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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

Paros Blog
September 7, 2022

Paros Foundation 2020-21 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
Paros Blog
June 3, 2022

SERVICE Armenia Registration Deadline June 6th

SERVICE Armenia 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 summer.

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 $400 scholarship towards their SERVICE Armenia trip fee.

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 $1,800 per person including a $400 charitable contribution, not including airfare.

*Limited spots remaining

If you have any questions about our SERVICE Armenia 2021 program please call Peter Abajian, Executive Director at (310) 400-9061 or contact him via email pabajian@gmail.com.

By Narine
Press Releases
May 12, 2022

The Paros Foundation is Launching the Reconstruction of Nine Homes in Artsakh to Help Address the Housing Crisis

Paros team meets with Artsakh President to discuss housing needs.

Homes are being built in three areas, in the city of Mardakert, the village of Maghavus and Artsakh’s capital, Stepanakert. Once rebuilt, each of these homes will be given to a family selected by The Paros Foundation from the many families displaced by the war and the subsequent loss of territory.  

“Following the war and subsequent repatriation of displaced families from Artsakh, who had taken refuge in Armenia during the war, it became evident that Artsakh has a tremendous housing shortage for their population. It is critical that we help these families get into permanent homes as soon as possible to give them some stability,” said Peter Abajian, Executive Director.

These homes are being reconstructed through the initiative and generous support of the Dombalagian Family, who are very passionate about the need to help Artsakh and Artsakh families.

“My father always felt that it was very important for us to help the people of Artsakh maintain their roots in these historic lands. “In his memory, I am pleased that my family is leading this effort through The Paros Foundation in Artsakh, and I would encourage others to join,” said Hasmik Dombalagian

Following the 2020 war in Artsakh, The Paros Foundation launched a resettlement program as part of the Armenian Resettlement Coalition. Through this coalition, 17 families will have been resettled into new homes by the end of this year in Armenia. In addition to these 17 homes, Paros directly has resettled two more families into Armenia bringing the total to 19. Now with construction moving forward in Artsakh on nine homes, this brings the total to 28 homes in Armenia and Artsakh that The Paros Foundation and its family of donors are or have built through its Emergency and Relief Reconstruction Fund-Artsakh.

“There are still hundreds of families in both Armenia and Artsakh that were displaced by the war and need permanent housing. We will continue to build and reconstruct homes as funding from our generous donors provides,” said Abajian.

Donate To Help Artsakh Families
By Narine
Paros Blog
May 6, 2022

Armenian Resettlement Coalition Moves 4th & 5th Family From Artsakh to New

Meet the Avetisyan & Manukyan families, the 4th & 5th family from Artsakh to be relocated to Mets Masrik as part of our Armenian Resettlement Coalition.

The Avetisyan Family

Armen Avetisyan went down to the front lines in September 2020 when the war broke out, and returned to his family missing. He later found out that Liza and their four sons escaped from the Chapar-Martakert region of Artsakh to Vardenis with other villagers. The family is now reunited and is looking forward to a fresh start in a new community, where they will farm with a few of the animals they were able to escape with.

The Manukyan Family
Armen Manukyan also was at the front lines in 2020 as a contract soldier. Once the war broke out, Armen’s wife and 7 children escaped to Vardenis with other villagers. Shortly after Armen returned to their home, gathered as many of their belongings as possible and fled with his family. Armen and his family are looking forward to a fresh start in the village of Mets Masrik in their new home and community.

Leading Armenia & diaspora-based community organizations, Focus On Children Now, Teach For Armenia, and The Paros Foundation, have banded together to form the Armenian Resettlement Coalition to immediately address thousands of Armenian families displaced from the Artsakh war who wish to permanently remain in Armenia.

By Narine
Paros Blog
May 2, 2022

The Armenian Sports Hall of Fame Inducted First Class of Sports Legends While Raising Funds for Tavush Youth Wrestling

The Armenian Sports Hall of Fame inducted its first class of sports legends in Glendale, CA on February 26, 2022 and also raised funds for a youth wrestling intramural program in Tavush, Armenia.

The inductees, reaching extraordinary heights in their careers, were Gokor Chivichyan (judo), Vic Darchinyan (boxing), Andranik Eskandarian (soccer), Haig Kelegian (entrepreneur), Tim Kurkjian (baseball analyst/author), the late Ara Paraseghian, (college football coach), the late Jerry Tarkanian, (college basketball coach) and the late Garo Yepremian (football).

