
handling them.
We are often called upon to help in personal and family problems, and
marital matters. Daily numerous phone calls are received about practically
everything.
V EDUCATION, SOCIAL-RECREATION
There have been many positiv�i 11vidrw�'3s during the past year in the
social-recreational life of N;-sei i ,·,hicli.. :,eem to indicate that resettlers
have become better adjusted and havebecome more useful as citizens of Chi
cago. There exists today at least eighty known groups, (exclusive of re
ligious organizations,) organized for athletics, social, or special interest
reasons, having over·l500 participants. The agency, either directly or in•
directly, aided 69 groups in program building, locating and arranging for
use of facilities, general consultation, and giving out of information.
Nearly all Uisei organizations t oday are utilizing existing community faci
lities. A few groups have been related to agencies, but a very few indivi
duals are related to agency program itself. (See Recreation Report of 1948)
Olivet Institute now serves the largest number of resettlers. All of
the Nisei basketball league games and most of the Saturday night dances,
sponsored by Girls' clubs or athletic teams, are held at Olivet. Th·e rec
reation program of t he agency, aimed to meet the social needs of young adults
and teen-agers, have been conducted largely in neighborhood agencies.
One o f the objectives of t he Committee's recreation program in 1948
was to get more Niseis into a.ct:i. vities and to strengthen group security
where it was needed. A record of 9,363 participants in the recreation and
informal education program last year is a definite evidence of the agencyh
effort to meet this goal. The Committee has encouraged more Niseis to join
on-going community activities. A few projects were started in which certain
agencies proved helpful; however, in 1949 a greater emphasis will be placed
to further encourage more folks to become fuller participating member.s :im
local community activities.
Although there is less evidence of delinquency among the Nisei than
in previous years there are social r�oblems among young adult and teen-age
groups which require continuec: stu::ly ancl "G sponsibility by the Resettlers
Conm1ittee. There is a lack of dE! :dral1le and "wholesome" social-recreation
activities for young Niseis. Certain undesirable social patterns are being
re-established at the sport dances. Many of the parents are refusing to
allow their daughters to attend these affairs b_ecause of intoxication, use
of abusive languages, and fights. The City-VTide Recreation Committee,
through its Open House programs, have provided well-planned and well-dir.eoted
recreation activities for the young adults. This feature will be continued
in 1949. Because there is a lack of tra:i..re
. d leaders among Niseis, the agen
cy will sponsor a leadership t raining workshop in the spring. Nisei groups
failed to take advantage of training courses offered by other community
organizations. The Committee will attempt to secur.e the cooperation of
other agencies to provide part-time workers or staff assistance to groups
using their facilities.
- 6 -
The Issei are ancoura�ed to participat e in a variety of activities
which have been orga:r..ized nl. t h the help of the Committee. such an event
as the Community Picnic, held in September, at Forest Preserves, Chicago,
with about 2,000 persons attendinf�a serve 1. the recreational needs of both
Issei and Nisei. The success of tJ:-w picnic was due primarily to the close
cooperation of the Issei and Nisei in organizing and carrying out this oom
munity-wide event. The Kabuki Show (Japanese drama) held in November with
about 450 attending also attracted the interest and encouraged participa
tion of both the Issei and the Nisei.
The following programs are now being carried out at the Chicago Resettlers
building:
English Cla-sses
Beginners
Advanced
Cooking Class
Sewing Class
Current Events Forum
Bridge Class
Goh Group
Shogi Group
Japanese Language Class
Singing Classes (Utai)
Twice weekly
Once weekly
Once weekly
Once weekly
Once weekly
Once weekly
Once weekly
Twice weekly
Once weekly
Following projects indicate the type of program sponsored during the past
fiscal period:
English Classes
Literary Art Show
Dancing Class
City-Yiide Committee
on Recreation
Uovie of Int ere st
Sightseeing Tour
Community Picnic
Kabuki Program
Open House Recreation
Chicago Buddhist Church
South Congregational Church
Resettlers Building
Resettlers Building
st. Paul's Episcopal Church
Ate Hngiwara in Charge
Olivet Institute
Entire City
Forest Preserve
Oak Hall
North Avenue Yl;ICA
st. Paul's Episcopal Church
Edwin J�a.rkham Center
Program of joint sponsorship for education
the following organizations:
The Chicago Shimpo
Midwest Golf Association
JACL Anti-Discrimination Committee
Mayor's Commission on Human Relations
Chicago Oriental Council
Twice weekly
Once weekly
Twice weekly
2,000 attendance
450 attendance
and recreation were planned with
Museum of Science and Industry
Nisei Athletic Association
Chicago Japanese American Council
Catholic Youth Organization
Chicago Ja.pane se L'llerican Music
Club
VI
THE RESETTLERS -COMMITTEE
IN ---RELATIOM TO ---PROGRESS IN ADJUSTUENT
--- -
The Chicago Resettlers Cor:md:c',;ce ,-,n:, pleased to receive, recently,
from Mr. Elmer L. Shirrell, thci E:--1pl oyr:1ent Uanager of the Curtiss Candy
Company, a letter which testifies to the marvelous way in which both the
Japanese and the Japanese Americans are contributing to the civic and social
life of the community. Mr. Shirrell has shown great interest in our work
from its very begimiing, and he is now a member of our Advisory Board.
Ue take the liberty of printing, herewith, his letter.
CURTISS CANDY COMPANY
1101 Belmont Avenue
Chicago 13; Illinois
October 5, 1948
Mr$ Jack Yasutake
Chicago Resettlers Corrmittee
1110 North La Salle street
Chicago, Illinois
Dear Mr. Yasutake:
I have been very much interested in the problems and work
which your organization has been doing since the Government abol
ished the nar Relocation Office in this area. As a member of your
advisory board and as an employment manaGer for my company, I have
had a double reason for being pleased with the professional way in
which your organization is me":l-:::ing the need of the alien and native
born Japanese who are in t;hicur;o. ':J::i.�hin a couple of years I can
foresee even the alien born Japanese who have not too good a command of English being able to go to the regular established community
agencies with their problems. In the meantime your agency is the only
one where they can find a sympathetic ear and a helpful hand in meet
ing their problems with housing, �mployment, recreation, sickness, the
English language classes, juvenile guidance, etc.
I am particularly happy that you have not attempted to
duplicate the services of other ongoing agencies, but have acted as
a necessary intermediary.
Speaking as an employer I will testify that Issei and Nisei
workers have made an excellent contribution to our company. I learn
from other personnel people in Chicago that they have had the same
experience. I believe that other employment managers are anxious for
more and more applicants from your group.
I trust that the work of this next year will be one of great
success for you and your staff.
Yours very truiy,
. . ,
.
/�lmer L. Shirrell
Employment Manager
- 8 -
VII
THE C.R.C. IN RELA1'ION TO OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
�7ithout the help and cooperation of the various religious and socia l
organizations and business firms in Chicnr;o the Chica.go Resettlers Cornmit
tee would not have been able to carry on i�s work as well as it did these
past years. Both tb those organizations v1hich have helped this Committee
in the initial days of its establishment, and to those which are helping
us now, we pay our highest tribute, expressing our deepest apl;)reciation
for their close cooperation with us.
1if0 are particularly appreciative of the usage of tho Chicago Resettlers
Committee's office and the building, 1110 N. La Salle Street, Chicago, by
the Catholic You�h Organization. The Rt. Rev. Bernard J. Sheil has been
especially kind to us in providing this building with necessary furnishilm.gs
and in giving continual encouragement to our work.
As indicated in v�rious sections of this re port, the re are numerous
social and religious organizations a nd business firms which have a ssisted
us in the past and are helping us now by financial assistance a nd by the
usa ge of their buildings and facilities for our educational and recreation
al progress. iife truly feel the interest which the com munity of Chica go
is showing us by its annual monetary contribution through the Community
Fund.
vie would particularly like tc Gxpress our e..ppr--o-oi...�i.- .. i: thQ e;rAA. +:
advanta ge which we derive fro,:, be} rngin:· -�o the Council of Soci a l Agencies,
and also by working closely v:ith thG Church Federation of Greater Chicago.
Such church groups as th e Unitarian Service Committee and the Congregational
National Committee have helped us get on our feet in the first years of our
organiz a tion.
It is important for the resettlers to be assured of the mora l and
material assistances which they are receiving. The resettlers are made to
feel tha t they can be integra ted into the community as a necessary p art
of the general soci a l pattern of the whole community life. They are ma oo
conscious of the social responsibilities they must fulfill as members of
the community, an d the various groups interested in the welfare of the
resettlers are encouraging them to do t heir utmost to carry our their
re sponsibil i ties.
rre a re taking the liberty to incorporate herewith, a comprehensive
report prepared by the Chicago Congregation a l Union. This organiz a tion,
under the capable guidance of its Genera l Director, Dr. Neil E. Hansen,
h as been faithfully serving the work of the Chic a go Resettlers, since it
was first organized three ye ars ago. Yfe are deeply grateful to the Chicago
Congregational Union for its outstanding support throu�hout these y ear s.
Director:
Mr. Jack Yasutake
Dr. Niel E. Hansen's Report
on
CHICAGO RESETTLERS CO!:iMITTEI:
1110 N. LaSalle Street
·-·--·1947
Income
Earnings:
Dues & Member ships
Productive Enterprises
Room Rent
Other Earnings
Gifts:
Individuals & Firms
c.c.u. Allocation
Cong. Natl. Committee
Unitarian serv. Com.
Other Church Groups
Community Trust
Community Fund
Expense
Salaries:
Executive Director
Clerical Salaries
Recreational Dir.Nisei
Recreational Dir.Issei
Other (Part time help)
Total salaries
Fixed Charges:
Operating Expense
Repairs & Painting
Furniture & Fixtures
Office & Contrell. Exp.
Inst. Supplies Etc.
c.c.u. Expenditure in
Addition to Allocation
Student Service (1947)
c.c.u.
c.c.u.
1,122.00
170.98
--
2,906.00
3,000.00
1,266.00
1 ., 200.00
--
1,054.00
1,200.00
500.00
2,865.00
4,324.03
50.00
1 ., 500.00
8,375.00
16 ., 851.00
8.64
499.00
1,200.00
1 ., 200.00
100.00
500.00
9,124.65
.-
1,200.00
500.00
500.00
9 ., 265.00
18,530.00
7,115.50
2,400.00
3,095.00
3 ., 112.50
2,285.79
325.57
11 ., 218.86
765 .. 0O
12 ., 285.00
139.77
122.08
257.97
1,749.96
114.13
·g,49§':1T
1,002.00
604.00
343.00
2,564.00
812.00
16,543.86
1,360.00
600.00
300.00
3 ., 085.00
900.00
18,530.00
3,350.00
790.50
1,625.00
1,350.00
137.50
Total Allocation
1946 - 1948
student Service
1948 Actual:Jan1949
Sept. plus Anti- Anticicipated:Oct...Dec. pated
C .C .U.
c.c.u.
$3,600.00
212.50
$3 ., 812. 50
3,600.00
4 ., 620.00
3 ., 300.00
REMARKSt
I.
/5
Brief History of Resettlers Committee - to date
,f:'>
The Chic a go Resettlers Committee was organized in December, 19� by
a. group of Japanese Americans who believed there should be a n a gency
with Japanese American leadership to help their people in their prob
lems and to direct them to other agencies according to their needs.
The c.c.u. voted an a llocation of $1,200.00 f.or 1946, with the under
standing that contributions would also be secured from the National
Congreg ational Com mittee on Christian Democr a cy, the Community Trust,
etc., for a tot a l budget of 06,500.
The work was carried on in 19 :1:6 with Ur. Kawa saki as Director a nd a
p a rt time secretary. It was recognized that there was great need for
a recreational pror;ram and facilities for Japanese Amerio.a ns,. and for
capable leadership to direct this program. Application was made to
· the Community Fund and an allocation for 1947 was granted. The Re
settlers Conunittee was accepted into membership by the Council of
Socia l Agencies in September, 1946.
1
In 1947 the work and budget Vl6re cons.:.derably expanded, with two new
full time staff members: Mr. Abe Ha.giwa.ra beginning work in June as
Recrea.tion a l Director for Nisei work and Mr. Jack Yasutake beginning
work in July as Recreational Director for the Issei wo rk. The Com
mittee secured the use of the c.Y.o. building a.t 1110 North La.Salle
Street, first occupying only a pa.rt of the sp ace, and later h a ving
the entire building rent free, but with the understanding that it
would bear the maintenance expense.
In May, 1948, Mr. Kawasaki was granted a leave of absence in order to
undertake work with the Japan Relief Program under the American Friends
Service Committee.
In September the Board of the Re settlers Committee appointed Mr. Yasu
take as Acting Executive Secretary; and we understand this is now a.
perm a nent a ppointment.
II. In Rega rd to the Budget
1.
Certain a llocation amounts have been reduced or a re no longer avail
these a.mounts h a ving been given mainly on the basis of new
and experimental work.
1947
i.946
1949 Est.
1948
a ble,
Unitarian Serv. Committee tl,500.
Congl. Natl. Committee
1,000.
(Bd. of Home Miss.)
1,200.
500.
500.
This has ma de it necess a ry for the Resettlers Committee to develop
more income from E a rnings and from Individuals & Firms, whi.ch it
ha s succeeded in doing.
1949
194.6 Origina l 1948 Pre sent
Estimate
Estimate
Budget
1947
Room Ren t
Dues &Memberships
Individuals & Firms
1,301.62
499.00
- 11 -
2,000.00
825.00
1,266.00
2,906.00
1,054.00
1,200.00
3,000.00
2,865.00
1948 Income for 9 months froi,, ;)ues c. .. cd r.:emberships is 02,862.00, with
only 044,00 anticipated for tho rc-naining three months; 9 months in
come from Individuals and Firms is �;941.00, with only 0113.00 anti
cipated in the remaininc three months,
The Committee may wish to ask if there is a real hope of increasing
the contributions from Individuals and Firms to 02,865.00 for 1949.
2.
The Expenditure budget has increased as the program was enlarged (See I)
and also because of the need of operating a building.
The salary expenditGre is somewhat different from the budget as
originally planned, because of the changes made during the year as
indicated in I. There ha.s also been an increase in the clerical
salaries, two full time workers now being employed where formerly
there was one office secretary.
1948 Original
Budget
Executive Director
Clerical Salaries
Recreation Director:
Nisei
Issei
Part Time Help
1948 Pre sent
Estimate
1949 Budget
3,600.00
2,195.00
2,400.00
3,095.00
3,600.00
4,620.00
3,000.00
3,000.00
3,112.50
2,285.79
325.57
11,218 ,85
3,soo._oq_
11,795,00
-
765.00
12,285.00
Because of the nature of much of the work, Office a.nd Controllimg
Expense is a larger proportion of the total budget than in the
average institutional bud::;et. This is detailed as follows:
1947
1949
1948
625.00
564.00
430.15
375.00
403.00
219.34
700.00
709.00
511.94
450,00
140.00
335.00
400.00
100.24
173.00
250.00
202.00
214.23
385.00
131.0G
178,00
3,085.00
2,564.00
1,749,36
Although there ,vas a small operating deficit in 1947, there was a suffi
cient balance on hand at the beginning of the year to cover this and
carry over a balance of �)458,40 at the end of.1947. No deficit is an
ticipated in 1948 on the basis of a Community Fund allocation of $8,375.
The Cammi ttee may wish to ask if there is assurance that the full amount,,
of the Conuuunity Fund allocation will be available, in view of the changes
in the original budget. Nine months receipts from the Community. Ftnd
were �)3, 6 36.00.
No deficit is anticipated in 1949 on the basis of the Community Fund
allocating 09,265.00.
St�tionery & Printing
Postage
Telephone & Telegraph
Advertising
Transportation
Conference Expense
Other Expense
3.
- 12 -
VIII
REMARKS
At the Cabinet Meeting of the Chica.co Resettlers Committee on Wednesday,
September 22, 1948, the following recorruJ1. 0�1do.tions were made and approved by
the Board of Directors in regard to the Administrative Staff for the fiscal
year of 1949.
Jack K. Yasutake, Exec�tive Director
Vx. Yasutake, formerly the Associate Executive
Director, became the Acting Executive Director
after the departure of l!r. Corky Kawasaki, who
took a position vdth the American Friends Service
Committee.
Eileen N�gatomo, Administrative Assistant
Miss Nagatomo was formerly the Secretary in the
front office.
Chiyoko Maeda, Secretary
Abraham IJ. Hagb"Jara, R&creation Director
l.ir. Hagiwara vril 1 continue serving in this position _.
which he has held for th!) past two years.
The office staff wil 1 work ir.. conjunction with t he Board of Directors
comprising of thirty members, t;he A�visoI'J Boa:cd, and the Cabinet Officers i11
the execution of the work of the agtincy,
IX
CONCI,USION
The Japanese and the Japanese Americans are still relatively new to
the coi\gfo.ne'n.U on oi' business and social activities of this large metropo
ITs:--f£riy-:-�_-r·;;·��--c:L11 not settled here woll enough to feel that they are
active members of their community •. By dealing with their problems on per
sonal basis with understanding, a.nd du e respect to their various backgrounds,
the Chicago Resettlers Committee makes every attempt to help the resettlers
become permanent citizens of the community, pa rticipating in its various
business and social activities •
. The resettlers have been ma.kine; a steady progress in the direction of
complete adjustmant to the community life at large. .i.�7s tl1e C:..,oire of tfie
Chicago Resettlers Committee to continue in its vrork of helping the re-se..t.tl�rs
progress in the right direction for permanent adjustment.
Since the Chicago Resettlers Committee does not dup:j.icate the work of
other agencies 1 but only work in conjunction with t hem, this Committee ha.s
the uniq•_te fn1r.tion of meeting most satisfactorily the various needs of the
people of Japai::.er;e descent in t he city. The volume a.nd the numerous types
of work underts.lnm by this Committee during these pa.st years show that such
an organization as this is necessary to serve as a concrete proof to the
resettlers of the community's interest in them.
- 13 -
'
X
THE
TREASURE R 'S
REPORT
CHICAGO
RESETTLERS
REPORT
TREASURY
•
From
January
1st
cor.-IMITTEE
to
November
30,
1948
Income:
Rent
Donation,
Donation,
Donation,
Trust and
Community
Individual
Hembership Dues
Organization
Foundation
Fund
$
1319. 36
1084.94
2904.00
1640.26
Hi00,00
Total
Cash on hand -Jan. 1, 1948
Acct. Receivable -Jan. 1, 1948
�
$
16,392.
307.
16,
56
43
150.97
850. 96
Expenses:
,I
Salaries
$10,213.98
Utilities
710.58
Insurance
83.15
Organization Dues
55.00
Repairs
771.45
Office Supplies
935.94
Telephones
644. 7 7
442.95
Fund Raising Exp.
165. 23
'Transportation
253.18
Conference Exp.
67. 06
Janitorial Supplies
78.08
Laundry
28
• 75
Linen
Educational & Recreational
89. 22
Furniture and Fixture
228.29
8.84
Bonding Exp.
62. 60
Sundry Exp.
$14,839.
Total
Bank Ba.lance
Nov. 30, lP�S
$
-
14 -
07
2JOll.89
16
,850.
96
'
TREASURY R:8PORT
MONTH OF NOVEHB&'t
November 1, 1948 - lfo•rnmber 30, 1948
Income:
Rent
Donation,
Donation,
Donation,
Community
Individual
Dues
Organization
Fund
Total
Nov. 1, 1948
Nov. 1, 1948
$ 120.00
95.00
8.00
148.66
2308.00
$ 2,679.66
1,118.12
30.50
$ 3,828.28
Bank Balance
Cash On Hand
Expenses:
Salaries
Utilities
Insurance
Repairs & Paintings
Office Supplies
Telephone
Promotion & Fund Raising
Transportation
Conference Exp.
Bonding
Fixture and Furniture
Office Sundry Exp.
Laundry
Janitorial & Clng.
Educ. and Recreation
•
$ 920.00
72.28
9.48
417.72
.LU.OS
56. l 2
. 51. 50
27.38
42.79
8.84
35.00
10.00
9.5:::
4.00
30.73
Total
Nov. 30, 1948
$1,816.39
2,011.89
0 3,828.28
- 15 /
XI
STATIST±cs OF SERVICES REi-rbERED
March through November.
,.___
1,
N'o.
d!'
1948
different persons si!ltved
2� *oblems -- help sought for,
106
201
f �P
275
Oct
---262
Nov Total
277 2475
204
373
351
368
.283
268
283
2527
a. Ag�d ;.. care outside :own·home
0
0
l
l
3
0
1
0
0
6
b� Child.. ca.re outside own home
·1
0
0
l
l
0
0
0
0
3
c, Employment
138
110
1�5
271
2 13
244
181
179
185
1656
d� Family relationships
2
l
5
6
0
2
l
5
1
23
el Financial assistance
6
0
3
2
3
4
l
4
4
27
f. Health
1
0
l
0
4
1
0
0
1
8
g. Housing
31
69
41
57
77
73
46
42
62
498
h. Legal service
,1
�
l
2
l
2
l
b
0
10
i. Other
16
19
17
33
49
42
52
3$
30
296
196
201
204
373 351
36 8
283
268
283
2527
a� Information or advice
5
17
17
16
55
20
40
34
24
228
b. Ref.--health,welfare agency
7
l
3
6
8
4
2
5
5
41
c. Ref. back to agcy. now active
0
2
7
6
13
20
10
8
8
74
d. Ref. directly--Emp.or Housing
87
110
105
233
168
261
194 174 135
1467
e. Requa st filed
J4
G9
71
106
102
56
33
42
57
630
97
2
1
6
5
7
4
5
54
181
6
2
4
6
7
5
4
6
4n,,
3. service provided
..
Mar Apr- -.::..
May Jun Jul Aug
184 201 204 368 351 353
r•
Other
4. Instances of assistance provided
other agencies on specific cas es
- 16 �
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Annual Report, 1948
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1948
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
application/pdf
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
text
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
RG09_Series01_Box01_1948
-
https://digitalcollections.jasc-chicago.org/omeka/files/original/c639ac463cbbf123dab4b265743a3ffe.pdf
2b82494578bf936b8118b08df26f8a03
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Annual Reports
Description
An account of the resource
Record Group 9, JASC Publications
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Chicago Resettlers Committee
Japanese American Service Committee
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Japanese American Service Committee
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1946-2011
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
RG09
Subject
The topic of the resource
Annual Reports of the Chicago Resettlers Committee and Japanese American Service Committee
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
paper
Text
Any textual data included in the document
.. .
.
. .
LJ CFu
'
t Ii e
A few months ago, several Japanese delegates, returning from the International Labor Conference in London, visited nty office and told me the following story:
"In Washington D.c., ,at a conference with the Secretaryof State and several other government officials, we were asked to freely present any question in regard
to general conditions in this country. We than related to them the question on the minds of many in Japan about the troatment of the 100,000 residents
in this country who were sent to the Relocation and Internment Camps during the war. We then asked,
''What has been the reaction of these people, some
of whom have lost everything during the war because
of the evacuation?" One of the officers answered
"At the conclusion of the war, we were not very
sure how they would get along. The best answer
to that question I would say is to see the actual outcome. I suggest that you stop in at Chicago
on your way to Japan and spend a few days there
to study the life of the resettlers. You will
see that the Japanese are living happily and harmoniously in that city."
The delegates told me that they came straight to tho ChicagoResettlers Committee as they were told that the Committee reaches the majority of the Japanese population in Chicago, and the informa• tion they desired could be obtained through our organization.
