The Nakazawas
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From Our Founder:
The Nakazawas
One of my greatest joys, especially now that I’m retired from any leadership role in Sunday Friends, is to hear from the young adults who touch-in with me, the ones who spent their high school years and maybe early college years volunteering with Sunday Friends. Many of them share how their involvement with the program and the families led them to the careers and community contributions that enrich their lives - and other lives - now. Another joy comes when I hear from the parents, who are so justifiably proud of the character and service orientation of their now-grown kids. A good example is the Nakazawa family…
Aaron Nakazawa is a fifth grade teacher who especially lights up when one of his students has “that ah hah moment”. He says that Sunday Friends helped him to solidify his career choice. After his experience in the program, he could see himself teaching. He discovered the satisfaction that comes from seeing kids succeed.
Aaron volunteered with Sunday Friends throughout his high school years along with his parents, Rick and Emma. When he went off to college, Rick and Emma continued to volunteer with Sunday Friends. And, to donate. I asked them why.
Rick started by talking about Sunday Friends’ learn-to-earn model. He likes that we offer a hand up, not a hand out. He has been able to see with his own eyes how participation in the multi-faceted programming helps families to break the generational cycle of poverty. He added, “You connect with real people. You can grasp what’s happening and understand why”.
Emma’s response also came from her experience in the programs. She said, “It’s not: Take this and go away. It’s human to human. That really means something. We get to see the kids grow. We see the aunts, uncles, neighbors - extended families - all working together and supporting each other. Everyone, the families and the volunteers both, learn from each other. We become like a family.”
It’s been about 15 years now since the Nakazawas became part of the Sunday Friends family. Why did they start volunteering? They wanted to support their son. They wanted to teach him the value of giving. Emma loved that, whenever Aaron participated, he would come home telling stories. He was most enthusiastic when he guided children through the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) activities. She saw Aaron light up whenever the lightbulb went off for a child and they got it. And now, he’s a teacher.
This story and so many others like it warm my heart like nothing else. They show the value of healthy community. So many good people from so many walks of life have brought their best intentions to Sunday Friends and, together, we have created something that is bigger than any one of us. Love and gratitude to every single participant.
- Janis, 05/2025
Janis Baron: A Powerful Force for Change
For over 30 years, Janis Baron has inspired transformative action through her unwavering compassion. In 1997, she answered a “Call to Action,” conceptualizing the Sunday Friends model—a program built on self-respect, where pride stems from work and community service, not handouts.
Janis, with her extensive experience leading projects at Intel and Apple, turned her focus to community service, from suicide prevention to inner-city programs. She transitioned from Silicon Valley boardrooms to addressing the stark realities of struggling families.
Janis, her children, and friends began by visiting a local family shelter. This wasn’t a one-off act of charity. Janis and her dedicated team of volunteers spent years listening to the shelter families’ needs, building relationships based on trust, and a genuine desire to uplift.
Sunday Friends grew slowly and organically, fueled by a shared vision. The program fosters self-respect and pride, allowing families to contribute and learn, with thank you letters as bridges for giving back. Literacy and computer skills programs, fresh produce distribution, and the “Sunday Friends Bank” for financial literacy empower families to break the cycle of poverty.
This initiative is about more than survival—it’s about empowerment. Janis’ dedication saw young mothers land jobs and families rise from despair, fueling her passion for years. Even after her retirement in 2019, Sunday Friends thrives as a vibrant community, a testament to her vision, and the countless volunteers who found purpose within its walls.
Janis’ legacy is a reminder that we are all connected, and that small acts of kindness can blossom into extraordinary change. Sunday Friends continues to be a “Call to Action,” helping families break the generational cycle of poverty and inspiring hope for a more equitable community.
