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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
September 3, 2025

This Month at The Paros Foundation – August 2025

It’s Harvesting Season!

The students of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur are learning how to harvest in their living classroom, the orchard beside their school. This time they are making dried fruit and preserves from their harvest. Not only does this orchard provide valuable hands-on lessons for the children, it also provides nourishment. All of the food harvested will be used by the school for the children’s meals.  We are proud that the orchard is fulfilling its mission of giving back to the community in more                      ways than one!

Nourishing Armenia Teaches Healthy Recipes
The children of Debi Arach most recently learned to make tourshi, sarma, and so much more with their spring veggies. The students were so excited to be part of the process, and most importantly enjoying the food they prepared! The summer program did come to an end, but the kids can’t wait to start their hands-on experience again soon!

Creating Vibrant Border Communities
for Displaced Artsakh Refugees
Paros Executive Director, Peter Abajian, was a guest on CivilNet News to discuss our work with Artsakh refugees through our Artsakh Refugee Support Fund. Our goal is to house as many families as possible to give them a new start. Watch the full interview here.

CivilNet – Visiting Goris
Seeing Armenia through different lenses is always a growing experience. That is why when Minahil Arif joined our trip to Goris for her first article as a journalist at CivilNet, we were honored to show her what life was really like for the border communities we had been tirelessly working to help. Thank you Minahil for providing insight on the families who fled Artsakh, those who lost someone dear to them, and for those who lost their communities. Read the full article here.

Med-Aid Wine Tasting Weekend
Drink wine and support Med-Aid Armenia this November 7-9! Join us in Paso Robles for an unforgettable weekend enjoying wine, food, and great company, all in support of a great cause! Space is limited so reserve your spot now.

Schedule and tickets 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 number of Paros podcast
episodes that you can enjoy

By Narine
Press Releases
August 29, 2025

Two More Artsakh Refugee Families Receive Newly Renovated Homes

The Paros Foundation proudly announces the official ribbon cutting of two newly renovated homes for refugee families from Artsakh, marking a significant milestone in the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting displaced Armenians and fostering hope for a better future. Notably, these homes are the 41st and 42nd permanent homes provided to Artsakh refugee families by The Paros Foundation. Thanks to the heartfelt sponsorship of Diane Barsam, these homes stand as beacons of resilience and compassion, offering safety, stability, and the promise of new beginnings for the Saghyan and Lalayan Families, who have endured the pain of displacement.

Late last month, The Paros Foundation, alongside community leaders, local officials, and enthusiastic SERVICE Armenia participants, gathered with the Saghyan and Lalayan Families from Artsakh to celebrate the successful completion of this transformative initiative. The event saw children’s laughter mingle with words of gratitude, as neighbors, supporters, and members of SERVICE Armenia joined hands to welcome the families into their new homes.

The two newly renovated homes, in the vibrant community of Meds Masrik, represent more than just physical structures—they are sanctuaries of hope for those who have faced unimaginable loss. Each home has been thoughtfully restored, furnished and equipped, ensuring comfort and dignity for the families who will now call them their own.

The illegal takeover of Artsakh left more than 120,000 people uprooted, forcing them to leave behind their homes, communities, and livelihoods. The Paros Foundation recognized the urgency of this humanitarian crisis and has made it a top priority to provide direct assistance to those inneed. Through collaborative efforts with sponsors and donors, the Foundation has been able to transform the lives of countless families by offering not only shelter, but also the tools needed to rebuild and thrive.

Diane Barsam’s sponsorship exemplifies the crucial role that individual philanthropy can play in creating positive, lasting change. Her commitment has enabled The Paros Foundation to go beyond temporary aid, delivering sustainable support and empowering families to take charge of their futures.

“The resilience and determination of these families inspire us all. It is an honor to be able to contribute to their new beginnings and to work alongside The Paros Foundation in building a brighter future for Artsakh’s refugees.”

-Diane Barsam

The renovation process for each home was a labor of love, involving skilled local artisans and construction teams dedicated to creating safe, comfortable, and welcoming environments.
During the ribbon cutting ceremony, the two recipient families shared heartfelt words of gratitude, reflecting on their journeys of displacement and the new chapters that now await them. Their stories are marked by resilience—a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Barsam’s personal commitment to supporting displaced families stems from a deep empathy for their plight and a desire to foster positive change. By partnering with The Paros Foundation, she has helped create a model for sustainable, impactful giving that addresses both immediate needs and long-term integration.
“I would like to personally thank Diane Barsam for her generous gift that allowed us to purchase and renovate these two homes, and to our other

donors that came together to support our resettlement efforts with funding for furniture and appliances for these families,” said Peter Abajian, Executive Director.
The Paros Foundation has long been at the forefront of humanitarian efforts in Armenia, with an established record of delivering high-impact projects in housing, education, health, and economic development. The organization’s approach is rooted in transparency, accountability, and a deep respect for the dignity of every beneficiary.

