Business Details
28 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Senior Living Community in San Francisco with Cultural Heritage
Kokoro Assisted Living Assisted Living was founded in 1998 with a mission to provide culturally enriched senior living in San Francisco's historic Japantown. As a nonprofit organization, we blend Japanese and American heritage through daily activities, dining, and community events. Our leadership team brings decades of experience in senior care, ensuring residents receive personalized support in a secure, welcoming environment. We operate under a Board of Directors committed to ethical governance and community engagement. Our facility, housed in a restored Buddhist temple, offers 54 units with 37 reserved for low-to-moderate-income seniors.We emphasize holistic wellness through physical fitness programs, cultural activities, and spiritual enrichment. Our staff provides 24/7 care, including medication management, housekeeping, and emergency response systems. We partner with Sequoia Living to maintain high operational standards across housing, healthcare, and social programs. Our community celebrates both Japanese traditions and American holidays while fostering intergenerational connections. With over 25 years of service, we remain dedicated to enhancing seniors' independence through culturally sensitive care.
Services
Independent Living
Assisted Living
Cultural Activities
Wellness Programs
Housekeeping
Guest Residency Program
Life Enrichment
Nutritious Dining
Emergency Response
Social Activities
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We offer 24/7 personalized care and support for residents
- Our community blends Japanese and American cultural heritage in daily life
- As a nonprofit, we provide discounted rates for low-income seniors
- Experienced staff trained in senior wellness programs
- Located in historic Japantown with community events and activities
Services
Assisted Living
Our assisted living program provides personalized support for seniors needing help with daily activities. Residents receive medication management, bathing assistance, and mobility support while maintaining independence. The service includes 24/7 staff availability and emergency response systems for safety and peace of mind.
Independent Living
Independent living offers self-contained apartments for seniors capable of managing daily routines. Units feature kitchenettes, private bathrooms, and emergency call systems. Residents enjoy communal dining and social activities while maintaining personal autonomy in a secure environment.
Cultural Activities
Cultural programs include Japanese calligraphy, tea ceremonies, and holiday celebrations alongside American traditions. Activities promote intergenerational connections and cultural preservation through art, music, and language instruction in both English and Japanese.
Wellness Programs
Wellness initiatives focus on physical fitness, mental stimulation, and spiritual growth. Programs include strength training, cognitive exercises, meditation, and spiritual discussion groups led by trained staff and community volunteers to enhance overall well-being.
Guest Residency Program
This temporary residency option provides caregivers relief while offering potential residents a trial experience. The program supports post-hospital recovery and caregiver respite through short-term housing with full access to community amenities and care services.
People
Ginny Billodeau
Director of Marketing
Ginny Billodeau leads marketing efforts at Kokoro Assisted Living Assisted Living, connecting seniors with culturally enriched living options in San Francisco's Japantown. With a focus on community engagement and outreach, she plays a key role in promoting the organization's mission of blending Japanese and American heritage in senior care. Her work ensures residents experience a welcoming environment that prioritizes cultural connection and well-being.
Kim Endriga
Medication Manager
Kim Endriga oversees medication management services at Kokoro Assisted Living Assisted Living, ensuring residents receive proper pharmaceutical care. With specialized training in senior medication protocols, she maintains strict safety standards while supporting residents' health needs through personalized attention and professional expertise in geriatric pharmaceutical management.
Angelina Esplana
Business Office Director
Angelina Esplana manages business operations and facility services at Kokoro Assisted Living Assisted Living. She oversees financial operations, building maintenance, and environmental services while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Her leadership maintains the facility's operational efficiency and supports the organization's mission through effective resource management.
Sakae Hamilton
Director of Resident Care
Sakae Hamilton, a registered nurse, directs resident care services at Kokoro Assisted Living Assisted Living. With extensive experience in geriatric care, she supervises clinical staff and develops care plans that address individual needs. Her leadership ensures high-quality healthcare delivery while maintaining the organization's commitment to compassionate, culturally sensitive senior support.
Jalia Webb
Activities Director
Jalia Webb coordinates cultural and recreational programs at Kokoro Assisted Living Assisted Living. She designs activities that promote physical, mental, and social engagement while incorporating Japanese traditions. Her programming includes fitness classes, craft workshops, and community events that enhance residents' quality of life through meaningful participation.
Questions
What senior living options do you offer?
We provide independent living for self-sufficient seniors and assisted living with personalized care services in a culturally enriched environment.
Do you offer cultural programs?
Yes, we provide Japanese calligraphy, tea ceremonies, language classes, and holiday celebrations alongside American traditions in our cultural programming.
Are there financial assistance options?
We offer 37 discounted units for low-to-moderate-income seniors through our nonprofit status and community partnerships.
What wellness services are available?
Our wellness programs include strength training, cognitive exercises, meditation, and spiritual discussion groups led by trained professionals.
Do you provide respite care options?
Yes, our Guest Residency Program offers temporary housing for caregivers needing relief or seniors recovering from medical procedures.
Reviews (5)
Connie Brandon
Jun 29, 2021
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My Dear friend is Here at Kokoro. I've been very pleased with the Staff. They have been very accommodating to the needs of my friend who is here. Regular schedules and on call help. Feel secure and Safe.
Sf Reviewer S.
Dec 17, 2017
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Beautiful facility and unbelievably caring staff. We could not have been luckier to have found Kokoro.
Kent E.
Sep 29, 2014
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My parents are Japanese-American and for them Kokoro is a wonderful combination of location, value, and service. The common areas are always spotless. The menu tilts toward Japanese/Asian dishes with a mix of American favorites, eg corned beef and cabbage, spaghetti, French toast for breakfast, etc. A steady stream of activities for the residents including lectures, musical performances, movies, and group exercise, group walks twice a day. The resident assistants are well trained and genuinely helpful folks. My father is in a wheelchair and my mother has moderate/advanced memory impairment. The
Patrick K.
May 30, 2012
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My father stayed at Kokoro for 7 years, and loved it. The most important facet of any assisted living institution is the management, and they always performed and made my father happy and comfortable.
It's a beautiful place to live and the residents, about 80% Japanese / Japanese American are lovely and peaceful to be with.
It's a beautiful place to live and the residents, about 80% Japanese / Japanese American are lovely and peaceful to be with.
Michele L.
Mar 11, 2008
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Caring and competent staff. Clean facilities. Delicious food. Secure location. What a lovely place to live.
