Newsletters
This Month at The Paros Foundation – October 2024
Khndzoresk Kindergarten Receives Complete Renovation
Earlier this month representatives from the local community, lead project sponsor, Adrienne Krikorian, representatives of The Paros Foundation and officials of the consolidated community of Goris gathered for the re-opening celebration of Khndzoresk Kindergarten. This renovation will now allow the kindergarten to facilitate the early education for up to 100 children from this important border community.
Two Additional Refugee Families
Get Permanent Homes
The Telyan Family received their home in Meds Masrik, which was the second home they received after having to relocate in 2023. They had originally been given a home through our Emergency Resettlement program in Maghavuz, Artsakh, following the 2020 war. Their family of seven is looking forward to having a stable place to call home.
The Harutunyan Family moved into their home in Geghamasar with parents and six boys. Their family is thankful for this new beginning where their children can thrive.
Thank you to everyone who has supported this initiative for these families. We are proud of all that has been accomplished and the positive impact these efforts continue to make. Our work is not done yet, learn more and donate here!
Nor Geghi Kindergarten Gym Under Way
The work on the Nor Geghi Kindergarten Gym is underway! This renovation will allow 80+ students to enjoy and utilize the space for many fun activities. Learn more about this project here.
Nor Hachen Clinic Update
Thanks to the successful Med-Aid Cuban Night Fundraiser generously hosted by the Haddadian Family, a Slit Lamp Bio Microscope for eye exams was purchased for the clinic’s use. In addition, to improve the quality of management and care, the clinic’s director and emergency medicine doctor both began Master’s programs in their respective fields with scholarships provided by The Paros Foundation.
SERVICE Armenia 2025 Applications
SERVICE Armenia 2025 summer applications are now live, and we already have applicants! This trip is an incredible opportunity to connect with other Armenians, give back, and tour our Homeland.
The trip is happening June 25-July 16, 2025 and is open to participants ages 17-23. Spots are limited, apply here!
Looking For Laptops
We are looking for six new or gently used laptops for Debi Arach Children’s Center to replace some of the older laptops in the computer room.
If you or anyone you know is interested in donating, please contact Peter Abajian peter@parofoundation.org.
the # of people the Nor Hachen Clinic serves
Press Releases
Khndzoresk Kindergarten Receives Complete Renovation
On October 3, representatives from the local community, lead project sponsor, representatives of The Paros Foundation and officials of the consolidated community of Goris gathered for the re-opening celebration of Khndzoresk Kindergarten. This renovation will now allow the kindergarten to facilitate the early education for up to 100 children from this important border community.
“Today is such an exciting day for everyone here in the village of Khndzoresk, but especially for the children! Having a safe, comfortable and inviting atmosphere in which to begin their early education is absolutely a game changer. With this newly renovated space, the kindergarten will be able to launch another group, providing services for 100 children beginning at the age of two.”
-Peter Abajian, Executive Director
Adrienne, Aram and Brian Krikorian of California generously supported this important project in memory of their mother and father, Lucine and Haig Aram Krikorian. Haig Krikorian’s family roots hail from Khndzoresk, and Adrienne and her parents, visited the village in 2005.
“My father spent the day in the village touring and talking with the children. He was very touched. Completing this renovation in my parent’s memory makes me feel as if we made their wishes complete.”
-Adrienne Krikorian, Donor
The kindergarten received a new roof, new staircase, new heating system, new bathrooms and a thorough cosmetic renovation throughout including new flooring, paint and lighting. Focus on Children Now, a trusted and long-time partner organization, generously supplied the new furniture for the kindergarten.
Prior to the renovation, the kindergarten operated with approximately 50 children in two groups. A leaky roof, lack of proper sanitation and water issues throughout the buildings created poor conditions for both the health of the children and their learning. Now, an additional group of younger children will be added in the coming weeks allowing the population of the kindergarten to increase to 100 children. The renovation also resulted in additional jobs. In addition to the direct benefits to these children, parents will be able to more easily work, knowing their children are being cared for in a safe and inviting environment.
