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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

NewslettersUncategorized
April 2, 2025

This Month at The Paros Foundation – March 2025

Nourishing Armenia Kicks off at Debi Arach!

Students at Debi Arach were introduced to a new world of food this month thanks to Stephanie Sudjian and her Nourishing Armenia efforts. This multi-phased project provides education, food related, fun, hands-on activities and will soon have a living classroom at its flagship greenhouse location at the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri. Stephanie will be back this summer to oversee several fun activities and the new curriculum’s instruction she developed for Nourishing Armenia.

Help support this important effort here!

This quarter, our work to assist our brothers and sisters displaced from Artsakh continued.    Here is what we accomplished:

  • Moved 2 additional families into new, permanent homes into the town of Vardenis (Vardenis Consolidated Community) and village of Babikavan (Kajaran Consolidated Community). These two families were overjoyed with their new homes complete with new furniture and appliances.
  • Provided firewood to 27 families displaced from Artsakh and now living in the community of Meds Masrik during the coldest months of winter to allow them to both heat their homes and cook.
  • Distributed clothing and new warm, winter boots to more than 100 displaced families.

Contribute to our Artsakh Refugee Support Fund here.

Packs On Backs
Packs on Backs is back for another school year! Help a child in Gyumri feel confident at school with a new backpack full of supplies!

For $35, each child at the Debi Arach Children’s Center will be provided a backpack filled with age-appropriate supplies for a successful school year. Join us as we put packs on backs for the upcoming school year! Learn more and donate using here!

Boghos and Shake Derderian hosted a gathering this month for their family and friends to learn more about the efforts of The Paros Foundation to positively impact Armenia and support our important work. Peter Abajian, Executive Director, also spoke at the St. Sahag & St. Mesrop Armenian Apostolic Church Lenten Luncheon Program following Church Services. Thank you to the Derderian family for hosting and arranging for such a wonderful opportunity for Paros to connect in Philadelphia!

We are excited to announce our SERVICE Armenia 2025 trip is full with a record number of participants! 30 diasporan youth will enjoy all Armenia has to offer this summer. We can’t wait!

Are you a medical resident? Join us on Med-Aid 2025! Make an immediate impact through medical checks throughout the country and a lasting impact through trainings for local medical staff to make preventative care the norm in Armenia!

Learn more and apply to make a positive difference in Armenia here.

**Note: participants must apply for approval from their residency program to receive credit.

Promoting teamwork, building confidence, and developing valuable life skills are just a few of the benefits of organized sports that Hoops 4 Hayastan is bringing to children all throughout Armenia

Listen to our latest episode to hear from founder Garen and board member Natalie on how they combined their passion for basketball and their love for Armenia to benefit the greater good. 🏀

Listen now on
Spotify | Apple | Amazon

 

 

the number of SERVICE Armenia participates for this summer’s program (full house!)

By Narine
Newsletters
March 1, 2025

This Month at The Paros Foundation – February 2025

Debi Arach Children’s Center
Celebrates 10th Year!

In April 2015 as the 100th project of The Paros 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity campaign we launched the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri.

Over the last 10 years, we have provided life changing services for more than 1,800 children from economically disadvantaged families, helping them move towards the goal of becoming self-sufficient, economically successful citizens of Gyumri through intense academic, humanitarian and nutritional support.

Stay tuned for a host of fun activities throughout the year to commemorate this monumental event!

Verishen Adult Center Update
On January 31, 2025, The Paros Foundation joined the celebration in the Goris community of Verishen to mark the completion of construction on the Community Living for Older Refugees. Eight people who lost their homes in Artsakh following its 2023 ethnic cleansing will be able to live in this forever home with dignity and modern convenience. Future plans include the addition of a fruit orchard, chicken coop and greenhouse to provide both economic and social activities for residents.

Paros Housing, After-School
& Vocational Center
Construction permits have been secured and construction will begin shortly for the multi-use center located in Gyumri. Once completed 16 families will receive new apartments. 16 domiks will be demolished and the land returned to the city for public use. 100 children will receive the benefits proven through the programing at Debi Arach and 8 to 10 full time employment positions will be created at the new location. Learn more here.

