Minna no Kaeru Land Receives Social Volunteer Award from Soroptimist Foundation of Japan for 40 Years of Disability Support

The Soroptimist Foundation of Japan presents the "Social Volunteer Award" annually to community-based volunteer activities. For fiscal 2026, it has been decided that the Specified Non-Profit Organization (NPO) "Minna no Kaeru Land" (Living with People with Disabilities), based in Misawa, Ogori City and led by Representative Toshiro Noda, will receive this award. An award ceremony by the International Soroptimist Ogori, the local chapter, will be held as follows:

International Soroptimist Ogori Club Award Ceremony Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 1:30 PM Venue: Ogori City Lifelong Learning Center, Training Room 2

Social Volunteer Award (Awarded to 37 organizations nationwide this year): This award is presented by the Soroptimist Foundation of Japan to individuals or organizations that continuously conduct community-based volunteer activities suited to local needs. Previous recipients from Ogori City include the "Society for Nurturing the Misawa Archaeological Site Forest" (FY2024) and the Ogori Summary Transcription Group "Tanabata" (FY2023).

Specified Non-Profit Organization (NPO) "Minna no Kaeru Land" (Living with People with Disabilities): This organization originated from the "Ogori District Education Study Group for Children and Adults with Disabilities," established in 1984 by parents of children with disabilities and teachers from special needs schools. It has continuously implemented educational activities such as study sessions, educational consultations, and employment consultations, as well as lifestyle support like lifestyle consultations and sleepover events, and initiatives for creating places for exchange and awareness-raising.

In 2009, they opened "Minna no Kaeru Land" as a base for community exchange. Through the sale of handmade works and other activities, it provides a familiar resting place where many citizens can easily drop by and interact.