General Incorporated Association Choiceful uses free grocery deliveries, and the like, as a means for engaging in activities to prevent the isolation of impoverished families. In this interview, we talked to Representative Director Kurino.

Volunteers playing with children in a park as part of the safe haven support.

What inspired you to start Choiceful?　

I grew up in public housing until high school, watching my mother work continuously to repay my father's debts. I myself went to university with student loans and loan-type scholarships, but my sister gave up going to the vocational school she wanted to attend due to financial reasons. From this experience, I keenly felt the 'choice disparity' in who can access support systems, so I started the organization out of the desire to engage in activities that would make the many supposed options feel more accessible.

What has been the most challenging part of continuing to engage in these activities?

I have found it difficult to approach those who need support and I believe that addressing this issue is the reason for the organization's existence. Additionally, the needs of those who require support are extremely diverse, and I feel that uniform support measures cannot meet all needs. The more a group needs support, the more likely they are to face not only economic difficulties but multiple other problems at the same time, making it difficult to address the complexity and multiplicity of issues.

What do you feel were the benefits of starting the organization?

I feel great joy when I can see the results of our support. Specifically, when the families and children we supported regain stability in their lives and we see their positive attitudes, that is when the significance of our activities really hits me. I also feel pleased that, as the circle of support expands and collaboration with the community, other organizations, and companies deepens, more families are being reached and our impact on society increases. I feel a great sense of fulfillment when I experience moments of personal growth alongside other members of the organization.

Having gone through the COVID-19 pandemic after establishing the organization, how do you think the situation has changed for child-rearing families?　

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the increase in economic burdens due to income reduction and unemployment was significant, especially for households with non-regular employment, making it difficult to cover living expenses. Also, children for whom school lunches were the only nutritious meal experienced deteriorating health during school closures. Furthermore, I feel that household stress increased and the psychological burden between parents and children became more severe. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the dependence on support from governments and NPOs has increased, and I feel that the need for food assistance has particularly grown.

Free groceries being delivered

I believe that all three activities ~food assistance, safe haven support, and connection-based care~ are important, but is there one in particular that you want to prioritize at present?　

I want to prioritize safe haven support. Through food assistance, we have gradually been able to build connections with impoverished child-rearing families who tend to be isolated from the community. To realize connection-based care, it is necessary to enhance safe haven support to build trust. Additionally, I want to update existing safe havens to serve as one-stop comprehensive child-rearing consultation centers. By doing so, I think we can contribute to a regional comprehensive care system for child-rearing families.

How are the donations from FIT being used?　

They are used to cover the costs of storing food provided to impoverished child-rearing families. Specifically, they are used for the rent and equipment costs for our locations. As the number of registered households in need of support increased, because we boosted the supply of food, we added three new food pantry locations.

How do you envision expanding your activities in the future?

We aim to update existing safe haven projects to serve as one-stop comprehensive child-rearing consultation centers, providing comprehensive support to child-rearing families facing difficulties through a single point of contact. I believe that by providing support tailored to the needs of each region and expanding horizontally to other municipalities, we can eliminate disparities in support. Additionally, we are focusing on strengthening support through digital tools, aiming to correct disparities in access to support information through online life consultation support and by lending digital devices. Furthermore, we want to expand our support network and strengthen collaboration with local communities and companies to ensure that families can quickly access the support they need.

A children's cafeteria that comprises part of the safe haven support

How can we support you?

In the future, we aim to apply the UK-originated social prescribing (prescribing connections with people instead of medicine to vitalize the community) to child support, creating a system that uses the power of the community to support children.
To achieve this, we would like everyone to take on the role of 'Children Link Supporters,' acting as bridges to government agencies, NPOs, community groups, and medical institutions.
A 'Children Link Supporter' stands by children and families in need, find the resources they require, connect them, and support them. No special qualifications or experience are required. In fact, I think that lacking specialization has the benefit of being able to understand the needs of families facing difficulties from a broad perspective and effectively connect various forms of support. We would be happy if you could take the first step in supporting the community and families by utilizing your skills and experience.


General Incorporated Association Choiceful
https://www.choice-ful.or.jp/