Press Releases
2024 SERVICE Armenia Leaves Strong Impressions by Alina Kouzouian
This summer, I had the honor of co-coordinating Paros’ SERVICE Armenia group, leading and working alongside 19 young-adults ages 17-23. SERVICE is a three-week service trip that takes participants all around their Armenian homeland, touring, serving, and of course, having fun along the way! While the crux of the trip is to give-back to our homeland and our people, especially given the turmoil of recent years, the cultural exposure and experiences of participants remains at the forefront. Having been to Armenia several times prior to my SERVICE trip, I truly felt that this summer provided me with a new viewpoint on my own roots and values as an Armenian, and getting to experience that while making worthwhile memories with new friends is something I will never forget.
“Having been to Armenia several times prior to my SERVICE trip, I truly felt that this summer provided me with a new viewpoint on my own roots and values as an Armenian, and getting to experience that while making worthwhile memories with new friends is something I will never forget.”
There are countless angles from which I could approach my experience with SERVICE. I could take you down memory lane and recount comical moments, like when participants felt the heat of the lavash oven for the first time, or the ‘which Armenian dialect is superior’ fight we had at the start of week two. Or, I could share a bit about the bonds built between new friends, like when my roommates and I problem-solved to clean up the flood from our washing machine (the instructions were written in Russian, and we put it on the wrong setting — oops!), or when we left a bag of ice cream cones in the sun during a work-day and came back to a vanilla puddle. I could also take you down the emotional journey that took place when we visited the dilapidated housing facilities that Gyumri earthquake survivors have lived in for decades. Regardless of which path we venture down, our group shared moments of joy, sadness, inspiration, and hope every day.
The desire of our participants to take initiative to support vulnerable communities in Armenia and put others before themselves was truly inspiring. Our mission was to provide aid to displaced families and communities in need of both material and emotional support. Our service days spanned from a fulfilling day at Victory (amusement) Park, with people from the Kharpert Home for Special Children, to assembling hundreds of non-perishable food packs to sustain an underprivileged family for one month. Throughout this journey, I witnessed the profound impact that a small but dedicated group of individuals can have on the lives of those
facing overwhelming challenges.
From the very beginning, our group was united by a common goal: to provide meaningful assistance to families who were now striving to build, or in the case of Artsakh families, rebuild their lives in a new environment. Our collective efforts included distributing essential supplies, helping to improve living conditions, and creating a sense of community for the refugees through our presence and interactions.
One of the most memorable aspects of SERVICE Armenia was the opportunity to connect personally with the displaced and overlooked families we were serving. While language barriers and cultural differences could have been obstacles, what truly mattered was the shared Armenianness and sense of community we experienced. Families in Gyumri welcomed dozens of American strangers into their humble domik homes, and still offered us sweets, soorj, or whatever they had available. The hospitality and gratitude of our Armenian brothers and sisters was refreshing, and the smiles, and warmth we received in return for our actions were beyond words.
Each family’s story was a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. These families had faced unimaginable hardship from fleeing their homes in the case of Artsakh refugees to Gyumri families living in domiks and dilapidated housing since the earthquake–yet they remained hopeful and determined to build a new life. Our role was to provide more than just material support; we offered a sense of solidarity, showing them that they were not alone in their journey, and that Armenians are not forgotten.
Being a SERVICE coordinator
taught me invaluable lessons about compassion, teamwork, and the importance of giving back. SERVICE Armenia is more than just a group providing aid; it is a movement that empowers both the people we serve and those who take part in it. Leading this team required patience, communication, and a deep understanding of the needs of both the volunteers and the families we worked to help.
Through each project, from distributing food packages to helping renovate new housing ventures, I learned the power of small actions to make a lasting difference. Watching my team come together to solve problems, support each other, and create positive change reaffirmed my belief in the importance of community service.
As I reflect on my time with SERVICE Armenia, I feel an immense sense of gratitude for the opportunity to lead such a compassionate group. The experience deepened my connection to Armenia and its people, especially those facing adversity. The refugee families we supported reminded me that even in the darkest of times, hope and resilience prevail.
