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The Paros Foundation underwrites all administrative and overhead costs allowing 100% of all donor contributions to go directly towards projects and supported organizations.

Donations to The Paros Foundation Projects for Prosperity are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. To sponsor a project through The Paros Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 organization (Tax ID 20-5094630), or learn more about specific projects in need of funding, please contact us using the information below.

Contacts

2217 5th Street

Berkeley CA 94710

info@parosfoundation.org

(310) 400 9061

Newsletters
December 30, 2022

This Month at The Paros Foundation – December 2022

Verishen Kindergarten Opening
The large kindergarten in this village needed both to be enlarged and fully renovated. On December 25, governmental officials, including Goris Mayor Arush Arushanyan and Syunik Region Governor Robert Ghukasyan, joined our team for the gala ribbon cutting. Now more than 150 children will be able to enjoy the benefits of early education. Furniture for this project was provided by our friends and partners at Focus on Children Now. Learn more here.

Abovyan Gym Nearing Completion
Thanks to the ongoing efforts of Paros friend and supporter, Seda Melkoni, work continues on the Abovyan School #8. Following a multi-year effort to replace and repair the roofs over several of the buildings on the school’s campus, earlier this year our team launched the full reconstruction of the school’s gym. The staff, children and parents at the school are eagerly anticipating the completion of this project in the coming weeks. Learn more here.

Aquaponics Farming on the Border
Construction on the greenhouse is complete and now our crew is building the stone building that will house the equipment. As construction gets closer to completion, we will begin hiring staff and training them on the processes that drive this technologically advanced farming method. Soon children from the school in this village will add aquaponics to their existing fruit tree orchard and bee keeping curriculum. Learn more here.

Support High Tech Learning for Children
We have launched a new program to help provide both hardware and education for students in schools to help them familiarize themselves with drones (quadcopters), their use, repair, and their programming. Piggybacking on the curriculum currently being taught including programming, 3-D printing, and modeling at many schools and children’s centers across Armenia, we will be closely working to augment schools and children’s centers with the hardware and teaching support they need for this important effort. Donate now by clicking here.

Hianali Successfully Ends 2022
The Hianali Beauty Center and vocational training program ended the year with a bang! If you needed our salon services, you needed to make an appointment well in advance prior to the new year’s celebrations. Our most recent group of graduates received their completion certificates from our Staff and celebrated their accomplishments. As a fun contest for our student’s parents at Debi Arach, a drawing was held and several lucky winners received free salon services prior to the end of the new year.

Already listen to all the great podcasts? Give ours a listen for interesting perspectives on Armenia, terrific guests and a bit about Paros and our work. Listen to our latest episode where we dive into what is happening in Armenia and how its people are being affected.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or Amazon.

 

 

Benefited from Paros Foundation projects in 2022.

By Narine
Paros Blog
December 23, 2022

SERVICE Armenia 2023 Application is Now Live !

June 24th – July 15th, 2023

This trip will be three weeks with the same programming as past years. Participants aged 17-23 will serve, tour, and play in Armenia. Participant fees are $2,250 per person including a $400 charitable contribution, not including airfare.

SERVICE Armenia Application

If you have any questions about our SERVICE Armenia 2023 program please call Peter Abajian, Executive Director at (310) 400-9061 or contact him via email pabajian@gmail.com.

By Narine
Newsletters
December 2, 2022

The Month at The Paros Foundation – November 2022

Year End Campaign
Our 2022 end-of-year campaign features the construction of a building in Gyumri that will be suitable for 16 residential apartments and has an additional 6,000 square feet that Paros will use to open a second branch of its Debi Arach Children’s Center, additional vocational training programs, and/or a second social enterprise. Learn more and donate here.

Three Artsakh Families Get New Homes
Our team was in Artsakh to move three additional families who were displaced by the 2020 war into their newly reconstructed homes, bringing the total to five families in Artsakh that have received new homes. While in Artsakh, our team also signed a memorandum of understanding with the government on the construction of a kindergarten in the village of Maghavuz. Learn more here.

Aquaponics Farming on the Border
Through our Aygepar Incubator, we have won a $53,000 grant from the Austrian Development Agency to install a 1,760 sq. ft. greenhouse along with a control building to house an aquaponic growing system in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur. The system will be housed in a 160 square meter controlled environment greenhouse. Learn more here.

