English

About Karat Association

Karat Association is a nonprofit general incorporated association (hi-eiri-gata ippan shadan hojin) based in Machida City, Tokyo, Japan. We are currently preparing to open a self-reliance support home (jiritsu enjo home), a residential program under Japan's Child Welfare Act for young people who are leaving foster care or children's homes, or who cannot live safely with their families.

Every person has their own appeal, something that shines as beautifully as a gem or gold. It may still be a rough stone. By bringing it out to the fullest, people can live their own lives actively. But that appeal can be covered up by their surroundings, or they may feel they have to hide it. When that happens, it becomes hard to know whose life it is or what one is worth.

Life brings one barrier after another, and we need to overcome them. Some barriers, however, cannot be overcome alone. We want to help at those moments. We aim to be a place to belong for young people at a turning point in their lives, and to support each of them to shine and live a life of their own. We think things through with them, offer a hand when they are stuck, and give them a push when they are ready to take a step.

Whatever happens, your shine is never lost. Even if things feel hard, painful or dark right now, and even if you do not feel you are shining, your worth does not disappear. Even when it is clouded over, it will shine again when polished. We prepare an environment where young people can let their own shine come out, and we polish it with care. Ahead of them lies a clear, bright sky, and under that sky, every polished gem will shine even more.

Residents live in a supported group home with dedicated staff while working or studying. We help them build daily living skills, manage money, find and keep jobs, continue their education, and stay connected after they move out.

Contact

Email: contact@karat-assoc.jp
Address: Amano Bldg. 4F, 4-11-13 Haramachida, Machida-shi, Tokyo 194-0013, Japan