COMMUNITY VOICES | コミュニティーの声

Wanna share some positive feedback or great memories about our organization? Submit to us by clicking here and filling out our contact form! We love hearing from our community!
私たちについてポジティブなフィードバックやあなたの素晴らしい思い出を共有してください。上記の赤クリックボタンからお問い合わせフォームを提出してください。私たちは皆さんの声をお待ちしています！
"This Bento Buddies donation is in honor of my Mom, Judi as a gift to her for Mother's Day this year. She was a Home Economics teacher and I'm so grateful for the wonderful meals she always made for our family! I hope you all enjoy the obento!"

- Kristine Dennehy
"It is my pleasure to be able to support the Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute and to be connected to your great organization in this way. I always love getting the updates and newsletters and enjoy sharing them with my classes at Cal State Fullerton. This semester I'm teaching Korean history and we're talking about some of the broader issues related to Asian immigration to the US so it opens up the conversation to include aspects of Japanese American history as well. It's very helpful to be able to share resources like your newsletter so the students can get a sense of how their study of history can connect to current activities of various community organizations like GVJCI. Thanks again for all your great work and hope you're staying safe and well."

- Kristine Dennehy
Cal State Fullerton History Dept. 
"Thank you for planning & running an awesome summer event (Tabe-Doraibu) - we had so much fun trying out new restaurants & dishes. We had spent the majority of the pandemic only cooking and rarely went to get takeout so we were super excited to go eat everywhere & support the small businesses in our community!"

- Jerod & Keri D.
"I appreciate all you and everyone at JCI for all of the services you provide for the community.  We are blessed to know there is a place to receive guidance and updated information. "

- Marisa K.
"Thanks so much for all of your events!  I went to Saturday J-school at GVJCI back in the 70s--not the best memories for me, but I so enjoy bringing our kids down for the natsu matsuris, and we've really enjoyed your DOR programming (in person last year, virtual this year).  Our local community center is the VJCC, but you guys offer some things that just so unique and outstanding--it's absolutely worth the drive!"

- Lori S.
"I lived and grew up in Gardena from 1975-1985 or so and always attended the annual matsuri and would also go to JCI for the Troop 719 annual pancake breakfast that was held there. In the 90s I would go to the JCI for meetings occasionally when I worked for the Go For Broke Educational Foundation. I’ve gotten out of touch with the Japanese American community since I got married and moved. Recently I discovered your social media posts and have really been inspired by JCI’s presence on social media and all of the wonderful programs you have for all ages that meets the needs of the Japanese American community and keeping that culture alive and well. When this whole COVID thing is over, I’m hoping to be able to volunteer and also participate in the great programs you offer! Your online presence definitely inspired me to donate for this year’s matsuri. You and your staff are doing a wonderful job! Thank you for all you do!"
- Michelle
"On behalf of the SBL community, we're glad we can support an important organization such as JCI to help ensure that it continues to provide the services and programs that are vital to Gardena and the surrounding cities. I personally along with the SBL Board, support the JCI and greatly appreciate what it does for Gardena/Torrance organizations and its citizens."
- Ken I
"I know my Mom misses seeing her friends at JCI but know she talks to them often. She also appreciates the check in phone call she received from one of your volunteers. Thank you for what you do for our community. Our family truly appreciates what the JCI provides for our Mom. I hope you and your colleagues are safe and well."
- Roni T
"We depend on organizations such as yours so the thanks goes both ways. It’s all for the betterment of our community and we’re happy knowing it’s going to serve our Japanese community."
- Koji K
​"We love JCI and your events! My mom is Japanese and my dad an American in the Air Force. I was born in Japan and lived there til I was seven but lived within the American culture. We grew up in Pennsylvania with no Asians anywhere. Because of JCI and the Buddhist temple, I now get to partake in Japanese cultural events. Although my husband, Lynn, and I live in Long Beach, we sure love the Gardena focus on family largely due to you and others at JCI. I hope to meet you at one of the events. Thank you for all you do."
- Anonymous
"JCI, thank you for all the good work you do!"
- Amy H.

PR ARTICLES ABOUT GVJCI

June 10, 2021
​A Message from the GVJCI Executive Director, Rafu Shimpo

April 3, 2021
A place to "share and embrace the Nikkei experience and culture.", Nichi Bei Weekly

Feb. 2, 2021
Classes in the Time of COVID-19: How the Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute has Adjusted its Programs for Older Adults, Keiro
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July 21, 2020
​"In Wake of Coronavirus, JCI Shifts Operation to 'Virtual' Services", Gardena, Valley News

May 7, 2020
"Sakura-Ya: A Sweet Tradition Continues in Gardena", The Rafu Shimpo