SERVICE Armenia Young Professionals ’22
The second annual SA Young Professionals trip took place from October 14-October 30th. Participants toured the country, volunteered with various projects, and made lifelong friends throughout the two weeks. Volunteer days included renovations at Talin Music School, Paruyr Sevak Kindergarten, and teaching at Debi Arach. Stay tuned for updates on SERVICE Armenia Young Professionals ’23!

Piligian Family visits Paruyr Sevak
Paros donors and friends, The Piligian family, were in Armenia visiting their project in the Paruyr Sevak Village. With the help of the Piligian family, we have been able to renovate this school in phases, providing a safe and clean environment for the students to learn. Learn more here.

Tourism In Armenia with Shake Derderian
Our latest episode of Pari Louys With Paros explores tourism in Armenia and how it has evolved with special guest Shake Derderian from SIMA Tours!

Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or Amazon.

 

 

The amount of money raised since The Paros Foundation formally started in 2006.
Learn more here.

By Narine
Paros Blog
November 29, 2022

Support Gyumri Housing, After-School, & Vocational Center This Giving Tuesday!

To help solve the desperate housing situation in Gyumri, the Municipality has given The Paros Foundation an 18,000 square foot building to create 16 residential apartments for domik families living in terrible conditions. Once construction is completed, this space will also be home to a second Debi Arach Children’s Center, a flexible vocational training space and a social enterprise.

The building that was selected is suitable for 16 residential apartments and has an additional 6,000 square feet that Paros will use to open a second branch of its Debi Arach Children’s Center, additional vocational training programs and a second social enterprise.
Learn More & Donate

“Debi Arach has had such a big impact on my life. Through the career planning classes offered I was able to choose the profession that was right for me and have been accepted to the State University of Economics – Gyumri Branch Finance Department.”

Anahit Petrosyan
Debi Arach Student

“We lived in a domik our entire lives. In 2019, we received an apartment and our lives completely changed. After many cruel years in the domik, we now live such happy lives. My children are happy and they have their own room. We are so thankful and wish this same happiness for other families living in domiks.”

Matevosyan Family
Gyumri Residents

“One year ago I was accepted to take classes at the Hianali Beauty & Training Center, where I excelled in my hairdressing classes. I graduated from the program with much praise and high marks and I now work at the salon.”

Anni Hovannisyan
Hairdresser at Hianali

How To Help

The Detroit community kicked off a nationwide fundraising effort during which more than $75,000 was raised for this project. Similar events will take place in communities around the country in the coming months. A special thanks to Dr. & Mrs. Gary & Linda Assarian and Mr. & Mrs. Howard & Catherine Atesian for hosting this wonderful event.

To learn more about events in your area or to donate please visit our website at ParosFoundation.org or reach out to info@paros-foundation.org (310) 400 – 9061.

By Narine
Featured PostsPress Releases
September 28, 2022

Detroit Community Kicks Off Nationwide Fundraising Effort for Paros Housing, After-School & Vocational Center Building

On September 15, 2022, an enthusiastic crowd gathered at the beautiful Birmingham Athletic Club to learn more about and to support The Paros Foundation’s Housing, After-school and vocational center building in Gyumri, Armenia. The event was generously hosted by Dr. & Mrs. Gary and Linda Assarian and Mr. & Mrs. Howard and Catherine Atesian.

Event Co-Hosts, the Atesian and Assarian families, gather for a photo with The Paros Foundation’s Executive Director. Pictured left to right: Mrs. Catherine Atesian, Mr. Howard Atesian, Mrs. Linda Assarian, Dr. Gary Assarian and Mr. Peter Abajian.

“I am very pleased that our community joined us to enthusiastically support this exciting project. Once completed, this project will continue to help impoverished families in Gyumri break their cycle of poverty and become contributing members of society.”

