Frequently Asked Questions
Keiro Northwest is a Seattle-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting older adults, caregivers, and community through culturally responsive programs, education, and philanthropy rooted in Japanese American heritage.
Founded in 1975 as Issei Concerns, the organization has evolved over the past 50 years as the needs of our community have changed.
Keiro Northwest currently supports:
Nikkei Manor, an assisted living community in Seattle’s International District
Kokoro Kai, an adult day program for older adults
Legacy Education provides free educational seminars and workshops for our broader community.
Community events, volunteer opportunities, and other activities that promote connection, education, and healthy aging
No. Keiro Northwest was founded by members of Seattle’s Japanese American community, and our programs continue to honor that heritage, but our services and programs welcome people from all backgrounds.
In April 2019, the Keiro Northwest Board of Directors made the difficult decision to close Keiro Rehabilitation and Care Center (formerly Seattle Keiro Nursing Home). The closure was completed by November 2019.
The decision was driven by growing financial challenges, particularly declining Medicaid reimbursements that did not cover the actual cost of care, rising labor expenses, and the additional costs of providing culturally sensitive services, including Japanese and Asian meals, activities, and personalized care.
The nursing home property was subsequently sold, with a significant portion of the proceeds used to cover closure and transition expenses. Remaining organizational resources have helped sustain Keiro Northwest’s continuing programs, Nikkei Manor assisted living and Kokoro Kai adult day program.
Keiro Northwest is supported through a combination of program revenue, charitable donations, grants, and investment income. Community philanthropy has played an important role throughout Keiro Northwest’s history and continues to help sustain our mission and programs.
Keiro Northwest is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. IRS Form 990 filings are publicly available through nonprofit reporting services such as Candid’s Nonprofit Explorer.
Annual reports provide additional information about our programs, community impact, finances, donors, and organizational activities.
Forms 990 and Gold Seal of Transparency: Candid Nonprofit Report
Annual Reports: Keiro Northwest website
Volunteer opportunities include supporting Nikkei Manor residents, Kokoro Kai participants, community events, educational programs, and other activities. Current opportunities are posted through our United Way of King County volunteer page.
We also welcome interest in service on the Keiro Northwest Board of Directors and participation in Ayame Kai Guild.
No. Japanese language skills can be helpful for some activities, but they are not required for most volunteer opportunities.
Please contact the Board’s Assistant, Karlee Hicks, at khicks@keironw.org for information on Board opportunities.
Yes. Donors may designate gifts to support specific Keiro Northwest programs or purposes, including Nikkei Manor, Kokoro Kai, Employee Recognition, and Ayame Kai. Donors may also make unrestricted gifts that allow Keiro Northwest to direct funds where they are most needed.
Yes. Keiro Northwest welcomes memorial and honorary gifts.
Yes. Individuals may support Keiro Northwest through bequests and other planned gifts. We encourage anyone considering a planned gift to contact us so we can discuss their wishes and ensure their intended designation is clearly understood.
Upcoming events, educational seminars, and community activities are posted on our website and shared through our email newsletter and social media. Please click here to sign up for our monthly newsletter.
We welcome questions from community members. Please contact Keiro Northwest at info@keironw.org or 206-726-6460, and we will help connect you with the appropriate person.