BERKELEY, CA—Applications are now available for The Paros Foundation’s SERVICE Armenia 2016 Program. The Program will run from June 23 to July 24, 2016 and enables young people to travel and tour Armenia and Artsakh, while engaging in meaningful service projects benefiting Armenia and her people.

“I am looking forward to a fun and successful SERVICE Armenia 2016 program this summer.” Said Peter Abajian, Executive Director of The Paros Foundation. “It is quite exciting to see students from throughout the country develop friendships with one another while working on meaningful service projects in Armenia.”

Throughout the Program, participants will tour historic, religious and cultural sites in Armenia and Artsakh with experienced, English speaking staff and guides. Safe and well located accommodations and transportation combined with interesting cultural and educational activities will ensure all will have an engaging and memorable experience. The program is open to both Armenian and American young people (ages 17 to 23ish) wishing to participate in this once in a lifetime opportunity. Knowledge of the Armenian language is not required. Join us and create a lifetime of great memories and friends. The deadline to submit the completed application is April 1, 2016.

“Overall, this was the best month ever and I couldn’t imagine my first experience in Armenia any other way. I made amazing memories with the best people, who I will carry out friendships with for a lifetime!” Said Nicole Sarkisian, SERVICE Armenia 2015 Participant.

More information including photos, video and the application form can be found at www.parosfoundation.org. For more information, please contact Peter Abajian (310) 400-9061 or via peter@parosfoundation.org.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDnJ0okJC3E

BERKELEY, CA— Thanks to a $30,000 donation from Mike and Patricia Starzer of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, children attending elementary school in the isolated border village of Nerkin Karmir Aghpyur now attend classes in a newly renovated wing of their school.

“This is the fourth project we have completed in this village,” said Peter Abajian, Paros Foundation’s Executive Director. “Three years ago, we began our work here by renovating the medical center. Then our efforts turned to the village’s kindergarten that was renovated the following year. We also began implementing our Agribusiness on the Border project in this village; with six families receiving economic assistance to help grow their home-based businesses and improve the conditions for their families. We hope that this strategic approach to village development significantly improves the lives of these villagers.”

The village of Nerkin Karmir Aghpyur is an isolated border village in Armenia’s northeast Tavush province. 1,380 residents are living under the constant threat of cross border sniper fire from Azerbaijan. The village school was damaged during the war with Azerbaijan. While portions of the school have been partially renovated, the wing housing the elementary school classrooms, was in need of a complete renovation to provide the children with a clean, safe and sanitary environment in which to learn.

Work consisted of rebuilding classroom walls, heating system upgrades, installation of new restrooms including water supply and sewer lines, installation of classroom doors, new flooring, electrical fixtures, new whiteboards and new and renovated furniture. In total, five classrooms (grades one through five), two restrooms and a large corridor were reconstructed. In response to the generous donation from the Starzers, Jean-Marie and Lori Atamian have recently announced that in 2016 they will underwrite the renovation of the remaining wing of the school, housing the sixth through twelfth grade classrooms. This is the Atamian family’s fourth project in this village. The final phase of the school reconstruction will be the kitchen and cafeteria, which are located in an adjacent building. We plan to secure pledges for this final phase this year.

The Paros Foundation underwrote all administrative expenses so that 100% of contributions were allocated to this project. To help this effort or another project of the Paros Foundation’s Projects for Prosperity, please visit www.parosfoundation.org.

To honor the centennial of the Armenian Genocide, The Paros Foundation launched The Paros 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity initiative in the fall of 2011 to benefit Armenia and her people. 100 pre-screened projects in the areas of development, education, cultural and humanitarian will be implemented to help make Armenia stronger and improve the lives of her people.

Donations to The Paros Foundation, a 501(c) 3 organization, are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. To find out how you can sponsor a project and for more information about how to get involved, please visit www.parosfoundation.org or call (310) 400-9061.

Formally launched in 2006, The Paros Foundation supports six exemplary local NGOs in Armenia and launched the Paros 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity in October of 2011 to commemorate the upcoming centennial of the Armenian Genocide. With an aggressive goal of identifying, vetting, fundraising for and ultimately implementing 100 special projects, The Paros Foundation and its staff in Armenia and the United States are quickly earning a reputation as the “go to” organization to oversee small and medium-sized project implementation in Armenia.

To sponsor a project of the Paros Foundation’s 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity, please visit www.parosfoundation.org.

BERKELEY, CA—The Paros Foundation has successfully reached it goal of implementing 100 special projects in Armenia through its 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity initiative with the launch of the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Armenia’s second largest city, Gyumri. The 100 for 100 effort was launched in the fall of 2011 to commemorate the centennial of the Armenian Genocide by implementing 100 educational, development, humanitarian and cultural projects in Armenia and Artsakh.

“Helping address the many needs Armenia has through our project based model of philanthropy both made sense and offered sponsors around the world an opportunity to mark the centennial by making Armenia a better place,” said Peter Abajian, Executive Director of the Paros Foundation. “I am so proud that our Debi Arach Children’s Center marks the 100th project and culmination of our 100 for 100 initiative.”