The bonds formed during this time, both within our team and with the families we served, will stay with me forever. As a group leader, I am proud of what we accomplished, but even more so of the lasting impact SERVICE Armenia continues to have. This experience has inspired me to continue working in service, knowing that even the smallest efforts can bring light to those in need.
Alina Kouzouian is an Armenian American from Boston, Massachusetts who co-coordinated SERVICE Armenia 2024 this summer.
Press Releases
What does it mean to
The Profound Meaning of “Moving Forward” by Alina Kouzouian
A Deep Dive Into Debi Arach Children’s Center
What does it mean to
“move forward” when all
you have known is the
life you have lived?
For many children in vulnerable communities, like those served by the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri, imagining a brighter future can seem daunting and unfathomable. Yet, through the support and consistency of Debi Arach’s afterschool programs, more than 180 children are given the tools, encouragement, and opportunities they deserve in order to break the cycle of hardship and “move forward” with hope and optimism for the future of both these children and our Armenian homeland.
My initial visit to Debi Arach took place in the summer of 2016, nearly a year after its opening. At that time, the Center was still a young project, infused with hope for the future and a vision to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the children and the community of Gyumri. The energy was palpable, and it was clear that this initiative held the promise of transforming the lives of the children and the community.
This year, nearly a decade later, I had the privilege of witnessing the aspirations of the ‘2016 Debi Arach Children’s Center’ come to fruition countless times. The growth of the Center, both in its capacity and impact, has been nothing short of inspiring. During my time in Armenia this summer with The Paros Foundation, I had the opportunity to visit Debi Arach on five occasions. Each visit was a reminder of the dedication and love that continue to drive this initiative forward.
Spending time with children of all ages as they learn to overcome their differences over a communal game of soccer, or help their friends improve their grammar or artistic ability truly sheds light on the value that Debi Arach brings to the lives of young individuals in Gyumri. We all know how vulnerable and formative adolescence is. It’s a time filled with embarrassment, adventure, self-exploration, and a lot of trial and error by way of fashion mishaps and friendship drama. Sprinkle in the added family pressures of financial struggles, multigenerational households, and lack of encouragement that many children in Gyumri face, and you realize just how important it is to have an external support system and a place of belonging.
Debi Arach provides underprivileged children a safe, second-home, where they continue to learn and socialize, but most importantly, it provides them a place where they feel seen and can focus on loving and valuing themselves. The Center is a place free from the drama of wearing the right outfit or having the newest toys, or being the ‘smartest’ kid in the class. It’s a welcoming place that accepts every child as they are, and seeks to help them be leaders in their own growth.
During one of the afternoons I spent at Debi Arach, I sat in on each of the afternoon class sessions (history, language, and art). While the lessons differ by age group, the experiences shared between the students and their teachers share a common thread: Armenian pride.
A lesson for the youngest group to teach them the Ayp Pen Keem turned into a Q&A where students asked every imaginable question about Armenian identity. Sevak’s inquiry of, “are Azeris and Turks just like Armenians?” made way for an inspiring conversation about what it means to be Armenian, and why our peoples’ history and struggles is not our defining factor. She taught them the phrase and value of “Armenian-ism” (“hayaseerootyoon”), and that her hope for her students was that they would “never see what happened to our generations past.” Suddenly, the energy in the room of young minds shifted from a place of fear of being Armenian in their geographic position, to being proud and defending their culture and continuing to outwardly represent and redefine Armenian identity.
In the art classroom, the teacher prompted students to draw a dream they have, or something they wish could be reality. Amongst her peers’ drawings of a flying car, a pink elephant, and a half- dog-half-monkey hybrid, Anna drew herself at the top of Mt. Ararat, holding an Armenian flag. She displayed her piece with a smile and sense of pride. At first, a shiver ran down my spine when I saw her work. Then I realized how inspiring it is that the next generation could dream something into reality, reclaiming something so fundamentally Armenian and continuing to push to achieve the goals of generations past.
The history classroom had children jumping at the chance to recite the story of “Hayk” to their teacher and explain to me, their Amerikatsi visitor, the difference between Hayk the name and Hayk the Armenian people. Following their lesson, Elina and Nara begged the teacher to turn on Ghapama by Harout Pamboukjian and started dancing their favorite Armenian line dances to celebrate their success in class.
