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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
April 2, 2024

This Month at The Paros Foundation – March 2024

Artsakh Refugee Support Fund Update #3
  • During the blockade, helped deliver 740 tons of food emergency food and aid
  • Facilitated the delivery of more than $80,000 in direct financial assistance to displaced families
  • Distributed 750 pairs of new winter boots
  • Distributed 170 new winter coats
  • Distributed more than 4,500 articles of clothing to over 1,200 refugees
  • Met the heating and cooking needs of 25 families with firewood
  • Provided and moved four families into new permanent housing
  • Purchased and currently renovating six new permanent homes for Artsakh families
  • Building 10 new homes in the Kajaran community of Qeti
Full Update

Packs On Back 2024
Through our Packs on Backs initiative you can help ensure one child’s success this upcoming school summer and school year.

Each $35 donation provides one backpack full of supplies (notebooks, pens, pencils, and more!)

Donate Here

Heating for Azatamut Clinic
The Armenian Government previously renovated the Azatamut Clinic, however, they did not run gas to the building during their renovations leaving them without heat during the rough winters. With no heating, the Azatamut Clinic is non-functional during the winter. Help us provide a fully functional medical clinic year round to meet this community’s immediate medical needs.

Donate Here

Khndzoresk Kindergarten Renovation
Work on the kindergarten in the border village of Khndzoresk has begun, and renovations on the roof are underway. With over 75 children attending the kindergarten and a waitlist of 35, construction on the remainder of the school is a top priority. Please join us as we expand the early education of these children and consider donating to help us continue renovations.
Donate Here

Gyumri Updates
Children at the Debi Arach Children Center had a very busy month. Guest speakers visited the Center and presented information about careers in the field of Agriculture and the Armenian Military. Debi Arach celebrated Easter with its traditions and fun activities. At the Hianali Beauty Center, our next group of trainees completed their courses and received their certificates!

This month, Hianali helped sponsor a Gala Concert that took place in Gyumri with renowned performers by doing their hair and make-up. This helped promote the high quality of service and led to new customers visiting Hianali for the first time!

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur
Home Improvements

Thanks to the generous support of Jean-Marie Atamian and his family, significant improvements were made to two more family’s homes in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghybur. The Samvel P.’s family now enjoys an indoor restroom and an extra bedroom that they can use with the birth of his new grandchild. Vartan S.’s family will now enjoy their expanded living space and a new roof over their now larger home. This brings to more than two dozen the number of homes completely rebuilt or significantly improved for local families in this border village.

Ponics on the Border
This month our ponics growing system in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghybur sold many potted flower plants as the celebration of international women’s day took place on March 8. Our team continues its trials to determine the best way to maximize the greenhouses growing potential. Children from the school continue to enjoy their lessons and hands-on experience as part of their curriculum.

Fundraiser for Nor Hachen Clinic

Help us revamp healthcare delivery for residents in the greater community of Nor Hachen!

Support by bidding on our online auction, or if you are in Los Angeles, join us for an enjoyable, informational, and elegant gathering to raise funds to help equip the clinic.

SERVICE Armenia 2024
There are a few spots left on our summer trip! Open for ages 17-24 June 23-July 14, 2024. Apply here.

Interested in visiting Armenia this fall with other 24-45 year olds? Fill out our SERVICE Armenia Young Professionals Interest Form!

Med-Aid Armenia 2024
June 23, 2024 – July 5, 2024
We welcome pre-med, medical students, and residents to join in these efforts to garner experience and expertise in the medical field. It is truly a unique opportunity for hands-on experience, program development and to create a lasting effect in a place of great need. Learn more and apply here.

Pari Louys With Paros Podcast

Our latest episode of Pari Louys With Paros features Der Vasken and Yeretzgin Arpi Kouzouian, of Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston, sharing their experience rallying support, collecting items, and personally distributing to over 1,000 Artsakh refugees in Armenia.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple, Amazon!

