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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 1, 2026

This Month at The Paros Foundation – March 2026

Sustaining Essential Dental Care for Vulnerable Communities at the Prkutyun Disabled Children & Young People Center NGO

Since 2005, the Apelian Dental Clinic at the Prkutyun Center in Yerevan’s Shengavit community has provided free, high-quality dental care to disabled children, youth, and low-income families who would otherwise go without treatment. For many, financial hardship makes even basic dental care inaccessible, turning preventable issues into serious health challenges.

Thanks to the generosity of Dr. George Apelian and recent renovations supported by “My Step” Charitable Foundation, the clinic continues to serve patients in a safe, modern environment. With an annual budget of $36,000 needed to sustain operations, continued support is essential to ensure this vital care remains available to those who need it most. Learn more and donate to this life-changing work here.

Learn More

Community Gym in Gavar
Help support free training and recovery for war veterans in Armenia! In Gavar and Verin Karmiraghbyur, Gevorg has created more than a gym, he’s built a space for strength, rehabilitation, and inclusion. Living with cerebral palsy himself, he offers free training and recovery support to people with disabilities and war veterans who need it most. With your support, this powerful initiative can continue changing lives and reaching even more people in the community. Learn more here.

Lernakert Cultural House
Roof Renovation
Lernakert’s culture house is the heart of its community. This space brings together children, families, and elders through learning, games, and connection. Recent improvements have made a real difference, but urgent support is needed to repair the roof and keep this space safe and thriving for generations to come. Learn more and contribute to help make a difference for the 1,413 members of this community here.

Paros Housing, After-School & Vocational Center
Construction of the Gyumri building is progressing smoothly and remains on schedule. Each phase is coming together as planned, bringing us closer to creating homes and community spaces for those who need them most. We’re encouraged by the steady progress and look forward to sharing more updates as the project continues. Stay updated here.

Meds Masrik Kindergarten Expansion
Work on the renovation continues to move forward steadily, with the expansion on track for completion in the coming months. This progress has been made possible through the support of the Cultural Society of Armenians from Istanbul and Focus on Children Now. Their partnership is helping bring this important addition, including a dedicated kitchen space, to life for the kindergarten. Learn more here.

SERVICE Armenia
Ages 17-22 | July 2-July 23, 2026
More Info

Med-Aid – FULL
June 25-July 8, 2026

SERVICE Armenia Young Professionals
Ages 23-45 | August 8-August 20, 2026
More Info

Two Decades of Impact: Armenian Diaspora with Peter Abajian

Our latest series, in celebration of two decades of nonprofit work in Armenia kicks off with a discussion about how the Armenian diaspora’s involvement with Armenia has evolved over the past 20 years, and what that means for the years ahead.

Listen Now
Spotify | Apple | Amazon

 

number of full time
Paros Foundation Staff
in the US & Armenia

By Narine
Newsletters
February 28, 2026

This Month at The Paros Foundation – February 2026

Farm to Table Produce from greenhouse being
used in school lunches in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

The students at Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur Primary School are enjoying nutritious meals made with produce grown right in their very own greenhouse. What makes this even more special is that the food on their plates is the result of their community’s own efforts creating a direct connection between learning, nutrition, and sustainability.

By growing their own produce, the school is strengthening food security, supporting local self-sufficiency, and giving children hands-on agricultural education that teaches responsibility, care for the land, and the value of healthy food. It’s a powerful example of how simple, local solutions can create long-term impact for both students and the wider community.

Gyumri Building Is Fully Funded!

The Paros Housing, After-School & Vocational Center in Gyumri is fully funded! 27 families will soon have permanent homes, and the domiks that once housed them will be permanently removed. This building will also become home to a new Debi Arach Children’s Center and the Assarian Vocational Training Center, expanding education and opportunity for the community. Construction is progressing well, and we will continue to share updates as the project moves forward.

Tech Aid For Ghoghanj

Each year, the Kentron and Nor Nork Ghoghanj centers serve approximately 170 students from extremely low-income families who would otherwise have no access to academic support or enrichment opportunities. Their computer lab has reached its useful life and can no longer meet the educational demands of the students. Sponsorship of this project will help provide 24 new desktop computers, giving students reliable access to modern technology. Learn more here.

Goris Autism Center

In Goris and surrounding villages, children with autism currently have no access to specialized services or therapy, because no autism center exists. This project will change that. Once funded and opened, the center will train local therapists and provide comprehensive care for more than 200 children, creating access, dignity, and opportunity for families who have gone without support for far too long. Donate and learn more here.

SERVICE Armenia
Ages 17-22 | July 2-July 23, 2026
More Info

Med-Aid – FULL
June 25-July 8, 2026

SERVICE Armenia Young Professionals
Ages 23-45 | August 8-August 20, 2026
More Info

Charitable Giving with
Eric Nikssarian, CFP®

On our latest podcast episode, Certified Financial Planner, Eric Nikssarian breaks down the many ways to give back, and do so in a way that not only benefits the nonprofit you are supporting but your own financial journey as well.