-Dr. Gary Assarian

The Municipality of Gyumri voted to give The Paros Foundation an 18,000 square foot, three-story building that was built in the late 1980s, and was never completed. Eliminating these types of eyesores from the city is a priority of the Mayor, Vardges Samsonian, who proposed this large project to The Paros Foundation. Once completed, the building’s second and third floor will be occupied by 18 families currently living in one of Gyumri’s domik communities in one- and two-bedroom apartments. The first floor will be home to a second branch of the Debi Arach Children’s Center, a vocational training space and space for a social enterprise/training center. Construction on this building will begin in the coming weeks.

More than $75,000 was raised at this kickoff event in Detroit. Similar events will take place in communities around the country in the coming months. A special thanks to the following families for their major support: Dr. & Mrs. Gary & Linda Assarian, Mr. & Mrs. Howard & Catherine Atesian, Mr. & Mrs. Ara & Christine Atesian, Mr. Darren Atesian, Mr. & Mrs. Gregory & Sandra Jamian, Mr. & Mrs. Edward & Yvonne Korkoian, Mr. & Mrs. Peter & Marilyn Sarkesian, Mr. & Mrs. Dietrich and Marianna Sneideraitis and the Terchoonian Home Foundation.

“I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to the Assarian and Atesian Families who sponsored this successful kickoff event. Our goal is to raise the entire $500,000 necessary to complete work on this building in the next few months in order to complete construction and move in the new families prior to the onset of next winter.”


-Peter Abajian, Executive Director

Learn More & Donate
By Narine
Annual Reports
September 7, 2022

Annual Report: 2020 – 2021

AR 2020 2021
By Narine
Paros Blog
September 7, 2022

Paros Foundation 2022-21 Annual Report

Armenia and her people faced incredible challenges in 2020-2021. The Covid-19 pandemic and its economic devastation, July 2020 attacks on Armenia’s sovereign border in Tavush, and the 2020 war in Artsakh, left Armenia and the Armenian American community in a demoralized and defeated state. Despite these tremendous challenges, unprecedented levels of support for our work from donors throughout the world helped us try to meet the needs of our brothers and sisters in Armenia and Artsakh. During the pandemic, Paros helped ease suffering associated with the physical and financial aspects of what transpired.

 

 

Read more about our past two years and the impact we have made in Armenia in our latest Annual Report.

A very special thank you for our donors who enable our work in Armenia. Please take this opportunity to become a part of The Paros Foundation’s family of donors and get involved!
Read More
By Narine
Press Releases
August 19, 2022

Aygedzor Village Children Have a New Kindergarten!

Paros Teams up With Yerevan Municipality to Complete Renovations

On July 17, representatives of the Yerevan Municipality, Focus on Children Now, the Berd Consolidated Community and the Aygedzor Village joined the teachers, parents, children, and staff of the Aygedzor Kindergarten for a ribbon cutting celebration marking the re-opening of the newly reconstructed and expanded Aygedzor Kindergarten.

Prior to its renovation, the kindergarten was in very poor condition. Insufficient heating, poor sanitary conditions and mold contributed to very low attendance. Now, following its complete renovation, a second group of kindergarten children will be added allowing almost 50 village children and their families to gain the benefits of full-day early education.

“The reconstruction of this kindergarten today marks the 11th kindergarten Paros has either renovated or built along border communities in Armenia’s Tavush Region, and the 12th is currently under construction in Nerkin Tsakhavan. Investing in these communities is critical to help create a more vibrant and prosperous community for its residents.” – Peter Abajian, Executive Director 

The Paros Foundation was able to implement this important project thanks to the generous financial support from the John Mirak Foundation, Edward and Pamela Avedisian and an anonymous donor from Los Angeles. In addition to the Yerevan Municipality’s financial support, Focus on Children Now provided all the furniture and bedding
for the children at the kindergarten.

By Narine
Paros Blog
July 12, 2022

SERVICE Armenia Young Professionals Registration Deadline Approaches!

Back for a second year, SERVICE Armenia Young Professionals is a trip designed for participants ages 24-40, taking place this October 14th-30th! This trip was created for young professionals who want to tour Armenia while participating in service work with other young adults. We can work with participants to engage in Armenia within their professional areas as well. For example, a teacher can spend a day at an Armenian school volunteering. This trip is a great opportunity to network within the Armenian professional community, and to bring people together for an unforgettable experience!

Participant fees are $2,300 per person for single occupancy or $1,850 per person for double occupancy (including a $350 charitable contribution towards defraying service project costs), not including airfare.