It was encouraging for me to knqw that those in WashingtonD.C, are aware of the situation here in Chicago. All visitors whohare interested in the life of the resettlers are amazed to see howhactively the Issei and Nisei are contributing to the community.
The future of the resettlers in this city seems to:bo unusuallyhbright. Of course, there are still many obstacles to overcome,hespecially with the Issei, but it is a pleasure to work in a citywhere the possibilities of solving these problems are encouragingand where the people concerned are willing to cooperate in our work.h
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
I INTRODUCTION • • • • • • • • • . • 1
II PROGRAM REPORT . . • • • • • • • .. 2
General
Canter Activity
Emplcyment
Hou.sing
Recreation and Education 6
III ISSEI NEEDS ARE GROWING • • • • • • • • 9
The Aged and Unemployable 9
IV COMMUNITY RELltTIONS • • • • • • • • 9
In Relation to Resettlers
In Relation to Community Agencies 10
and Organizations
V NEW CHALLENGES FOR 1950 • • • • • • • • 11
VI CONCLUSION • • • . • • • • • • • • 12
VII REMARlCS . . • • • • • • • • • 13
VIII FINANCIAL STATEMENT • • . • .. • • • 14
IX EXECUTIVE BOARD • • • • • • • • • • •
X APPENDIX . • • • • • • • • • • •
INTl.OD UCTION
The ±\1.nGti.on of the Chicago Rosottlers Committee in its outward manifestationsr., r:\C wi.11 be seen by this report: is to meet the imrre diate problems of tho Japanose resettlors in Chicago. The services provided
by the Com.rrti..tt00 may ½o summa:cizod as follows:
Tho Chicago Rusettlers Corrnnittee
1.rpro•r..das rofcrral•..information servico for employment, housingr., busi.oaa opportanities, counseling and schools.r
2ro assist3 ro,,ie+.tlors on application for welfare relief, unemployment c0:np0Esation, and old-ago pons ion.r
3.r
coo,erates with existing social wolfaro agoncios and businessrfirms in establishing good sound working relationships.r
4.r
maintains a list of availablo houses, apartments, rooms; andrdomestic opportunities.r
5.r
cultivates bottor understanding of our problems through publicrrolation activitios with private and public officials, andrgroups., and,,r
6.r
stimulates the uso of existing facilities for all-around recreational purposes,r
Since tho Chicngo Rosottlers Committee was established in 1943a it has triod to maintn.in a program by which it may bost serve to aid the resettlers to ost.r,lJlish thomsolvos in this community. Thore are group needs as well as j.ndividuul problems and thoy are boing handled accordingly. Tho majo:r i\mction of tho Committoo is still to encourage tho widor uso of r0couruos provided by tho wolfarorp education, and recreation agonci0sr0 both public and private, in our cormnunity. Tho Welfare Council of Metropolitan u: icago, tho Church Fodoration of Chicago, tho Catholic Youth Organization,. local churches, sottlomont housos, and community agencies havo coopo:ratod with tho general program of tho Committee.
Pl.OGI. AM REPORT
General
Tho continued need for the services and facilities of the ChicagoR0 sottlers Committee was further demonstrated in 1949 by the number of persons who participated in the program of the agency.
The number of individual probloms for which service was providedlast year totalled 3882 which represents an incroaso of 2lo3% over the same period the previous yoar. Of this number, 61% of tho requests wore for employment, 17% for housing, and 22% for all other types of problems. (See Fig. 1)
Most of the problems listed undor "othorsII wore givcm full attention, although tho agency was confronted with the usual number of "unusual" requests from individuals. To illustrate how tho Committoe adjusted its program to moat tho now and changing noods of tho community during tho yoar, two examples can be cited:
(1)l
When tho Evacuation Claims Act was approved by tho Congresslin July of 1948, it provided tho opportunity for "all personsof Japanese ancestry to filo claims for damage or loss oflreal or personal proporty •• " rosul ting from evacuation."lHundreds of rosottlors affected by this law looked to tholagency for information, intorprotation, and assistance inlsecuring and filling out the claims application. The deadlino for all applications was January 2, 1950.l
Because many Issoi were involvod, the agency cooperated withltho Japanose American Citizens Leaguo in providing logal andlintorprotation sorvico for 75 parsons. Over 130 persons wholwore unable to securo tho application from regular sources,ldue to one rouson or another wore given copies of the formlby tho agency.,l
(2)l
Thero woro a number of "returneos" from Japan among tho manylnewcomors to Chicago during 1949. These folks, who werelstranded in Japan during tho war, aro technically kibei*, having spent most of thoir educational years in Japan. Tholmajority of thorn aro young pooplo with soma language diffi•lculty. The agency was successful in encouraging and dirocting thorn to join English clussos in thoir own neighborhoods,and a number of thom havo found jobs through tho holp of tholCommittoo, Tho social noods of those folks are being studiodlat present by the Rocreation Council of the agency.l
It is significant to noto that tho numbor of roquosts for certain servicos decreased in 1949. Although inquiries for employmont, housingand community facilities increased, fewer persons came tn tho agoncywith problems concerning child caro, family rolationship, logal service,
* kiboi -American citizens of Japanoso ancestry, oducated in Japan.l
and health. (Seo Appendix A)
This docrease might be an indication of a groater dogroe of stabi• lity and security found among tho rosettlors today. On the othor hand, it sooms r0i:isonablo to assume that resottlors havo come to know genora l comnrunity rosourcos, whore problems can bo takon directly. The Committee has actively promoted this groator indop0ndonco through the stimulation of nowspapor articlos1 distribution of literature, and by word of mouth.
TYPES OF PROBLEMS
FOR WHICH SERVICES WERE GIVEN
Intorprototion
Arranging for facilitios
Rocroation•Education
Logal Sorvico Business Opportunity
Assist Old Ago, Unomploymont Componsation Information and Advi.o Domostic Rolations Financial Assistanco
Conter Activity
The cormnunity's domand for tho uso of agoncy facilitios for mootings,conferoncos, social ovonts, rocl'oational activitios, and adult oducation programs, continuod to bo hoavy in 1949, but tho total attondanco was slightly bolow tho 1948 figure. Tho docroase in total attondanco is probably not too significant, as in tho past yoar only an ostimato record of attondanco was kept, whilo in 1949 a more accursto account of tho num• bar attonding the meetings and ovonts was made. Tho records show that 358 groups mot for 776 sessions with a total of lls858 attondnnco. This
moans that there wore tho yoar previous. 23% moro groups using tho building in 1949 than in
Groups Sessions Attendance
1948 290 694 12,696
1949 358 776 11,858
No foos wore charged to groups using tho facilities but small dona• tions havo boon received from approciativo groups during tho past yoar.No chango is contomplatod in tho coming yoar with rospoct to outsido community groups using thu facilities of tho c.ntor. (Soo Appondix B).
It should bo notod horo, that Nisei groups incroasingly aro oncouragod to uso othor agoncy facilitieso For further commont on this policy, soo tho report of tho Committoo's rocroation program.
EmplorE:.9nt
Jobs during 1949 woro loss plentiful than tho provious yoar. Tho omploymont picturo of tho Japanese rosottlors sooms to bo in lino with our prosont national trond. Tho hardost hit group to bo affoctod bylay-offs and cut-backs was tho Issoi . who for tho most part ar0 vary noar tho rotiring ago. Woman, in gonoral, havo had loss difficulty in obtaining work, Roquosts from omployors for socrotarios, stone-typists,and clorks still oxco0d tho supply avnilablo.
EMPLOYMENT
300
I
\
I
"
I
I
.
'·
\
I
200
/ i -_/ \;
II
2lr3% i.crons in v lumo f sor(ico
100... --.i.--.....i..--.._--___,_ __ _.___._ ____ __,____,_ ______________ _
Figura 2
-4
In 1949, 2,374 persons sought tho omploymont roforral sorvico. About 65% of the job sookors woro successfully rcforrod to omployors. If tho applicant was not particular, thoro was always soma work available. (SaoFigura 2).
Although opportunity for omploymont in Chicago is considerably bettor than olsowhoro in tho country, ospocially as compared to tho Wost Coast,thoro aro two major problems which tho rosottlors faco today.
First, opportunities for qualified Nisei in tho spocializod and trained fields aro limitod,for those positions, whore competition is koon, racial background probably is moro likely to bo considorod in tho selection of omployoos. Socond, thoro aro not onough "quality" or skilled jobs mado available to tho rosettlors.
With moro and moro Nisoi coming out of collogos and univorsitioe· oach yoar, tho possibilities for thorn to bo placod in positions within thoir rospoctivo fiolds become loss. Business and educational loaders admit that thoro will bo fowor jobs for collage graduates this yoar. Thoroforo, it is imporativo thcit tho Committoo adept a moro positive
and vigorous program to improve tho omploymont situation of tho JapanesoAmerican rosottlots, and consult with othor groups as to what may bo dono to moot this problem of many young Americans.
Tho Nisoi in Chicago havo made spoctacular gains by having oxplorod now areas in many fields sinco arriving horo six years ngo.,. Their industry and diligence aro continuing to hold tho rospoct .no confidonoo of tho employers. In soma aroas, tho Nisei arc among tho last to bo firod. Somo omployors profor to hire Nisei. Tho c.goncy is dofinitolyinterostod in safeguarding any progress mado by tho Nisoi in tho aroa
of omployment.
Housing
The year 1949 found a greater concentration of Japanese on tho NBar N.rthsido and the Westsideo Property owners among the Japanese increased on the Westside during this past year with increasing number of resettlers living in the scattered sections of Chicago's great W.stside. Good and adequate housing are still difficult to find, and the demand has continued to be heavy in 1949.
Today tho resottlers are living in five well defined areas .f Chicago. The largest concentration of homo and apff rtment owners are
in (1) the Oakland and Kenwood communititios on the Southside. othor areas are (2) Noar Northside community, (3) Hyde Park and 'Voodlawn communities, (4) Far Northsido, and (5) greater .:Vestside. A number of families havo scattered throughout the city and in some suburban com.
HOUSING
1n1t I
1
100 /\ I
1\ 71
, I/I \ I I
::J ...• ---1,
\
I
I
'
(\ I \ I
I '
\ • \ I / \
; I
50 I I I j ' '\ /\/
' ' \
I
I \ I
19. • --It /' '' ' , / \ \
/ '}I .. .-v ,.
,· I
I \
I \
/
I /-X
!'-v I ,___..,, .
1.48 ..../
3 a1
Jo lincrea so
0
Jan.· Feb. Mario April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.
1949 .. 658 1948 -6!2i(10 Months)i
Tho problem in housing as seen by this agency is two-fold: first, to locato now possibilities for housing, making availablo new buildings to be loasod or rontod to Japanese familios; second, soma assistance ought to bo given to individuals who aro ready to build homos in the now dovolopment housing areas. Tho agency hero again should adopt an aggrossivo program in 1950 to opon up new aroas in housing for tho resottlors.
In gonoral ront is still too high, and n great numbor of tho resettlors is now living in apartments and rooming houses oporatodby Japanoso. The concentration of the resottlers in sevoral section of tho city as doscribed above id due largely to thoir accessibilityand availability and not nocossarily by choice.
Rocroation and Education
The domand and nood for recreational and educational activities for tho Nisei continuod to grow in 1949. Approximately 25 now groupshavo boon created during tho yoar, most of thorn boing self-organizedfriendship clubs. Tho Committee wns instrumental in dirocting a number of thoso groups to rocroational agoncios. Sovoral of those agoncieswhich had roceivod provious assistance in interpretation, have roportodworking moro and more diroctly with Nisoi groups which aro beginning to como in to tho agencies on thoir own initiative •
. .. • .
....,.
Tho socinl pattorn of tho Nisei is now fairly v,ell ostablishod.
As a group, thoy aro inclinod to plan in terms of organizing social, recreational and athletic cctivitios for themsolvos. Occasionally,with soma oncouragomcnt from leadors, toams havo participatod in nonNisoi athlotic lo&guos in difforont sections of tho city.
Tho basic philosophy which charactorizos tho agency's rocroationol program is still "rufer intorost groups to agoncios best oquippod to servo thom.o11 In thu avant thnt this is impractical, tho agoncy utilizes indigonous loadors to holp organize and guide tho program of tho group. Tho agoncy, through tho work of tho City-1:'fido Rocroation Council, uncouragod widor uso of community rosourcos and promoted some inter-groupactivity with tho given limitation of tho Nisei involvod in thoir roadinoss for this typo of participation.
Tho four aspects of tho rocroation-oducation program conductod bytho agoncy aro:
A.oWorking closely with community recreation ogoncios, bothopublic and private. In this rogard, Olivet Institute, St.oPaul's Episcopal Church, First-Baptist Y .tf.. C .A. Cont or,o
Loop Y.'7[. C .A. C(mtor, and Edwin Markham Cont or havo boono
most successful in their relation to Nisei groups. This isobocauso in oach instanco, o Nisei is rrJlatod to tho agencyoithor as a staff workor or a committoo mombor of tho agoncy.o
Tho Committoo found much cooporation in working with thooLawson Y.M.C.A., McCormick Y.W.C.A.o1 Soars Y.M.C.A., WestsideoY.W.C.A., Camp Roinborg Association, St. Potor's Epis.opalChurch, Goorgo Williams Collogo, Garfiold Park, Grant Park,oand Soward Park. Thoso facilitios and loo.dorship resourcesoprovod oxtromoly helpful.o
B.oConducting and sponsoring nctivitios bosod on unmet noods ofoyouth and adults in tho wider community. (Soo Appendix C).o
C& Providing rocroational and oducational information of oxistingfacilities, on-going community programs and spacial ovonts of intorost to Nisoi groups and organizations through froquont publications of "Nows Roloaso" nnd "Bulletin" and mailed to organization loadors.
D.oGiving assistance to Nisei groups with organizational problemsconcerning program in setting up of objectives, by providingodiroction, and by planning with othor ogoncios to socurooparticipation of Japoneso-Amoricans. This typo of sorvicoocannot be moasurod statistically.o
(a)oDiroct assistonco to:o
Chicago Nisei Athletic Association (350 mombors) Nisei Girls Intor.Club Council (13)
Nisei Girls Athlotic Loaguo (150)
-7
Midw ost Tennis Club (40)
Nisoi Inter-Collo g iato gr oup (15) Tri-C ( 40 toon agar s )
( b ) Indiroct assistance to:
Midwost Golf Association (110 mombors) Nisei Vue National Invitational Basketball Tournamont
( c) Miscollnnoous assistanco to:
Athlotic teams ( 16) Social clubs ( 20) Churches (7)
Civic clubs
ISSEI NEEDS ARE GROWING
Moro Issoi havo takon activo part in tho agoncy program duringtho past yoar. Thoy organizod and conductod its annual CommunityPicnic to which 2400 parsons attondod. (Tho Issoi also sponsorod an unusual classical-drama program, which draw 500 persons.) Such activitios as Japanoso pootry, singing, goh, shogi, 'lectures, sponeorod by tho Committoo, havo provod popular with many. A groatmajority of tho Issoi aro looking forward to their "Golden Yoars" with optimism and groat oxpoctation. Ono roason is that their lifotimo droam of becoming a citizon of tho United Statos may como to roality this yoar if tho Waltor Resolution, now boforo Congress, is approvod. Tho bill is to permit pormanont alion rosidonts in tho United States now ineligible for citizonship to apply for naturalization. Tho anticipation of this dream has spurred many to attend English Classes conducted under tho joint auspices of tho Board of Education and tho Committoo. It is inspiring to soc so many attend wookly classos dospito advorso woathor conditions,
Tho Agod and Unomployablo
Tho problom of tho agod and unomployablo Issoi will continua to grow moro sorious each yoar, For most Issoi this is thoir twilightporiod as many aro around tho retiring ago of 65 yours. During tho yoar 50 parsons sought aid for financial assistanco, housing, and care. This is a 35% incroaso ovor tho provious yoar. T.o assist thom with routine mattors roquirod a groat doal of staff timo.
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Tho Committee maintainod a high dogroo of offoctivonoss as a liason agency by continuing to work closoly with all community groups on problems affocting tho gonoral wolfaro of tho rosottlors. Board mombors and staff workors woro moro active this yoar than tho past,
as participants in community councils, city-wido organizations, and youth serving agoncios • Tho two diroctors havo attondod cvoning (348) mootings separately. Tho·Committco supplied spoakors and program to religious, civic and educational groups upon roquost to promoto bottor understanding of tho noods and problems of tho rosottlors.
Public agoncios as wall as private organizations havo lookod to tho Committoo for assistanco of ono kind or another involving tho Japanoso. Thoso roquosts rccoivod careful attention and consideration by tho staff'.
In Rolation to Rosottlors
Tho Japanoso community has also rocognizod tho work .f tho Committoo and rospondod wall to its appoal for membership during 1949. Tho total of 1660 paid mombors, 200 moro than 1948, boar out this phase of tho Committoo's relationship with tho comnn.mity.
T..rosonco of tho Chicago_ Rosott_lors Comm.i.ttoo has givon confidonco and oncouragomont to many rosottlcrs in 19·-:l-S to c2•i;oblish thoir own homos and businossos..!_ A survoy of-th-;-··;;-ity rovoalo(l--i'.11;.t ro£:ottlor·s now own
234 hotols, apartments and rooming houses, Iri 11dd:i:t;i,)n thoro nro 241 businoss ostablishmonts throughout Chicagolnnd ol.thor owned or oporatodby Japanoso. Tho number of doctors, lmvyc:·s, der.ti,sts, and other professionals practicing in Chicago now total 82c Tho resottlors as a wholo are bettor estnblished and better o:rganizod today than at anytime previous sinco relocating to Chicago.
This rapid dovolopmont can bo attributed to tho following reasons:
1i0 Tho rosottlors havo coma to Chicago dotorminod to mako a "homo" for thomselvos. Thoy hnvoi! thcreforo, triad to ostablish their roots in this community oconomically.
2.i
Bottor businoss end job opportunitios aro in Chicago thaniolsowhore.i
3.i
In contrast to tho "just arrivod" im."lligrants, tho rosottlorsihavo brought with thorn yeGrs of oxperienco, knowledgo andiresourcos which havo propared thorn batter for community lifo.i
IN RELATION TO COIViMUNITY AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS
The Chic.go Resettlers Committee i8-deeply grateful to all the social agencies, bus i..ss est a bl ishmer.ts t• c0:,r-':!1.1?J2j __!und city-widei
_
organizations and numerous individuals who hav6 aided materially in
the support of our program during 1949.,
The Committee is particularly indebted to Rta Rev. Bernard J.
Sheil and the Catholic Youth Organization for providing the facilities
of the building located on 1110 N. La Salle St:('89t1 rent free, for the
third continuous year. Through the Bishop:s generosity and good will,
the Committee's program will continue to operate from this building
in 1950i,,
The Chicago Congregational Union, one of the original supportersof the Committee, continued to show keen intere8t by contributing substantially to the agency budget last yea:i·o The personal interest in the resettlers shown by Dr. Neil Eo Hansen, Director of the Union, has been a great source of encouragementio
The Committee wishes to extend a vote of thanks to the CommunityTrust and the Community Fund of Chicago for their contributions in 1949" The fine relationship developed between the Committee and the Welfare Council of Metropolitan Chicago and tho Fund has been a majorfactor in the prcgress achieved by the agency in its few years of existence.
•i10
Excerpts from two letters reproduced in part below, one from a business firm and another from an oducational institution, illustrate how well community organizations and agencies regard the work of the Committee.
February 7, 1950
Dear Mr. Hagiwara:
11As a member of the Committee of Management at the First Baptist -YMCA Center, I have been verymuch interested in the intercultural program carried on at this center. Your active interest and assistance has been most helpful. This center has afforded an opportunity for many of the Nisei to participatein constructive com .. rnunity effort •••••
"May the Chicago Resettlers Committee move forward with its splendid program.n
Sincerely,
H.sc. Coffman, President (Signed)sGeorge Williams College
** ** * * ** * *
February 8, 1950
Dear Mr. Yasutake:
11 1 am writing to tell you how much we have appreciated the assistance and cooperation •••••
You have always analyzed our problems and furnished us with the properly qualified help.
ttwe aro very much interested in the work that you and your organization are doing and we certainly want to recommend you in evory possible way. Your organization is to be congratulated on the efficient and courteous manner in which you conduct your business. 11
Yours very truly,
A.sSamuels, President (Signed)Speed-0-Print Corporations
NEW CHALLENGES FOR 1950
The 1950 census will, in all probability, lower the estimated figureof Chicago's 20.000 Japanese American .esettlers reported by this agencyin past years. Since 1947 there has been more people moving away from Chicago to the West Coast than people coming into the Midwest. This trend
-11
will continuo at a slowor rato. Thero is ovary indication that tho prosent population of tho resottlors will remain about the samo for tho next few yoars unless a sharp doclino in omployment occurs.
Thero have boon somo now facos appoaring in Chicago during the past18 months. Among the incoming group to Chicagoland aro: (1) Roturnoes from Japan as provio4sly described in this report: (?) Families in noigh•boring Midwostorn communitios who havo pullod up stakes for social and not economic roasons. Paronts aro lonesome without frionds and they want thoir children to grow up with othor Nisei, (3) Resottlors who docidod to coma back to tho Midwest aftor 'going homo' to tho Wost Coast whoro thoyfound fowor omploymont opportunities, ond (4) students and job sookors from Hawaii, most of them boing ox-sorvicomon.
Tho unmot noods of tho nowcornors, us wall as tho currant noods of tho rosottlors, continua to require attention.
Tho Committoo in 1950 will confront some issuos that will nooossitate tho oooporativo offort of loadors among tho rosottlors and tho community•wido agoncios. An immediato considorotion .ill bo mado rogarding tho purchase of tho building in which tho Committoo program is now conductod.
A prossing problom, which is growing moro serious oach year, is that of ostablishing in tho community a homo for the Japanoso aged.
Tho loadorship potontialitios of Nisoi youth noods further devolopmont.
A spacial educational program is boing plannod to train now loadors.
Moro group activities for Issoi around gonoral or spacial intorosts
nood to be fostorod. _!specially in anticipation ___of tho possible passage
of a bill to permit naturalization, tho Conunittoo should oxpand its prosont Americanization oducation program.
Tho Chicago Rosottlors Committoo should actively align itsolf with othor groups concornod with tho ostublishmont of a community rocroational cantor on tho Noar North, nvailablo to all.
In order for tho Nisei to participate moro fully in tho ongoing pro• grams of community agoncios, it is in9isponsablo that agon. loadorship
tako a moro activo rolo in oncouraging such par.tic.pntion•-i.o.,supervision of Nisoi group activitios, employing a qualified Nisoi staff
worker, inviting Nisoi participation on agency committoos and boards, oto.
CONCLUSIO.J
Jopnnoso Amoricans fully rocognizo that thoro will always bo individuals who will nood assistance in thoir porsonal adjustmont problems. Thoir needs ns a group aro similar to tho noods of any minority groupin a largo urban community. Intorproting tho noods of thoso pooplo as thoy nriso to tho appropriate ugencios sooms tc bo tho most offoctivo moans of attaining tho long-rango objoctivos of tho Corn;:tlttooo Tho Committoo doos not oxist as an indispensablo crutch for dopondontpooplo. It must continuo to aid Japanoso American rosottlors to gain
groator indopondonco--oconomicully, socially and politically. Chicago'svast human and matorial rosourcos aro availaoto to moot this challongoo! Tho Committoo aims to uso thom whonovor and whorovor possiblo.
