Our Story
Mission Statement
HelpOki’s goal is to end poverty here in Okinawa. Bringing people from all over the world together through volunteer work and charitable giving, to ensure every person in Okinawa has enough food (clean water), clothing, shelter, and critical life skills.
Vision
HelpOki seeks to enrich and enhance the lives of individuals through support, community development, and inspired philanthropy. The specific purpose of HelpOki is to relieve the poor, the distressed, and the underprivileged as well as combat community deterioration by supporting individuals in need and building a bridge between the International and Japanese communities here in Okinawa. This includes, but is not limited to 1.) providing resources and volunteer services to homeless shelters, food banks, and foster homes; 2.) supporting the construction, expansion, and preservation of homeless shelters, foster homes, and orphanages; and 3.) supporting and providing resources to women's domestic violence shelters and drug rehabilitation centers; 4.) providing resources and support to low income individuals and families across Okinawa.
Meet The Team
Founder & President
Chris Nesbitt
Chris is the Founder and President of HelpOki. He has dedicated his life to making a difference for those less fortunate. He believes that together we can end poverty here in Okinawa.
Vice President
Yuko Nesbitt
Yuko is the Vice-President for HelpOki and works tirelessly to ensure everything runs smoothly each and everyday for the team. Yuko is from Okinawa, Miyako Island, and has committed her life to change lives for the better.
HelpOki Manager & Secretary
Daphne Mahusay
Daphne is HelpOki's Manager and English Appetite Teacher. Daphne comes from the city of Manila in the Philippine's. Daphne enjoys watching movies, and traveling in her spare time. Daphne oversees the day to day operations for HelpOki and also handles all of our messages that we receive.
Food Bank Director
Ivory Molina
Ivory from the Philippines and two wonderful children. She loves spending time with her family when not volunteering. Ivory is Help Feed Oki Food Bank Director. She oversees all the food that come in and out for those less fortunate here in Okinawa. Ivory works tirelessly to help us end food poverty here in Okinawa.
Hearts for Okinawa Director
Shannon Shaffer
Shannon has been living in Okinawa since 2019. Although Shannon and her husband have lived in many places, this is her first time living outside of the United States. She absolutely loves it here! Volunteering and serving others makes her heart happy! Shannon loves working with the military through the Red Cross and also working with the local Okinawan community!