SERVICE Armenia Young Professionals Application

Registration deadline is July 15th. Trip is subject to cancellation if less than 10 applicants sign up.

If you have any questions about our SERVICE Armenia Young Professionals 2022 program please call Peter Abajian, Executive Director at (310) 400-9061 or contact him via email pabajian@gmail.com.

SERVICE Armenia Young Professionals Application

SERVICE ARMENIA SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE!

We are proud to announce that the Rosine Kizirian Scholarship is available again by the Kizirian Family for the 2022 SERVICE Armenia trip this Fall

The Rosine Kizirian Scholarship honors the love that Rosine had for her Armenian culture. Raising her children and grandchildren in America, Rosine was dedicated to imparting her wisdom of the Armenian language, faith, and culture onto her family. Her commitment to preserving the Armenian culture helped shine a guiding light on so many young Armenians. This scholarship will be awarded to someone who exemplifies a similar love and curiosity for their Armenian identity.

One recipient will receive a $350 scholarship towards their SERVICE Armenia trip fee.

Scholarship Qualifications:
Must be applying to participate in summer SERVICE Armenia Young Professionals 2022 program with The Paros Foundation.

Essay Prompt:
In 300 words or less, either tell your story of Armenian identity and what it means to you or why a trip to Armenia is important to you. Please submit your prompt to Sofia, Sofia@cobaltsapphire.com by September 15th. The winner of the scholarship will be announced shortly after.

**If you have already applied and paid you can still apply to the scholarship**

SERVICE Armenia Young Professionals Application
By Narine
Press Releases
June 15, 2022

SERVICE Armenia Young Professionals is Back for a 2nd Year!

Paros’s Official Service Trip for Young Adults

Back for a second year, SERVICE Armenia Young Professionals is a trip designed for participants ages 24-40, taking place this October 14th-30th! This trip was created for young professionals who want to tour Armenia while participating in service work with other young adults. We can work with participants to engage in Armenia within their professional areas as well. For example, a teacher can spend a day at an Armenian school volunteering. This trip is a great opportunity to network within the Armenian professional community, and brings Armenians together for an unforgettable experience!

SERVICE Armenia Young Professionals Application

“While I’ve been lucky to have been to Armenia plenty of times before, there is a newfound appreciation when you visit as a working, young professional. As someone forging their own career and professional path, the inspiration you gain from visiting as a young adult is unlike any other,” said Aram Nahabedian, a, 2021 participant.

We are proud to announce that the Rosine Kizirian Scholarship is available again by the Kizirian Family for the 2022 SERVICE Armenia trip this Fall. The Rosine Kizirian Scholarship honors the love that Rosine had for her Armenian culture. Raising her children and grandchildren in America, Rosine was dedicated to imparting her wisdom of the Armenian language, faith, and culture onto her family. Her commitment to preserving the Armenian culture helped shine a guiding light on so many young Armenians. This scholarship will be awarded to someone who exemplifies a similar love and curiosity for their Armenian identity. One recipient will receive a $350 scholarship towards their SERVICE Armenia trip fee.

Scholarship Qualifications:
Must be applying to participate in summer SERVICE Armenia Young Professionals 2022 program with The Paros Foundation.

Essay Prompt:
In 300 words or less, either tell your story of Armenian identity and what it means to you or why a trip to Armenia is important to you. Please submit your prompt to Sofia, Sofia@cobaltsapphire.com by September 15th. The winner of the scholarship will be announced shortly after.

“Service Armenia provided me with the best first experience in Armenia. This group of young professionals went as strangers and returned as family. I was thoroughly impressed with all the accommodations, excursions, and experiences. I can firmly say I will be going back.” Eric Nikssarian, 2021 participant

Participant fees are $2,300 per person for single occupancy or $1,850 per person for double occupancy (including a $350 charitable contribution towards defraying service project costs), not including airfare. To apply, visit www.parosfoundation.org and the SERVICE Armenia section. Deadline to apply is July 15,2022. If you have any questions about our SERVICE Armenia Young Professionals 2022 program please call Peter Abajian, Executive Director at (310) 400-9061 or contact him via email pabajian@gmail.com.

By Narine