Samariyakai
Samariyakai (lit. “The group of Samaritans”) is an alcohol and drug rehabilitation organisation in Sapporo, Hokkaido. Started by OMF in 1972, it operates a live-in facility where Japanese with (primarily) an alcohol addiction can go for help.
OMF Japan no longer has direct involvement in the day-to-day operation of Samariyakai, though the OMF Japan Field Director sits on their board.
Samariyakai is affiliated with the International Federation of the Blue Cross (IFBC).
This OMF project is to facilitate the transfer of support gifts and mobilise other support for Samariyakai.
Unlike the approach taken in hospitals in Japan whereby substance addictions are treated largely with drugs, Samariyakai offers more holistic treatment to allow addiction sufferers to adopt a lifestyle where they are not dependent on alcohol or drugs and re-enter society and not fall back into addiction when the treatment is over. Samariyakai is based in Sapporo, so receives individuals primarily from within Hokkaido.
Samariyakai’s (Japanese) website is here: http://samariyakai.com
For more details please contact the Business Manager at jp.fm@omf.or.jp