• 12
REMARKS
l.rBudgotr
The organization has satisfactorily mot all of its financial obliga
tions in 1949. T.o incroaso of c.ntributions and m0mborship oachr
yoar, roflocts tho stoady and healthy growth of tho ag;Q_ll... Thor
oporating budgot for 1949 was tho largest sinco tho organization
first began.r
Budget Comparison of Incomo Sinco 1946
1947 1948 1949 1950
Income Actual Actual Actual Estimate
Ront 480 480 Contribution
(Individual & Memborship) 4,801 6,660 6,978 8,700 Chicago Congrogational Union 1,200 1r., 200 1,200 1,200 Community Trust 500 500 500 Community Fund 4,521 8,179 8,157 8# 425
2.rStaffr
The porsonnol consists of an Executive Director, Associate Diroctor,r
offico secretary, and socrotnry-bookkooporo The present diroctor,r
Jack Ke Yasutako, in addition to his proscribed duties, has assumedr
tho rosponsibilitios of providing recroe.tional activities for thorIssoi.r
Abe Hagiwara's Recreation Director's status was changed to Associater
Director,. offoctive Docembor 1, 1949. In addition to Nisoi recreationr
work, his now responsibilities now include supervision of groups·r
using tho building; public relations, reports, and assigned administrative dutios.r
The office socrotary, Miss Raiko Konatsu, acts as chiof rocoptionist,interviowor, and assumes limited stenographic duties.r
Miss Holen Kato, socrotary-bookkooper, maintains all records, files,rfinancial transactions relating to current operation, and assumosrmajor stenographic rosponsibilitios.r
3.rTroasuror's Reportr
(see attached page)r
-13 •
FINANCIAL STATEMENT January 1 to Docombor 31, 1949
INCO:MEt
Insuranco Dividonds !163 Rent 480.,00 Comnrunity Fund 1948 Bolanco 280.69 Contribution (individual) 2352,.2.4 Membership Duos 4625000 Foundation ond Trust 500.,00 Corrmunity Fund 799'?,,00other Organizations 1300.oOO
Total Incomo
Cash on Hand, January 1, 1949
EXPENSE:
Salaries {Exoc. and Clar.) 8523.34 Salorios (Supervisor) 3300.00 Utilities 829.26 Insuronco 50.24 Organizational Duos 95.00 Repairs and Docorating 1056092 Offico Supplies (Print, & Sta.) 897.52 Telophono 723.45 Fund Raising and Promotional 561,,71 Trnnsportation 255058 Conforonco Exponso 333089 Auditing 138.60 Sundry Offico Expanses 125.84 Furniture 3l4c, 62
Laundry 87,, 54 Janitorial ll8c42 Rocroation and Education 620,.38
Total Exponso
Cash Doficit on Docombor 31, 1949
17536.56 232,.68 17769.24
10O22.:n {253.07) 17769.24
CHICAGJ REGETTL}.RS COI.ffl'TEE 1110 N. LaSalle 8t?cot Chicago 10, Illinois
E l E C U 'l' I V E BO A RD
1949--1950
President ••• , •••• Thomes MasudalVice-Presidents ••••• Nob):r'" u Eo:1dal
Taho::. :·.1c: CJ,ma ga Secretary • , • • •••• Tomi D;;r,1,J+:o Treasurer •••••l••• Ric:tie.:t1 E., YamadalAuditors • • • , ••l•• Dr Het.;:r:.1::rnburo Kuki
o
Harr., 1Vl. Satu.sawalEx-Officio • • •l• •l• •lHari-y K., Mayodal
Mombol's of Executive l,oard
Rev. Georgo Aki Miss Tomi Domoto Jamos Ezaki Ryoichi Fujii Hisoi Fukuda Noboru Honda Kiyoshi Joichi
Rev. Joseph Kitagawa Ichikuro Kondo
Rev. Gyodo Kono
Rov. Qyomoi M..Kubose Dr. Matsusaburd Kuki Mrs, Ayako Kurnamoto Rav. Chiaki Kusuhara Rev. \William N, Lovoll Thomas Masuda
Keichi Masunaka.
Tahoi MatsunagaHarry Kc MayedaMasaji Morita S.hignru NagataKe:i:Jji Nakanol
Mrs, Setsuko Nishil
Tadnishi OkuharalRov. A:i.:.drow OyumalHa,:ly M,. SabusawalShozo SokiguchiKorvwhiro SugimotoMrs. M2.ry Suzukil
Tai2uko Takahashil
Rev,, Kohoi Takedal
Johr.. H.., Woddolll
Richard H. Yamadal
Jira Yamaguchil
Member. of Advisdry Board
Russell w. Ballard Edward Eaglo Brovm Hohm P. Bull Horace R. CaytonEarl B. Dickerson Dr• Arthur G. Falls William H. HaightDr. S. I. Hayakawa
Dr. Molvillo J. liorskovitz Joseph Keonan
Leo Lornor
Mrs • Emil o LavyMichaol Mann Ju.go John P. McGoorty
G0 ox ge B. McKibben
John Nuvoon, Jr•
Doan Robert Redfield
Dean Curtiss w. Reoso Dr. Harold w. Ruopp
Judgo George L. QuiliciElm:n:· L. Shirrell Dro Edr.a.d J. Sparlingw. Ellis Stowart Williard s. Townsend Philip Wain Mrs. John H. Weddell Rabbi Jacob J. Woinstoin
APPENDIX A
Volume of Service for 1949
Total number of persons served. oo o c o • •. • • .3882Q • • • •
Problems for which help was sought: Total 3882
Employment. • • •• • • •n• •n• •• •n• •n• • .2374nHousing••••n•••••n•n•••••••••, •• 658nFinancial Assistance ••••••••• • •••• 58nHealth• • • , • • • • •• •• •••• •• •• •n7 Legal Service. , • • • • •• •• •• •• •• •• 5nFamily Relationship •••n••••••••• •• •n3nothers • • • • , • • • • • • •n• •n• •n• •n• •n• 777n
Services Provided: Total 4046
Reforre_d direotly to· employment or housing ••• 1527nInformation or advice •• . ••••••n••••• 737nRecreation-education •••••••••••••• 51 Referred to agency already active •• •n• •n•• • 82nEvacuation claims forms, • • •••••••••• 129nReferred to health or welfare agencyn• .._ •••• 33nRequest filed ••n••••••••n•••n••••• 781nCould not or unable to help ••n••• « ••• • • 706
Comparison of Service over 4 year period
Monthly Average
1946 1947 1948 1949
Persons served
161 '266 323
Employment 73 88 180 199
Housing 18 14 52 55
Referral ( general) Counseling 33 13 24 9 -
Financial Assistance 3 4
Information and Advice 27 61
Referred to Employment and Housing 146 12'7
Referred to Health and Welfare Agency 40 27 4.6 3
APPENDIX B
ORGANIZATIONS CLUBS
Japan Reliof Comnitteo Asia Post Chicago Oriental Council Jolono's Midwest Buddhist Church Mam•sella Chicago Nisei Athletic Association Estollos
(G)
Japanoso-Amorican Council Chatolo.ino 's First Baptist Fellowship Occidontlill
Crodit Union Association S ilhouotto 's
Hotel Ownors Committoe Sorollos
(G )
Girls Baskotball League Philos Anti•Discrimination Committee Unknowns Senior B • Baskotball Longuo Armitoons
(co)Christian Youth Fellowship Charmottes ( G )Mid•ost Golf Association Hawaiian Group (CO)Saints (B)
Japonoso Amorican Citizons LeQguQOccidontal Lifo Insuranco
Mor curios
Eastern Young Buddhist Council Ting-A-Ling•sCYO • Maryknoll Group Chicagoans
(co)
Girls Intor-Club Council
Midwost Tonnis Club
City.Wida Rocrootion Council
20 & 6 Club
Church of Josus Christ Mutual Aid SocietySavings Association Nisoi Vats
Japanoso Chambor of Commorco Moody Church FellowshipCommunity Fund Tour GroupHotel Association Nisei Bowling Loaguo
Intor-Collegiato Baskotball Committoo East-Wost Club Funferonco Club Japanoso-Amorican Music Club Uyeda Sistors Dance Supporters
ISSEI
Shogi (Japanoso chockors) Sonryu Tri•C Club
SPECIAL INTEREST
Gaka Guild (Art)
Book Club
Fishing Club
Cooking
Japanose Class
English Class
Locturo serioa (7)Music Club
Toon-ago Canteen
Intor-Dollegiato groupGoh (Japanese choss} Mandel in Club
Shigin (Singing group) Shinko Band (musical onsemblo)utai (Classic chant r.ading) Sewing
Businessmen's planning Quartotto
Women's Toa Committee Bridgo Club
Kanzoi-kai (Classic singing) Tokusho-kai (Reading clue) Raiku•koi (Pootry)
Senryu-kai (Poetry)
Biwu (Instrumental).
Savings Association (3)
APPENDIX C
SPONSORED ACTIVITIES:
Events
Winter Co-ed Crunp
Northsido Open House
Wostsido Opon House
Recreation Workshop for Loadorship Training
Co-od Collogiato Fling
Joint mooting of Rocroation
Council and Funforonco Group Council Rotroat
Westside Picnic Outing Summer Camp for Children Family Outing
Co-ad Outing
International Festival Chfistmus Program
Annual Council Mooting Christmas Party for students
Facilities
Camp Sagnwau
Y.WoCoA• CampC
North Avenue YMCA
Soars YMCA
Hunter Building Loop Canter YWCA
McCormick YWCA Chicago Resettlers
Committee
Camp Reinborg
Pattowatami Stato Park Camp R0 inborg
College Camp
Forest Boach
YWCA Camp
YWCA
Museum of Science
and Industry
McCormick YWCA
Chicago Resettlers
Cormnittee
Participants
Nisei Others Total
38 0 38
400 0 400
121 5 126
195 5 200
200 0 200
7 19 26
32 0 32
117 0 117
14 82 96
21
50 70 120
13
28
103 14 117
38 0 38
TOTAL 1377 195 1572
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Annual Report, 1949
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1949
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
application/pdf
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
text
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
RG09_Series01_Box01_1949
-
https://digitalcollections.jasc-chicago.org/omeka/files/original/5321ad9711d1645c1df59616f9221ba5.pdf
dd27844c42ca5d0330d4887e28d4ac35
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Annual Reports
Description
An account of the resource
Record Group 9, JASC Publications
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Chicago Resettlers Committee
Japanese American Service Committee
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Japanese American Service Committee
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1946-2011
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
RG09
Subject
The topic of the resource
Annual Reports of the Chicago Resettlers Committee and Japanese American Service Committee
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
paper
Text
Any textual data included in the document
a� Amerlcar,
rvice Co,.,,mittee of Chi..ag
3257 Nor " Stie'h•ld Avenue
Ch1ca.3 , Illinois 60657
o
lucaq
(l
.
<R�).)
aonuttiltu
l
?,epar,cl"'
f
Jib
/faJ, (. M
(xec11tiv1 blr1ctor
1950 Annual Report
..
CHICAGO RESETTLERS COMMITTEE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface by Director
I INTRODUCTION
Ao Brief History
B. Purpose and Function
II JAPANESE AMERICl,NS DT CHIC/,.GO TODAY
III PROGRJ..M OF THE RESETTLERS COMMITTEE
A1 Gener al
Bo Center Activity
C. Employment
D .. Housing
E. Recreation
F. Issei
IV OUR PERSPECTIVES
V REMARKS
VI APPENDIX
:i an
:, i y
s itors
m
fr o
the
e endo su sc
tr m
im
b
pressed
churche
s
t
y
gre
Co n
h
Unio n Chur c
many
car
r
oth e s
r
yin
ntribu
c o
t
w ds o
to ar
ga
f
o
pe
ad
g
o u
in
o s
ur
t
ti
o
e
c
l
na
s
f
H: i .n sda
p or
ti
za
an
a
up
i
an
g-r
s
e
offic e
our
pr
our
of
ro
r
into
p
parts
ram
og
The
y
.
from
t
ons
an
t
Q
th
exp
of
country
surprise
ress
are
variou
at
especially
a�encies
s
comm u.�it
y
d
the
leaders
1
-
both
.
ul
Un
i
on
e Ca
Communit y Fund,
o
Communit
Chica go
,
th
l
e
Chica g
e
�
tholi
c
Yout
h
r
Trust,
the
Organ izatio
rulCi
n
.,
who
out
g
o
are
We
Chicaso
b
e
o
non-Jap
and
n
Japa ese
o
h
v ic
c i
,
dr
uho
and
Japan
fro m differ en t
i
v
go
are
pro
r
have
a
l
:;
o
i
v
i
am
gr
n
.
he l ec
p
f
in
te
g
':.
us
fin
�· e
J
bel
ei
J
ap
6Ta
anes
tio
n
ancia
e
an
v
e
l
and mora l support in
tha
t
thei
r invaluable
g
.fi.mericanE mak e pror
d
democrati
c living.
es
s
IH'T.ROD�TCT ION
Ao
Br:i.ef History
An informal committee of .:;apar;ese 1J11erican leaders was organized
at the end of 19h.3 t.0 intc:-p!"e-:-, t:1a ;.1e0ds o? the resettlers from the
relocation cen.te:".'s to the ·va::-ious agenGies ccncerned with their
adjnstment. In Dece:nber 19h5, th�s r.�:..c��6us exp::n1ded into the Chicago
Resett.lers Comrnj_ttee to assist, Japan13sc :Jner:i.,:;an.s x-esettle in Chicago.
A flexible prog...�an1 was estc.bJj shc-d wh:i"h considered the immediate
needs of the Je.pAn'.3se L1:ierir.A.ns and :::-elated them to the long-term
objei:;tive of complete ir.teg:J'.·,:i.tion i.n local commu."YJ.ity life�
With th'3 f L1:1n�ial assistan�;e of the Chicago Congregationn.l Uni9n,
the Cornrnmity T:r-0.st, the t;ational Congregational Commj_ttee on Christian
Democr-'3.cy, and cth;:)::-s, a wo:-:c1.i1g budget was alloi;atod for the task ., In
September, 19h6, the Reset.t1ers Committee uas accepted into membership
by the Welfare CoiJncil of Mctropcl1. tan Cl1i:::ago, then 1.mmm as the
Council of Social Agen�ies, Ee.r:l.y in 19h7, the three story building at
1110 North La Salle was si:,ppliec-:. rent •. f:,,-ee by the Catholic Youth
Organizntionft Du.:-ing th:i..s pe1�iod., 'c.t1e Cominittee helped to broaden the
base of Japanese !.J11erican emplo;y:,19nt md housing,, By referral to health
and welfare agencies, l0cal and community organizations and interpretation
of these agencies to the resettlers, a pattern of use of existing facilities
was established�
With the alleviation of the most pressing problems of employment and
housing came the need for a recreational progra� for the Issei and the
youth. The Committee �xpanded its services to include recreation and
education, with an objective of encouraging wider use of corrnnunity
resources and the promotion of inter-group activity wherever possible.
By decentralizing social-recreational activities throughout the city, and
establishing programs in neighborhoods where the Japanese /.merican lived,
the agency was able to relate the 1:-!isei to local community organizations.
Because of the special need of the Issei for group unity and participation,
Issei recreational activities centered around the agency building.
As recreation became organized under the guidance of the agency, it
was felt that other problems in the field of human relations, employment,
and corrnnunity integration should be of more concern to the agency, and
its program in 1950 emphasi•ed these aspects of work.
B.
Purpose and Function
It has been the aim of the Chicago Resettlers Committee to encourage
and help Japanese :JJnericans to become useful members of the corrnnunity
through social, economic, and cultural activities. By urging the wider
use of resources provided by the uelfare, education, and recreation
agencies, it is attempting to integrate them into the communities.
- 1 -
Problems of Japanese _'..mericans, as individuals or as a group, are of
deep concern to the Committee ., whose progrnm must reflect the changing
needs of the people�
Thus, the Committee serves Japanese .\mericans from all pnrts of
Chicago" It provides referral-information service for employment,
housing, business opporttuiities, counselling, .:ind schools. It cooperates
with social agencies and business firms in estD.blishing good working
relationships and interprets the problems of Japanese /..mericans to other
agencies� It provides recreational, cultural, and educational activities
for Iscei and }!isci, Qlld encourages the use of existing community .
facilities. It has organized English classes, Japanese language classes,
forums on foreign affairs, and committees on employment and community
relationso It assists applicants on old ago pensions and unemployment
compensation, providinb information for residents and visitorso
- 2 -
JLPLNESE LMEIUC.NS IN CHICt.GO TOD,".Y
It is now eight ;-ireo.rs since tbe f.\ i:-st t:i:ickle of Japanese L:ner:l.can
re settlers to Cb.��0A.g) changoc. ir:-:-.o a stream of' 20,000 people ., a great
propo:�-t, ion of' i·fr10111 h&.ve :n2Lde CJ-.i�.:�.go thoil· :re!'TI'.a11er.t home� From a
strange 3 bewi1derHd p,-'.)op}8, 11ith the bitte:C' ezper:.,.e:r..i::e of lU'e behind ,
barbed wire fenr::es" they have gTown to bo·:::ome A. part of Chicago lifeo
Except for the smalJ. number oi' t�ans::.ents 9 returning from the West Coast
or Japan, or coming in from noighbor:.ng towns, tho people are becoming
"settled"� and expressions of 11 going back to California 11 are he:-i.rd less
frequontlyo
Like other Chicagoans, they are n.ffocted by international events,
fear an atomic war, worry about jobs and the high cost of living 9 live
in overcrow<lod apartments, deplore the poor conditions of schools, etc.
But as Japanese .t.mericru1s, these problems are intensified. Ls
members of a minority gro1l.j_'?, they face discrimination in many facets of
their daily lives. .t.s relative newcomers,· they find it difficult to fit
into comrmmity patterns, and are forced into sub-stnndard housing at
higher rates., J,nd been.use they encountered the trnumntic experience of
evacuation, which loft psychological scnrs on individuals and families,
they need special help in relating their problems to the larger community.
With governacmtal spending for national defense, employment possibi
lities will undoubtedly increase, but discrimination in employment still
exists. Especially acute is tho problem of jobs for the Issei, whose
average age of 65 and lack of command of English makes employment
difficult to find. Llso at a disadvantage are college graduates who
find "good 11 jobs li.m.ted and untrained youth with no work experience.
Discrimination in housing means partial segregation and high rents.
Roughly 80% of all Chicago resettlers reside in one of the five following
areas: 1, tho Oakland-Kenwood area (which has a concentrntion of home
and apartment house owners), 2, Near i'Jorthsidc, 3, Hyde Park-Woodlmm,
4, Far North side, and 5, Greater 1.vestsido. These are generally marginal
areas of community deterioration, the only localities where homes ru1d
apartments <'-re avo.ilablo to J::i.panese ::....1T1ericans.. Overcrowding and rents
fnr out of proportion to i.'1come threaten the stability and living
conditions of resettler families.
Furthermore, as these neighborhoods are depressed areas, with existing
racial tensions, Japanese /Jnerican residents are faced with problems of
community improvement, the need for bettor schools and recreational
facilities for their children, and the urgent necessity for better
intergroup relations.
- 3 -
o
rit
ro
in
up, built up
y g
Becnuse of the fcor of re je ction by tho maj
t
var:u::i. .ion, the n:aJority
symbolize d by c
pre-;rnr ··!est Const co ::imunit ies ,
so cictl activities within
nnd
�l
io
.
rccrco
se
t
still
s
k
.mcrican
e
e
Japanes
of
n
:
r ani
zed recreation which will
their group. There is stil l the need for o g
t
ces ful
nry
adjus tment to n
f
s
develop a sens e of securi
or suc
n o
cess
y
er group.
lar g
g
d
an culture,
The Issei, handicapped by differen ces in lan u age
th mo st
f uitful
years
r
e
uprooted
from com;nun ities vn1 crc th cv had s pe nt
old
a e
financial assistance
of their l ves, hnvc specia l prob e
l ms of
g ,
i
,
l
e
o
e
oym nt, and recr ati n ,
emp
- 4 -
THE PROGR.tM OF THE
CHIC.:. GO llES2TTLI!J?.S CONNITT:C:�
1�.
General
That the people generally regard the Chic�go Rosottlcrs Committee as
agency which serves their needs, can be seen by tho great nmnber of
persons who participated in tho pro gr run of tho agency. .� total of 3199
people sought referral assistance on employment, housing, recreation, and
other problems ( sec :_ppendix !.) • Because the report forms wore revised
in January, 1950, it is not possible to give compm-nble figures with
previous yenrs.
rui
However, as in 1949, the majority of the requests wore for employment
and housing -- 56% for employment, 17% for housing. It is significnnt to
note that in the peak months of Lpril, r:ay, June, Md July, aid in
employment roached 60% of all requests, with a tapering of demand in
October, Uovember nnd December to L.2%,. Under "others", were special
cases of social welfnre, inquiries about adoption of children, personal
counselling, etc., which r0quire much time and careful interpretation.
It should be noted that the real value of the agency cannot be judged
by statistics. Its prim;u-y function of interpreting tho needs of the
resettlers to the aiencios interested in their adjustment and of informing
tho Japanese :moriccns of existing services is not measurable.
Because the agency felt the importn.nco of strengthening community
relationships, much of its work this past year has been directed along
this line o Thus, the :_ssociate Director organized n Cornmunity Relations
Committee, composed of Japanese Lmcric.::m leaders and ht1i'1lan relation
workers to evaluate Japo.ncse :.meric.::m attitudes toward inter-group
problems and to stimulate interest in human relations orgn.nizations. In
areas of racial tensions, it has worked directly with the Commission on
Human Relations and the Chicago Council �gninst Racial o.nd Religious
Discrimination. It has cooperated with the Japanese Hutual :.id Society
and tho Japnnese :.merico.n Citizens League on problems of common concern.
It has taken a pnrticulnrly active role in the Lower North Community
Council, participating in its recent neighborhood health program and
X-Ray drive.
The Committee has also continued its policy of c9operntion with the
Welfnre Council of Metropolitan Chicago, the Church Federation of Greater
Chicago, the Catholic Youth organization, local churches, settlement
houses, o.nd community agencies to cru:-ry out the program of the agency.
It was decided, nnd approved b;:r tho Community Fu.rid, to p1lrcha:.;c tho
present quarters from tho Catholk Yo 1 1�::.h Orr;anizD.tion,. Inasmuch ns -t.he
.,;om;112.ttee has operated and m-:-.into.inod "ijho buj_lding during tho pc.s+, few
years, the purchase will not alter tho flexible nature of tho progrrun •.
TYPES OF PR0BLS!1S ItJ WHICH S-W..VICE
W!.S REi11DERED
Other:
B.
financial assistance
health
recrc<'.tion
oduco.tion
information and advice
interpretation
assistance for old ago, unemployment compensation
personal counselling
CENTER :.CTIVITY
"·.1thou.gh it has boon a studied policy of the Committee to disperse
its rocroo.tion program to neighborhood facilities, there has continued
n hc:,.vy demand for the use of the agency building for meetings, socials,
confc!roncos, etco Tho records shou that 71 groups met for 61h sessions,
with ;:,,. total of 11h20 attendance ( sec :.ppcndix B). It should be noted
that Issei cultural and recreational activities drcu 47% of the people,
while :;-,Jisei clubs and activities attracted 23%.
- 6 -
TYPES OF GROUPS USING F..CILITIES
Groups
Nisei clubs and activities
Issei Culturtl, educational
and recreational activities
other organizations
Individuals
(Chicngo Resettlors Committee)
total:
Number
Sessions
21
234
2688
11
19
20
230
103
22
5551
..&.