Learn More
By Narine
Paros Blog
August 22, 2025

CivilNet Interview Creating Vibrant Border Communities for Displaced Artsakh Refugees

Paros Executive Director, Peter Abajian, was a guest on CivilNet News to discuss our work with Artsakh refugees through our Artsakh Refugee Support Fund. Our goal is to house as many families as possible to give them a new start.

Watch the full interview below!

Learn More
By Narine
Newsletters
August 7, 2025

This Month at The Paros Foundation – July 2025

Construction season is in full swing!

With the warm weather, our crews began construction on several new sites this month including the complete renovation of the Shgharshik School Gymnasium Renovation, the Knights of Vartan School 106 in Nork, the kindergarten in Meds Masrik, the science classroom, laboratory and teacher’s lounge at the Nor Ughi School, the expansion of the Berd Sari Gat Dairy production company and the reconstruction of a home for a family in the Tavush Community of Paravakar.

41st & 42nd Refugee Families Receive New Homes

Two more families displaced from Artsakh receive new homes thanks to the generous contribution of Diane Barsam. These families were moved into completely renovated homes in the community of Meds Masrik.

These homes were also furnished and equipped with modern appliances through the many contributors to Paros’ Artsakh Refugee Support Fund.

SERVICE Armenia Participants Contribute To Construction
Construction on the Community Recreation Center for the Elderly in Meds Masrik is underway and benefited from the help of our SERVICE Armenia participants. The group spent the day mixing concrete and helping install the subfloor throughout the complex. It is expected that the facility will be completed by fall. This project is supported by the Goshtigian Family and will serve a valuable need in the community once it is completed.

Nourishing Armenia Teaches Healthy Recipes
Healthy habits start from a young age, and that is exactly what Nourishing Armenia is set out to accomplish!

The children of Debi Arach most recently learned to make tourshi, sarma, and so much more with their spring veggies. The students were so excited to be part of the process, and most importantly enjoying the food they prepared!

Saying Farewell to Another Incredible Summer!

Med Aid Armenia and SERVICE Armenia 2025 completed their missions this month. Med Aid Armenia’s impact on vulnerable communities was substantial and will leave a lasting impact. SERVICE Armenia’s participants worked on several valuable projects throughout Armenia–making their mark and having fun along the way.

Throughout 2025 we are asking our community, what have they done lately to get involved. Our hope is that these interviews show you that every little bit matters, and hopefully inspires you to also get involved.

To kick off this mini-series we are talking to Paros donor and friend, John Mangasarian, who is a dedicated member of his Armenian community here in the United States as well as in Armenia.

Listen now on
Apple | Amazon | Spotify

the number of volunteers working with SERVICE Armenia and Med Aid this month in Armenia

By Narine
Newsletters
July 12, 2025

This Month at The Paros Foundation – June 2025

Summer is in full-swing with Med-Aid and SERVICE Armenia kicking off a season of giving back and exploring
Med-Aid 2025

Med-Aid Armenia 2025 began with productive checkups for children at Debi Arach, continuing its tradition of providing essential care. This year, the team expanded outreach to new communities, including Getamej Town and Nor Artamet Village near Nor Hachen.

Led by Dr. Krikor Deramerian, the group includes several student volunteers including several from different medical fields as well several doctors including Dr. Manushak Amzoyan, Dr. Nareg Roubinian, Dr. Jeffrey Bogosian, Dr. Karine Tagmazyan, Dr. Marika Issakhanian and Dr. Houry Abajian.

SERVICE Armenia 2025

SERVICE Armenia 2025 is now in full swing, and the participants from around the country are enjoying all that our trip has to offer. From packed touring days, to group dinners with food and dancing, there is no lack of fun to be had!

The trip so far has included trips to Gyumri, visiting must-see places like Garni, Tatev Monastery, Amberd Fortress, and so much more!

With service being the cornerstone of this program, our participants jumped right into volunteering to put together food packs and backpacks for the children of Gyumri. Work days have also included work on the Knights of Vartan School #106, Vardenis Adult Center, and the Community Living for Older Refugees, and more!

The trip is still underway so follow along on social media for more updates!