Med-Aid Nor Hachen Clinic Training
The Med-Aid team has been working with the Nor Hachen team to prepare both for ongoing training and for their summer medical mission. With the installation of a new teleconference equipment, the clinic has held its first ACEs training for clinic staff.

Shgharshik School Gym Renovation
Help give the students of Shgharshik a usable gym space! 60 students that attend the Shgharshik Secondary School cannot use the school’s gym because it is in need of a full renovation. Over the useful life of the school’s gym renovation, an estimated 2,000 children will receive the benefits of sports at their school.

Join the efforts of Arev Gabriel and her community who have been working to raise funds to make this project possible here!

There are a few spots left for our 2025 SERVICE Armenia summer trip! Meet other participants from the diaspora and experience all Armenia has to offer on this three-week long trip!

June 25-July 16, 2025 | Ages 17-23
Sign Up Here!

Are you a medical resident? Join us on Med-Aid 2025! Make an immediate impact through medical checks throughout the country and a lasting impact through trainings for local medical staff to make preventative care the norm in Armenia!

Learn more and apply to make a positive difference in Armenia next summer here.

**Note: participants must apply for approval from their residency program to receive credit.

Have you given our podcast a listen? Pari Louys with Paros is your connection to the motherland, where we will learn, grow, and better Armenia, together!

Listen now on
Spotify | Apple | Amazon

 

 

the # of years Med-Aid has made
a difference in Armenia

By Narine
Newsletters
February 1, 2025

2025 – The Year of Action

Two Additional Artsakh Refugee Families Receive A New Home
Martin Grigoryan, his wife, and four children, one of which is a newborn received their new home in Vardenis! Their three bedroom home is now a safe and permanent space they can raise their family.

Vahan Atayan, along with his wife, two children, grandparents and uncle moved into their new three bedroom home in Babaikavan Village/Kajaran Community. This new space offers ample room to gather as a family to make the best of their new life in this community.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support our Artsakh Refugee Support Fund. It is with your help these life changing moves are possible.
Learn more about our Artsakh Refugee Support Fund here.

Nor Geghi Kindergarten
Gym Opening
The Paros Team visited the Nor Geghi Kindergarten to cut the ribbon on the new gym that was renovated thanks to the ongoing support and generosity of the Nor Keghi Association. More than 75 children will benefit from this new gym space!

The Paros team was in Gyumri this week to hold meetings with local and regional leadership regarding our programs and the progress on the Paros Housing, After-School & Vocational Center. These meetings included time with both the Shirak Region Governor, David Arushanyan, and Gyumri Mayor, Sarik Minasyan. We are looking forward to the great work we can all accomplish together!

Are you a medical resident? Join us on Med-Aid 2025! Make an immediate impact through medical checks throughout the country and a lasting impact through trainings for local medical staff to make preventative care the norm in Armenia!

Learn more and apply to make a positive difference in Armenia next summer here.

**Note: participants must apply for approval from their residency program to receive credit.

On our newest episode of Pari Louys With Paros, we interview Integrative & Functional Registered Dietitian, Stephanie Sudjian, to discuss what people in Armenia are doing correctly and how she is working to help improve the habits that may not be the healthiest for overall well-being.

Listen now on
Spotify | Apple | Amazon

 

the # of full and part time jobs created in Armenia to date through our efforts

By Narine
Newsletters
December 29, 2024

This Month at The Paros Foundation – December 2024

Make Your Year End Contribution Today!

This year, our year-end campaign focuses on the impact on the vital border community of Vardenis. By improving all parts of this community our goal is to raise the overall well-being of the people who call it home. Join us in uplifting this community in more ways than one this holiday season!

Artsakh Refugee Resettlement

Several more families are hoping to make the community of Vardenis their permanent home. Funding permitting, the Paros team will continue our existing housing resettlement program, which purchases, renovates, furnishes and gives these refugee families 90% ownership in their new homes. The balance of ownership will be transferred to them in 10 years to ensure a stable home for their entire family.

The budget to permanently resettle an average family of six people is $35,000, which includes a fully renovated and furnished home, furniture and appliances.

Donate Here

Humanitarian Aid

Meds Masrik School Renovation

Vardenis Adult Recreation Center

Paros friends and donors Dr. Gary & Mrs. Linda Assarian are matching donations up to $7,500 for our Artsakh Refugee Families Humanitarian Aid efforts! These funds will help us distribute important items such as firewood for heating and cooking, clothing, winter boots, and food packs to these families during the cold winter months.