1488
372
1321
604
11420
71
Lttondance
The agency continued its policy of not chnrging for its facilities,
ru1d encouraged the use of other a�encics for local activities.
During tho months of. :.pril - July, Japanese .'..mcricnns were affected
by cutbacks ru1d layoffs, especially in industrial work. Since October,
the trend is reversing itself, nnd less demonds for employment reached
tho agency. In 1950, 1743 persons sought aid in employment, n decrease
of 36% over 1949. This decrease may be due to tho increased ability of
Japanese J..mcricans to seek other agency help, or that fewer Japanese
:Jnoricans wore facing unemployment or to the feeling that tho more
desirable jobs were not offered.
During 19.50, many of those seeking help in employment en.me from
Hawaii because of lo.ck of job possibilities in tho Isbnds. Thero m-e
still more opportunities for employment in Chicago than on tho Wost
Coo.st, c:nd with defense industries now re-opening, and the drnfting of
young men into milito.ry service, there will proba.bly be a labor shortage
n.nd more opportDnitics for desirable employment. It is significant that
even during the period of unemployment, uomen had less difficulty finding
work,,
- 7 -
EMPLOYMENT
30
20
...,.
··.•.... ····
10
O _}AN FEB MAR ' APR MAY UNE JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
1949 - 2374
1950 - 1743
A granter need exists for t.:.i.pping tho resources for bettor jobs from
other agcmcios., priv;i.tc companies, and government to provide employment
in speci2.1izcd skills ) for college grnduatos, for job training progrruns
for unsk::.1J..od yout�... The agcmcy must nlso interpret a..'1d work with tho
unions to provide grenter job security and to open now areas of omploymert.
Because tho ngoncy felt the need for revitnlizing its employment services,
tho Employr.iont Corr.mittoe uns nctivized to c..."lalyzo and direct this service.
The following recormncmdations were mo.de, to be acted upon by the agency:
The Chicngo Resettlers Committee should know the resources
of employment, guidance sorvicc centers, r.s.E.s., and other
non-profit and private employment agencies.
2) To study the practices of other agencies on intake policy.
3) To know tho resources in den.ling with discrimination and
public relations.
4) That a joint employment com:nittoc be estaolished uith tho
J:.CL to initiate a progrmn to improve employment conditions
for resottlcrs.
5) Thnt tho Jacobson c"nd Raimratcr plnn should be made kno.-m to
all employers ru1d to members of the Executive Board of the
Chicago Resettlcrs Committee.
6) Ln experiment be conducted by interviewing and counselling
five people to try to got inside of their thinking to discover
renl reasons for not being �blo to find employment.
7) That n joint mooting or conference be established with other
agencies participating in the goncrnl field.
1)
- 8 -
8)
9)
10)
That the Chicngo Roscttlers Corn.mittoo seek to educate its
constituents to labor unions and its potentialities for
G1i1ploymont,.,,
That some attempt bo mndo to break into employment in tho
so-called professional group.
That the Chicago ncsottlers Committee approach tho State
Stroot stores to hire sales clerks in department stores.
In addition to its rcfcrrc..l service, a need exists for vocational
guidr.mce. During tho sUin.rner, tho "·.ssociatc Director personally assisted
five college students interested in group work t o go.in work experience
in tho summer Clli�p progra�. Through actual experience, and under constant
guidance, tho students wcro able to decide upon their vocations -- four
continuing school in socinl group uork, the fifth working in a Y.W.c.L.
D.
HOUSHTG
There were 536 requests for help in housing in 1950, the second
largets referral service of the ngency. .'.gain, this represents nn 18%
drop from the previous yoar, probably because loss 11 ncw 11 people co.me into
Chicago during tho pr.st yeor. The progrr,m in tho ngoncy in rog�rd to
housing, hns been confined to the mnintcn.:::ncc of n. list of available
houses ., apartments, rooms nnd domestic opportunities. Boen.use of lack of
stmf, this vGry importnnt problem, uhich constitutes one of the ma.jor
headaches of the Japanoso Lmcricnn population has been neglected. lJith
tho now war situation and restrictions on building material, the housing
issue has becor:10 oven more intensified.
HOUSING
IOO
...
········•
·····
..........
·
O JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DE'C
1949 - 658
1950 ... 536
- 9 -
The agency must interprGt to Jo.paneso :.moric::ms tho m::istence of
such low�•cost housing dove1opmcnts as the CHA and urge families thnt
arc eligible to take ndv8ltage of their opportunities,, It should also
look into the possibilities of opening up new housing localities, nnd
nssist in every way those individuals uho arc ready to build new homos.
Furthermore, it should encourage the: participo.tion of Jcpnnosc, J'..mericans
in those organizations which are interested in better housing for all ,,
E.
RECREJ'..TION
Realizing that the need still exists for organized social activities
among Japanese IJ11ericru1s ., tho ngency continued its work in tho field
adding more effort into integration in neighborhood activities 0 Tho
agency was instrumental in making tho City-:.'iidc Recreation Council a
part of tho Rcsottlcrs Coni�ittco•
In 1950, tho Committee tlded Nisei groups with organizational
problems and provided positive direction to these clubs� It continued
its sponsorship of many activities which uerc found to be ncccssnry for
the social growth of Japo.nose American youth and adults ( soc ;,.ppendix C).
Through the use of frequent bulletins ond nows releases, it provided
information on recreation and education to orgc.nization lcadcrso
To encournge leadership nmong Japanese :.moricnn youth ., tho agency
successfully expanded its rccrcntion londership training progro.m, which
attrncted. 80 Nisei loaders representing 21 organizo.tions for 14 sessions.
Tho total attendo.nce represented a 400% increo.se over 1949. In contrast
to last yc.'.lr' s training program, emphasis uo.s put on the teaching of
skills nnd the use of progrn:.n resources. It is tho agency's aim to reach
tho non-lenders, or potential leaders in their 01m groups in the coming
year.
Tho agency was also nblo to sponsor more children to summer cmnps,
with a total of 16 children to Co.mp Rcinbcrg, and 2 children to Tower
Hill -- agnin, .:m improvement ovor 1949.
It also worked closely with many comnnmity recreation agencies in
interpretation and help in setting up progrn,"71s for Nisei groups. Thero
are now i'Tisoi workers in other ngcncics uho can neot the needs of
Japanese l'J11cricans in recreation programs in their respective settlement
houses and orgc.nizations -- such as the Olivet Institute, st. Paul 1 s
Episcopal Church, the First-Baptist Y..H.C.1'.. Cantor, tho Loop Y.w.c.A.
Center, the Edwin ::,1ark.�am Center, tho West Sido Y.w.c.:.., tho Lincoln
Boys Club, the Lawson Y.E.c.:�., ond tho :�brahrun Lincoln Center. Tho
agency should orgru1ize a com,.11ittcc of these people to assist in carrying
forward its objectives, nnd to discuss special problems and techniques
noccssnry for successful operation.
- 10 -
During tho pn:rt y(:cr, p1�oj,10ts s-.1ch .1.s conuunitv op:.:n houses and
largo social ovent!'l 11,1c Jsso..r:r .f c: in-i_-i_:.:i n.�. co:r:.t.-..�t., �o.V,'1 bc,:m. ,:ti. sc0ntinued
in favor of smaller p:-:-ograms under> join-:-, c::uspicos of local roc:centi.onal
agencies nnd tho Chico.go Rese-t.tl0rs C0r.rnH,toe0
Assistnnco 1�<1.s given to the Cl.ic.::i.go }Tisci i'.thlc-c.ic Associc.tion, with
350 members, who pln.y host Jacn ycm.� to �- no.tionnl b;::_skctb:111 tourmuncnt,
to tho Ni soi Girls Intcr••Club Council ( lJ c.:lubs), the Nisei G:i.rls
/.thletic Lcn.guc ( 150) :- the did--,iiost Tennis Club (40) Nisei Intor
Collcginto group ( 15), the T:ti-C ( 40 teono.gers), the Mid-wost Golf
J.ssociation ( 110 inembcrs), :.thletic teams ( 16), social clubs ( 20),
churches (7), nnd civic clubs O)c.:
)I
F.
ISSEI
Tho Cormnittee continued t� pay special attention to tho problems
which face the Issei, especially those without foJnilies, and in need of
public assistance. Over hnlf of the persons seeking aid were Issoi.
Tho n.gency has helped them througl1 rcfc:rrals, lnnguage intcrprotntion
service, nnd personal counselling. Issoi participated in the social nnd
cultur.:-.1 progr:-....-u of tho C01mnitteo, which include Lmcricnnizf.ltion and
English classes, health lectures, Japanese classicQl song clubs, nnd
liternture clubs. The annuo.l community picnic, nhich attracted 2000
persons, was orgnnizcd nnd conducted b:;r the Issci.
The agency must seriously tncklc the
unemployable Issoi. In 1950, 119 people
increase of 57�l over the previous year.
for a homo for tho Issoi cged because of
and culture.
problem of the aged nnd
applied for financial aid, an
There is n real need, still unmet,
differences in diet, languago 1
The agency has done much to bring a sense of community life and
pcrticipation to tho Issci, who bore tho real tr:cgodios of ev.'.'..cuntion in
terms of economic and psychological insecurity. However, much more
remains to be done to help thorn enjoy tho "golden ye[lrs 11 of their lives.
- 11 •
,
..
OUR PERSPECTIVES
With each passing yco:r, Jnpanese :.mericans have become more a pnrt
of their community, more settled ru1d cble to cope with their problems.
It is the principal ni..'11 of tho c1gency to nid Japo.ncse ;_mericmis become
integrated into their communities ., to work with others towards a personally
satisfying life within the context of socinl goals. Interpretation of
the needs of the Japnnose .t..moricnns to other agencies, and tho encourage
ment of Ja.pru1esc /,moricnn participation to iJnprovc tho socinl, economic,
and political life of tho community and the nation arc methods which
would help renlizc both the imi:1odinte mid finnl objectives of the Committee.
The coming ycnr will probably usher in new problems. With governmental
spending, job opportunities will increase, which may moan more migration
into nnd out of Chict>.go, with further need for good er,1ployment and housing
services. It is an opportune time for the o.goncy to find now areas of
employment ., to worl� with unions ru1d :nQ..tingoment for bettor jobs and a
training progrrun for youth. Furthermore, tho agency should provide
vocationnl guidance to Nisei youth, through referrals nnd individunl
counselling.
:.go.in, it must provide the
cost housing and redevelopment
register for them. _·.ssistnncc
interested in buying homos and
i.mcrican rcsottlcrs.
Jnpaneso ;,mcricMs Hith facts about low
progr�� and diroctly aid f��ilios to
must nlso be givon to those fo.milios
opening up new localities for Japanese
There will be less emphasis on rccro;i.tion, with most of the rccrentional
nctivitios centering in local agencies, in ;nany instrncos under tho
direction of i'Iisoi group lenders. Tho City•Wido Recreation Council
under the ngency, will undcrtnkc the responsibility of providing unmet
rocro:i..tionnl needs of the Nisei, and of sponsoring leadership trnining
courses to study techniques of group leadership �nd progro.m plruming in
lino with tho o.gency policy of corrm1unity integration.
There is a groc.t need for recreation Gnd cduc:ition of Ilisei mothers,
who have not taken advantage of the progro.ms pl.:i.nncd for them in
neighborhood orga.nizntions. Tho agency will undertake n program to work
with Nisei mothers to provide recreo.tion and discussions on child
guidnnco, nnd urge their participation in PT�•s and other organizations
for the improvement of schools, better child care facilities, playgrounds,
and the general community.
.. 12 -
The agency should undertake an cducati�nnl program, throu�h forums,
movfcs _, and dise1:s��ion g:tou.�s., to j ntrcducc: t�o J'1panesc Americans to
the la:·gor Cc�mr.1'.1.rnty ., to L·,co.1., ns.ti.on:iJ.._., c.1.nd tntcrnat·;_onal iss·t1cso It
shoulc'l. 0ncot1-i:a3c po.:i:-t:t�ip2.t:i.on i,i:t�1 utl�c-.:r grottps c,Jncc��tJcd wi·:t social
issues such a.s i'c.,i.r cmpJ.c•ymcx:t end ho J·tor nrm,rlj_ scr·im.inn:Lo;.�y housing ..
Toget}:..or ,-;i.i�h t0.0 Jnp;,.neso ;,rr.cri,;on Ci·;:,;_zar,s i,engB-c _, it shoulci. hold a
registrc..:.ic.n crivc_. arii urge Hisci. pc1rt.ici1?2.-t.:ion in clectj_onsr.Furthermo:ror it must continue tho wcrk of tho Comm1J1T:lty Rclnti.ons
Committoo to cvalu2tt8 JnpMGsc t;n,::::ri.cnn �tt,H,:.i.c.os towards ot!1-Jr mi:nority
groups and to intorp::-ot o.ni improve into:-,ngro·.�p rcla.tions 0 Tr.is is an
cspccio.lly imp::i:..·t::mt t,:,.sk todny 3 a.s the l'!cg:·o people move into tho
communities wh,Jro JD.prmcso :Jno:cii::n11s live., The rosottlors must be
he1pe:i to rc1ntc tho::.r problems of dis�t·imj_nation to those f ncod by
others, o.nd to work together wit!1 them on ccmnor! J..ssu.os�.
There o.rc raany social problems w;1i�h roqui.,:,o j ntcrprctntion to the
community nnd to ngenC'ics -·· the ncoc. for acl.cp"i-.i..vo wi foster homos,
the prevention of dclinquincy, and otI�crs-: T:1c1·0 a.re diificu:i..ti(,s ,-rhich
nriso between tho Issci and tho N:l.sc:i . ., duo to c:i..ff,:;1� .::r.i.•�0s in Jcmoratioh,
culture, sot cf vnlucs, etc,,, whi.cl1 m'J.st be ::·oco[!nizDc..1 Dj,1d hnndled ip a
positive fashion, for the successful psyeholcgical adjustr:icmt of both
groups of people (;)
Tho agency must net upon the problems of tho Issci dcponda...l'lt,
especially in terms of specialized cnro for the Japanese ngo<lo This
problem bccomos increasingly ncr.to ., ai.7.1 _;:-cql·ii:-cs im:ncdi:1.to nttontion.
Further rcc::-oni:.ionnl and c11lt".ll'c.l p,'.'ogrvms for t,ho Issoi, 0E"pcc;_n1·1_y
dUJ.'ing tho holidays mus�� be continued and u�r�dco. ., Tho agEF1cy PJ.ust
nlso look into tho ronctivizc.1.tion of the Kib0i groups nnd t.ako up their
special problomso
Our perspectives nro clear. We hu.vc the basic fc.cilities and the
rcsou:r'ccs to moot tho challengc 0 With the coopGrntion of existing
agencies, wo will endeavor to carry out our prog:·Gin bnsed 011 the nJeds
of Jnpnnesc :.mericans adjusting to life in nn industrinl metropolis.
- 13 -
REHtJm:S
I STAFF
'During
1950,
tho personnel consisted of:
EXECUTIVE DIBECTOR:
Jack Yn.sutako
J.SSOCL_TE DIBECTOR:
i.be Hagiwara (resigned October
OFF.ICE SECRET_'JlY
RD.iko Konat su
21, 19.50)
SECRETARY-BOOKiffiEPER: Holen Kato (resignoc. September, 19.50)
Hiroko Uchida
The Executive Director wns responsible for tho execution of the
agency's progrmn, and in addition to his administrative tasks, supervised
tho rocreationnl and informal educational activities of the Issoi 0
The ,".ssocinte Director was mainly responsible for the overall Nisei
recreation program conducted by the agency� In addition., ho wns in
charge of the supervision of �oups using ngency facilities, public
relations work, and other assigned administrative duties,, T1r'e Hagiwarn.
resigned in October, 1950, and the agency functioned tho remaining months
without an :..ssociate Director.
Tho Office Secretary assumed the tn.sk of receptionist and interviewer,
coordinated staff schedule and building clearance, �d wn.s in charge of
all stenographic and clcricc.l work.
Tho Secretary-Bookkeeper maintained tho files and took charge of all
financial transactions of the agency. In September, 19.50, Miss Kato
resigned, and �-iiss Hiroko Uchida 1-rns employed for this task.
II
BUDGET
That the Japanese Lrnericnns arc aware of the services of the agency
be seen by tho ste::i.dy growth of membership and individual contributions
to the agency. Tho end of 1950 found tho Co�mittcc operating on a sound
financial basis, 1-dth the largest budget since its inception.
can
COMP:.RISOH OF nrcm-1E
,.
1950
1949
Rent:
Donation and Ho,nbership
Congregationnl Union
Community Trust
Community Fund
Lr80
6978
1200
500
8179
l.i80
7075
1200
500
8575
1951 (estimate)
480
7505
1200
500
9205
With the decision of the ngency to purchase its present facilities,
there will be n.'11 extended building fund drive, in o.ddition to the usual
yo,'.:!l'ly membGrshtp co.mpo.ign ., The agency hns drn,-m up plans to reach the
co.n.n:mity in support of both co.rnpo.igns, and estimates nn even greater
incrense in membership�
"
.. 15 -
CHICAGO RE.SETTLERS COMMITTEE
1110 N," La Salle Strrrnt
Chicago 10 1 Illinois
January 1, 1950 to December 31, 1950
Income:
Rent
Community Fund 1..950
Contribution (Indiv.)
Membership Dues
Other Organizations
Withholding Tax Payable
Community Fund ( 1949)
Foundation & Trust
475,,00
731.i9o91
2042067
5124,.00
1300 (; 00
-88e40
728,;,00
500.,00
Total Income
17607,.98
Cash on Hand, January 1, 1950
Expense
Salaries (Exec. & Cleric.)
Part••ti.me
Utilities
Insurr,i.nce
Org,:.ni,:ati.onal Dues
Repairs anc Decorating
Office Supplies
( Printing)
(Stationery)
Telephone
Fund Raising & Promotional
Transportation
Con:,erence Expense
Aur::it::.ng
Su�dry Office Expense
Fu.:-nitu.re & Fixtures
Laundry
Janitorial & Cleaning
Recreation & Education
(253.07)
11007.;;25
987.,,15
875070
205�98
l.�5,,/)0
592""74
1067-,08
810009
5L:.4,,.41
210.,69
268c9?
lOloOO
119c.15
193081
55052
152oJl
507,.71
Total Expenses
Cash Balance on December 31, 1950
17744.56
(389 0 65)
17354.,91
HU
1/11/51
DJ fJ)VISORY :�ND EXECUTIVE BOJJIDS
We wish to express our appreciation to tho unselfish cooperation of
our Executive :.dvisory and Bonrd Members who have contributed so greatly
to the growth of tho ngency ? Through their insight into tho problems of
the Japanese fll!lcrican ro�0ttlors and their correct policy of relating them.
to our basic objective of integration, the Committee has boon aolo to
establish itself a�ong the other agencies in Chicago, nnd with the Japanese
lJnerican people.
Our Executive Bonrd consists of acknowledged leaders - Issei, Nisei,
and non,..Japc)!1cse. Our 1dvisory Boro-d is composed of distinguished men
nnd women, prominent in tho civic, political and economic life of Chicago.
EXECUTIVE BOIJ1D
Thomas r•Insuda, President
Tcllei Mdsunaga, Vice President
Noboru Honda, Vice President
Mary Sonoda, Secretary
Jiro Yrunnguchi, Treasurer
Dr. Matsusnburo Kuki ., Auditor
Frnnk Y. Takcllashi, Auditor
Harry K. Haycdn, Ex-officio
Dr. Ben Chikaraishi
Jnmcs Ezald.
Ryoichi Fujii
Jisci Fukuda
Kiyoshi Joichi
MDX"J Hata
Rev. Joe Kitngnwn
Ichikuro Kondo
Hrs. :...ynko Ktun.amoto
Rev. Willi::un N. Lovell
Shigoru Nagata
Yoriaki Nakagawa
Eizo Nishi
John Yoshino
Mrs. �tsuko Nishi
Tadaichi Ok\lhara
Rev• )'.ndrew Oyama.
Harry Sabusawa
Shozo Sekiguchi
Kohachiro Sugimoto
Taisuko Taknhashi
Bunji Tako.no
George Tcraokri.
Enjiro Watnnabe
John H. Weddell
Richard H. Yamada
George Ke Yam.:unoto
i.DVISORY BOARD
'
r.irs -, Emile Levy
Michael Mann
Judge John P. McGoerty
George B. McKibben
J olm Nuvecn, Jr.
Donn Robert Redfield
Denn Curtiss w. Reese
Dr, Harold W. Ruopp
Judge George L. (11.tllici
Elr.i.or L. Shirrell
Dr. Edward J. Sparling
T:T. Ellis Stewart
Williard s. Townsend
Philip ':fain
ri:rs. John H. Weddell
Rabbi Jacob J. 1:lcinstcin
Rev. George J.ki
Rev. Gyodo Kono
Rev. C�romoi Kuboso
Rev. Chiaki Kuzuhara
Rev• Kohoi T akcda
Russell .J. Bc.llm-d
Edward Engle Brown
Helen P. Bull
Horn.cc n. Cayton
Enrl B. Dickerson
Dr� :.rthur G. Falls
William. H. Haight
Dr. S • r. Hayakawa
Dr. Melville J, Herskovitz
Joseph Keenan
Loo Lerner
- 17 -
APPENDIX
Volume of Service for 1950
Total number of pe!'sons served
3199
Problems for whi�h help was sought,
EIT'.plo:,tmrJnt c o -e o ,,
Ho· s:7.ng � o c " " "
Fin:1D.-s'i.al assistance
Reo�eation o � a o o
Translation • • � o
Eduuation • • • • •
Health
• • • • • •
Other • • • • • • •
Servioes providedt
e o o
Total 3199
o o � o
., "
o e> o
o " o o
� 1o> .o c.