 

“My father received many hall of fame honors but if he was here tonight, he would have said this was the most special one,”   

                     
-Danny Tarkanian, accepting the award on behalf of his father Jerry Tarkanian

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Three active athletes were honored for their outstanding service in our community. Migran Arutyunyan, who attended, and Eduard Vartanyan, both volunteered to fight at the frontline in Artsakh during the 2020 war. Also present was Arthur Aleksanyan, the Olympic gold medalist who used his platform for Armenian awareness.

Other athletes were recognized for their “break out” year including Melsick Baghdasaryan, making his UFC debut, Gary Chivichyan, the first Armenian to sign with the NBA G-league and named to the ESPN Espy award and Alex Eskandari, the first Armenian to race in a NASCAR sanctioned event.

“The sports world ecosystem is made up not only with athletes and coaches, but also the
community surrounding it”, said Nadia Silk, ArmHOF board president.

The following people were acknowledged for their contributions in the LA community: Ken
Arutynyan, Nazo Ayranjyan, George Bastnajyan, Tomik Iranosian and Elvis Madatyan and Nara Vardanyan.

Silk thanked the 160 guests for attending this inaugural event at the Vertigo Event Venue. The atmosphere, created by Michael K, was edgy and exciting. Over 30 athletes energized the evening with their presence to celebrate the award recipients, making the evening memorable. The sponsors were acknowledged for their generous support and enthusiasm for the event and Tavush project. They included AussieK, Gracie Barra Tarzana, Hampar Family Foundation, Mr. Henry House of Coffee, Paros Foundation, Wines of Armenia and with a special thanks to Michael Aram. “We are grateful to our sponsors who helped make this event a success,” Silk added on behalf of the ArmHOF board.

Members of the induction event committee included a group of volunteers who worked many hours to see this through; Kristen Abajian, Barbara Harmon, Aram Nahabedian, Allison Taylor, Gina Terkanian, Margo Silk and Brenda Yazujian.

Gegard Mousasi, current Bellator MMA champion, emphasizes the importance of sports in our youth. “It’s much more than a physical activity. It shows the health of a nation.”

By Narine
Press Releases
April 26, 2022

Asdourian Family Helps Two Kindergartens in Shirak Region Becomes a Reality

ASDOURIAN FAMILY LENDS THEIR SUPPORT TO HELP REALIZE THE
DREAM OF KINDERGARTENS IN JAJUR AND KETI COMMUNITIES

The communities of Jajur and Keti in Armenia’s Shirak Region now both have newly established and operating kindergartens thanks in part to the generous support of longtime Paros friends and supporters, Mark and Charlene Asdourian. More than 70 children and their families will receive the benefits of early education thanks to this important project.

In early 2021, the Armenian government working with the consolidated Community of Akhurian in Armenia’s Shirak Region, launched the complete renovation of buildings to house a kindergarten in each of these two communities. Short on funds, they approached The Paros Foundation and Focus on Children Now for support to complete these two kindergartens. The Paros Foundation completed the kitchen renovation and outfitting necessary appliances, furniture and kitchen cooking supplies. Focus on Children Now furnished the kindergarten with the necessary furniture and bedding. Mr. & Mrs. Mark and Charlene Asdourian agreed to generously underwrite the budgets for both kitchens through The Paros Foundation.

“In the next month or so the kindergarten in the neighboring community of Marmarashen will also be ready to open and launch operations. The benefits of early education for these children and their families, and the economic impact of the new jobs created at these three kindergartens is huge. I am pleased that we were able to partner and help resolve issues at these three community’s kindergartens.”
-Peter Abajian, Executive Director

Ms. Jeanette Boras, another friend and supporter of The Paros Foundation, is sponsoring the kitchen completion for the kindergarten in Marmarashen. Once opened, this kindergarten will serve at least 25 children and create at least four more full-time employment positions.

The Paros Foundation has a long history of supporting rural communities and their kindergartens. To date, the Foundation has supported with either partial or full renovations, more than 20 kindergartens throughout Armenia. Currently, the community of Nerkin Tsaghkavan is next in line for the creation of a new kindergarten. For more information or to help sponsor this project please visit our website. As with all our projects, 100% of donor contributions will be applied directly to this project with no hold back for administrative expenses.

By Narine
Paros Blog
April 20, 2022

SERVICE Armenia Scholarship Opportunity Available!

SERVICE ARMENIA SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE!
July 3rd – July 24th

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

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 $400 scholarship towards their SERVICE Armenia trip fee.
SERVICE Armenia Application

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 $1,800 per person including a $400 charitable contribution, not including airfare.

*Limited spots remaining

If you have any questions about our SERVICE Armenia 2021 program please call Peter Abajian, Executive Director at (310) 400-9061 or contact him via email pabajian@gmail.com.
By Narine