The school in Meds Masrik currently has 425 students including 45 from Artsakh, and needs additional renovations to accommodate these new students. Once renovated, these classrooms will house the 4th- 8th grade students. The renovation for this wing will cost $95,000 including a new roof, furniture and heating system.

Elderly refugees from Artsakh have settled into this community and often are lonely. We have raised the funds necessary with the generous support of Patrick & Mary Goshtigian to renovate this center to both provide elderly refuges and other elderly villagers a place to gather, have a hot meal and engage in meaningful interactions.  

Double Your Impact
Donate Here
Learn More

Additional Artsakh Refugee
Family Receives New Home
The Harutyunyan family, Eric, his wife, two children and their grandmother received a new home in the city of Vardenis. The family is looking forward to a new start in a new space they can call home. Thank you to everyone who made this new start possible for the Harutyunyan family. Learn more about our Artsakh Refugee Support Fund here.

Paros Visits The East Coast
Members of our Paros team traveled to Boston to participate in several community activities including speaking at the annual Holy Translators Christmas Brunch about the Community Living for Elderly Refugee project, visiting the Holy Trinity’s annual Christmas Bazaar and speaking following church services. We also held strategy meetings regarding our Nourishing Armenia project, work taking place at Payuyr Sevak and other ongoing projects and upcoming efforts.

SERVICE Armenia 2025 Applications
Space is still available for our SERVICE Armenia 2025 summer trip! Join other diasporan Armenians for an incredible opportunity to connect with other Armenians, give back, and tour our Homeland.

The trip is happening June 25-July 16, 2025) and is open to participants ages 17-23. Spots are limited, apply here!

Join Med-Aid 2025!
Why join our medical trip? It’s simple, we have a goal to establish preventative care as a norm in Armenia. You can be a part of that change.

Join us June 21st – July 3rd, 2025 for an impactful and meaningful medical trip. All expertise levels are welcomed. Learn more and apply to make a positive difference in Armenia next summer here.

Have you given our podcast a listen? Pari Louys with Paros is your connection to the motherland, where we will learn, grow, and better Armenia, together!

Listen now on
Spotify | Apple | Amazon

 

 

the # of spots left on SERVICE
Armenia 2025

By Narine
Paros Blog
December 3, 2024

*Giving Tuesday* Impact on Vardenis

This year, our year-end campaign focuses on the impact on the vital border community of Vardenis. By improving all parts of this community our goal is to raise the overall well-being of the people who call it home. Join us in uplifting this community in more ways than one this Giving Tuesday!

The Paros Foundation has already resettled 14 refugee families from Artsakh into the Vardenis communities of Meds Masrik and Geghamasar. Soon, two more families will be moved into new homes in the city of Vardenis. With this population growth, we hope to address four immediate needs for this important border community.

Donate

The school in Meds Masrik currently has 425 students including 45 from Artsakh, and needs additional renovations to accommodate these new students. We have already helped renovate and equip the computer classroom, the nurse’s station and three additional classrooms, but one additional wing needs a complete renovation. This wing encompasses four additional classrooms and one additional set of bathrooms. Once renovated, these classrooms will house the 4th- 8th grade students. The renovation for this wing will cost $95,000 including a new roof, furniture and heating system.

Meds Masrik School Improvements

Elderly refugees from Artsakh have settled into this community and often are lonely and lack meaningful interaction. The community has provided a space to launch an elderly activity center with the partnership of a local charitable organization that is prepared to run the day to day at the center. We hope to raise the funds necessary to renovate this center to both provide elderly refuges and other elderly villagers a place to gather, have a hot meal and engage in meaningful interactions. The budget for the launch of this important project is $69,000.

Vardenis Adult Recreation Center

Humanitarian aid for Artsakh refugee families continues to be an important priority. The Paros Foundation continues to distribute firewood for heating and cooking, clothing, winter boots, and food packs to these families with the generous support of individuals and organizations. As winter is especially cold in these communities, we must continue these distributions of humanitarian relief. Our budget for food, firewood and warm winter clothing is $15,000.