• � • •
•
•
•
• • •
,, �
•
•
'>
,;i
o o
• • •
•
• • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • •
01743
o 536
o ll9
• • � • 180
• • • • 125
• • . • 65
• • • • ll
• • • • 420
Q
o o n
o o o
Total 2309
Referred direotly to employment or housing
Information or advioe • c , s • • • • o o
Reoreation - education & o � • o • • • o o
Re:f'ened to other sooial agenoie s i> o o o
Referred to agenoy already active • o o o
Referred to organization other than m oial
agency o o e o • � • o • • o • e • •
Could not or unable to help • • • . • o •
Other � o • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
•
61377
� 275
o 141
o Bl
•
98
75
o 147
• 115
•
APPENDIX
B
ORGANIZATIONS DIRECTLY SERVED BY THE CHICAGO RESETTLERS COMMITTEE
Girls Interclub Counoil
Nisei Girls Athletio League
Chica.go Nisei Athletic Association
Citywide Reoreation Committee
· Intercollegiate Counoil
CLUBS ·ASSISTED BY THE COM!v!ITTEE
MISEI
Aoes
Adelphons
Ba.mbiis
Charmettes
Chicago Indians
Chioagoans
Islanders Club
Mam•selles
Philos
Sea Isles
Silhouettes
Sorelles
Vikings
Jolene's
Debonnaires
Davmelles
Colleens
Reginas
Unknowns
ISSEI
(B)
(G)
(G)
(G)
(B)
(CO)
(co)
(G)
(G)
(B)
(G)
(G)
(B)
(G)
(G)
(G)
(G)
(G)
(B)
Goh (Japanese Chess)
Haiku-kai (poetry)
Kansei••kai (classic singing)
Shingin....kai (singing group)
Savings .Association
Senryu,,,kai (poetry)
Tokusho .,kai (reading club)
Utai (classic chant reading)
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS
Japanese Class
English Class
Lecture series
Bridge
Odori
OTHER ORGANIZATIONS USING THE FACILITIES
Japanese Amerioan Musio Club
Catholic Youth Organization
Class AA• Basketball League
Class A - Basketball League
Class B - Basketball League
Girls Bowling League
Midwest Tennis Association
M.itual Aid
Japanese Congregational Churoh
Scene Magazine
Midwest Golf Association
Gold Coast Bowling League
Japanese Church Federation
Chicago Shimpo
Japanese Amerioan Citizens League
Anti Discrimination Committee
Yddwest Buddhist Association
International University Fund
Coun�il of Japanese American Christian
Churches
t-
'
.,
APPEWDIX
C
SPONSORED ACTIVITl�S
•
JA PARTICIPATION
EVENTS
FACILITIES
Camp Saga.wau o.iting
Crunp Saga.wa.u
Reoreation Workshop for
Leadership Training
Roosevelt College
HUnter Building
Chioago Resettlers
summer Camp for children
Camp Rheinburg
Tower Hill Ca.mp
16
Westside Pionio
Pottowa.ta.mie Park
85
Co-ed Outing
Forest Beach YWCA
65
Family Outing
College Ca.mp
37
International Festival
Morrison Hotel
YWCA
10
X-R.o.y Projeot
tower North Comnunity Counoil
30
Fun Nite
Olivet Institute
28
Community Pionic
Dan Ryan Vfoods
Christmas Program
Museum of Soienoe & Industry
Total
34
400
2000
29
2738
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Annual Report, 1950
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1950
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
application/pdf
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
text
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
RG09_Series01_Box01_1950
-
https://digitalcollections.jasc-chicago.org/omeka/files/original/bf19d6f4e9c9fe279de3ab2f5dddf232.pdf
9a741699981d68662b8e7e16027d3ca4
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Annual Reports
Description
An account of the resource
Record Group 9, JASC Publications
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Chicago Resettlers Committee
Japanese American Service Committee
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Japanese American Service Committee
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1946-2011
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
RG09
Subject
The topic of the resource
Annual Reports of the Chicago Resettlers Committee and Japanese American Service Committee
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
paper
Text
Any textual data included in the document
I
CHICAGO
RESETTLE RS
COMMITTEE
•
PREPARED BY
Jack K. Yasutake
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
'�nese American Service Comrritt
ee of Chicago
3257 North Sheffield Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60657
Chi zu liya ma
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
6TH ANNUAL TIEPOUT
IC
1110 North La Salle ,St:r·eet
Chicago JO., 111.in':IJ.S
DElawar-a 7-1076
A RED FEATHER AGEnCY
•
Affiliated with the WELFARE COlTIJCIL OF METROPOLITAN CHICA''rO,
THE C01'1:i'IUNITY FUND OF CHICAGO, me. , and endorsed by the CHICAGO
ASSOCIATION OF COr1HERCE AND ]'IDUSTRY for the year ended December
31, 1951.
EXECUTIVE BOARD MEHBETIS
Dr. Ben.T, Chikaraishi
Ryoichi Fujii
Jisei Fukuda
Abe Hagiwara
Eizo Hanaki
l-lary Hata
Miyaki IIayano
Tora.a Hidaka
Dro William Hiura
Noboru Honda
Kiyoshi Joichi
Tom Kanno
Rev,. Joseph Kitagawa
Kameichi Kittaka
Ichikuro Kondo
Rev, Gyomei Kubose
Dr� Hatsusaburo Kuki
Mrs. Koki Kumamoto
Rev. Hillian. N. Lovell
Thomas i-Iasuda
Tahei Hatsunaga
Harry K. :Mayeda
Shigeru Nagata
Yoriaki Nakagawa
Eizo Nishi
:Mrso Ken Nishi
T ad:>.ichi Okuhara
fl 8V .- An-:l.l'f;'',f Yo ()yama
Har:.'_7 M� 0£•.0 .1.s.?.Wa
S�1oso �t1kig�1chi
Na:'.".no;; '.lkt: Sl1 :Lr aishi
Mai.'Y Sonoda
Kd�ac;dro Sugimoto
r-1rs< :!\TarJye Su?,uki
Frank Y" ';:akahashi
Btu:1j i '.:' nkc:i:·10
GeorgP- re1·a.oka
Jun Togu.ri
Enj iro H1tanabe
John He Heddell
Richard H� Yamada
Jiro Yamaguchi
1
1
George K. Yamamoto
ADVISORY BOARD
•
Rev" George Aki
Russell W • Ballard
Edward Eagle Brown
Helen P. Bull
Horace R. Cayton
Earl B. Dickerson
Dr. Arthur G. Falls
Willirun B. Haight
Dr. s. I. Hayakawa
Dr. Helville J. Herskovitz
Joseph Keenan
Rev. Gyodo Kono
Rev .. Gyomei Kubose
Rev. Chiaki Kuzuhara
Leo Lerner
Mrs. Emile Levy
Michael Mann
Judge John P, McGoorty
George Be McKibben
John Nuveen, Jr ..
Dean Robert Redfield
Dean Curtiss H. Reese
Dro Harold T,J. Raupp
Judge George L. Quilici
Elmer L. Shirrell
Dr. Edward J. Sparling
W. Ellis Stewart
Revo Kohei Takeda
Williard s. Townsend
Philip Wain
Hrs. John H. Heddell
Rabbi Jacob J. Weinstein
STAFF
Jack K+ Yasutake, Executive Director
Hrs. Chizu Iiyama, Associate Director
Raiko Konatsu, Secretary
Hiroko Uchida, Secretary
P R E F A C E
1951 was a most memorable year for us.
There is every
indication that the Japanese America.�s are becoming adjusted
and useful citizens of Chicago o
It seems that activities and
services of the Chicago Resettlers Committee are still in
demand by the cormnunity.
It is my sincere wish that everyone
concerned will help us in every way possible to achieve our
objectives socially, economically, and spiritually.
In 1951, we bought our building.
t·ihen we started the fund
raising campaign for its purchase we were afraid that it would
take at least three years to raise the amount needed.
It was
amazing that our goal was attained within the first six months
after the campaign was started.
It is encouraging to find such
broad support from the entire community.
Through the years the Chicago Resettlers Committee has
•
endeavored to help Japanese Americans.
I hope that 1952 will
be a year of greater accomplishment and a year in which we will
draw nearer to the high ideals we have set before us.
Jack K. Yasutake
Bx:ecutive Director
I
INTRODUCTION
II
HHAT
rs
b
ao
c, .
d.
c
s
e
w
1
0
C
i
n
i
f
e.
III
a
a
b.
THE
HHAT
h
i
m
em
�
a
IV
V
1:llU'.
T
c
e
s
n
c
e
s
o
i
1
t
i
i
ym
?
d
n
0
n
f
f
e
r
e
d
a
t
s
g
n
COMMITTEE
h
g
FOR
t
s
i
m
19.51
m
e
?
d
i
e
n
e
e
d
s
ent
ing
social
r
i
RESETTLEnS
PROGRAM
h
lo
p
u
THE
e
hou
o
t
a
g
e
r
g
s
HAS
a
.
b
.
CHICAGO
k
m
CONTENTS
OF
TABIE
welfa
r
ec
reation
AP.E
THE
e
Ut"
F INISHED
TAS"ICS
?
APPENDIX
a
.
b
,
c.
f
v
i
o
n
a n
spo
1
c
um
n
s
e
o
i
a
r
e
d
1
o f
t
s
s
e
ac
a
r
t
t
e
v i
i
m
c
v i
n
e
e
t
t
s
i
e s
•
[,
INTRODUCTION
1951 marked the tenth anniversary of .American entry into
World War II. Within ten years ., great changes have come to pass
in the world -- within one decade, vast strides have been made in
the si;atus of Japanese in Americao
In 1941, most Japanese .Americans lived on the West Coast in
self-contained, segregated communities with very little contact
with the outside world�
Pearl Harbor brought suspicion of these
people, and culminated in a �holesale evacuation of 115,000 people
solely on the basis of their ancestry. The year 1941 is indelibly
printed in the minds of Japanese .Americans as the start of a
hysterical period of their �ejection •••• 1951 CLOSED WITH A GREATER
DEGREE OF ACCEPI'ANCE THAN EVER BEFORE EXPERIENCED!
There are many reasons why this change came to pass -- the
efforts of understanding Americans, of principled individuals of
all walks of life, of governmental a11d private agencies, and the
•
Japanese .Americans themselves.
In Chicago ., ALL worked together
to support and guide an organization, the Chicago Resettlers
Committee help in the adjustment of people from the relocation
campse
The Chicago Resettlers Committee has played a small part
in the large and rich story of resettlement -- and this annual
report will present the role of one agency in one city in 1951.
II WHAT IS THE CHICAGO RESETTL.ERS COMMITTEE?
a.
'"'
,-
b a c k g r o u n d
One of the great centers of Japanese .American relocation was Chicago -
because its vast industrial concentration spelled jobs, and its warm friend-·
liness meant security to the �rJ<acuees, And to this large metropolis came
over 20,000 people ••• many fro;n rural areas, some with bitter memories of
re�_ocationcamp life, others Hho suf.fered severe financial losses -- pecple
�ho had experienced the psychological strains of enforced detention.
To help interpret relocation problems to governmental and private agencies,
the Chicago Resettlers Cormnittee was organized in 1943 as an informal, advisory
corr.JTJ.ittee. In September 1946, the agency was accepted into the Council of
Social Agencies (now the Welfare Council) and given the task of aiding in the
resettlement of Japanese Americans o
It 1 s program has been a dynamic one, reflecting the changing needs of
resettlers., Thus, housing, employment, recreation, social welfare, and
community relations each bec�ne spotlighted in different phases of agec
n y
growt,h.
b.
a i m s
The purpose of the Chicago Resettlers Com.."'llittee to 11 encourage Japanese
Americans become useful a.'1d responsible members of the comm,mity through
social,economic ., and cultural activities'' remains the same today" our
principal aim is to integrate the Japanese into Chicago life, and to help
them work with other Americans for the realization of democratic goals.
c.
•
s e r vic e s
o f f e r e d
Because immediate needs are of great concern to the agency, the Chicago
Resettlers Committee has continued its referral service in employment,
housing, financial and legal problems� It offers counseling and casework
referrals on family ) personal, and educational problems, and works as a
consultant on many cases, It provides recreational, educational, and
cultural activities in addition to encot�raging participation in community
affairsi. It works with numerous a��encies in the city, interpreting problems
of Japonese l\..rnericans to them; and in turn bringing information about these
agencies tc tho Japanese. It assists anplicaDts on old age pensions and
unemployment compenso.tion, serves as an information center, and provides
facilities for r;1a.ny groups in the city.
d.
1
o c atio n
In 1950 ., the agency 1-ms given authorization by the Helf are Council and the
Community Fund to purchase its building at 1110 J-Torth La Salle. The over
whelming response to the fund drive enabled the agency to reach its goal of
$20,000 and the building is now po.id in full.
- 1 -
Although it is situated on the lower north side, the agency serves Japanese
Americans from all parts of Chicago, rt has been interesting to note that in
past months, some non-Japanese in the neighborhood have utilized some of its
services.
.•
e.
f i n an c e s
Whether an agenc�r has the support of the people H SC'rvices can ger..erz.7-ly
be determined by examining the financial resou-rr;0s o.f tt-.e organizat i..C'EIn
1951, tho total income was 18793.77 (see A:)pon::l:ix f_) an i!w:r·ease of 8% ovc:r
1950 despite tho added bu-rd.on of running a bt:.ilding ft:nd drive for ��·-20 J oco.
However, it should be noted that the financial burden on tho 13,000 J:i1y;m�e
in Chicago was high, and that it was only thr0ugh the pe:cse-,.,ering cffor--is (:-,f
the Finance Conm1.ittee, Board members and friends of the Chj_<.;ago Resntt18rr:
that the high degree of membership dues and contributions was maintain0d.
How We Are Financed
45%
Community Fund
- 44% ·
� � Contribution and
J�
� 1�
s�
--.
t t-�
�
j
i,Jembership
9% Other Organi-
b�:_j
a E=.:1 S
zation
c_�
- 2 -
2% Rent
..--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=:.-:.:.:.-::_-::_:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.-::.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.::-:.:.:.::.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.-::_:.:.:.:.:.::.-:.:.:.:.-:_:.:.-:_-:_-:_-:_:.:.-::.:..:..:..:..:..:..:..:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.-=:-
III HHAT WAS THE PROGR!J'.[ FOR 19.51?
a.
-.
..
h i g h 1 i g h t s
1951 ushered in a new type of activity for the Chicago Resettlcrs Committee.
Most Japanese Pu1ericans are living in changing communities -- characterized by
a movement of I'Tegroes into the area, a fear of now comers by old-t:ime residents
and concern of detcmiorating conditions. Such a neighborhood is Oaltl:nnd Kenwood.
This area was of special interest to the a'.rcnc:-r because it is the largest
single area of Japanese American resettlers in the city and the experience
encountered in the community would have a great effect on the rest of the
JapD.11ese in the city.
Worried by the movement out of the Oakland - '�enwood area by Japanese
Americans partly because of fear of newcomers, tho Community Relations
Committee recommended the technique of block organization through a civic
group, tho 0-K�A. It was felt thc1t block groups working for civic improvement
would 1) stabilize the connnunity and increase its standards; 2) help residents
meet and become acquainted--· thus promoting sound intergroup relations;
3) give residents a sense of belonging to a group; 4) help residents gain
experience in social and civic affairs.
Hence, at the end of the year, the Chicago Resettlers Committee stimulated
the Oakland Kenwood Planning Association to work on community problemo. This
type of activity was clearly in line with the basic purpose of the agency to
promote integration and participation in community affairs.
The agency also played an active role in the Human Relations Committee of
the Lower North Community Council to aid Japanese Americans work with their
neighbors on com.�on problems.
Realizing that one a0ency serving one minority gro up is ineffective in
dealing with the over-all problem of discrimination, the Resottlers Committee
pursued a vigorous policy of working with other groups. For the first time,
the agency became an active member of the Employment & Guidance, the You.th and
Government Committees of tho Welfare Council, the Employment Committee and
Board i"1cmber of tho Chicago Council Against r:acial and Religious Discrimination,
the Community Org�mization and Employment Committee of the Commission on Hmnan
Relations, the Hu.mo.n Relations Committee of tho Lower North Community Counci�
and the Federation of Settlements. It also cooperated with the Church Federation
of Greater Chicago, local churches, social agencies and settlement houses to
carry on its program. It consulted and worl:cct 1,ith the Mutual .Aid Society,
the Japanese 1\:rnerican Citizens League, and the Ellis Community Center.
- 3 -
b.
i mm c d i a t e
M e e t in g
n c c d s
The imr:tediate problems of Japanese Americans have always been of great
concc'rn to the agc:mcy J and in 1951 this meant help in employment, housing,
soc:.al welfare, cou.nscJi�g, and information. In 1951, 2333 people visited
the cf.fj co ( sec Lppendj_x B). Because many of the routine informational requests
were tmrecorded, it is difficult to compare the figure with those of previous
years.
r-
TYPES OF SERVICES I1ENDERED
.
·~----
51%
J:l,
1
I
��
t
J
\ l
l. __ �ployrnent
23%
H��:�!____�ot�h_e_r_s__
Ei�PLOYMENT -- 1192
HOUSING -- 556
OTHERS --585
others include financial, counseling,
information, advice, educational and
recreational referrals, social case work.
Dealing with statistics in an agency such as the Chicago Resettlors is
cold and objective -- it cannot be overly stressed that each one of the 2333
total represents a unique individual with a special problem. Statistics and
graphs cannot reveal tho glow of happiness of an aged man helped to regain his
place in family life, or the sigh of relief of a newcomer to the city assured
of a job and an apartment. Moreover, where interpretation of services and
referrals constitute a large bulk of the work, statistics can never express
the broad scope of agency work.
In 1951, ervices
offered in the office building were carefully examined,
s
and new methods of procedure and new content were added to existing practices�
- 4 -
employment
NUMBER SE'!:KING Ei".lPLOYHENT SERVICE
\
' ....J@_--+ F.slJL Jl:lg,I' .. __ .Ap:r._:_l'-1.;u..i J.1um , J\i.ly ;_Aug __ 1 S.ept_ OG.t_+·· Nov....i-1le.G..
i
!
250
i
!
•
!
l
I
\ --..·· .
I
.
I
:
J-· . - \
22, :--------� ---- ----- - -· ----ii -- - .i. ---.
----•·••
1
, ___ � _ -� . ,
'
•1
200
-
-i--. -----1---
175 ·-•-•·__:_··7·-· ··71
150
-·-
i- .. -- ... --••·-•----
,,••
,,, _,/
1
.,O'
;
'
7- - - -
i ··----�- _, /
i
)_,/·
f
•
•
I
·-··-·
j .
1
···-·,
·r·
-
,· --
� --
p
t
r - -,- - - - I .-- �i ----l-.: \ ___lI ____LI ___ ·•··-·--L . · ·- ---:�--
• '.>•-+- � . :/ ;. ---�-,
'•• •. /
------·····
i· . •,,,: ·-
I
I
I
l"'
'• «
.,_
j
':-.,
.if:-·- - -- . _.:____ -
l
,
:
�II
--7
: ... ·-·1
:- -·-·--·
7 r!
I
)
•
'
··;---··
:'
!
:; ;----·--r·-----�-\,·--1;:r·-- - --•r·•-----•--------'·--I
I
•.
•
__ ,
50 [ ______: _____ :_ .\//:1° ___ -+--·--·--:_____
With
workers
were nt
However
low.
;
_....
'-,,_
"_,,.-1
· !
_ ____ , ______ l ..
,
I
:
,,
',.
i //
»1"'-- >-- �
!
,/
.._____
..I
employment in the United States at an nll time high, Japanese .American
found many opportunities open to them. Skilled and professional people
a premium, and graduates of collGgos found lucrative employment.
in the unskilled category, tho job picture was spotty and wages were
In 1951, 1192 people sought help on employment referral. The drop of 551
people or 31% less than 1950, or 50% less than 1949 reflects 1) the general
high level of employment, 2) the fact that Japanese are utilizing other
resources in Chicago� The peak in January and June follow the traditional
layoffs at the beginning of the year and the mid-year influx of students into
the labor market o
During the year, contacts were made with labor unions for the first t:iJne,
so t:iat the agency was able to get their help in broadening job opportunities.
Profassional, business organizations, and colleGe vocational offices were
tapped as resources ,, Through cooperation with the American Friends Service
Committee and Employment Committees of city-wide groups, the employment field
was widened, especially in the loon stores and in insurance.
Individual counselfog for college trained and skilled people was offered
with special attention given to their placement. In order to help youth realize
the great potentialities for professional and trained people, a vocational
guidance conference was instituted to present not only 11 experts 11 on employment
trends, but successful Japanese in diverse fields.
- 5 -
housing
60
1951 --
556
Housing is Chicago's number one problem -- and the most pressing one for
resettlers. One of the reasons for the migration of Japanese to the West Coast
is the lack of decent housing'-' During the year there was also much movement in
the city; and it is our belief that the largest concentration of Japanese are
now on 1) the south side -- Oakland-•Konwood, advancing further south or moving
to the far north; 2) lower north -- around Clark and Division with its Japanese
shops and restaurants; and 3) far north -- near 4800 and Broadway.
In 1951 there was an increase in the number of people seeking housing
referrals. Contacts were made with the Chica�o Housing Authority to press
for openings in public housing; however, most of tho applicants had hi:per
incomes than were aJ.loued under the CHA� Apart from utilizing the file on
apartments (most of uhich arc owned by Japanese landlords), very little was
done because of lack of time and funds, and because it was felt that this problem
was so broad in scope it could not be solved by one small agency for one group
of people� Thus the Resettlers participated in s ome of the activities of the
Housing Conference of Chicago.
Several cases of discrimination in housing were settled satisfactorily with
the cooperation of the Commission on Human Relations,.
social welfare
A conference of social workers and agency people was called to determine
the social welfare problems of Japanese Americansb The conference revealed
1) there are Japanese American social workers serving in many agencies
throughout the city; 2) Japanese are beginning to utilize agencies and are
more aware of the services that are available; 3) juvenile delinquency is
very- low; 4) more adoptive homes by Japanese are received now by children• s
agencies.
;_ 6 -
In the office, there was an increase in case work necessary to make the
proper. referralso Extensive consultation was carried on with other agencies
on some cases. The single largest group of clients are the Issei aged who
seek help for old age pensions, OASI, and unemployment compensation.
recreation and education
Recreation for Issei and Nisei was considered an important function.. With
Nisei grcup workars employed in various settlement houses and agencies, a....-1.d
with the continuation of the policy of encouraging use of community facilities,
the Resettlers Committee did not operate an extensive recreation program for
Nisei in the building.
GROUPS USING FACILITDi:S
\Trnnber
16
Nisei clubs and activities
Issei activities
10
Other organizations
8
Issei
6
�isei
Individuals
Agency committees, conferences, etc ..
40
Sessions
Attendance
108
1374
5887
lr8
32
21
31
1155
531
684
222
4D2
534
lOib)
Issei recreational needs were met mainly through activities in the building.
Sunday Goh sessions remained very popular, aDd groups interested in poetry,
literat.u-re, health, song, and drama continued to :.met. It is interesting to
note that 70% of the activities in the building 1-1ere for Issei groups and
organizations 9 19% for Nisei clubs and organizations, 6% mixed agency committees .,
board meetings ,1 etc.,, 5% individuals.
The City Wide Recreation Council focused its attention on the recreational
needs of the young adult age group� sponsoring socials, outinzs, educational
and ser,ice projects,. The Recreational Leac,ership Training Program attracted
168 leaders, with the program emphasis on underGtanding individual and group
behavior as a way of solving organizational problems.,
The Girls Inter Club Council was reactivated to give concrete guidance to
the nine girls clubs in the city. The Council sponsored dances, and a tea for
college graduates, discussed club problems, and exchanged ideas for social and
service projects�
Sponsored activities drew a marked increase in• attendance .1 almost 2½ times
more people attracted to the picnics, talent shou, Christmas program, and other
events during the year. (See Appendix C).
- 7 -
IT
WHAT ARE THE UNFINISHED TASKS?
Alt}::o:lgh the status of Japan0se Arnerj_cans has improved and many are
beginning to feel accepted and a part of Chicago life, our goal of integration
and pa,ticipation in the communities is still in the future. A start has been
made in helping Jape.nose Arr.eric311s relate their problems with those of other
groups, and to seek a common solution beneficial to all. In 1052, this type of
activity must be carried more vigorously, with tho utilization of new techniques
of community organization and education�
Attention must be paid towards improving the services of employment, housing,
and social welfare :referrals. With Chicago the center of expansion of different
types of industries, with the tight labor market in skilled and professionc1l
work, the agency should 1) be pr8pm·ed for ne,,comers from other area seeking
employment; 2) shift its attentton towards encouraging young and old lJOrkers
to increase their knowledge and skills to talce advantage of new job opportunities;
3) bring to the attention of youth in high schools and colleges the importance
of trainingo Individual counseling and speci�l attention towards the placement
of skilled and professional people should be continueds
In housing, interpretation of low cost housing, cooperative housing, and
the efforts of organizations such as the Housing Conference of Chicago should
be brought to the attention of the Japanese Americans. Intergr oup tensions
should be noted und worked out., The listing of apartments has been valuable
and more apartments should be notified of the a gc:=mcy service,.