 

 

The number of people who will benefit from a new x-ray machine in the greater Nor Hachen community

By Narine
Paros Blog
March 25, 2024

Online Auction To Support The Nor Hachen Clinic Is Now Live!

Help us revamp healthcare delivery for residents in the greater community of Nor Hachen!

Support by bidding on our online auction, or if you are in Los Angeles, join us for an enjoyable, informational, and elegant gathering to raise funds to help equip the clinic.

SUPPORT OUR AUCTION

Explore these and other beautiful items here.
Online Auction

YOU’RE INVITED!

If you are in Los Angeles, join us for an enjoyable, informational and elegant gathering to raise funds to help equip the clinic.

$250 Donation – Individuals
$150 Donation – Students
– RSVP by April 15th –

RSVP

Can’t Attend?
Support by bidding on our auction benefiting the clinic!

For inquiries, please contact Peter Abajian
peter@parosfoundation.org or (310)400-9061

By Narine
Newsletters
March 19, 2024

This Month at The Paros Foundation – February 2024

Artsakh Refugee Support Fund

Our team has been distributing coats, shoes, and necessities to Artsakh refugees throughout the country with volunteers from the United States who helped make the distributions possible. Our support fund is still active and we are working tirelessly to permanently house and provide much-needed items for displaced families. Please consider joining our efforts here.

Meds Masrik School Improvements

Meds Masrik is a village in the Gegharkunik region of Armenia. It is a border village with a population of 3,000 with 420 children in attendance. With the recent population growth because of families displaced from Artsakh, the school has a shortage of available classrooms. Join us as we renovate classrooms and create a computer center for learning. Donate here.

Developmental Services For Armenia Event

Join us in supporting Developmental Services for Armenia in their relaunch event benefitting the Meds Masrik School Improvements project on March 17th! Thousands of children will benefit from the renovations completed at the school. RSVP by contacting Raffi directly (626) 818-2969.

SERVICE Armenia 2024

June 23, 2024 – July 14, 2024

Priority deadline is March 15th! Young people ages 17-22 are able to join us for three amazing weeks in Armenia. Serve, tour and have fun! Applications are now available, register here. If you or someone you know is interested contact Peter Abajian (310) 400-9061.

Nor Hachen Polyclinic Fundraiser

Funding for the Nor Hachen X-Ray machine was raised primarily from the May 21, 2023 fundraiser held in Los Angeles.

SAVE THE DATE: Please join us on
April 28, 2024 to support the continued efforts to improve the clinic and its patient services. More information on tickets coming soon!

Med-Aid Armenia 2024

June 23, 2024 – July 5, 2024

Dr. Krikor Deramerian, leader of The Paros Foundation’s upcoming Med-Aid 2024 Trip, spent time in Armenia this month working on plans for this summer’s mission. Learn more and get in touch to help make a positive difference this summer! Learn more and apply here.

SERVICE Armenia Young Professionals

SERVICE Armenia Young Professionals is open to ages 24-40 and is a great opportunity to discover Armenia through a new lens, meet other young adults, and give back. If you are interested in a potential SERVICE Armenia Young Professional for Fall 2024 please fill out this form here and we will follow up with more information as it is available!

Wake up to the sweet smell of soorj and learn about different regions in Armenia as we give you a quick dive into life throughout the country. Pari Louys with Paros is your connection to the motherland, where we will learn, grow, and better Armenia, together!

Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or Amazon.

 

 

The number of students in Meds Masrik who will enjoy the new classrooms and computer lab

By Narine
Paros Blog
March 15, 2024

Update on Artsakh Refugee Support Fund

Dear friends and supporters,

As part of the Paros family of friends and supporters, I would like to present to you our third update on The Paros Foundation’s relief and resettlement activities surrounding the devastating Artsakh situation.

Since our brothers and sisters in Artsakh were first held hostage via blockade for almost 10 months, and then subsequently driven from their ancestral homeland, with the generous support of Paros donors, we were able to accomplish both a significant amount of humanitarian relief work and work on resettling these families into Armenia.