Listen Now
Spotify | Apple | Amazon

 

the number of students at Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur school benefiting from the fresh vegetables

By Narine
Paros Blog
February 18, 2026

SERVICE Armenia 2026 Info Session – Open to All!

Interested in SERVICE Armenia?

Join our info session on Saturday, 2/21 at 9am PST to learn more about the trip, ask questions, and explore what the experience includes. It’s open to anyone so join us and see if this trip is right for you.

Zoom Link

details to join also found at bottom of email

July 2 – July 23, 2026 | Ages 17-22

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

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! Additionally, an overnight trip will be organized to Armenia’s second largest city, Gyumri.

The group will live, work, tour, and play together, creating a lasting bonding experience. 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.

Participant Requirements Have Been Updated!

In addition, each participant is required to fundraise a minimum of $3,000 in donations prior to the start of the SERVICE Armenia 2026 trip. Participants may choose one of the following initiatives to support through their fundraising efforts:

  • Debi Arach Children’s Center Food Program
  • Humanitarian Aid for the Debi Arach Children’s Center (including backpacks, school supplies, winter coats and boots, shoes, and groceries for families in need)
  • Paros Housing, After-School & Vocational Center Project
  • Paros Chamber Choir
  • The Paros Foundation’s Operational Support

Participants are also asked to download, complete, and return the Fundraising Plan Form to The Paros Foundation, outlining their intended fundraising activities and goals.

Apply Here
Fundraising Plan Form

Zoom Info:

Topic: SERVICE Armenia 2026 Info Session
Time: Feb 21, 2026 09:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85739859270

Meeting ID: 857 3985 9270

—
One tap mobile
+16694449171,,85739859270# US
+16699006833,,85739859270# US (San Jose)
—

Join by SIP
• 85739859270@zoomcrc.com

Join instructions
https://us06web.zoom.us/meetings/85739859270/invitations?signature=dQSfCQnsXqC6Kgxd278RZYeBqPMOnFFrCrDb59zZk8E

By Narine
Paros Blog
February 10, 2026

Paros Housing, After-School & Vocational Center Continues To Move Forward!

Paros Housing, After-School & Vocational
Center in Gyumri is Fully Funded!

Because of your support, 27 families will soon have permanent homes, and the domiks that once housed them will be permanently removed. This building will also become home to a new Debi Arach Children’s Center and the Assarian Vocational Training Center, expanding education and opportunity for the community. Construction is progressing well, and we will continue to share updates as the project moves forward. We look forward to opening our doors later this year and beginning this next chapter of impact together.

Learn More

The 1988 Spitak Earthquake caused the death of more than 35,000 people and left more than 100,000 people homeless. Armenia’s second largest city, Gyumri, was most affected by the earthquake. In the years that followed, Armenia’s Independence, the Artsakh War and corrupt regional and local officials contributed to a massive housing crisis, the inability to emerge from this housing shortage, and generational poverty in Gyumri. Today, almost 2,000 domiks are still “home” to people in Gyumri.

Concentrated Impact in Gyumri

Through housing initiatives to permanently reduce domik, or container living, afterschool programs that provide enrichment for the future generation, and vocational training that gives people the opportunity to provide, strides are being made to not only move forward, but to thrive forward.

Listen to learn more:
Spotify | Apple | Amazon

By Narine
Newsletters
January 31, 2026

Paros Turns 20! Reflections from Executive Director, Peter Abajian

Reflections at the Start of Our 20th Anniversary Year

I just returned from our first trip to Armenia of Paros’s 20th anniversary year. It’s hard to believe we’ve been at this for two decades — and humbling to see our work still so needed and so appreciated.

A few impressions from our travels:

  • A Dedicated Core Team: Our full-time project-management team in Hayastan is just five people — no drivers, no office staff, no secretary — only committed patriots who pour their hearts into building a better Armenia.
  • Meaningful Public Infrastructure: With the generous support of individual donors and partners like the Knights of Vartan and Focus on Children Now, we’ve rebuilt schools and kindergartens, enabling tens of thousands of children to learn in safe, sanitary conditions. We’ve also helped bring drinking water and healthcare access to more than ten thousand villagers.
  • Homes and Dignity: Nearly 80 homes have given homeless and refugee families a fresh start. The community home in Goris now allows eight elderly refugees to live with dignity. Our large construction project in Gyumri will soon move 27 more families into new apartments, and we will begin building ten additional homes for Artsakh refugee families in Syunik. Seeing children and families thrive in these homes is profoundly inspiring.
  • Economic Development and Partnerships: Our ongoing initiatives in Gyumri and border communities are creating jobs, training, and educational opportunities — supported by municipal governments and partners such as the Armenian Tree Project.
  • Investing in the Next Generation: Visiting the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri and the Ghoghanj Children’s Centers in Yerevan reaffirmed the importance of supporting our future leaders. Debi Arach — now in its 11th year — will open a second location in our new building once construction finishes. Walking through the dining hall, kitchen, and future classrooms, I could almost hear the laughter and activity of the 27 families who will soon live upstairs and the children who will benefit from the center, the Assarian Vocational Training Program, and our sewing enterprise.