One of the projects recommended by the social service conference was a
series of discussions focusing on the effects of culture on Japarn;,se American
personality; and an interpretation of these problems to social agencies�
Another source of concern to the agency is the specinl problem of the Issei
aged, and it is felt that a study should 1.Je made so that intelligent and
real:..stic recommendations can be followed� Attention should be brought on
foster homes, adoptive homes, the services of different agencies through news
paper and magazine articles, talks, and other m.ediao
The City Hide necreation Council will continue its activities with young
adults. However, euphasis will be on smaller groups and more effort will be
directed towards intergroup activity� A neu type of leadership training program
will be instituted reaching groups on their level.
'•
The agency uill hold a series of discussions on the role of the club advisor,
the developmental needs of adolescents and young adults, and on other s ub,jects
fer the advisors of all clubs and organizations in the city. The Inter Club
Councll is plan:1ing to develop interesting progrmns on club problems, acquainting
c:::..;1bs T�r 5_th a::;enciGs and facilities in tho cit:r,otc" und will put out its oun
newspaper.
- 8 -
Problems of the kibci and Japanese war brides have not been touched by
the agencyo An awareness of their problems and exploratory discussions should
be made to determine how the agency might help.
..
We have set ourselves many tasks for 1952. This may well be the year which
will see oven greater strides in Japanese Ar:.orican integration in Chicago. 11ith
the help of all the agencies, and above all tho Japanese Americans themselves,
the Chicago n.osottlors can play a part in the still incomplete story of
resettlement,
- 9 -
EXHI3TT I
THE CHICAGO RESETTLERS cor,JMITTEE
BALANCE SHEET
AS OF DECEMBER 31., 1951
ASSETS
CURRENT
Cash on
Cash in
Cash in
ASSETS:
hand - General Fund
bank ... General Fund
bank and on hand - Building Fund
iotal Current Assets
FIXED ASSETS:
Building
Building L'TI.provements
Furniture & fixtures ...
buildj_ng
Furniture & fixtures
$
50�00
1383,� 73
3956�54
$ 5390�27
Reserve for Depreciated
depreciation
cost
Cost.
$19825�41 $
$ 19825�41
658075
116()25
775�00
436.oo
1939"99
$2�76r.i�
587006
(}70�o3�
Unexphed, .Insurance
436cOO
1352-;,93
$ 22273:i09
.......
22273.09
200.67
0 27864.0)
Total Assets
LIABILITIES AND NET HORTH
LIAB ILIT TES:
Accounts payable - current
Accrued Federal insurance contribution 4th Quarter 19.51
Employee withholding tax - 4th quarter 1951
Bank loan - unsecured
86�12
30;45
157�80
421�00
Total Liabilities
•
SURPLUS:
General Fund surplus balance at January 1, 19.51
Add: Net income for year ended
December 31, 1951 (Exhibit II)
Total General Fund surplus, 12/31/51
Building Fund surplus (Exhibit III)
Total Surplus
Total Liabilities and Surplus
$ 1470..37
$ 1971089
203.,82
$ 2175071
24217.,95
�93;66
$ 27864.,22
EXHIBI'i' II
THE CHIC.AGO RESETTLERS COMMITTEE
ST!.TEMENT OF INCOME lJJD EXFEYSES
FC� THE YFJi.R E1'IDED DECE��!{ J:J.�_J-?51
GENERAL FillID
INCOME:
Membership dues
Donation :from individuals and firms
Donation f-rom Ch:i.c2,go Congregational Union
Donation from Co:nn:n:.nity Trust; Foundation
Donation from lodgers and users of institutional
premises
From Co�lj::11unity Fund
From rents (Temporary residents)
$ 6:. 375;,oo
11249�, 77
l,; 2oc1,:,oo
500cOO
·531�00
8;,39.S;oo
543:.00
$18,793.77
Total income
EXPENSES PAID;
Salaries and wages
Federal insura�ce contribution
Gas, electricity and water
Fuel oil
Ins·,.u·a.11ce - expire�
Organization dues
Repa:i.rs
Stationery and printing
Postage
Sundry office expense
Telephone and telegraph
Fund raising and publicity
Transportation
.Auditing and legal
Household expenses
Education and recreation
Conference
Interest on loan to purchase equipment
•
$12, 764,.,43
91.:)38
418�. 0 7
552"ll
97�57
78 0 00
571., 92
232076
441:)81
161,�15
846003
679 __. 61
189031
106 ;; 00
204-i48
597042
262 ., 50
30,.,34
Total expenses paid
Depreciation on furniture and equipment
Total expenses (see Note B)
18,589095
�
Net income to surplus (Exhibit I)
NOl'E ii.:
Does not include cash disbursement for
capital expenditures during year 1951
as follows;
Furniture & fixtures
Payment on bank loan to
purchase oil burner
($775QOO)
$
128. 78
203,:,82
EXHIBIT III
THE CHICAGD RESETTLERS C0MHITTEE
STATEMENT OF INCOME MID EXPENSE
.,.
FOR THE P..». ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1951
BUILD ING FUND
$24�239050
Income from contribution to building fund - collected
Interest on savings account fund
150-68
Total income
��24, 255.18
Expenses-,..insurance expense pro-rated
37023
Net income to surplus (Exhibit I)
ANALYSIS OF SURPLUS
Cash in bank and on hand
Building:
Cost of building
Legal and title fee
Fund-raising expenses
Improvements - fixtures (folding doors)
Total
$ 3, 9.56.54
$16_, 000oOO
, 9l o .50
3,733a91
19,825e41
436<)00
$24,217095
THE CHICAGO RESETTIERS COMMITTES
COMPl.RLTIVE ST.A.TEMEJ\iT OF INCOME
AND EXPENSES
r
WITH APPROVED BUDGE·r OF n coaE I.ND EXJ)ENSES
For the Year Ended December 31� 1951
le
ACTUAL
,,.
INCOME:
Membership dues
Donation from individuals and finns
Donation from Chicago Cong :, Union
Donation from Community Trust Fom1dation
Donation from lodgers and users of
institutional premises
$ 6;375;,oo
lj2h9;_,77
1., 200;00
500.:,00
$ 6j215oOO
1_;000�00
1,200{)00
�00,,00
..:;__
1,, 00000�
____531,.00
$ 9;91.5oOO
8�395;00
4800 00
$ 9.i;855�71
8., 395�00
�43., 00
Total donations
Income from Community Fund
Income from rents
$18,790. 00
$18, 793077
Total income
EXPENSES:
Salaries..
Executive
CJ.erical
Others
TotaJ. salaries & wages
Payroll taxBs
Gas and electricity
Fuel
Insurance
Organization dues
Repairs
Stationery and printing
Fostage
Sundry office
Telephone and telegraph
Fu.�d raising and publicity
Transportation
J.ud:iting and legal
Hous9hold
Edu.cat.ion and recreation
Con� e·;"enGe
Eq·..::.:ip:,ent (Depreciation
and interest)
BUDGET
$ 7;836o20
4s780\'.) 00
· J.48�23
lI2;"'"i54o4J
91.,38
418t, 07
552.,11
97057
78�00
571:-92
232.,76
441.,81
161:,15
846c03
679c61
189..,31
1 06 ;, 00
204.,48
597.,42
262.,50
Total expenses
Net income to surplus (Exhibit I)
295.,40
$ ? ., 500;00
4�6'?.0,:;00
750 :, 00
i�7o�oo
450;00
450.;oo
300 .., 00
75vOO
600 ,. 00
450000
42.5-oOO
260�00
750000
600 �00
250c00
llOc,00
2000 00
600 � 00
2500 00
150�00
..
()..
APPENDIX
B
Volume of Service for 192_;.
Total number of persons served
233.3
Problems for which help was sought:
Employment •••••••••••• 1192
Housing ••••••••••••• 556
Translation •••••• � •••• 138
87
Financial assistance.. • • • • •
81
necreation. • • • • • • • •• • •
63
Education • • • ••• • • • • • •
Health •••••••••• • • • •
37
Others •••••••••••••• 179
Services provided:
Total:
Referred directly to employment or
housing 1254
Information or advice ••••••
511
Recreation - education ••••••
81
76
Referred to other social agencies
64
Referred to agency already active
neferred to organization other than
social agency 72
Could not or unable to help • • •
59
120
Others. • • • • • • • • • • • • •
..
2237
. APPEr-.T'DIX
C
Sponsored Special EVents
.._,
I,,
EVSNTS
FACILITIES
·winter Outing
Robbins Lodge
Raffle Dance
:McCormick Y.W.C.A.
300
Open House
North Avenue Y.M.C.A.
100
Recreation Horkshop
Resettlers, Lawson Y
168
Talent Show
Olivet Institute
650
Vocational Conference
Chicago Resettlers
Summer Ca,'llp for children Camp Reinberg
Tower Hill
· · JA :P.AIJ.TU':.IPAT.ION
33
19
10
28
29
35
Cancer program
Chicago Resettlers
Camp program
Chicago Resettlers
City Wide outing
College Camp
Girls Club outing
Forest Beach
Picnic
Dan Ryan Hoods
Art Exhibit
Chicago Resettlcrs
400
Annual Heeting
Chicago Resettlcrs
60
Dance
HcCormick YeH.C.A.
35 0
Social 1 Torl-: Conference
Chicago Resettlers
Christmas program
Museum of Science & Industry
15
Christmas party for
Japanese students and
young adults
Olivet Institute
TOTAL:
25
55
83
4000
20
75
6426
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Annual Report, 1951
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1951
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
application/pdf
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
text
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
RG09_Series01_Box01_1951
-
https://digitalcollections.jasc-chicago.org/omeka/files/original/9b74c87e1bad49fba4558931e0d8b644.pdf
24939079a246534f031940259f63845f
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Annual Reports
Description
An account of the resource
Record Group 9, JASC Publications
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Chicago Resettlers Committee
Japanese American Service Committee
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Japanese American Service Committee
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1946-2011
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
RG09
Subject
The topic of the resource
Annual Reports of the Chicago Resettlers Committee and Japanese American Service Committee
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
paper
Text
Any textual data included in the document
CHICAGO
RESETTLE RS
COMMITTEE
•
Prepared
By
KENJI NAKANE
Execut i ve Di recto r
.,apone&e Am rican Servi e COfflt'nlthM of Chlct;
3257 Norftl • ffi Id Av nue
Chlcitgo, tuinob
(:l)o57
DANIEL KUZUHARA
Associate Directo r
7th ANNUAL REPORT
1110 North La Salle Street
Chicago 10, Illinois
DElaware 7-1076
A RED FEATHER AGENCY
COUNCIL OF fi.1ETROPOLITAN CHICAGO,
Affiliated with the WELFARE
COMviUNITY FUND OF CHICAGO, INC., and endorsed by the
THE
R
CHICAGO ASSOCIATION OF COMMERCE AND INDUST Y for the year
ended December 31, 1953.
EXECUTIVE
BOARD
_____ -
E..,..,.
X E C U T I V,,.. E
President
Vice-Presidert
Secretary
Trea$urers
Auditors
Ex-Officio
6. Q. y l § Q !:1 y
Executive Director
Associate Director
-----
B O A R D
Corky Kawasaki
Noboru Honda
Ichikµro · Kondo
TqheJ Matsunaga
Richard H. Yamada
Jeanette s. Shizuru
Kohachiro Sugimoto
George Teraol<a
Kiyoshi Joichi
Thomas Masuda
Harry K. Mayeda
Dr. Ben T. Chikaraishi
Ryoi �hi Fujii
Ji$ei Fukuda
Ab� Hagiwara
Eizo Hanaki
rv;iyeki Hayano
ToJ-aQ Hidaka
Ch9rles Hiura
Mrs. Ghiz� Iiyama
Yutak,a Kanemoto
Kameichi Kittaka
Rev. Gyomei Kubose
Mrs. Koki Kumamoto
lviiss Jeanne Mori
Yoriaki Nakagawa
Eiz'o Nishi
Tadaichi Okuhara
Rev. Andrew Oyama
Rev. GeorgeAki
Russell W. Ballard
Edward E0gle Brown
Helen P. Bull
Earl B. Dickerson
Dr. Arthur G. Falls
Dr. s. I. Hayakawa
Dr. Melville J. Herskovitz
Rev. Joe Kitagawa
Rev. Gyodo Kono
Rev. Chiaki Kuzuhara
Leo Lerner
Mrs. Emile Levy
Robert E. Merriam
MEMBERS
Smoky Sakurada
Shozo Sekiguchi
Tomej iro Shi.getome
�annosuke Shiraishi
Ralph Smeltzer
Mary Sonoda
Frank Takahashi
Bunji Takano
Jun Toguri
Rev. Alva Tompkins
Takeji Tsumagari
Charles Uk,i ta
Jiro Yamaguchi
George K� Yamamoto
Rev. s. Michael Yasutake
Kiyo Yoshimura
John Yoshino
Judge John P. McGoorty
George B. McKibben
Dean Robert Redfield
Dean Curtiss w. Reese
Judge George L. Quilici
Elmer L. Shirrell
Dr. Edward J. Sparling
Ellis Stewart
Rev. Kohei Takeda
Williard s. Townsend
John H. Weddell
Mrs. John H. Weddell
Rabbie Jacob J. Weinstein
Kenji Nakane
Daniel Kuzuhara
I
PREFACE
1953 found the services of the Chicago Resettlers Committee
very much in demand.
changed over the
The nature of the problems, however, have
years.
When Japanese Americans first began to re-make their
in Chicago from the various relocation centers,
homes
the agency was more
concerned with problems of large groups of people.
Today our or
ientation is in the nature of working with relatively more isolated
segments of the community.
This trend is indicative of the fact that some of our object
tives are beir19 approached.
Chicago's Japanese Americans have be•
come, relatively more, "a part of the whole".
Indeed, looking back
a decade, the process of adaptation has been rapid.
But there is much to be desired in terms of the work of the
Resettlers Committee. We realize a need for more skillfulness in
dealing with the specificity of the problems we now perceive.
We
also realize a need for greater sensitivity and versatility corre
lated with "looking ahead" in our programing in. order to accomplish
sound social and economic progress.
But we know that the realization of our objectives can surely
only be made an actuality through the people of the community who
have so conscientiously supported the Chicago Resettlers Committee.
Kenji Nakane
Executive Director
- 3 -
INTRODUCT ION
Japanese Americans in Chicago now number approximately 13,000.
like any other minority group,
They are
except that they have had a common experience of
evacuation from their homes on the West Coast in 1942 during the early days of
World War II, of life in relocation camps situated in dreary areas,
and of ad
justment to the larger world in a strange city near the end of the war.
The Chicago Resettlers Committee is an integral part of this story - - an
agency organized in 1943 by resettlers with the help of welfare, governmental
bodies and interested civic leaders,
and accepted into the Welf,are Council of
Metropolitan Chicago in 1946.
Its program of meeting immediate needs of Japan
ese has been a dynamic one,
changing in emphasis throughout the years of its
existence,
but always keeping in mind its basic aim of integration, rather than
the establishment of segregated "Little Tokyos" of the West Coast variety.
Due to many factors, the Japanese in Chicago are finding a degree of accept
ance never before experienced in their lives.
Although discrimination exists,
they have been able to find employment in industries and professions, in areas
formerly prohibited to them.
Dispersal in housing is gradually changing the
character of neighborhoods formerly concentration points for resettlers.
Japan
ese names are becoming more common in neighborhood and community organizations.
In short,
during the past few years,
Japanese Americans have been assimilating
at a pace considered rema-rkable by social scientists.
But many problems still remain for the Japanese in Chicago.
Acculturation
is a process which takes several generations, the psychological scars of rejec
tion leave deep impressions, the breaking up of families accelerated by evacua
tion have important implications, and complete acceptance into Chicago life is
an aim to be translated into concrete reality.
This is,
then, a part of the story, of the people who came for help to the
Chicago Resettlers Committee, the work of the agency in stimulating resettlers
to solve their own problems, and the activities of the Japanese Americans through
the agency in promoting i�tegration.
- 4 -
P H I L O S O P H Y
The basic purpose of the Resettlers Committee, as stated in its
by-laws,
is to "encourage Japanese Americans to become useful, res-
ponsible members of the community through social, economic and cul
tural activities".
S E R V I C E S
The paramount function of the Chicago Resettlers Committee has
been that of a referral agency.
Employment and housing referrals
constitute a major portion of services provided (see appendix).
Re
ferral service has been continued with respect to financial, legal,
health, unemployment and old-age problem. The agency offers counsel
ing and casework referrals pertaining to family and personal problems
and maintains active contact with these cases after referrals have
been made (see appendix).
The Resettlers Committee functions as a resource agency to the
recreational and educational activities of various groups as well as
to institute and encourage cultural activities.
The agency offers facilities to many groups in the city and also
conducts classes in citizenship, English and Japanese.
Individuals
of various ethnic backgrounds participate in these activities offered
by the agency.
The Resettlers Committee cooperates with various other agencies
and organizations in interpreting the needs of the Japanese Americans.
The agency also works in conjunction with other groups whose inter ests lie in civic and socio-economic betterment.
- 5 -
H
:In
compared
The
port
1952
to
the
an
O
W
W
agency
approved
Chicago
E
A
R
E
carried
budget
Resettlers
F
an
o
f
I
N
A
N
approved
$20,
Committee
488
for
C
E
D
budget
1953
rP.�eived
its
o
f
(see
$20,
083
as
Appendix ) .
financia
l
sup
from:
THE
COMMUNIT Y
CHICAGO •••• •
• •••••••43%
FUND OF
• •••••••47%
MEMBERSHI P FEES AND CONTRIBUTIONS •
CHICAGO CITY MISSIONARY SOCIETY
OF THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES• •••••••••• • •6%
COM!v'1UNI TY
TRUST• • • •• •••••• • •••••••••••••••• 3%
RENT••• ••••• •••••••••••••••••• ••• ••• ••••• • •1%
The membership in 1953 was
approximate ly
1100.
1·
-
6 -
THE PROGRAM IN 1953
The agency
program
did
not
altogether follow a previously proposed
frame of reference with regards to planned programing�
Due to various factors, changes
at
the
administrative
level of the
The agency was without an associate di-
staff personnel were necessitated.
rector during the month of January and a portion of February due to the re- '(',�";.
Chizu
th1t
v�c�ric/in February.
Iiyama.
Mr. Kenji
· · acting dii'ecto:r
�
.,
.. .
-�
Dart Kuzuhara
.
Nakane was appointed to fill
On March 30, Mr. Jack Yasut�ke, then the execu
tive direc.tor� 'suciden'1y succumbed to an
.
'
illness.
Mr. Nakane
then
became
without an assOciate director until the appointment of Mr •
in May, at which time Mr. Nakane
was
appoi'nted
as e�ecutive
director.
The agency sponsored classes in Americanization, English and Japanese.
The
largest
of these
classes were the Americanization classes held under
the joint' aospit�s- of the ag·ency and the Japanes� Arne;_:.ican Citizens League.
32�{ studertts
. werEV· g':taduated during the year.
·· •· r
�-. f ·. ,�
Th·e Tat te·r part of 1953 saw
the Issei becbming'"Arr.erican citizens for the firsl'titile.
R E C R E A T I O N
.
..
.
The Resettlers Committee h1s \_ continued to work close!
y with
.
the City-
Wide Re6reation Council, an organiz�tion of young men and women, affiliated
· with· the agency.
The group's monthly
meetings have be�'K::•of an education
al nature. Social affairs, work projects and· summer and winter outings were
some
of
the· major activities of the group.
During the summer the agency
program of the City-Wide Rec�'e�·tion Council, and, to plan for future events.
··;
.
; T ..
- 7 -
-'. 'r
•
,,•_
The group has grown in number.
The Cosmo Club, a group consisting of Japanese war brides, has- been
closely assisted by the agency in an advisory and resource capacity.
The
relatively new group was provided orientation in citizenship and a relative
ly broad program is gradually being established with respect to general
awareness of American citizenship and practical social and domestic living
in a new country.
Various other groups and individuals have been assisted by way of in
formation and referral concerning recreational activities.
S U M M E R
A C T I V I T IE S
The summer program included a camping experience for boys and girls
with children of various other ethnic groups at Camp Reinberg.
The Resettlers Committee Annual Community Picnic drew approximately
3500 people, a major project.
CO M M U N I T Y
A F F AIR S
The Resettlers Committee
participated in a number of civic programs
sponsored by various groups through providing Japanese talent and assisting
in the planning.
The agency has cooperated with other agencies such as the Citizens of
Greater Chicago, The Lower North Community Council and The Council Against
Discrimination and other bodies in promoting civic and socio-economic
betterment. The Resettlers Committee has encouraged Japanese Americans to
more actively participate in community affairs.
HOUSING
AND
EMPLOYMENT
The Resettlers Committee has maintained activity in encouraging and
assisting Japanese Americans to secure housing in areas where Japanese have
not been previously represented, when such a wish was made know� through
contacting appropriate agencies and individuals in a particular community
- 8 -
concerning such matters.
New fields in employment were established
through necessary contacts.
for Japanese Americans
During the summer the agency was able to se
cure employment for a good number of foreign students coming from such coun
tries as Thailand, Formosa, India and Japan
s.o�c:I AL
WELFARE
There has been a noted increase in social welfare cases coming to the
agen�y, particularly during 1953.
A large portion of the problems concerned
Japanese war brides, of whom there are an estimated 400 in the city r6f
Chicago.
The nature of the problems has varied a great deal.
A fairly even number of Issei, Nisei and Sansei welfare records have
also received the attention of the agency.
The Resettlers Committee functions primarily as a referral agency with
a few exceptions where language constitutes a distinct barrier to adequate
communication.
Often the agency works jointly with a case-work agency, or,
with a number of other appropriate agencies or institutions.
of a direct referral,
In the
case
contact is maintained to follow the disposition of
the problem.
Old age problems, mental illness, financial need, family disruptions,
delinquency, non-attendance in school and marital difficulties, describe
the nature of the various problems related to the social welfare contacts
of the agency.
- 9 -
What are some of the problems we see in the future?
The Issei, numbering approximately 3000, with an average age of rough
ly 67,years, faces the ultimate phase of living when he can no longer be as
productive and self-sustaining as in earlier years.
are not particularly unique as a whole, but,
His old age problems
because of his Cultural back
ground, does present problems peculiar to the Issei alone,
The kind of
food he eats, and distinct language differences, are two factors which make
the Issei*s problems of old age unique in various aspects.
The agency
plans to study the situation carefully under the social welfare committee
and determine the needs as well as approaches to fulfilling those needs.
Due to an increasing number of Japanese wives of former soldiers sta
tioned with the occupational forces in Japan, the agency plans to structure
a more systematic program in assisting the new citizens to become adapted
to the American cultural way of life.
The program, as it is presently per
ceived, should be more constructively realized in terms of both the group
. and individual problems of the Japanese wives.
With approximately 13,000
Japanese wives presently residents in the United States, and with roughly
100 visas a week being applied for by Japanese wives married to soldier
husbands in Japan, Chicago can anticipate a fair increase in the number of
adjustmental problems among its new residents.
The recreational picture related to Chicago's young teen-age Nisei as
well as to the increasing number of Hawaiian Nisei, are other areas to
which the agency program will direct more attention.
As in the past, the agency hopes to continue to encourage greater par
ticipation, r.n the part of the Japanese American, in community affairs and
inter-group activities.
The Resettlers Committee will maintain its effort
to widen opportunities in employment and housing.