Humanitarian Aid

Several more families are hoping to make the community of Vardenis their permanent home. Funding permitting, the Paros team will continue our existing housing resettlement program, which purchases, renovates, furnishes and gives these refugee families 90% ownership in their new homes. The balance of ownership will be transferred to them in 10 years to ensure a stable home for their entire family. The budget to permanently resettle an average family of six people is $35,000, which includes a fully renovated and furnished home, furniture and appliances.

Artsakh Refugee Resettlement
By Narine
Newsletters
November 29, 2024

This Month at The Paros Foundation – November 2024

Renovated Hatsik Preschool Re-opens!

The Hatsik Preschool in the Armavir Region of Armenia is now reopened! After being fully renovated by Paros and fully furnished by Focus on Children Now, the kids, staff, and community are excited for this new space. Thank you to everyone who made this possible!

Community Living For Older Refugees So excited to announce that the work is ongoing on the “Community Living for Older Refugees” Home in Verishen settlement of Goris community in Syunik province of Armenia. Thank you, UNHCR Armenia and European Union for your generous and timely support and Action Against Hunger South Caucasus for ensuring sound technical assistance in the renovation of a new home for refugees and local older people in Goris community.

New Water Pipes Brings Water To Families Thanks to the Atamian Family and their support, nine families in newly constructed homes in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur will have now have access to running water in their homes. Prior to the installation of this piping infrastructure these families did not have access to running water readily available in this part of town.

2022-23 Annual Report Is Here!
Our mission is to remain transparent in all of our projects here at Paros. Our Annual Report serves as a way to give the public a look at what we have accomplished, how we accomplished it, and who helped make it happen. We invite you to skim the pages and learn where your donor dollars are going each year.
Learn more here!

SERVICE Armenia 2025 Applications SERVICE Armenia 2025 summer applications are now live, and we already have applicants! This trip is an incredible opportunity to connect with other Armenians, give back, and tour our Homeland.

The trip is happening June 25-July 16, 2025) and is open to participants ages 17-23. Spots are limited, apply here!

Med-Aid 2025 Applications Now Live!
Why join our medical trip? It’s simple, we have a goal to establish preventative care as a norm in Armenia. You can be a part of that change. 


Join us June 21st – July 3rd, 2025 for an impactful and meaningful medical trip. All expertise levels are welcomed. Learn more and apply to make a positive difference in Armenia next summer here.

Looking For Laptops
We are looking for six new or gently used laptops for Debi Arach Children’s Center to replace some of the older laptops in the computer room. If you or anyone you know is interested in donating, please contact Peter Abajian peter@parosfoundation.org.

Have you given our podcast a listen? Pari Louys with Paros is your connection to the motherland, where we will learn, grow, and better Armenia, together!

Listen now on Spotify | Apple | Amazon

 

 
the # of kids that attend the Meds Marsik School

By Narine
Annual Reports
November 18, 2024

Annual Report: 2022 – 2023

AR 2022 2023
By Narine
Paros Blog
November 8, 2024

Join our Medical Trip to Armenia Med-Aid 2025

Help make a difference in
Armenia June 21st – July 3rd!

This summer’s Med-Aid ARMENIA 2025 medical mission will take place from June 21st to July 3rd. Med-Aid Armenia is coordinated under the direction of Dr. Krikor Deramerian and Peter Abajian.

Med-Aid Armenia is an annual medical trip with the goal of establishing preventative care as a norm in Armenia.

We welcome medical professionals, residents, medical students and university-aged pre-med students to join in these efforts to use experience and expertise in the medical field. An interview is required for university students to confirm their participation. It is truly a unique opportunity for hands-on experience, program development and to create a lasting effect in a place of great need.

 

 

The trip will include rest, adventure and cultural immersion through visits and tours to several of Armenia’s historic sites.

 

 

Med-Aid participants will earn volunteer ours. The primary care team will conduct wellness screenings for several hundred families throughout Armenia who do not have access to healthcare.

 

 

Healthcare professionals and their accompanying families will experience visits to several of Armenia’s historic sites and tours. The trip will begin and end with time spent in Armenia’s vibrant capital, Yerevan.