Last month when our team and I, and additional volunteers, were in Armenia, we worked tirelessly to move our relief efforts forward. The situation overall remains heartbreaking. While more than 100,000 people fled Artsakh and were immediately accepted into Armenia, the lack of employment and quality housing is making it difficult for these people to restart their lives. The Government of Armenia has provided rental assistance for these people, and will continue this assistance through the end of 2024. We met several people who have secured meaningful employment, however the majority of people in Yerevan are still looking for work. During my last trip in October to Armenia, we met with refugees and our general feeling was that a regular flow of humanitarian aid was being coordinated and reaching the refugees including food, clothing and some other necessities. During this trip, it was clear that most of that aid had ended.

The following is a detailed report on our work regarding Artsakh and the refugees since December 2022.

LIFELINE SUPPORT

During the blockade of the population of Artsakh (12/22-9/23), The Paros Foundation helped facilitate the urgent delivery of more than 740 tons of food to families in collaboration with other major Armenian organizations.

HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT

  • Following the forced exodus of our brothers and sisters from Artsakh, The Paros Foundation facilitated the delivery of more than $80,000 in direct financial assistance to displaced families from Artsakh. This was done in collaboration with a major Armenian-American organization.
  • In collaboration with Zadur Shoes, 500 pairs of high quality, made in Armenia, winter boots were distributed to refugees throughout Armenia. Additionally, thanks to a generous donation of St. Mary’s Armenian Church, Costa Mesa, CA, 250 pairs of new, high quality, made in Armenia, children’s winter boots were distributed to refugees in Goris, Kajaran, Vardenis and Gyumri.
  • 170 new warm winter coats were distributed to refugees in Goris, Kajaran and Gyumri with the generous financial support of St. Mary’s Armenian Church Costa Mesa, CA.
  • More than 4,500 articles of new and used clothing were distributed to over 1,200 refugees in the cities of Gyumri, Vanadzor and Berd. This effort was completed in collaboration with the leadership and parishioners of Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston.
  • Distributed firewood monthly to more than 25 Artsakh refugee families in the Vardenis village of Meds Masrik for heating and cooking. This effort was made possible both through the support of Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston and donors of The Paros Foundation.

RESETTLEMENT

We have identified permanent housing as perhaps the most critical need for the 101,000 refugees driven out of Artsakh. Permanent housing will be the largest expenditure Paros will be making. Our efforts to date include:

  • Conducting interviews with more than 100 families displaced from Artsakh. These interviews are ongoing both to determine these families’ needs as well as to determine their potential candidacy for our housing program.
  • Moving three families into new permanent homes. One of these homes is in the Vardenis village of Meds Masrik and the other two are in the Syunik community of Kajaran. The home in Meds Masrik was in need of furniture and appliances and thanks to the efforts of Mr. Eric Hacopian via his podcast, and a partnership with the Organization of Humanitarian Services for Armenia, both furniture and appliance funding was received.
  • Moving one family into the village of Aygepar into a fully renovated apartment. This apartment was originally damaged by shelling from Azerbaijan and was renovated following the 2020 attacks along with 14 other apartments in this same building. Furniture and appliances were provided for this apartment through our current fundraising efforts.
  • The purchase and current renovations of six homes for refugee families. This includes four homes in the Vardenis communities of Meds Masrik and Geghamasar, one home in the Berd community of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur, and one home in the Kajaran community of Babikavan. Four of these homes will be ready to be occupied by early April. All of these homes are in need of appliances and furniture.
  • Plans to build 10 new homes for displaced families in the Kajaran community of Qeti. Our team spent two days there while I was visiting to finalize the location and to meet with the construction company. A plot of land was secured and a mutually beneficial partnership was created with the local community. Each home will have a 10,000 square foot lot to farm and construction on these homes will be ready by early summer.