It is these problems we perceive as being in need of imp0rtant consi
deration in the function of the Chicago Resettlers Committee in 1954 and in
the following years.
APPENDIX
Total number of persons served
2274
Problems for which help was sought:
Employment
698
Housing
605
Financial Assistance
Health
63
, 71
Recreation
r/,6
Education
119
Translation & Interpretation
111
Others
531
Services Provided:
Referred directly to employment or housing
Information or advice
Recreation •·& education
Referred to other social agency
1253
440
64
105
Referred to agency already active
82
Referred to organization other than social agency
77
Could not or unable to help
Others
179
63
APPENDIX
The Chicago Resettlers Committee
BALANCE SHEET AND APPROVED BUDGET
as of December 31, 1953
ACTUAL
BUDGET
------------------
INCOME:
Membership Dues
Contributions (Individual)
Community Trust Foundation
Chicago City Missionary Society
Community Fund of Chicago
Rent (Temporary Residents)
$ 5,829.50
3,200.55
500.00
1,200.00
8,393.25
__359 .!.QQ
$ 9,380.
500.
1,200.
8,643.
__ _£Q.
Total Income
$19,482.30
$20,083.
EXPENSES:
Salaries and Wages
Federal Insurance Contribution
Gas. Electricity, Water and Fuel
Insurance - expired
Organization Dues
Repairs and Decorating
Stationery and Printing
Postage
Sundry Office Expense
Telephone and Telegraph
Fund Raising and Promotional
Trans porta ti on
Auditing and Legal
Household Expenses
Education and Recreation
Conference
Interest
$12,697.51
183.23
874.87
253.70
66.00
771.19
503.96
353.91
282.62
861.93
621.08
284.74
131.00
244.84
528.12
316.52
$14,085.
198.
890.
300.
75.
600.
550.
400.
260.
700.
600.
200.
llO.
175.
530.
300.
10.
$18,977.32
Total Expenses P aid
Depreciation on Furn. & Equip. -�2.!.l�
100 .:,
Total Expenses
Net Gain to Surplus
____gdQ
$19 2,284.48
$20,08�:.
L_!.21.82
-0----==
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Annual Report, 1953
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1953
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
application/pdf
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
text
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
RG09_Series01_Box01_1953
-
https://digitalcollections.jasc-chicago.org/omeka/files/original/b94d6cac4f2dca3eba158736d482bb6f.pdf
fa84fd3528442cee1a395e36c2615993
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Annual Reports
Description
An account of the resource
Record Group 9, JASC Publications
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Chicago Resettlers Committee
Japanese American Service Committee
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Japanese American Service Committee
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1946-2011
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
RG09
Subject
The topic of the resource
Annual Reports of the Chicago Resettlers Committee and Japanese American Service Committee
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
paper
Text
Any textual data included in the document
JAPANESE AMERICAN
SERVICE COMMITTEE
ANNUAL REPORT
1973 - 74
I
JJA§CO
I
-Japanese Anleriean Se1-viee Conunittee
i-----._________
EXECUTIVE BOARD
President:
Lillian C. Kimura
I
Vice Presidents:
Masako Inouye
Harry Tanaka
Aya Yamakoshi
Treasurer:
Mits Kodama
Secretary:
Diane Kayano
Auditor:
Frank Takahashi
EX-OFFICIO
Noboru Honda
George K. Kittaka
Daniel K. Kuzuhara
Thomas Masuda
Harry K. Mayeda
Lincoln Shimidzu
Kohachiro Sugimoto
Richard H. Yamada, Sr.
BOARD MEMBERS
Alice Esaki
Edward Farmilant
Alan Jacobson
Nelson Kitsuse
George J. Kittaka
Janette Koga
Ruth Kumata
Eugene Paulsen
Duncan Randall
June Tamanaha
Tak Tomiyama
James Ueno
Terry Yamashita
Tami Yamate
ADVISORY BOARD
Mieki Hayano
Charles Hiura
Tomonao Iino
Kiyoshi Joichi
Noboru Katayama
Kashiro Mizuno
Eizo Nishi
Ryozo O gura
Tadaichi Okuhara
George Teraoka
Shig Wakamatsu
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Masaru Nambu
I
4427 North Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60640 Telephone AC 312 275-7212-13
Member, Welfare Council of Metropolitan Chicago - Endorsed by the Chicago Association of Commerce and Industry,
Subscription Investigating Committee, for the Year Ending December 31, 1973.
REPORT FROM THE PRESIDENT
The need for an agency such as the Japanese American Service Committee has
not diminished in spite of the apparent inclusion of Japanese Americans into
the mainstream of American life.
The Civil Rights movement of the 1960's and the thrusts of Black Americans
have made those of Asian ancestry aware of the necessity to speak out for our
just due. Stereotyped as the model minority, Asian Americans are now
articulating their concerns with vigor and advancing a truer picture of a
people who, like other ethnics of color, are relegated to second class
citizenship in America.
In working toward an open society, JASC, in the past year, has joined other
Asian American groups to seek funds which would identify gaps between
needs and services. One proposal, submitted by the Midwest Asian American Coalition and for which JASC
provided the funds for its preparation, was caught in the change of Administration policies and "died"
despite it being rated a very fine proposal by regional officials. As of this writing, JASC is cooperating with
the Japanese American Citizens League in a project to develop training materials which will identify those
factors in Japanese American culture and life style that prevent Isseis from making full use of existing
human service resources. This spring, we expect to participate in a Conference on the mental health needs
of Asian Americans sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health.
LILLIAN
c.
KIMURA
President
No longer the "quiet Americans", the Board of JASC has challenged the arbitrary cutbacks by the State in
services to former mental patients in our sheltered workshop, brought suit to acquire the property adjoining
the building, and sought funds from a variety of sources, including governmental and private, for extension
of services to the elderly.
One of the most exciting developments within the past year has been the increasing involvement of Sansei
in volunteer services to the Issei. Under the auspices of JACL's Japanese American Youth, they have gone
on friendly visits to shut-ins (these visits were especially appreciated at Christmas time), volunteered in our
Nutrition for Elderly Program, plan to work with the Drop In Center and, just recently, they sponsored a
"Casino Matinee" for the Issei.
As vacancies occurred on the Board of Directors, Sanseis were appointed to serve. The mural on the north
wall of the building, a Sansei effort, is tangible expression of the concern of our youth for a better world.
In looking to the future, plans are being made to remodel our present facility to make it more functional
and serve our expanding programs. Staff has also explored the possible sources of funding in the event we
may wish to build a new facility.
Elsewhere in this booklet you will read more about our programs. We invite you to visit the agency and
witness the exciting activities which take place there daily. We would also like to express our appreciation
to our membership, staff and many volunteers for making JASC the vital agency that it is. I would
particularly like to thank all the dedicated Board members who consented to serve an extra six months
because of the change in our fiscal year system.
With your continued loyalty and support, JASC pledges to meet the challenges of tomorrow with wisdom
and courage so that all of us may, one day, be living in a free and just society.
Lillian C. Kimura
President, JASC
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Organized in 1945, the Japanese American Service Committee has assisted
thousands of Japanese Americans to resume life in the Chicago Metropolitan
area after leaving wartime relocation centers. During the past 29 years, the
agency has grown both in its scope of service and its professionalism in assisting
clients. Today, the once active Issei (first generation) who first helped to
organize the JASC have reached retirement age and have themselves become
some of the most important clients of the agency. With the assumption of
leadership roles by Nisei (second generation), the era of tightly-knit ethnic
concerns is giving way to visions of the larger place of JASC in the general
community.
The Senior Citizens Work Center, a sheltered workshop originally
conceived only for Issei aged, has undergone vital changes with its expansion to
include former mental patients from the Edgewater-Uptown community as well as Nisei and other Asian
clients. The JASC is now an important member of the Midwest Asian American Coalition, a group which
aims to coordinate available welfare services for all Asian Americans.
MASARU NAMBU
Executive Director
Recognizing the unique needs of aged Issei who face insurmountable frustrations due to lack of
cultural and linguistic adaptability, the JASC has instituted an ambitious program of complete care through
the Issei Comprehensive Program encompassing- such services as home-delivered meals, the Nutrition for
Elderly program, telecare, dental and medical clinics, counselling and a wide variety of social activities.
Evidence is seen daily that the lives of these otherwise isolated persons are being immeasurably enriched.
The agency is also coming to grips with problems of younger members of the Japanese American
community whose emerging recognition of their peculiar ethnicity has begun to take its emotional and
social toll. The purchase of an adjoining property will afford opportunities for expanded services in this and
other areas.
Although JASC continues to place emphasis on assisting the culturally different, it is always cognizant
of the areas in the wider community to which it can apply its unique expertise and cooperates strongly with
all community welfare organizations. With the continued support of all, JASC can expand and improve its
ability to provide sophisticated and concerned human care and to contribute to the improved well-being of
the entire community.
JAPANESE AMERICAN SERVICE COMMITTEE
PROGRAM STAFF
OFFICE STAFF
Lucy Teshima
Eiko Fricke
Ichiro Kagei
Cathy Yamada
Fred Odanaka
Cecilia Ishibashi
Margaret Condon
Joan Sumida
Haruko Tanaka
Edna Shirakawabe
Dorothy Kaneko
Lillian Aki
Eugene Gullstrom
Jean Inouye
Mary Fukui
Richard Kirshner
Michael Nishi
Dennis Jennings
Patrick Augustin
Mary Anne Thompson
Henry Wilczenski
T,easu,e,'s Report
F ISCA L Y E A R 1
97 4
BUDGET
$270,000
ED
WORKSHOP:
R
SHEL TE
Sb
Income
tra t
c
con
u
Income
CON
U TIONS
TRIB
unity
Co
mm
ll neo
Mi
a
sce
SER
E
VIC
De t.
p
of
5 720
,
:
Trust
us Income
FE :
8,320
E
Vocational
ME MBE RSH
I
P
Rehab.
DRIVE
17 000
,
:
a
Support ing
,
l,
ring,
Sp
Japanese Companie
o n s
s
o
G
ener
I
L
A
SPEC
Fuji F
E
Ma k t Day
,
e
r
Christmas Card
COMMUNITY FUND
STATE GRANTS
SH
s
:
24,
:
:
ED WO RKSH
LTER
E
s
TOTA
for
sen
ormer
ior citizens
men
OP
L
PROGRAM:
GRO
UP
ef
$349,
46,
N:
14,
G:
r
H
T
u
an
tal clinic, counseli
n
g,
h memakers serv
o
d-In-Ha
tor
i
n
g
nd
Pr og
ram
TOT
11,
G
SERVICES/SOCIAL DEVELOPMEN
er al
r
,
0
406
d
n
lssei Comprehe sive Progran
Com unal livi g, home
m
n
deliv
l
services
,
ry
e
me
a
social progra
m,
1elecare,
den
11
an
V O
C ATIONAL COUNSELING/TRAmlN
74%
,
tal patien .
ts
ADMINISTRAT IO
FUND RAISIN
2
66,66
3
$470
gra
Sheltered worksho
p pro
m
f
93
55,22
5
FEDERAL GRANTS
Expense
22, 25
0
ENTS :
V
tiv l Dinne
r,
a
es
T
48,
9
4
2
0
22
5
6
57
33
.
AL
$470,
1
1
0
SENIOR CITIZENS WORK CENTER
One of the most successful and appreciated services offered by the
Japanese American Service Committee is the Senior Citizens Work Center, a
sheltered workshop formed in response to the needs of older Issei who left the
mainstream of the labor force, only to find that retirement frequently resulted
in the surfacing of many social and psychological problems. The Work Center
helps participants maintain their sense of worth and at the same time allows for
continued social interaction.
FRED ODANAKA
Workshop Director
1
1
Appropriate work is contracted from various businesses and clients are
paid at a rate set by the Department of Labor. The staff is constantly looking
for a variety of work in order to reduce monotony and expand aptitudes in
clients.
The Work Center has been undergoing a gradual but significant change in that it is no longer concerned
only with Issei aged but has expanded to include former mental patients from sheltered care facilities in
Edgewater-Uptown as well as older Nisei. As older Issei diminish in number, the Work Center is looking for
more clients among Nisei who are reaching retirement age and can benefit from its services. The staff is
gratified by the growing evidence of improvement in those participating in this program.
l
)
/SSE/ COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM
1
1
In a society where youth and language facility are highly valued, to be an
lssei is a difficult proposition. Age, language and cultural barriers loom large
and resolution of resulting difficulties is tenuous. The simple mechanics of
living such as obtaining information over the telephone, filling out social
security forms, and seeking medical assistance are arduous tasks to those in this
position. But the inability to handle the day-to-day events of normal living is
only part of the problem. A larger and more difficult challenge is that of
pervasive loneliness and isolation, a condition shared by all aged persons but
magnified for the Issei by lack of adequate cultural and linguistic facility.
The JASC has instituted the Issei Comprehensive Program to assist in
alleviating
these unique problems. It is designed to attend to the social and
DOROTHY KANEKO
Group Worker
emotional as well as physical needs of aged Issei through such programs as
home delivered meals, telecare, homemakers services, dental and medical care, a communal living program
and a drop-in center. Monthly social and club activities expand educational and cultural opportunities. The
recent establishment of the Federal Nutrition Program at JASC under which low-cost meals are served to
those over 60 has added an important dimension to the total program.
In the future, JASC expects to expand and improve on all facets of the Issei Comprehensive Program
as much as finances and personnel will allow and new services will be introduced upon demonstration of
changing needs. The goal, however, is not simply to provide more services but to enhance the quality of the
lives of the aged through caring and sensitive programming.
1
)
COUNSELING SERVICE
Counseling services have always been available at the Japanese American
Service Committee, but with the marked increase in the number and variety of
clients needing help, the agency established last year a formal Counseling
Department, staffed by four counselors and a part-time consulting psycholo
gist. In addition to increased counseling requests from the primary target
community of Japanese Americans, clients include 40 former mental patients
who are employed in the Work Center as well as many non-Japanese Asians.
The Council for Community Services in Metropolitan Chicago has also
requested that JASC be one of the agencies providing counseling to the
impaired aged.
The Counseling Department is concentrating on providing the best and
most appropriate types of counseling to clients in all of these areas, an effort
requiring the application of the highest and most sophisticated standards. Such areas as referral services,
intake procedures, case consultations, staff meetings, group discussions and town hall meetings are
constantly undergoing close scrutiny to improve their effectiveness. It is hoped that clients will receive
increasingly adequate answers for their deepest concerns.
EIKO FRICKE
Counseling Director
HAND-IN-HAND
Formed in October, 1969, Hand-in-Hand is an
organization supported by the Japanese American
Service Committee whose purpose is to ·increase
public awareness of the problems and possibilities
of exceptional children and to provide informed
support for the parents of such children. Meeting
regularly on the second Friday of each month, the
group discusses common concerns and plans activ
ities which will enhance the lives of children with a
variety of handicaps such as mental retardation,
cerebral palsy, mongolism and learning disabilities.
Speech therapy classes are held every other Satur
day from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 noon at the
Academy of the Sacred Heart led by a professional
therapist.
The group was originally organized with funds
raised by the Young Japanese Americans, an arm
of the Japanese American Citizens League, and membership is open to any interested persons whether or
not they have any direct connections with handicapped children. Through discussions with professionals in
the field, planning for relevant legislative action, and community education, the group provides a much
needed human service to parents of exceptional children as well as to all concerned persons.
BLOOD ASSURANCE PROGRAM
As part of the people-helping-people program, the Japanese American
Service Committee implemented a Blood Assurance Program in 1973 which
provides free blood replacement coverage to all members of JASC and their
families should the need arise. Approximately 4000 people are now covered
and already several Issei, Nisei and Sansei have been assisted.
CATHY YAMADA
Blood Assurance
Program Coordinator
In order to maintain coverage, 4% of the total membership must donate
blood. This plan assures members of JASC that they will not be charged for
blood transfusions. The plan also has been extended to cover members of other
Japanese American community organizations if 4% of their memberships have
donated blood.
Hopefully, programs such as this one will make people become conscious
of the great need in veterans' hospitals, disaster emergencies and medical research. Any blood donated over
and above the minimum requirements for coverage of the group will go to help these other worthy causes.
In this way, it is hoped that the public will be educated to the need for development of a voluntary
community-wide blood program.
Present plans to cover 6000 people in the Japanese American community will require the donation of
240 pints of blood in 1974. Mobile units accepting blood donations will be at the JASC building on June
24 and November 18, 1974. Everyone who is able to give is urged to contribute blood toward this worthy
effort.
Grateful acknowledgment is extended to the following people who have donated blood as of
December 31, 1973:
JASC BLOOD ASSURANCE PROGRAM
BLOOD DONORS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1973
Hisa Amimoto
Minoru Amimoto
Paul Ase
Mikio Doi
Tetsuo Doi
Leo Edwards
Edward Farmilant
Eiko Fricke
Kathy Fujii
Mickey Fujii
George Fujimori
Glenn Y. Fujimori
Mitsuo Fujishima
Joy Fujita
Neil Fukuda
Henry Fukui
Mutsuko Hara
Yoshiro Harada
Isamu Harakawa
James Hashiguchi
Alice Hashimoto
Mark Hayashi
Scott Hayashi
Fred Hikida
George Hirata
Calvin Hori
George Inouye
James Inouye
Ray Inouye
Cecilia Ishibashi
Donna Ito
Dorothy Ito
Joe Iwaoka
Dennis Jennings
Don Kaihatsu
Betty Kamiya
Hiroshi Kaneko
Charles Kaneshiro
Takio Kariya
Ken Katahira
Betty Kawaguchi
John Kawaguchi
Diane Kayano
George M. Kimura
Richard Kirshner
Paula Kitahata
Nelson Kitsuse
Jean Kudo
Ruth Kumata
Nel MacPherson
David Maeshiba
Rocky Matayoshi
Fred Matsumoto
Katsuo Matsumoto
Aki Matsushita
Yoko Mitani
Mike Mitsueda
Dorothy Miyake
Jack Miyake
Ron Miyamura
Hideo Motoike
LaurettaNagatomo
DennisNaka
MasNakagawa
TakeshiNakamura
Lawrence Nakamura
TakashiNakao
CathyNakashima
BobNakazawa
MasaruNambu
HaroldNemoto
MichaelNishi
JiroNishime
ArthurNishimura
JamesNishimura
JaniceNishimura
BingNishiura
Jack Oda
Erick Odanaka
Fred Odanaka
Shoji Ogawa
Daniel Omi
Fred Omi
Robert Oyama
Eugene Paulsen
George Saiki
Frank Saito
Minoru Saito
Robert Sakamoto
Jane Sakoda
Norman Sato
Henry Shimabukuro
Noboru Shimoda
Tom Shimoda
H.K. Suzuki
Dennis Takata
Chisako Takayama
Keiko Takemoto
Yosh Takimura
Janice Tamura
Haruko Tanaka
Hitoshi Tanigawa
Judith Tanigawa
Mary Terada
Mary Anne Thompson
Thomas Tokuhisa
Hiro Toyama
Ronald Toyama
Tom Tsugawa
Fred Tsuji
Alice Tsuma
Hattie Umekubo
Arnold Watanabe
Robert M. Yamada
Kay Yamagiwa
Fred Yamanuha
Erwin Yasukawa
Ron Yoshino
Isamu Sam Zaiman
TUTORING PROGRAM
Every Saturday morning through the school
year, the Japanese American Service Committee
building becomes a classroom for some fifteen young
children ranging in age from seven to fourteen. They
are students in the JASC Tutoring Program, initiated
three years ago by several Sansei who wanted to offer
their services in an enrichment program for neighbor
hood children.
From 10:00 to 12:00 each Saturday morning,
volunteer tutors offer assistance in mathematics,
reading and the sciences. They try to give students as
much individual attention as they can, and where
possible, a one-to-one ratio is maintained. An effort
is made to keep the sessions informal and flexible so
that each student can work at his own pace.
In addition to classroom studies, various field trips are scheduled during the year. This year, the
children have visited the Museum of Science and Industry, Lincoln Park Zoo, River Trails Nature Center,
and the Goodman Theater where they enjoyed a performance of "The Three Musketeers".
Although the program is only for two hours a week, it is felt that the students benefit from the
individual attention and it is hoped that the service can be expanded to reach more children.
PROJECT SANSEI
Project Sansei began in 1973 as a
program to encourage the healthy acknowl
edgment of their ethnicity among Sansei
(third generation) and younger Japanese
Americans. It began in the months of April
and May with various cultural events, includ
ing Japanese martial arts, dancing, cooking
and flower arranging.
The Project was spearheaded by a few
older Sansei who saw that Japanese Ameri
cans were slowly losing contact with the
many positive aspects of their heritage,
resulting in a confusion of identity among
many of them.
An important event was the completion
Picture of Mural being painted by Sansei.
of an outside mural on the north wall of the
JASC building which was conceived by young artists and executed by members of the Sansei community. It
depicts the history of Japanese immigration, hard work, internment, joy, unhappiness, personal aspiration,
and ethnic pride. The mural has something to say to everyone, but it is particularly meaningful in
establishing a positive Japanese American identity.
The mural serves to point up a basic goal of Project Sansei, which is to help Sansei live successfully as
individuals with unique and important ethnic contributions to make to the community. This not only
provides armament against stereotyping and racism but a strong point from which to deal with them.
This program will continue to grow as an important concern of JASC in the future.
FUJI FESTIVAL
The Fuji Festival Fund Raising Dinner, sponsored annually in the fall by the Japanese American
Service Committee, has become firmly grounded as one of the cultural highlights of the community
as well as a highly successful fund raising event.
The Third Fuji Festival was held on September 23, 1973, at the McCormick Inn, attracting 450
people who were treated to a delicious dinner of teriyaki beef. Entertainment included Japanese music,
dance and exhibits and featured the lively music of "Moses and the Highbrows", a talented group from
the Philippines. The Fourth Fuji Festival is scheduled for Sunday, September 29, 1974, at the
McCormick Inn.
This glamorous event affords both honorary and regular JASC members an opportunity to
contribute substantially to the various programs of JASC.
MARKET DAY
Market Day, an annual fund raising event held on the first Saturday of June, was first instituted in
1971. An average net income of more than $3000 is realized during this one day affair. Merchandise on
sale includes chinaware, kitchen utensils, small appliances and a wide variety of gift articles. Food items
such as lunch boxes and home-baked goods bring in a healthy portion of the income. Market Day 4,
held on June 1, was again a successful community wide effort aided by community merchants and sales
tables manned by volunteers.
JASC PICNIC
The annual community picnic sponsored by the Japanese American Service Committee has become
a tradition anticipated by young and old alike since its inception in 1948. Held on the first Sunday of
August each year, the event attracts more than 2,000 people. Races for all ages, door prizes, Japanese
folk dancing, demonstrations of martial arts, performances by the Nisei Ambassadors Drum and Bugle
Corps and other attractions have been part of the programs during past picnics. Community merchants
participate generously by donating most of the prizes. The picnic affords opportunity for good
fellowship and serves as one of the unifying forces of the community.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Annual Report, 1973-1974
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1973-1974
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
application/pdf
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
text
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
RG09_Series01_Box01_1973-1974
-
https://digitalcollections.jasc-chicago.org/omeka/files/original/cc9b4228825608d3bf21cb3b8e8b3fad.pdf
874db92100c798a5cffd50934c043425
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Annual Reports
Description
An account of the resource
Record Group 9, JASC Publications
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Chicago Resettlers Committee
Japanese American Service Committee
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Japanese American Service Committee
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1946-2011
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
RG09
Subject
The topic of the resource
Annual Reports of the Chicago Resettlers Committee and Japanese American Service Committee
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
paper
Text
Any textual data included in the document
JAPANESE AMERICAN
SERVICE COMMITTEE
ANNUAL REPORT
1974-1975
� JI
.Japm1eseAmeriean Servif'Al Commilfee
Reportfrom
the President
1975 marks the thirtieth year of service to
the Japanese community of Chicago by the
Japanese American Service Committee.
