BUDOKAN CARES
On July 20th, Terasaki Budokan started a brand new annual event called the “CARE Fair.” The CARE (Collective Action for Resource Equity) Fair was a free health and resource fair open to the public for our unhoused and low-income neighbors. Here, local residents could sign up for same-day medical care, get connected to resources, and pick up helpful supplies, like clothing and pantry items.
One of Budokan’s big goals this year was to address the needs of people experiencing homelessness.
“As a community center, our job is to listen and respond to the needs of our neighborhood in meaningful ways. So hosting this CARE Fair to encourage physical and mental health and wellness in our community was an easy choice.” - Ryan Lee, Director of Terasaki Budokan
Quote given to Rafu Shimpo.
We served a total of 101 people, with many of them coming from Little Tokyo, Skid Row, and the surrounding DTLA area. There were also 52 staff and volunteers to ensure everyone received the help and resources they needed throughout the day.
Something that made this event special for us was seeing the community come together in so many different ways. This event was truly a collective effort, as we saw volunteers, staff, different departments within Little Tokyo Service Center, interns, non-profit organizations, businesses, healthcare providers, and supporters join forces to make a positive impact on Little Tokyo and beyond.
“An event like this is important to the community, because Little Tokyo is a community that really takes care of each other…it’s really great to be in a position to offer support, supplies, and whatever they need.” - Mia Barnett, Nikkei Progressives
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
A lot of the event planning was handled by a small team of pre-med and public health college students from UCLA and USC who interned at Terasaki Budokan. One of the interns who organized this event, Ryan Higa, said, “I wanted to work on this health fair, because I wanted to give back to a community I identified with.”
In addition to our group of interns, so many different organizations pulled through to help out:
Language support, referrals, and case management from Little Tokyo Service Center
Clothes, shoes, hygiene items, and food from Nikkei Progressives, LA Galaxy Foundation, and Jason Markk
Backpacks and school supplies from School on Wheels
General health screenings, vaccinations, podiatry services, and dental care from Wesley Health Centers and LA County Department of Public Health
Resources from Urban Voices Project, Southern California Resource Services for Independent Living, and Changing Tides
“I’ve been neglecting my teeth, so I got to see the dentist, I got my COVID shot, I’m seeing a podiatrist to do the finishing touches on my feet, and I got shoes- I have not been able to wear closed toe shoes for years, and I finally found a pair of shoes that fit me that don’t hurt my toes. It’s wonderful.” - Attendee
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
“What really caught my eye [about this event] was the dental services, because I really needed a check-up. They did a great check-up, and it was really fast. I was really nervous, but it went great.” - Attendee
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
“It’s so great to see the community get involved. What Terasaki Budokan and Little Tokyo Service Center is providing here is great- I think there’s such a need.” - Vanessa, volunteer
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Want to get involved and make a difference in our community? Stay tuned for volunteer opportunities with Terasaki Budokan and Little Tokyo Service Center!
We can’t thank our community partners, supporters, and volunteers enough for making this event possible. THANK YOU Little Tokyo Service Center, Nikkei Progressives, JWCH, DPH, Jason Markk, School on Wheels, and LA Galaxy Foundation.
Photography credit: Joe Akira
