Ruth Coles steps down as President of Nikkei Seniors Health Care & Housing Society
Change is in the air at Nikkei Seniors Health Care & Housing Society (NSHCHS), as we head into 2023 with new Board leadership. After 12 years of service, Ruth Coles has stepped down as President.
“I have been honored to serve as President and Vice President since 1986. It has been a privilege to work with so many dedicated Directors over the years,” she says. “We all have shared a common goal, that is, to explore, develop and provide programs to seniors in the Japanese Canadian community that meet their health and cultural needs.”
Robert Nimi Nikkei Home, an assisted living residence, New Sakura-so, an independent living residence, and outreach programs were all developed to meet some of these needs. However, there are still many unmet needs in the community; Ruth will continue to serve as a Director and Past President on the NSHCHS Board, so that “we can begin to look to the future to fill some of these unmet needs.”
““Ruth has dedicated her life to Nikkei Place and was here from the very beginning. We are excited that she will stay on the Board for her valuable experience and leadership” says Jay Haraga, NSHCHS Executive Director.”
The Board has elected Cathy Makihara as the new President of the NSHCHS. Many of you have known Cathy – she served as the NSHCHS Executive Director since the early development of Nikkei Place, and was present when New Sakura-so, Robert Nimi Nikkei Home, and outreach programs were initiated. Cathy is familiar with the needs of Japanese Canadian seniors, and the many gaps in services to them. She has worked tirelessly on behalf of seniors, and will bring her knowledge, expertise and commitment to the role of President.