Sincerely,
Peter Abajian
Executive Director

Support Now
By Narine
Paros Blog
February 24, 2024

Priority Deadline for SERVICE Armenia 2024 is March 15th!

June 23rd – July 14th, 2024

Priority deadline to apply is March 15th!

SERVICE Armenia Application

SERVE

Participants implement several projects, including helping renovate village school classrooms and distributing humanitarian and educational supplies in rural communities.

TOUR

Throughout the trip participants will visit historic and religious sites such as Lake Sevan, the Mother See of the Armenian Church at Etchmiadzin, Garni, Geghard, Khor Virab, Noravank, and more!

PLAY

Participants will be able to enjoy several meals at many excellent Yerevan restaurants during planned group dinners, and/or prepare meals for themselves during the trip. Accommodations in Yerevan will be secured in a rented home or apartments in a well-located, clean and secure area.

The Paros Foundation is committed to the principle of service and volunteerism. SERVICE Armenia helps develop the relationship between program participants and Armenia. These three week-long service trips are planned to include service projects, educational excursions and outings, and time for leisure and fun activities. The Paros Foundation staff responsible for this program have a tremendous amount of experience working in Armenia and successfully implementing and overseeing service projects and tours.

Participants aged 17-23 will serve, tour, and play in Armenia. Participant fees are $3,000 per person including a $400 charitable contribution, not including airfare.

SERVICE Armenia Application

If you have any questions about our SERVICE Armenia 2024 program please call Peter Abajian, Executive Director at (310) 400-9061 or contact him via email pabajian@gmail.com.

By Narine
Newsletters
February 2, 2024

This Month at The Paros Foundation – January 2024

Artsakh Refugee Support Fund Update
Work on both permanent housing solutions and immediate humanitarian assistance for our brothers and sisters who were displaced last September from Artsakh continues at an aggressive pace.

  • 162 new winter coats were distributed to refugees in Kapan, Kajaran, Gyumri, Vardenis & Goris.
  • Hundreds of pairs of Armenian-made warm winter boots were distributed to refugees in communities including Kapan, Kajaran, Gyumri, Vardenis and Goris.
  • More than 1,100 refugees received clothing in communities including Kapan, Kajaran, Gyumri, Vanadzor, Berd and Goris.
  • Three displaced families from Artsakh have received and are now living in their new permanent homes.
  • Three homes are currently under renovation for the next three displaced families. 
  • Negotiations on two additional homes are completed and both will be purchased in the coming days.
  • Plans are finalized on the construction of 10 new homes for Artsakh families in the community of Kajaran in Armenia’s Syunik Region.  These homes will be completed within three months as a result of innovative construction methods and the full support of the local municipal leadership.

Please consider supporting these important efforts by making a tax-deductible contribution today. Approximately $30,000 will provide permanent housing for a family from Artsakh.

Donate

Hatsik Preschool Renovation
Renovations are almost complete at the Hatsik School for the preschool wing. In a few days, the new classrooms will welcome students back to a warm, clean and bright environment. Thank you to everyone who donated to complete this important project.

Berd Medical Center Renovations
The footings are in! Our construction team in the border community of Berd was successful in digging and pouring the new foundation for the X-ray room addition to the Berd Medical Clinic. As soon as the weather permits, the team will begin blocking up the walls and soon this clinic will be able to operate its new x-ray machine to help their patients.

Paros Executive Director in Armenia
The Paros Foundation’s Executive Director, Peter Abajian, spent half of January and part of February on a regular working visit to Armenia. During his trip, and despite two different snow storms and icy conditions, team members and volunteers traveled to visit project sites in the Syunik, Vayots Dzor, Geghargunik, Tavush, Lori, Shirak and Kotayk Regions.

Nor Hachen Polyclinic
Our Med-Aid effort to improve healthcare in Armenia successfully delivered four vital sign monitors, four otoscopes, and four new portable ultrasound machines, along with other needed supplies for use at the Nor Hachen Polyclinic. In addition, the team signed a purchase contract for a new X-Ray machine for the clinic’s use to replace a 40+ year old machine they currently operate. Learn more here.