Regardless of which classroom I was in, the students at Debi Arach intertwined their Armenian identities and individual expression into their work. When they come to the Center, children are able to be themselves and ask the tough questions, play around without fear of judgment, and learn to take pride in who they are. Anna “loves to draw and use pretty colors, and at Debi Arach [she feels she] can do that every day.” The Center gives Sevak “a place to be Armenian.” And it provides Elina and Nara “a place to laugh with friends and have fun.” Debi Arach provides opportunities to children to fully embrace the opportunities of life and enjoy every step along the way of reaching their fullest potential.
And, as promised, to my new friends Hasmik, Hripsime, and Sveta — until we dance together in the grass again! The warmth and joy shared during our time together will forever be in my heart.
On my final day at Debi Arach for the summer, I witnessed the distribution of new school supplies to the children and their families who walked through the Center’s doors. The participants of Paros’ SERVICE Armenia program assembled nearly 200 supply-filled backpacks as gifts for the children of Debi Arach prior to the new school year.
The joy on young Samvel’s face when he saw Spiderman on his new backpack and the excitement Ani felt when she discovered the Barbie-themed supplies in store for her made every effort we put into our work feel worthwhile tenfold. The feeling of love and appreciation exuded from the children and their families as a result of our group efforts and left SERVICE participants feeling empowered and inspired by the resiliency of the children of Gyumri. These moments served as powerful reminders of the tangible impact that small acts of kindness can have on a community.
Thanks to the generosity and good-natured intentions of both local and diasporan Armenian communities, Debi Arach is able to provide comfort, safety, motivation, encouragement, and hope to over 180 children and their families in vulnerable conditions. In a continued effort to further the potential successes and secure futures of Gyumri’s youth, The Paros Foundation has broken ground on a second Debi Arach location, designed to meet the needs of diverse communities within the ever- evolving city of Gyumri.
As Armenians, Gyumri represents both the horrors of our past and our collective perseverance, embodying our enduring hope for a brighter future. Paros’ new Debi Arach venture, featuring a vibrant Vocational Training Center and housing for 27 families, will provide a fresh environment to continue fostering the longevity and prosperous future of Gyumri and its resilient residents. This expansion reaffirms the commitment to ensuring that Gyumri’s next generation has the tools, opportunities, and support to thrive. I invite everyone to visit or make a contribution to the goings on of Debi Arach, and experience a place where life truly is “moving forward.”
Newsletters
This Month at The Paros Foundation – September 2024
Cuban Night was a huge success! It was such a fun evening raising substantial money for the clinic. This additional funding will help our ongoing efforts to improve the healthcare system in Armenia.
A very big thank you to the Haddadian Family for hosting this incredible evening and to everyone who attended and supported our efforts! Shout out to Mission Wine & Spirits, Old Oaks Cigar Company and Cherub Coffee for providing incredible cigars and coffee for the night and for their donations towards the clinic!
Chakhruk Music Festival In Gosh Village
The children of Debi Arach and Kharpert Home For Special Children participated in the Chakhruk Music Festival where they showcased their art and honey made at the center in Gyumri. The children toured Goshavank Monastery and ultimately had a day filled with friendship and culture.
Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur Gets A New Sports Court
It’s time for sports at this beautiful new sports court that was just completed at the Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur Primary School. A huge thank you to Dr. & Mrs. Gary & Linda Assarian for sponsoring this effort and creating a space that will bring so much joy to the community!
Levon Bosnoyan Chess Room Floors
The Levon Bosnoyan Chess Room in Vanadzor was renovated in memory of Levon and his love for chess.
A few years since his passing, his family wanted to honor his birthday and continue making the classroom a bright part of these children’s lives. Thank you to the Bosnoyan Family for keeping his memory alive in this meaningful way.
Wishing You Luck!
We wanted to wish our latest Paros team member, Annie Dilsizian, all the best as she embarks on her next steps in her career! Thank you for all that you have done to help Paros!