Learn More & Apply
By Narine
Newsletters
November 1, 2024

This Month at The Paros Foundation – October 2024

Khndzoresk Kindergarten Receives Complete Renovation

Earlier this month representatives from the local community, lead project sponsor, Adrienne Krikorian, representatives of The Paros Foundation and officials of the consolidated community of Goris gathered for the re-opening celebration of Khndzoresk Kindergarten. This renovation will now allow the kindergarten to facilitate the early education for up to 100 children from this important border community.

Two Additional Refugee Families
Get Permanent Homes
The Telyan Family received their home in Meds Masrik, which was the second home they received after having to relocate in 2023. They had originally been given a home through our Emergency Resettlement program in Maghavuz, Artsakh, following the 2020 war. Their family of seven is looking forward to having a stable place to call home.

The Harutunyan Family moved into their home in Geghamasar with parents and six boys. Their family is thankful for this new beginning where their children can thrive.

Thank you to everyone who has supported this initiative for these families. We are proud of all that has been accomplished and the positive impact these efforts continue to make. Our work is not done yet, learn more and donate here!

Nor Geghi Kindergarten Gym Under Way
The work on the Nor Geghi Kindergarten Gym is underway! This renovation will allow 80+ students to enjoy and utilize the space for many fun activities. Learn more about this project here.

Nor Hachen Clinic Update
Thanks to the successful Med-Aid Cuban Night Fundraiser generously hosted by the Haddadian Family, a Slit Lamp Bio Microscope for eye exams was purchased for the clinic’s use. In addition, to improve the quality of management and care, the clinic’s director and emergency medicine doctor both began Master’s programs in their respective fields with scholarships provided by The Paros Foundation.

SERVICE Armenia 2025 Applications
SERVICE Armenia 2025 summer applications are now live, and we already have applicants! This trip is an incredible opportunity to connect with other Armenians, give back, and tour our Homeland.

The trip is happening June 25-July 16, 2025 and is open to participants ages 17-23. Spots are limited, apply here!

Looking For Laptops
We are looking for six new or gently used laptops for Debi Arach Children’s Center to replace some of the older laptops in the computer room.

If you or anyone you know is interested in donating, please contact Peter Abajian peter@parofoundation.org.

 

Have you given our podcast a listen? Pari Louys with Paros is your connection to the motherland, where we will learn, grow, and better Armenia, together!

Listen now on
Spotify | Apple | Amazon

 

 

the # of people the Nor Hachen Clinic serves

By Narine
Press Releases
October 25, 2024

Khndzoresk Kindergarten Receives Complete Renovation

On October 3, representatives from the local community, lead project sponsor, representatives of The Paros Foundation and officials of the consolidated community of Goris gathered for the re-opening celebration of Khndzoresk Kindergarten. This renovation will now allow the kindergarten to facilitate the early education for up to 100 children from this important border community.

“Today is such an exciting day for everyone here in the village of Khndzoresk, but especially for the children! Having a safe, comfortable and inviting atmosphere in which to begin their early education is absolutely a game changer. With this newly renovated space, the kindergarten will be able to launch another group, providing services for 100 children beginning at the age of two.”
-Peter Abajian, Executive Director

Adrienne, Aram and Brian Krikorian of California generously supported this important project in memory of their mother and father, Lucine and Haig Aram Krikorian. Haig Krikorian’s family roots hail from Khndzoresk, and Adrienne and her parents, visited the village in 2005.

 

“My father spent the day in the village touring and talking with the children. He was very touched. Completing this renovation in my parent’s memory makes me feel as if we made their wishes complete.”

-Adrienne Krikorian, Donor

The kindergarten received a new roof, new staircase, new heating system, new bathrooms and a thorough cosmetic renovation throughout including new flooring, paint and lighting. Focus on Children Now, a trusted and long-time partner organization, generously supplied the new furniture for the kindergarten.

Prior to the renovation, the kindergarten operated with approximately 50 children in two groups. A leaky roof, lack of proper sanitation and water issues throughout the buildings created poor conditions for both the health of the children and their learning. Now, an additional group of younger children will be added in the coming weeks allowing the population of the kindergarten to increase to 100 children. The renovation also resulted in additional jobs. In addition to the direct benefits to these children, parents will be able to more easily work, knowing their children are being cared for in a safe and inviting environment.

By Narine