2026 — our 20th anniversary year — should be meaningful, productive, and exciting for our team, our beneficiaries, and our country. I look forward to facilitating SERVICE Armenia, a young-professionals trip, and our Med Aid Armenia program this summer, welcoming hundreds more to connect with the homeland.

A heartfelt thank you to our friends and sponsors whose generosity allows us to continue this vital mission. Want to help? Consider making a tax-deductible contribution to a project of your choice and together we can continue impacting Armenia for the better.

Peter Abajian
Executive Director

By Narine
Newsletters
January 6, 2026

This Month at The Paros Foundation – December 2025

As we begin 2026, we extend our sincere gratitude to our donors, volunteers, and partners whose support made this past year’s projects and programs possible. Your commitment and contributions have created meaningful impact, providing skills, opportunities, and resources to those we serve. We look forward to building on this progress and advancing our mission in the year ahead. Thank you for your continued dedication and partnership.

Year End Campaign – Help Us build Tomorrow

In the spring of 2022, the Gyumri Municipality proposed giving Paros one of Gyumri’s half-constructed buildings with the purpose of Paros completing the building’s construction and housing “domik” families. In addition to the apartments, the building will allow Paros to open a second Debi Arach Children’s Center, additional vocational training programs and a second social enterprise. Following seismic evaluations, it was determined a fourth floor addition was feasible, creating a total of 27 apartments and expanding this project’s benefit.

Learn More

Summer 2026 will be full of fun trips for all age ranges and interests!

SERVICE Armenia
Ages 17-22 | July 2-July 23, 2026
More Info

Med-Aid
All ages welcome | June 25-July 8, 2026
More Info

SERVICE Armenia Young Professionals
Ages 23-45 | August 8-August 20, 2026
More Info

 

Through housing initiatives to permanently reduce domik, or container living, afterschool programs that provide enrichment for the future generation, and vocational training that gives people the opportunity to provide, strides are being made to not only move forward, but to thrive forward. Listen to our latest podcast to learn more.

Listen Now
Spotify | Apple | Amazon

 

Paros will be celebrating its
20th anniversary in 2026

By Narine
Paros Blog
December 19, 2025

Support the Paros Housing, After-School & Vocational Center

With your support, the Paros Housing, After-School & Vocational Center can be one step closer to being complete! This new building will house a second Debi Arach Children’s Center, a vocational training space, and a new social enterprise—bringing stability, opportunity, and hope to Gyumri’s most vulnerable families. We will also add a fourth floor creating 27 safe, permanent apartments for “domik” families still living in heartbreaking conditions. Funds needed to complete the building’s construction are secured through an anonymous contribution. Now funding is needed to furnish and equip the apartments and the second Debi Arach Children’s Center.
Learn More
Project Timeline 

In the spring of 2022, the Gyumri Municipality proposed giving Paros one of Gyumri’s half-constructed buildings with the purpose of Paros completing the building’s construction and housing “domik” families. In addition to the apartments, the building will allow Paros to open a second Debi Arach Children’s Center, additional vocational training programs and a second social enterprise. Following seismic evaluations, it was determined a fourth floor addition was feasible, creating a total of 27 apartments and expanding this project’s benefit.

The 1988 Spitak Earthquake caused the death of more than 35,000 people and left more than 100,000 people homeless. Armenia’s second largest city, Gyumri, was most affected by the earthquake. In the years that followed, Armenia’s Independence, the Artsakh War and corrupt regional and local officials contributed to a massive housing crisis, the inability to emerge from this housing shortage, and generational poverty in Gyumri. Today, almost 2,000 domiks are still “home” to people in Gyumri.

Learn More & Donate

Concentrated Impact in Gyumri

Through housing initiatives to permanently reduce domik, or container living, afterschool programs that provide enrichment for the future generation, and vocational training that gives people the opportunity to provide, strides are being made to not only move forward, but to thrive forward.

Listen to learn more:
Spotify | Apple | Amazon

By Narine
Newsletters
December 5, 2025

This Month at The Paros Foundation – November 2025

Gathering for a Good Cause
and a Good Time

This month, our community came together in an incredible way. The sold-out Yeraz Blend gathering welcomed 250 supporters for an unforgettable evening, raising $30,000 to propel our Gyumri Paros Housing, After-School & Vocational Center building project forward. In addition, the Paso Wine Weekend brought friends together once again, this time to champion Med-Aid Armenia, ensuring that vital medical support reaches the communities that need it most. Together, you are turning hope into concrete, lasting change.