The number of pounds of honey harvested from our three field this season
Newsletters
This Month at The Paros Foundation – August 2024
60 is the new 50 Fundraiser A Huge Success!
Thank you EVERYONE for the kind greetings and generous donations in honor of my 60th Birthday. I am humbled and overwhelmed with your friendship and generosity. We have raised more than $15,000 for our work and Debi Arach, and for this I am so grateful! Thank you, thank you!
-Peter Abajian
Artsakh Refugee Family Gets New Home
We are proud to announce an additional Artsakh refugee family has received permanent housing through our Artsakh Refugee Support Fund! Hovik, a contract soldier, was off fighting while his wife, children, and father fled out of Artsakh last year. Now reunited, they will be living in their permanent home in Geghamasar where they will have a fresh start and not have to worry about their living situation.
It’s Honey Season!
It is honey harvesting season, and the Paros hives are ready to be enjoyed by all! If you are in Armenia or traveling there soon reach out about purchasing honey from our hives.
These hives have offered econcomic opportunities for rural communities, keeping the entire process local and self-sufficient. Learn more about this initiative here.
New X-Ray & Ultrasound at
Nor Hachen Clinic
We are proud to announce that with your help, not only does Nor Hachen Clinic now have a new x-ray machine, but also a new ultrasound machine! A huge thank you to Dr. Krikor Deramerian for spearheading this initiative and for everyone who attended our Los Angeles fundraiser to make this happen. The community will greatly benefit from this update in their medical facility.
Cuban Night For Nor Hachen Clinic
Join us for a Cuban-themed night filled with lots of great food, unique auction items, and incredible people all for a great cause! Happening in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 15th, we will be gathering to enjoy a fun-filled night benefitting the continued improvements to the Nor Hachen Clinic. Learn more and reserve your spot here.
Dadourian & Barmakian Families Visit
The Dadourian & Barmakian Families joined the Paros team for a meaningful trip to Armenia! Their first stop was in Gyumri, where they visited Debi Arach Children’s Center, which they have been the main supporters of since its inception in 2015. The next day, a trip to Lake Sevan with a stop in Meds Masrik to contribute to the construction of a home for an Artsakh refugee family, was full of incredible moments. And lastly being present for a ribbon cutting in Geghamasar for a new home for an Artsakh refugee family, ended an impactful week together!
Bringing Garment Production to Armenia with Ashod Spendjian
It’s a rare occurrence to look at your clothing label and read “Made In Armenia.” Our guest Ashod Spendjian, and his family, with deep roots in the apparel industry, have set out to change this. Listen as Ashod explains this goal and how they are setting out to achieve it.
50k for 60 Years with
Peter Abajian
Happy Birthday Peter Abajian! They say 60 is the new 50 and as our podcast guest this month Peter is the perfect example that age is just a number! To celebrate this milestone birthday, we are raising $50,000 towards Debi Arach Children’s Center Operating Budget!
Number of SERVICE Armenia Alumni
Paros Blog
We Are Raising $50K for 60 Years!
Join us in raising $50,000 for Debi Arach to celebrate Peter’s 60th birthday!
They say 60 is the new 50 and our Executive Director, Peter Abajian, is making sure we don’t forget that! To celebrate this milestone birthday we are raising $50,000 to go towards Debi Arach Children’s Center!
If anyone knows Peter they know he is full of life and joy, and ultimately has the biggest giving heart so we thought it would be perfect to give in a big way. Join us in celebrating 50 as the new 60 and let’s make a sizable dent in the Debi Arach operating budget for this upcoming year!
Newsletters
SERVICE Armenia & Med-Aid Armenia Run
This Month at The Paros Foundation – July 2024
SERVICE Armenia & Med-Aid Armenia Run
Successful Trips This Summer!
Summer 2024 was busy with our two Paros groups running at the same time! SERVICE Armenia 2024 spent three weeks serving, touring, and playing. With a full trip, participants were able to make lots of new friends from all over the country. Through meaningful work like distributing groceries for families in Gyumri, and renovating schools, meeting refugees, and so much more, the group made a lasting impression.