Nor Hachen Polyclinic Fundariser
Funding for the Nor Hachen X-Ray machine was raised primarily from the May 21, 2023 fundraiser held in Los Angeles.

SAVE THE DATE: Please join us on April 28, 2024 to support the continued efforts to improve the clinic and its patient services. More information on tickets coming soon!

Med-Aid Armenia 2024

June 23, 2024 – July 5, 2024

Dr. Krikor Deramerian, leader of The Paros Foundation’s upcoming Med-Aid 2024 Trip, spent time in Armenia this month working on plans for this summer’s mission. Learn more and get in touch to help make a positive difference this summer! Learn more and apply here.

SERVICE Armenia 2024
June 23, 2024 – July 14, 2024

Young people ages 17-22 are able to join us for three amazing weeks in Armenia. Serve, tour and have fun! Applications are now available, register here. We are currently looking for a coordinator to join the trip. If you or someone you know is interested contact Peter Abajian (310) 400-9061.

In 1993, a group of passionate Armenians knew they could make a positive difference by bringing together their resources and love for Armenia. That is how Developmental Services for Armenia came to be. Our guest, Raffi Bilemjian, walks us through how the foresight of a few passionate individuals has created lasting positive changes for Armenia for over 30 years.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or Amazon.

 

The number of refugees from Artsakh who received clothing in communities including Kapan, Kajaran, Gyumri, Vanadzor, Berd and Goris.

By Narine
Newsletters
December 30, 2023

This Month at The Paros Foundation – December 2023

Secure, Stable, Successful
These three words are not just a slogan for our year-end campaign, but rather they almost perfectly summarize our 17-year approach to making a difference in Armenia through meaningful, effective, and well-implemented projects. Our partnership with you, our supporters, enables us to help both Armenia’s development (especially in communities outside of Yerevan) and, directly help our brothers and sisters with their immediate humanitarian needs including food, medicine, and warm clothing, and improving their living conditions through home renovations and new, permanent housing. If you believe in our mission, like our approach and transparency, and want to make a difference in Armenia, please take this final opportunity in 2023 to make your tax-deductible contribution to the project of your choice today!

Hatsik Preschool Renovation
In 2013 and 2014, The Paros Foundation renovated one of the buildings on the Hatsik School’s campus which includes the school’s kitchen, gym and several of the offices and classrooms. In addition, the village’s preschool is housed on the school’s first floor. Soon, the school’s preschool wing will be completely remodeled, creating a safe, clean and inviting space for the children to begin their education. Work is progressing well and we expect the space to be completed in early 2024.

Nor Ughi Class Renovation
John and June Mangassarian are continuing their work in the village of Nor Ughi through their current support of the renovation of a classroom in the memory of their mothers, at the village School. Last summer when they were visiting Armenia, the Mangassarians cut the ribbon on the newly renovated gym, which they both led the effort to support by reaching out to family and friends and through a generous matching gift. Work on the classroom is moving along and hopefully, the children will return to a newly renovated classroom in the new year!

Save The Date: Med-Aid Armenia 2024

June 23, 2024 – July 5, 2024

Medical professionals and students can give back by joining our 2024 Med Aid Medical trip to Armenia. For more information contact Dr. Krikor Deramerian Med Aid Chair (818)416-7457.

Save The Date: SERVICE Armenia 2024

June 23, 2024 – July 14, 2024

Young people ages 17-22 are able to join us for three amazing weeks in Armenia. Serve, tour and have fun! For more information, contact Peter Abajian (310) 400-9061. Applications are now available, register here.

Wake up to the sweet smell of soorj and learn about different regions in Armenia as we give you a quick dive into life throughout the country. Pari Louys with Paros is your connection to the motherland, where we will learn, grow, and better Armenia, together!

Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or Amazon.

The number of families displaced from Artsakh following the September 23 attack that have now received new, permanent homes in Armenia through The Paros Foundation Artsakh Refugee Support Fund.  Two families have been resettled into the consolidated community of Kajaran in Armenia’s Syunik Region and the other family has moved into the village of Meds Masrik in Armenia’s Gegharkunik Region.  

By Narine
Paros Blog
December 22, 2023

Donate to Build a Secure, Stable, & Successful Armenia

As 2023 comes to an end, we look back on the deep challenges and positive developments Armenia experienced this past year. Throughout it all one thing has not changed, our dedication to making a positive difference throughout the country. Below are a few highlights of the impact we made this year, and we hope to keep building on the success of each of these projects as we take on 2024. We still have a long and difficult road ahead of us, but it is with your support that we can make that all possible. Learn about each of these projects and the positive impact they are making and consider joining us in continuing that positivity into 2024.

Peter Abajian
Executive Director

Difficult living conditions combined with dangerous conditions in villagers’ fields that are oftentimes adjacent to the border lead to very limited economic opportunities in these communities. These harsh realities lead to declining populations in border communities and ultimately less secure borders.

The Paros Foundation’s Prosperity on the Border initiative focuses on addressing these problems in vital border communities to create vibrant villages and reverse the decline of residents.

Stability in one’s community, one’s home and one’s life is critical not only for our people’s survival but for our ability to prosper. Instability leads to people making rash decisions and leads to migration, insecurity, and our inability to develop our communities. The Paros Foundation’s investment in both urban and rural communities through both our housing and educational programs has created stability in the lives of many of our compatriots and thus within several communities throughout Armenia.

Successfully implemented projects do not just happen. It takes a well-designed program, properly funded and masterly implemented. The Paros Foundation’s 17 years of on-the-ground work in Armenia, its 100% promise to underwrite all of the administrative costs, combined with quality leadership and very capable staff has overseen the successful implementation of more than 330 projects throughout Armenia.

By Narine
Paros Blog
December 17, 2023

Help Establish Preventative Care as a Norm

Help make a difference in
Armenia June 23rd – July 5th!

This summer’s Med-Aid ARMENIA 2024 medical trip will take place from June 23rd to July 5th in Armenia. Participants will work to provide essential healthcare delivery, develop programs in Armenia, and facilitate anyone pursuing interests in the healthcare field. Kaiser pediatrician, Dr. Krikor Deramerian will head the trip.

 

 

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

 

 

All levels & backgrounds (physicians, pre-med students, to attending, nursing, and non-medical personnel) are welcome to apply!

 

 

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.

Contact Peter Abajian, Executive Director of The Paros Foundation, for more information or to reserve your participation.
Tel: (310) 400-9061 or Email: peter@parosfoundation.org

By Narine
Paros Blog
December 12, 2023

SERVICE Armenia 2024 Application is Now Live!

June 23rd – July 14th, 2024

The Paros Foundation is committed to the principle of service and volunteerism. SERVICE Armenia helps develop the relationship between program participants and Armenia. These three week-long service trips are planned to include service projects, educational excursions and outings, and time for leisure and fun activities. The Paros Foundation staff responsible for this program have a tremendous amount of experience working in Armenia and successfully implementing and overseeing service projects and tours.

Participants aged 17-23 will serve, tour, and play in Armenia. Participant fees are $3,000 per person including a $400 charitable contribution, not including airfare.

SERVICE Armenia Application

 

 

“Although I had previously visited, this trip allowed me to return with the intention of giving back.”

-Nicole Timour

 

 

“There was not a day on the trip that didn’t go by with laughter and positive energy. And the days we worked the hardest, we had the most fun.”

-Renée Deramerian

SERVICE Armenia Application

If you have any questions about our SERVICE Armenia 2024 program please call Peter Abajian, Executive Director at (310) 400-9061 or contact him via email pabajian@gmail.com.

By Narine