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SENIORS, COMMUNITY PARTNERS, AND HUD CELEBRATE THE DEDICATION OF A NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKS COMPUTER CENTER

Seattle, WA - The Kawabe Memorial House, Inc., Nikkei Concerns, State Senator Adam Kline, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) staff, Kawabe Memorial House residents, Nikkei Horizon Program instructors and participants, and other supporting community groups celebrated the dedication of the Nikkei Horizon Computer Program located at Kawabe Memorial House.

Located in Seattle, Washington, this new Neighborhood Network Center is the 36th center in a Washington state facility insured by and assisted through HUD programs. Kawabe Memorial House is a non-profit corporation under the direction of Sharon Sakamoto, President of the Board.

The Nikkei Horizon Computer Program located at Kawabe Memorial House is part of the Neighborhood Networks Initiative sponsored by HUD to provide new economic and community- based opportunities. The initiative encourages owners and managers of HUD assisted housing to create computer-learning centers on-site for the residents, with the help of other public and private community partners and resources.

Nikkei Horizon Computer Program located at Kawabe Memorial House is a comprehensive, community-based program which will provide educational opportunities for the residents to learn and connect with their community. Kawabe Memorial House is a 157-unit federally insured apartment, home to approximately 177 residents, primarily seniors. Kawabe Memorial House provides safe, affordable housing and supportive services, thereby, allowing seniors to remain at home as long as possible. Nikkei Concerns is a non-profit organization which provides health care, assisted living, independent housing, educational/recreational programs such as the computer classes, intergenerational child care, and additional supportive services for seniors. Nikkei Horizon Computer Program located at Kawabe Memorial House brings the services and community connections right to the seniors' homes.

The Nikkei Horizon Computer Program located at Kawabe Memorial House
objectives include:

• Providing senior community members with access to technology and the Internet;
• Teaching basic to advanced computer skills in a non-intimidating environment among peers and provide an opportunity for shared learning and community involvement,
• Drawing on the expertise of our community professionals for support in planning and implementing our programs and providing quality instruction

Together these partners have created a unique environment that incorporates the use and access of technology directly into the every day routine of the residents of Kawabe Memorial House, participants of Nikkei Horizon's adult continuing education program as well as the greater community. This is truly an example of the benefits derived by linking technology and housing together to meet the needs of the residents and community.

Computer literacy is quickly becoming an important requirement of daily living in today's society. It is critical that residents, such as those at Kawabe Memorial House, have a thorough understanding of computers and software in order to communicate with needed services, organizations, doctors, and family members. Personal computers and computer literacy greatly enhance and facilitate the individual residents' pursuit of economic independence and also provides opportunities for education, socialization, and community information.

Today, Nikkei Horizon Computer Program located at Kawabe Memorial House continues to evolve. As we move into the 21st Century we hope to provide increased opportunities for seniors to learn computer skills by expanding our existing programs as well as exploring new educational opportunities.

Nikkei Horizon Computer Program located at Kawabe Memorial House is one of over 1000 centers that have opened up nationwide. There are 700 more in the planning stages.

For more information about the dedication or Kawabe Memorial House, please call Connie Devaney, Administrator, at (206) 322-4550 or contact her by email.

For more information about Nikkei Horizon adult continuing education program, please contact Kirsten Lutes, Nikkei Horizon Director, at (206) 726-6469.

For more information about Nikkei Concerns, please contact Darlene Suyematsu, Director of Development and Communication at (206) 726-6462.

Visit to learn more about Neighborhood Networks.