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

By Narine
Newsletters
May 30, 2025

This Month at The Paros Foundation – May 2025

Construction at Knights of Vartan School 106
and Nor Ughi School Science Laboratory Has Begun

With schools finishing for the summer and temperatures rising, reconstruction of classrooms at the Knights of Vartan School 106 and Nor Ughi School Science Laboratory has begun!

When students return in the fall for the school year, these spaces will be beautifully redone and ready for them to enjoy. Stay tuned for updates.

Tech Aid For Vardenis
Access to computers and printers remains limited in many small towns and villages across Armenia. Providing students with these tools equips them with essential digital skills, enabling them to complete homework more efficiently and connect with opportunities around the world. We are working to provide 24 computers and 12 printers. Learn more and donate here.

Furniture For Artsakh
Refugee Families
Two homes in the village of Meds Masrik are under construction for two Artsakh Refugee families. With the generous donation of Paros friend & donor, Diane Barsam, these families will soon be able to enjoy their safe, clean, and stable homes. Our goal is to provide these families with brand new furniture to make their houses feel like homes upon moving in. We are still raising $6,500 to make this a reality. Contribute here.

Debi Arach Has Drones
Through funding to the High Tech Education for Children project, Debi Arach has their very own drone which they have been using to give the kids lessons.

This is one of many ways the children of Debi Arach are intriduced to technology from a young age, hoping to spark interest and potential careers in the tech industry.

Paros FB

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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 number of Artsakh families who have received a new permanent home in Armenia
By Narine
Paros Blog
May 8, 2025

Transforming Lives of Children in Gyumri for 10 Years!

10 Years at Debi Arach

When we founded the Debi Arach Children’s Center in 2015, our goal was clear: to transform the lives of children in Gyumri who were living in extreme poverty, with little hope for a brighter future. Ten years later, thanks to the unwavering support of generous donors throughout the country, we’ve touched the lives of thousands of children and their families—providing an enriching, nurturing environment that has helped them build promising, successful futures.

Today, the Center continues to be a lifeline for children from underprivileged families. We offer robust academic support, computer and robotics classes, nutrition education, daily hot meals, psychological counseling, medical and dental check-ups, supervised bathing facilities, enrichment programs, extracurricular activities, and educational field trips. All of these services are delivered in a welcoming space that includes a full kitchen, dining room, seven classrooms equipped with SMART or LED projectors, a dedicated computer and robotics lab, five restrooms, a nurse’s station, and a psychologist’s office.

We proudly serve 180 children three times a week, completely free of charge. Our annual budget breaks down to just $500 per child per year—a small investment with a powerful return. Your support makes this possible!

Debi Arach has become a cherished institution in Gyumri. In 2022, The Paros Foundation was entrusted with one of Gyumri’s unfinished buildings to develop housing for 27 families currently living in “domiks,” to host vocational training programs and a social enterprise, and a second children’s center. The new center will occupy 6,000 square feet on the building’s first floor, with construction set to begin in the summer of 2025.

Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution today by visiting our website or sending a check to The Paros Foundation to 2217 5th Street, Berkeley, CA 94710. To all our donors: thank you for believing in our mission and helping us reach this milestone.

We look forward to the next 10 years of changing lives—together.


Peter J. Abajian
Executive Director

Learn More & Donate
By Narine
Newsletters
May 1, 2025

This Month at The Paros Foundation – April 2025

Gyumri Governor Visits Debi Arach For
10 Year Anniversary

Celebrations for Debi Arach Children’s Center’s 10 years kicked off with a big celebration with all the children, families, and guests. The center even had a special visit from the Governor of Gyumri, David Arushanyan!

We are so proud of the incredible 10 years this center has had, and cannot wait for many many more years of bringing enrichment to the children of Gyumri!

Support Debi Arach here!

Packs On Backs 2025
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 here!

Groceries For Gyumri 2025
Groceries For Gyumri is back for another summer! 50 additional food packs will be distributed by SERVICE Armenia 2025.

Each packet will cost $50 and will include basic staples including personal hygiene products, non-perishable food items such as rice, flour, sugar, salt, oil, and pasta. The packets will also include fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products and canned meats. Donate a food pack here.

Spring Has Sprung
Spring is officially here in Armenia and our orchard in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur is in full bloom!

This orchard serves as an economic source for the village, as well as a learning garden for the school. We are so proud of another beautiful harvest of fruit. Learn more here.

A Day of Play
The first of many fun days of play at the Paruyr Sevak School Sports Court with our new sports goods donated by St. James Armenian Church Los Angeles Sunday School families!

The children jumped right into play and are excited to enjoy the sports court, also a new addition in the past few years by Hoops 4 Hayastan.

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 number of fruit trees in the orchard at Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

By Narine
Newsletters
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