Gyumri Building
Med-Aid Armenia

Year End Campaign – Help Us build Tomorrow
Our year-end campaign is focusing on breaking the cycle of poverty for generations to come. With your support, we are taking a transformative step toward ending the suffering of families still living in heartbreaking “domik” conditions. By adding a fourth floor to our building, we will create 27 safe, permanent apartments, places where parents can breathe easier, children can sleep without fear, and families can finally begin rebuilding their lives with dignity.

But the impact doesn’t end with housing. This expanded building will also become home to a second Debi Arach Children’s Center, offering educational support, emotional care, and a stable community that empowers children to thrive. We are also building a vocational training center and social enterprise, where adults will gain the skills they need to secure stable employment, support their families, and step confidently out of generational poverty. With a recent anonymous contribution, the remaining funds needed to complete the building’s construction is complete. However, there is still more to be done to bring this building to life. Learn more and donate here.

Shgharshik School Gymnasium Renovation
A huge thank you to Arev Gabriel, Paros donor, friend, and the force behind the Shgharshik gym renovation! Arev and her daughter visited the newly completed gym for a joyful ribbon-cutting ceremony, where the community welcomed them with gratitude and pride. We’re deeply thankful to Arev, her family and friends, and our incredible partners at Hoops4Hayastan for making this transformation possible.

Sign Up Now – Paros Summer 2026

Summer 2026 will be full of fun trips for all age ranges and interests!

SERVICE Armenia
Ages 17-22 | July 2-July 23, 2026
More Info

Med-Aid
All ages welcome | June 25-July 8, 2026
More Info

SERVICE Armenia Young Professionals
Ages 23-45 | August 8-August 20, 2026
More Info

Across Armenia today, thousands of older adults, many of them refugees from Artsakh, are facing the most challenging chapter of their lives.
Uprooted from their homes, separated from familiar communities, and navigating the realities of aging under extraordinary stress, they are carrying both personal loss and the collective trauma of displacement. Listen to our latest podcast to learn more.
Listen now on
Spotify | Apple | Amazon

 

 

number of apartments that need to be fully furnished in Gyumri in the news Paros Housing, After-School & Vocational Center

By Narine
Paros Blog
December 2, 2025

*GIVING TUESDAY* Help Us Build Tomorrow 🇦🇲

With your support this Giving Tuesday, the Paros Housing, After-School & Vocational Center can be one step closer to being complete! This new building will house a second Debi Arach Children’s Center, a vocational training space, and a new social enterprise—bringing stability, opportunity, and hope to Gyumri’s most vulnerable families. We will also add a fourth floor creating 27 safe, permanent apartments for “domik” families still living in heartbreaking conditions.

Learn More

In the spring of 2022, the Gyumri Municipality proposed giving Paros one of Gyumri’s half-constructed buildings with the purpose of Paros completing the building’s construction and housing “domik” families. In addition to the apartments, the building will allow Paros to open a second Debi Arach Children’s Center, additional vocational training programs and a second social enterprise. Following seismic evaluations, it was determined a fourth floor addition was feasible, creating a total of 27 apartments and expanding this project’s benefit.

The 1988 Spitak Earthquake caused the death of more than 35,000 people and left more than 100,000 people homeless. Armenia’s second largest city, Gyumri, was most affected by the earthquake. In the years that followed, Armenia’s Independence, the Artsakh War and corrupt regional and local officials contributed to a massive housing crisis, the inability to emerge from this housing shortage, and generational poverty in Gyumri. Today, almost 2,000 domiks are still “home” to people in Gyumri.

Learn More & Donate
By Narine
Paros Blog
November 21, 2025

SERVICE Armenia 2026 Application Now Live!

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.

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

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! Additionally, an overnight trip will be organized to Armenia’s second largest city, Gyumri.

The group will live, work, tour, and play together, creating a lasting bonding experience. 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.

Participant Requirements Have Been Updated!

In addition, each participant is required to fundraise a minimum of $3,000 in donations prior to the start of the SERVICE Armenia 2026 trip. Participants may choose one of the following initiatives to support through their fundraising efforts:

  • Debi Arach Children’s Center Food Program
  • Humanitarian Aid for the Debi Arach Children’s Center (including backpacks, school supplies, winter coats and boots, shoes, and groceries for families in need)
  • Paros Housing, After-School & Vocational Center Project
  • Paros Chamber Choir
  • The Paros Foundation’s Operational Support

Participants are also asked to download, complete, and return the Fundraising Plan Form to The Paros Foundation, outlining their intended fundraising activities and goals.

Apply Here
Fundraising Plan Form
By Narine