0 riginally called the Chicago Resettlers Com
mittee, it was established to assist persons of
Japanese ancestry in the relocation process
to this city from concentration camps where
they had been detained for the duration of
World War II.
Although most Nikkei, in the intervening
years, have made satisfactory adjustments
to living in the Midwest, JASC as an agency
continues to exist because there are still
problems and needs peculiar to our group
which must be alleviated.
This past year, the Board of Directors
approved a remodeling project so that the
activities area could be made more func
tional and attractive. This has resulted in a
significant increase in participation, not only
by lssei, but also by non-Japanese senior
citizens of the Uptown area and by Nisei and
Sansei.
Through a grant from the Administration
on Aging to the national Japanese American
Citizens League, JASC took over the Geron
tology project to develop training materials
for students of social work and providers of
human services so that they can better un
derstand the needs and problems of the
lssei elderly. Through the development of
video tape, film and written materials, this
project will also serve to acquaint our Sansei
with their cultural heritage.
The Community Development Act of 197 4
provided the impetus for JASC to form a
committee on housing for the elderly. Under
the chairmanship of Thomas Teraji, the com
mittee has spent many hours determining
the course of action. The next steps will be
to undertake a feasibility study and to involve
the community in the decision to build a
high rise project for senior citizens.
Dr. George Kittaka, chairman of the Nurs
ing Home Care Committee, worked with
others to conduct a survey of the commu
nity for the need for nursing home services.
The recommendation from this committee
led to the creation of a Homemaker program
as a support service to assist lssei to con
tinue to live independently and avoid institu
tionalization for as long as possible.
I n c o o p e r a t i o-n w i t h t h e J a p a n e s e
Executive Director's
Report
American Citizens League , members of
JASC undertook an Asian Voter Registra
tion Drive to encourage Asians to take the
first step in participatory government. The
large number of Asian residents in the 48th
Ward may make it possible some day for an
Asian American to hold an elected office.
As we look to the year ahead-the bicen
tennial celebration of this nation-we see
increased attention being paid to Asian
peoples caused by the large influx of Asian
immigrants and the current controversy on
the resettlement of Vietnam refugees in this
country. These may give rise to increased
racist reaction by the majority population All
Asians must band with others of good will to
prevent this from happening.
1975 is also International Women's Year
as decreed by the United Nations. JASC
hopes to sponsor a program in which Asian
women can begin to realize their full poten
tial and to work with vigor for a-better society.
For the past thirty years, the Japanese
community of Chicago has responded gen
erously to the call for support. As we move
into our 31st year, we continue to ask you to
be PEOPLE-SHARING AND CARING.
As the Japanese American Service Commit
tee concludes its 30th year in 1975, it is
gratifying to note the many significant con
tributions the agency has made to the
C h i c a g o Me t r o p o l i t a n a r e a . 1 9 7 4-75
has again been a year of progress and
achievement for the JASC in its continuing
efforts to meet the ever-changing needs in
our community.
A long-awaited dream was realized in No
vember, 1974, when the lssei Drop-In Cen
ter was opened with an immediate expansion
of all services and programs for lssei. Com
plete renovation of this part of the building
has resulted in a more attractive and larger
space for the Nutrition Program for Senior
Citizens and other activities. The same facil
ities are now being used during evening
hours by Nisei and Sansei groups. Com-
munity use of the building has seen a six-fold
rise.
The lssei Comprehensive Program con
tinues to provide vital life services for our
aged. A large number of volunteers from the
community forms the core of the delivery
system for all services. Employment of a
bilingual homemaker has enabled the
agency to extend further its help toward
those isolated individuals and families who
have no other way to maintain self-sufficient
lives which they prefer to institutionalized
ones. Counseling services in Japanese have
been expanded to provide increased support
to elderly lssei whose advancing age has
intensified the need for help in coping with
problems brought on by physical and emo
tional isolation.
The sheltered workshop program, the
Lillian C. Kimura
3
Senior Citizens Work Center, has been a
very important and effective part of JASC
services to both the Japanese community
and the community at large. Through the
year, the Work Center served 120 individ
uals, of whom 59% were lssei, 5% Nisei, 4%
other elderly persons, and 32% clients from
the Edgewater-Uptown Community Mental
Health Center. The agency has paid special
attention to programming in the Work Center
for total well-being and better adjusted life
styles for all clients. It should be noted that
there has been a gradual but noticeable in
crease of Nisei and other Asian elderly par
ticipating in this program Efficient manage
ment has kept sub-contracts coming to the
JASC in spite of the discouraging present
economy.
Following the tradition of facing changing
needs with imagination and a sense of re
sponsibility for the future, the leadership of
JASC is now concerned with the anticipated
needs of Nisei in Chicago as they face retire
ment in the next 5 to lO years. The present
feasibility study of community attitudes
toward a senior citizens housing project is
expected to confirm a long surmised need
for congregate housing with appropriate
social and medical services for residents.
Along with housing needs, the agency is
continuing its study of program possibilities
for Nisei.
Although the JASC has had a very fruitful
year, it is very aware of other unmet needs in
the community. With the firm conviction that
we are our brothers' keepers, the JASC will
continue to be responsive and innovative in
planning and imaginative in developing a
partnership with our community leadership
to provide more comprehensive and caring
services for lssei, Nisei, Sansei and others in
need. At the same time, the agency will
continue to develop financial resources, im
proved management and service effective
ness, keeping in mind the hundreds and
thousands of people we serve and will be
serving in the future. This is the ultimate
inspiration which binds us all and stimulates
us to move aggressively and effectively into
the future.
Masaru Nambu
Executive Director
5
Social Service
Division
The Social Service Division of JASC in
cludes the lssei Comprehensive Program
and all counseling services at the agency.
Although the staff is very busy with lssei
clients, increasing numbers of Nisei, stu
dents, new immigrants, and businessmen's
families from Japan seek help. Under the
direction of Eiko Fricke, Social Service
Director, the JASC offers high quality, con
cerned services including counseling,
referral services, nutrition program for senior
citizens, home delivered meals, homemaker
services, telecare, visitations and dental and
medical care.
With the completion of the lssei Drop-In
Center, programs for lssei have been
increased to 22, not including Senior Citizen
Work Center activities. Drop-In Center pro
grams include classes in cooking, ceramics,
arts and crafts, brush painting, gardening,
singing, body dynamics, movies, and games
such as go and shogi. The monthly social
programs, which include field trips to inter-
esting places in the city, attract about 100
each month. These programs are designed
to meet the social, psychological and phys
ical needs of the aged. The enthusiastic re
sponse and evident happiness of the people
make this a very satisfying part of the serv
ices at JASC.
Counseling, available to all persons who
seek help in any way, is an important part
of all activities. This service is designed to
provide a maximum supportive environment
for all. The Community Fund and the Mayor's
Office for Senior Citizens have recognized
the vital need for this service by special fund
ing received this year.
The Social Service Division at JASC would
not be able to function without dedicated
volunteers of all ages from the community
to whom JASC is deeply indebted. As pro
grams expand to meet changing needs,
more involvement from the community is
seen, both as participants and as volunteers.
7
Senior Citizens
Work Center
Issei Gerontology
Project
The JASC Senior Citizens Work Center, a
sheltered workshop, has undergone vigor
ous changes since its inception 15 years
ago as an identity-sustaining service to re
tired lssei. During the past several years, the
program has expanded to include Nisei,
former mental patients from sheltered care
facilities in the Edgewater-Uptown area, and
non-Japanese Asians. As more and more
Nisei reach retirement age, the Work Center
is looking for ways to serve persons from
this group more effectively.
Although the Center serves to supplement
small incomes of the aged, its more impor-
tant work is to provide opportunities for
social interaction and to preserve a sense
of self-worth in all participants. With this in
mind, many non-work group activities are
encouraged whenever feasible.
In spite of the downturn in the economy
during the past year when many sheltered
workshops faltered, the JASC Senior
Citizens Work Center has been able to main
tain its usual rate of sub-contracted work.
This is a reflection of the efficient manage
ment of the Center b'y Director Fred
Odanaka and the high reputation the Center
has attained in the industrial community.
The lssei Gerontology Project, a program
funded at $50,566.00 by the Administration
on Aging for the period of January 15, 1975,
through September 30, 1975, is being de
veloped under the auspices of the Japanese
American Service Committee by Ms.
Momoko lko assisted by a part-time secre
tary and three part-time paraprofessional
development people. The Project has the
dual purpose of creating access material of
direct use to elderly Japanese and the devel
opment of a training packet to be used by
paraprofessional providers of human serv
ices to lssei. Through video tapes, films, and
written materials, the packet will aid in famil
iarizing those who work with Japanese
elderly with their unique values and needs.
After September 30, 1975, the Japanese
American Service Committee will have ready
for distribution to providers of services
copies of the lssei Handbook (information
guide of services and benefits for Japanese
and other Seniors) and training packet pro
totypes. This project can be of invaluable
help to JASC in its work as well as to all
agencies dealing with lssei clients. It can alsd
serve to acquaint Sansei and others with
some of their cultural heritage.
8
9
Proposed
Senior Citizen
Housing Project
The Board of the JASC has authorized a
feasibility study to determine the market and
need for a 200-unit congregate living facility
for senior citizens to be built at some location
convenient to the JASC building. The pro
posed plan, if accepted, can be a 100%
financed one with all necessary conve
niences such as a drug store, emergency
medical call system, treatment rooms, craft
room, laundry and dining room. JASC would
extend its social services to the residents of
the facility. Since the project will take 4 ½ to 7
years to build at the earliest, it is envisioned
as housing mainly for Nisei and others rather
than primarily for lssei residents. The project
will be one for serious consideration by the
JASC should the feasibility study prove
favorable.
Hand-in-Hand
Formed in October, 1969, Hand-in-Hand is
an organization supported by the Japanese
American Service Committee whose pur
pose is to increase public awareness of the
problems and possibilities of exceptional
children and to provide informed support for
the parents of such children. Meeting regu
larly on the second Friday of each month,
the group discusses common concerns and
plans activities which will enhance the lives
of children with a variety of handicaps such
as mental retardation, cerebral palsy, mon
golism and learning disabilities. Speech
therapy classes are held every other Satur
day from 10:00 AM. to 12:00 noon at the
Academy of the Sacred Heart led by a pro
fessional therapist.
The group was originally organized with
f u n d s r a i s e d by t h e You n g Ja p a n e s e
Ame r i c a n s , a n a r m o f t h e Ja p a n e s e
American Citizens League, and membership
is open to any interested persons whether or
not they have any direct connections with
handicapped children. Through discussions
with professionals in the field, planning for
relevant legislative action, and community
education, the group provides a much
needed human service to parents of excep
tional children as well as to all concerned
persons.
r
\
JASCBlood
Assurance Program
1974 Donors
The Blood Assurance Program, begun in
1973, provides free blood replacement cov
arage to all members of JASC and their
families. In addition, members of participat
ing Japanese American agencies and
churches are covered if 4% of their member
ships donate blood. In 1974, 6000 people
were covered through the donation of more
than 240 pints of blood.
A great many lssei, Nisei and Sansei have
already been assisted through this life-saving
program. If you or a member of your family
is in need of blood, be sure to call the JASC
Arima, John T.
Ase, Paul
Aylesworth, Dahlia Y.
Brain, Sharon
Brown, Mark
Doi, Mikio**
Doi, Tetsuo*
Flores, Rev. Finees
Forman, Jay
Fujii, Kathy M.**
Fujii, Tomiye
Fujimori, George Y.
Fujishima, Mitsuo J.
Fujita, Joy
Fujiura, Henry
Fukui, Henry K.
Hanaoka, Ray T.
Hara, Colin**
Harada, Yoshiro**
Hashiguchi, Paul H.**
Hashimoto, Michiko
Hashimoto, Paul N.**
Hashimoto, Shigeru
Hayashi, Alvin Y.**
so that the hospital can be notified that the
blood is being replaced through the JASC
Blood Assurance Program.
The 1975 drive was begun on Monday,
June 16, when a bloodmobile from Michael
Reese Hospital came to the JASC from 3:30
P.M. to 7:30 P.M. Another opportunity will
be given on Monday, November 10, for those
who were not able to give on June 16.
Grateful acknowledgement is extended to
the following people who donated blood for
the 1974 drive:
Hibino, Rev. Masaya**
Hidaka, Flora
Hidaka, Mils
Hieshima, Howard
Hirami, Maki**
Hirano, Erny
Hitomi, Akiyo
Honda, Grace Y.
Hori, Calvin G.
Ide, Ken
lino, Tada
lkoma, Robert
lmon, Bob
Inouye, George D.**
Inouye, Raymond**
Ishida, Masaru
lsoda, Seishi
ltahara, Seiji**
Ito, Dorothy
Ito, Shunichiro
ltoku, Kenso
Jennings, Dennis**
Johnson, Marian
Kadota, Harry
Kamiya, Betty L.**
Kanaya, Enoch
Kaneko, Hiroshi
Kaneko, Kevin D.**
Kaneshiro, Charles T.*t
Kariya, Naomi
Kariya, Takio***
Katahira, Ken K.
Kawaguchi, John M.
Kawahara, Dennis
Kawano, Martha
Kenmotsu, Jack M.
Kikuchi, Tom
Kimura, George M.
Kirshner, Richard S.
Kitahata, Paula
Kitsuse, Nelson Y.
Kittaka, George
Kiyomura, Henry S.
Kiyomura, Mary
Kobayashi, Ellen
Kodama, Mitsuo**
Kudo, Jean**
Kumata, Ruth**
11
I
\,
Kurisu, TomT.
Kurita, Richard
Kushino, Pat
Kuzuhara, Chiaki
Leman, Dan A
Maeshiba, DavidT.
Makino, Richard**
Manoogian, Bob
Masamitsu, Thomas
Matsumoto, Fred
Matsumoto, Kimitsu
Matsuoka, Lewis
Matsushita, Akira
Mayeda, Patricia
Migaki, Joe**
Miller, Russell**
Miyake, Hisako**
Miyamura, Rev. Ronald
Miyata, Sharon N.**
Miyata, Victor
Morikawa, George
Morishige, George
Morita, Howard M.
Morita, Kathryn A
Morita, Mototsugu
Motoike, Hideo**
Motooka, Masaru M.**
Nagatomo, Lauretta
Naka, Dennis K.
Nakagawa, Mas
Nakagawa, Shunichi
Nakai, Eddy
Nakamura, LawrenceT.**
Nakao, George
Nakao, Sam
Nakao, Takashi J.**
Nakazawa, RobertT.
Nambu, Rev. Masaru
Nemoto, Harold**
Nishi, Michael C.**
Nishimura, Arthur M.**
Nishiura, Bing**
Oba, Kenneth
Ochiai, Takeshi
Odanaka, Erick J.
Odanaka, Fred H.
Ogawa, Dennis
Ogi, Robert E.
Oishi, Elyse A
Oishi, Tracy**
Oishi, JeffreyT.
Oishi, Linda
Okabe, Joe
Okamoto, George
Okita, FrankT.
Okubo, Robin
Omi, Fred
Oyama, Robert S.
Ozaki, Henry
Sabusawa, Harry M.
Saiki, George I.
Saito, Minoru
Sakata, Barry
Sakata, Jane**
Sakurai, Robert
Sato, Andrew
Sato, George Y.
Shikami, Deborah
Shimasaki, Sam
Shimizu, Frank
Shimada, Noboru
Suzuki, Henry K.
Tademoto, TomioT.
Takahashi, Masaaki
Takaki, Edith
Takata, Dennis
Takayama, Chisako
Takemoto, Chris
Takemoto, Keiko
Takeshita, Charles H.**
Takimura, Yoshi**
Tamanaha, June
Tamura, Dorothy J.**
Tamura, Leo
*asterisks indicate those who gave in previous year, too.
Tanabe, Henry
Tanaka, David F.
Tanaka, Haruko**
Tanigawa, Hitoshi
Tanigawa, Judith K.
Tanimura, Michael
Tatsui, Han
Terada, Mary
Terusaki, Gary B.
Thompson, Mary Anne**
Toba, BenT.
Tokuhisa, Thomas S.
Tono, Jack K.**
Tono, Mary H.**
Tono, Nadine C.
Toyama, Henry
Toyama, Hiro
Toyama, Ronald
Trujillo, Eduardo
Tsuma, Alice
Uchida, Lynn
Uchida, Terrell
Vargo, Robin
Wada, Yasushi
Wakabayashi, Gene J.
Wakabayashi, Kazue
Wicklund, Eleanor
Williams, Earl L.**
Yamada, Lillian
Yamada, Richard M.**
Yamada, Robert M.**
Yamagiwa, Gary
Yamagiwa, John
Yamagiwa, Kay
Yamaguchi, Futami
Yamamoto, Alice
Yamanuha, Fred
Yamauchi, Terry
Yoshimura, Hideo D.
Yoshimura, Kiyo
Yoshino, Ron**
12
Fiscal Year
1975Budget
Income
Rehabilitative Workshop
Contributions
Service Feed- Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Membership Drive
Special Events
Community Fund
State Grants
City Grants
Federal Grants
61%
2
2
4
4
6
11
2
8
A REHABILITATIVE WORKSHOP
Subcontract Income
B CONTRIBUTIONS
Community Trust
Miscellaneous Income
A
C SERVICE FEE
Dept of Vocational Rehab
D MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
General, Supporting.
Sponsoring, Japanese Companies
E SPECIAL EVENTS
Fuji Festival Dinner,
Market Day, Christmas Cards
F COMMUNITY FUND
G STATE GRANTS:
H CITY GRANTS
I FEDERAL GRANTS
61%
$293,224
6,550
9,000
21,300
21,800
29,661
55,200
7,500
36 717
$480,952
13
Expense
Rehabilitative Workshop
Administrative
Fund Raising
Family & Individual Counseling
Vocational Preparation & Job
Training
Group Services & Social
Development
72%
9
4
7
$346,285
43,286
19,238
33,667
3
14,429
5
24 047
$480,952
A REHABILITATIVE WORKSHOP PROGRAM
Sheltered workshop program
for senior citizens and
former mental patients.
B ADMINISTRATION:
A
C FUND RAISING
D VOCATIONAL COUNSELING/JOB TRAINING
E GROUP SERVICES/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
lssei Comprehensive Program
Communal living, home
delivery meal services,
telecare, social program,
dental clinic, counseling,
referral, homemakers serv.
Hand-In-Hand
Tutoring Program
F FAMILY AND INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING
72%·
l
15
Fuji Festival
The Fuji Festival, a fund raising dinner, is
sponsored annually in the fall by the Japa
nese American Service Committee to raise
a substantial part of the budget for the opera
tion of the agency. The Fourth Fuji Festival
was held on September 29, 197 4, at
McCormick Inn and featured a tribute to
Congressman Sidney R. Yates for his many
services to Japanese Americans and per
formances by Kuniaki Hata, baritone; the
Minyo Dance Club of the Midwest Buddhist
Temple; and the Opera Department of the
University of Illinois presenting excerpts
from Madame Butterfly in Kabuki style.
Work on the Fifth Fuji Festival is already
underway with Tom Teraji as chairman. It
will be held on Sunday, September 21,
1975, at the Marriott Motor Hotel, 8535 W.
Higgins Road.
MarketD�
Market Day, an annual fund raising event
held on the first Saturday of June, was first
instituted in 1971. Merchandise on sale in
cludes chinaware, gift items, handcrafts, and
small appliances. Food items such as box
lunches and baked goods bring in a healthy
portion of the income. Market Day 5, held
on June 7, was again a successful commu
nity wide effort aided by generous donations
and sales tables manned by volunteers. This
year, many craft items made by lssei were
featured.
17
JASCPicnic
The annual community picnic sponsored
by the Japanese American Service Com
mittee has become a tradition anticipated
by young and old alike since its inception in
1948. Held on the first Sunday of August
each year, the event attracts more than 2000
people. Races for all ages, door prizes,
Japanese folk dancing, demonstrations of
martial arts, performances by the Nisei
Ambassadors Drum and Bugle Corps and
other attractions have been part of the pro
grams of past picnics. Community mer
chants participate generously by donating
most of the prizes. The picnic affords oppor
tunity for good fellowship and serves as one
of the unifying forces of the community.
TutoringProgram
Every Saturday morning through the school
year, the Japanese American Service Com
mittee building becomes a classroom for
some fifteen young children ranging in age
from seven to fourteen. They are students in
the JASC Tutoring Program, started four
years ago by several Sansei who wanted to
offer their services in an enrichment pro
gram for neighborhood children.
From 10 00 AM. to 12:00 noon each Sat
urday, volunteer tutors offer assistance in
mathematics, reading and the sciences.
They try to give students as much individual
attention as they can and where possible a
one-to-one ratio is maintained. The sessions
are informal and flexible so that each stu
dent can work at his own pace. Occasional
field trips to museums, zoos and other places
of interest enlarge the learning experience.
Although the program is only for two
hours a week, it is felt that students benefit
from this individual attention and it is hoped
that the service can be expanded to reach
more children.
JASC Board Members
1974-1975
Presidimt
Lillian C. Kimura
Vice Presidents
Edward Burgh
Harry Tanaka
Aya Yamakoshi
Treasurer
Hiroshi Nakano
Secretary
Donna Ito
Auditor
Frank Takahashi
Board Members
Alice Esaki
Shohei Hara
Dorothy Ito
George J Kittaka
Jean Kudo
Ruth Kumata
Katharine Middleton
Rev. Ronald Miyamura
Tracy Oishi
Eugene Paulsen
June Tamanaha
Thomas Teraji
Allyn Yamanouchi
Tami Yamate
Ex-Officio
Noboru Honda
George K. Kittaka
Daniel K. Kuzuhara
Thomas Masuda
Harry K. Mayeda
Lincoln Shimidzu
Kohachiro Sugimoto
Richard H. Yamada, Sr.
Advisory Board
Mieki Hayano
Charles Hiura
Tomonao lino
Kiyoshi Joichi
Noboru Katayama
Kashiro Mizuno
Eizo Nishi
Tadaichi Okuhara
George Teraoka
Shig Wakamatsu
Executive Director
Masaru Nambu
J.A.S.C. Staff
Work Center
Aki, Lillian
Clark, Susan
Coble, Eddie
Durrett, Viola
Fukui, Mary
Grady, Leonard
Gullstrom, Gene
Koga, Janette
Masamitsu, Bill
Nishi, Michael
Odanaka, Fred
Ogawa, Dennis
Ondrus, Eva
Sumida, Joan
Tanaka, Haru
Wilezenski, Henry
Administrative
Fricke, Eiko
Ishibashi, Cecilia
Kagei, lchiro
Kaneko, Dorothy
Nambu, Masaru
Satoh, Tomoko
Shirakawabe, Edna
Teshima, Lucy
Ueno, Rumi
I
I
j
I
<
Ii
I
4427 North Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60640 Telephone AC 312 275-7212-13
Member, Council for Community Services in Metropolitan Chicago
• Endorsed by the Chicago Association of Commerce and Industry,
Subscription Investigating Committee, for the Year Ending December 31, 1974.
l
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Annual Report, 1974-1975
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1974-1975
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
application/pdf
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
text
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
RG09_Series01_Box01_1974-1975