In response to the 8.9-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunamis that have been plaguing Japan, local groups such as the Japanese American Service Committee (JASC) have set up earthquake relief support groups to aid victims who have lost loved ones abroad.
Likely to exceed 10,000, according to a statement made to the Associated Press by police spokesman Go Sugawara, the death toll has left survivors in Japan and families and friends abroad in an emotional uproar. In addition, there are still about 17,000 people missing, with the injured numbering in the thousands.
As a not-for-profit social service agency, the Chicago branch of JASC works to promote the family and community through its programs and services. The not-for-profit has stepped in to offer emotional support. JASC CEO Susan Tybon believes that the one-on-one counseling offered to love ones of the earthquake victims is a great complement to the fundraising the American Red Cross and other organizations have put into place.
"I think people are still in shock and as time goes on, there will be more of a need for it [counseling]. In horrible times like this, you really get to see the best of the human spirit," Tybon told Windy City Times.
The following places are offering counseling with licensed therapists who are fluent in Japanese: Chicago School of Professional Psychology (Wednesdays at 5 p.m.), Adler School of Professional Psychology (Fridays at 5 p.m.) and JASC (Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m.); in the Schaumburg and Arlington Heights area, Mindful Professional Counseling (Thursdays at 10:30 am and Saturdays at 3 p.m.); in the Wheaton and Naperville area, Meier Clinics (Saturdays at 1 p.m.); and in the Evanston and Wilmette area, Family Institute at Northwestern University.
Local group and recent Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame Inductee Asian and Friends has carried out some relief work in the past to aid disaster victims. For example, the group raised $2,000 for victims affected by the earthquake in Thailand with a grassroots campaign that involved going from bar to bar. Although the group has not implemented its own relief initiatives and efforts in the Japan earthquake, it fully supports and stands by JASC and other local organizations' relief projects, according to president Angel Abcede.
"We are talking and working on several ways of getting the message out to and linking our members and people to organization who are carrying out relief efforts for victims affected by the earthquake," said Abcede. He added that the grouop is in talks regarding a earthquake fundraiser during Pride Month (June).
Celebrities such as music artist and fashion designer Gwen Stefani and actress Sandra Bullock have each donated $1 milion to relief efforts, and Grammy-award winning artist Lady Gaga has raised a substantial amount selling bracelets on her website.
Also, local restaurants such as Sushi Samba are offering specialty crafted Japanese Relief sushi rolls, with proceeds benefiting the American Red Cross. Yoshi's Cafe, 3257 N. Halsted, is holding a Japanese earthquake and tsunami relief fundraiser Wed., April 6, at 7 p.m. (RSVP at 773-248-6160.)
Garrett Popcorn is donating two dollars from every tin sold to Save the Children's Japan Earthquake Tsunami Children in Emergency Fund, through April 6.