#Japan #Crowdfunding #Itabashi #youth support #Masterpiece

Supporting Vulnerable Youth: Masterpiece’s New Crowdfunding Initiative

The non-profit organization, Masterpiece, located in Itabashi, Tokyo, is dedicated to creating a society where all youth can safely recognize and express their voices. The organization focuses on supporting young people who have aged out of child welfare facilities or foster care, as well as those who find it difficult to rely on parents or family due to various circumstances. Their mission revolves around providing support in terms of housing, food, and basic living needs.

In their latest effort, Masterpiece has launched a crowdfunding project to continuously support youth who have experienced adversity such as abuse. The crowdfunding page can be accessed here: Crowdfunding Page.

Current Situation and Challenges

Masterpiece actively aids youth who face difficulties connecting with parents or family due to abuse or various challenging situations. Many youths who seek assistance have undergone significant divides throughout their lives, often arriving at Masterpiece with little savings and emotional scars.

Annual Support Records for 2024

In 2024, Masterpiece received a total of 2,311 consultations, with approximately 30% relating to housing and food support, which are critical to establishing a stable living condition. The organization operates shared houses, named step houses, totaling 20 rooms; these are typically occupied at 80-90% capacity. Many residents are starting anew due to financial struggles and aim to rebuild their lives.

Our Objectives

Each young person carries unique challenges and needs. Masterpiece's approach goes beyond basic provisions of 'shelter, food, and housing.' They offer tailored, order-made support according to individual needs.

Initiatives for Continued Support

Their services include assisting with bureaucratic procedures at government offices and police stations, helping with medical searches and visits, and providing employment support. Communication among house residents is also fostered through monthly dinner gatherings and occasional gardening activities on the premises, cultivating vegetables together and celebrating the joy of living and engaging with one another.

Overview of the Crowdfunding Project

The anticipated objectives of the crowdfunding initiative are as follows:

• - Covering living expenses for youth entering the houses with minimal or no savings.
• - Funding support staff to help stabilize residents’ living conditions.
• - Repair costs for maintaining safe housing environments.
• - Expenses related to building community within the region, including volunteer compensations and travel costs.

Project Details

• - Project Title: Become a Supporter for Youth Who Have Experienced Abuse
• - Project Duration: From August 13, 2025, to September 30, 2025
• - Funding Goal: ¥3,000,000

For more information, please visit Masterpiece's Website, follow them on X (formerly Twitter) here.

About Masterpiece

Founded on November 14, 2017, by Marika Kikuchi, a former child welfare worker, Masterpiece operates two centers: one located in Itabashi, Tokyo, and the other in Ichikawa, Chiba. Their commitment to supporting youth is steadfast, aiming for a future where these young individuals can truly flourish.