Eijiro Machida, a first generation Japanese in America, dreamed of a bridge that would keep his children and their children connected to the culture and traditions of their ancestral birthplace. To build this bridge, he offered a gift of his land in 1936. This bridge became the ESGVJCC (East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center, Inc.).

Today, the ESGVJCC bridges culture, family, and community; and stands as a vibrant Japanese American regional cultural and community organization that spans across the greater Los Angeles County, the Inland Empire and Orange County. It is home to over 25 cultural, educational, artistic, recreational and social programs serving over 1,000 families.

Once an ethnic enclave, insulated from the surrounding community, the ESGVJCC now bridges outward and partners with the City of West Covina to host the annual City of West Covina Cherry Blossom Festival; the Sister City association of West Covina and Ohtawara, Japan; and the annual summer student exchange program between the two cities. It bridges with Japanese American organizations, civic officials, performing artists, campus clubs and educational institutions to collaborate on the design and delivery of innovative and essential programs and services for the community; such as the annual community Health Fair with California State Senator Dr. Ed Hernandez.

The future of the ESGVJCC is reflected by the dynamic combination of the increasing diversity within the Japanese American community; the broad attraction to Japanese cultural traditions; and involvement in community based social services, artistic, recreational and educational programs. Accordingly, the ESGVJCC Board of Directors, in January 2012 implemented a 10 year strategic plan anticipating and adjusting for the challenges and opportunities of the emerging horizon.

But, as it was in the beginning, so it will be in the future. The emergent ESGVJCC will remain a bridge: now open to all – to experience, to celebrate and to be inspired by the beauty, the uniqueness and the joy of the Japanese American culture.

A Vision for our Future

HONORING OUR PAST, PIONEERING OUR FUTURE
The ESGVJCC Strategic Plan 2013-2023 was produced by the ESGVJCC Development Committee in the spirit of “Honoring our Past, Pioneering our Future” as its guiding vision.

The Strategic Plan includes launching new moneymaking opportunities so that the ESGVJCC does not need to rely solely on membership dues, usage fees, donations and fundraisers to support its operations. These new funding sources will reduce membership fees and possibly usage fees. The added income will also subsidize cultural programming and offer new services to members such as free afterschool tutoring, free senior lunches and free computer classes. Finally, the plan includes expanding the ESGVJCC by acquiring satellite facilities. Currently, no new classes can be added because the gym and social hall are utilized every evening and nearly all day on weekends. In addition, none of the existing programs and classes can add additional practice time.

The ESGVJCC Strategic Plan will address the organization’s current and future needs allowing it to better serve its members, its programs, and the community.

10 Year Plan- Expansion
Expand to satellite facilities

-Acquiring additional property for programs and services

5 Year Plan- Foundation
Generate profit from social enterprise

-Profits from social enterprise will be able to sustain:

Reducing membership fees
-Increasing programs and services
-Reducing overhead costs

3 Year Plan- Growth
 Capacity Building

Increase programs and services
-Leadership development for board and staff
-Increase staff
-Max out facility usage
-Membership & Volunteers

Increase membership 10% (net) per year
-Create a volunteer program
-Create a multi-tiered membership program
-Bridging & Bonding

Bridge with other Japanese American organizations
-Bond with center organizations
-Social Enterprising