Our Med-Aid group had another successful year of conducting medical checks as-well-as continuing to establish preventative care as the norm in Armenia. In addition to regular check-ups trainings were also provided to help the local medical staff continue care after our team leaves.
Thank you to everyone who made this summer such a successful one!
Artsakh Refugee Family Gets New Home
We are proud to announce that an additional Artsakh refugee family has now received permanent housing! Sedrak H., his wife and their five children have moved into their new home in the village of Geghamasar. We are proud to continue providing these families with stability to move forward.
Meds Masrik Renovation
Thanks to the generosity of our friends and partner Developmental Services for Armenia (aka Organization of Humanitarian Services for Armenia), work on renovating the computer classroom and three additional classrooms at the Meds Masrik School is moving along great! SERVICE Armenia 2024 joined for a day of service there as well, and work will be completed and ready for the start of school on September 2. Renovating these new classrooms was needed to accommodate the increased number of students at the school because of the new Artsakh families that have settled in the community.
Cuban Night For Nor Hachen Clinic
Save The Date and join us for Cuban Night with Paros to raise money for The Nor Hachen Polyclinic on Sunday, September 15th in Los Angeles! More info to follow!
Learn more about The Nor Hachen Polyclinic and the progress we have made so far here.
Pari Louys With Paros Podcast
Armenia’s border villages serve as a buffer between the country and most of the time it’s not-so-friendly neighbors. Life can be particularly difficult in this region, but with a vibrant border, Armenia is much stronger. That is why Jean-Marie Atamian and his family have set out to improve the prosperity on the border.
Number of kilometers the Paros team drove in June and July for project visits
Press Releases
Two New Families Move into New Homes in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur
Atamian Family Announces 8th $100,000 Commitment To Border Village Communities
On June 23, Sarkis S. and his family, who are refugees from Artsakh’s Martakert Region, moved into their new rebuilt permanent home in the border community of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur. Karine S. and her two young sons also moved into a fully rebuilt home in the same village. Jean-Marie, Lori, Narine and Stepan Atamian made this possible through their generous and continuous support of this important border community.
“With the completion of these two homes for families in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur, I am pleased to announce an additional $100,000 commitment for new home reconstruction in border communities in the Tavush Region. I am proud of the impact my family and I have had in these communities and look forward to the next phase of our family’s investment.”
-Jean-Marie Atamian
Beginning in 2013, the family of Jean-Marie Atamian, working through The Paros Foundation, initiated what has now become a comprehensive investment program to rebuild the infrastructure and housing stock of this important border village with a growing population of over 1,100 residents located in the Berd area of Armenia’s Tavush Region. In prior decades, this strategic village had suffered from a lack of investment, creating difficult living conditions.
The early phase of the Atamian family’s redevelopment plan was to finance the complete reconstruction of the village’s infrastructure including its large secondary school, expanded kindergarten, medical center, emergency services building and water distribution system. Agribusiness and animal husbandry projects were also implemented during this initial period.
Left: Sarkis S. and his family in their new home Right: Karine S. and her two children in their new home
The Atamian family then turned its focus on the large-scale rebuilding and reconstruction of severely damaged houses to provide quality and secure homes for deserving families. To date, the Atamian family has financed the rebuilding of 19 houses. Most recently, the village celebrated the opening of two completely rebuilt homes. One is for a mother of two young boys who lost their father, and the other house is for the family of Sarkis S., who came to the village with his wife and their four young children after having lost their home in Artsakh.
Sarkis (who serves as a border guard) is a hard worker who is eager to start a new life in the village with his growing family. The large two-floor house has been provided with new furniture, kitchen appliances and a bathroom. The cost of the project was $33,000. Sarkis S. and his family are the 8th family from Artsakh resettled into the community of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur since the 2020 War and the 33rd family from Artsakh that has benefited from The Paros Foundation’s resettlement effort.
“In addition to providing families with dramatically improved living conditions, these projects continue to create material benefits to the local economy by providing long-term construction jobs and promoting the purchase of furniture and materials manufactured in Armenia. This highly successful village sponsorship model can be replicated in other border communities by other diasporan families and organizations.”
-Peter Abajian, Executive Director