Orange House's "Creating a Place for Children with Medical Needs" Selected as a Supported Activity for the Tokyu Children's Support Program

Certified NPO Orange House (Location: Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Representative Director: Ryota Nakajin) has been selected as a supported activity for the "2026 Tokyu Children's Support Program" implemented by Tokyu Corporation. In fiscal year 2026, 27 organizations were selected from 115 applications, and the support period is one year, from April 2026 to March 2027.

About the 2026 Tokyu Children's Support Program Supported Activities: https://kodomo.tokyu.co.jp/support/2026/

Orange House's Initiatives

Environments where children with medical needs and their families can naturally participate in the community are still insufficient, even in urban areas. Even though functions such as hospitals, welfare, childcare, family support, and community interaction exist separately, they are difficult to connect with each other, and there is a reality where significant burdens are placed on individuals before they can access the necessary support and relationships.

In response to this urban fragmentation, our organization will, starting from Sodachi to Care Base Futamatagawa/Totsuka (Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture - opened April 1st), create a community participation base for the growth of children with medical needs and their families by co-locating multiple functions within facilities, connecting with related organizations and government agencies, and incorporating continuous participation from local residents.

The project selected this time aims to expand opportunities for interaction and experience where children with medical needs and their families can participate with peace of mind, and to open up these touchpoints to the community. We will work not only on individual events such as camps, children's cafeterias, and exchange meetings, but also on creating pathways for hospitals, support organizations, families, and local residents to remain loosely connected.

Main Initiatives Planned

1. Inclusive Parent-Child Camp

We will hold an overnight camp where children with disabilities, including those with medical needs, and general families can participate together. We will create a space where diverse children can spend time together through nature experiences and collaborative activities.

2. Hospital-Based Children's Cafeteria

We will hold a children's cafeteria using a food truck on the premises of medical institutions with pediatric departments. In addition to providing meals, we will set up consultation booths for childcare and therapy, creating an opportunity for children and families to share the same space regardless of illness or care needs.

3. Food Pantry for Families Accompanying Hospitalized Children

We will visit medical institutions with pediatric wards and distribute packages of light meals and daily necessities to families accompanying hospitalized children. We will provide practical support for the often-unseen burden of accompanying a child in the hospital.

4. Expansion of Family Exchange Meetings

We will open up the exchange meetings, which have primarily involved families using our organization's services, to a wider network including families of children with medical needs in the community and alumni families. We will support the formation of self-help connections where parents can learn from and support each other.

5. Communication and Photo Exhibition through Photography

We will hold a photo exhibition using pictures taken at events and photos brought by families, opening up the lives and expressions of children with medical needs and their families to the community. ...