Children who live in extreme poverty in Gyumri, often without proper guidance and supervision, are at risk of becoming so called “social orphans.” They literally spend time in and out of Gyumri’s orphanages. The Debi Arach Children’s Center (Debi Arach means “moving forward” in Armenian) helps these socially vulnerable children. Using a holistic approach, the Center provides the necessary academic, psychological, social and humanitarian support to 130 students weekly, giving them an opportunity for a bright future by breaking the cycle of poverty for this community.

The Center, which operates after school, provides counseling and group therapy with a psychologist on staff, homework help and tutoring for many of the subjects the children learn in school including English, Armenian, Math and Art/Design. In addition computer classes, educational excursions and guest presenters provide exciting extracurricular learning opportunities for these children, free of charge, in a safe, warm and comfortable environment.

Additionally, these children often suffer from malnutrition and related illnesses due to a lack of well-balanced meals. The Center provides each child with a nutritious meal everyday, helping them receive the calories and/or nutrients they need. The Center also addresses a very important hygienic need by providing the children in attendance with supervised bathing facilities.

The goal is to help hundreds of children develop a vision for a successful future, and to give them the skills they need to reach these goals. This project is impacting the lives of hundreds of socially vulnerable children by helping them gain the guidance and support they need in order to create greater future opportunities, and become successful individuals and good citizens.

“Now that we reached our goal, I am excited for our model of project based philanthropy to continue into the future through our Projects for Prosperity initiative,” said Peter Abajian.

The Paros Foundation would like to recognize the following donors whose very generous support underwrote major components of the center: Ani Vartanian Boladian & Rasmig Boladian, The Dadourian Foundation, Developmental Services for Armenia, Knights of Vartan, Ardaz Lodge. Please visit www.parosfoundation.org for a full list of Debi Arach Children Center contributors.

Proceeding into the future, the Debi Arach Children’s Center aims to add a preschool program targeting children ages three to five. In addition, it hopes to expand its services by adding a vocational training center for children who do not intend on pursuing a college career. Funding is needed for both of these future possibilities.

The Paros Foundation underwrote all administrative expenses so that 100% of contributions were allocated to this project. To help this effort or another project of the Paros Foundation’s Projects for Prosperity, please visit www.parosfoundation.org.

Armenia, 2015- The Paros Foundation and The Heros Humanitarian Foundation joined forces to help children in Armenia. 480 children in need from both Gyumri and Vanadzor received new backpacks and age appropriate school supplies through the Packs on Backs Armenia project. 

“We share a common belief that no child should be deprived of the essential necessities needed for their education regardless of their socioeconomic status,” Sara Sousani, The Heros Humanitarian Foundation President. “By working together we were able to help address that need for almost 500 children.”

Both organizations worked together to fundraise, purchase, pack and ship backpacks and school supplies from Los Angeles to Yerevan. Several supporters including the SERVICE Armenia 2015 group, and friends from the St. James Armenian Church in Watertown, Massachusetts also volunteered their time to help fill backpacks with supplies and distribute them to the children.

“Distributing these backpacks prior to the start of school helped solve a big problem for this community of children,” said Aida Khachatryan, Debi Arach Children’s Centers Coordinator.

Packs on Backs Armenia first launched in Gyumri, whose devastating history has left more than 100,000 residents homeless, and plagued with unemployment and rampant poverty. These families often struggle to provide their children with life’s basic necessities. Distributions were made to the children attending the Debi Arach Childrens Center and other children living in domik neighborhoods in Gyumri. Additional distributions were then made to children attending the Orran Center in Vanadzor.

The Heros Humanitarian Foundation has worked with children in need and their families in Los Angeles and Armenia for the last seven years. Their mission is to provide backpacks and school supplies to children living in poverty and from low socioeconomic households around the world. Through their Packs on Backs initiative, Heros hopes to motivate children, help them stay and excel in school, and have successful futures.

Formally launched in 2006, The Paros Foundation supports six exemplary local NGOs in Armenia and launched the Paros “100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity” in October of 2011 to commemorate the upcoming centennial of the Armenian Genocide. With an aggressive goal of identifying, vetting, fundraising for and ultimately implementing 100 special projects, The Paros Foundation and its staff in Armenia and the United States are quickly earning a reputation as the “go to” organization to oversee small and medium-sized project implementation in Armenia.

The Paros Foundation underwrote all administrative expenses associated with this project allowing all contributions to be allocated 100% to this project. Donations to The Paros Foundation, a 501(c) 3 organization, are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Due to the great success of this project, this partnership will continue to provide more children with this basic necessity. To find out how to help sponsor the Packs on Backs Armenia project, please visit www.parosfoundation.org or contact Narine Panosian at (818) 497-8338 or narine@parosfoundation.org.

BERKELEY, CA—Thanks to the generosity of Jean-Marie and Lori Atamian and their family, the Grigoryan family of Gyumri moved from their “domik” to a new apartment through The Paros Foundation’s “Purchase a Home Project.” Over a ten day period in July 2015, the Grigoryan’s domik was dismantled, the land cleared and the family moved into a two bedroom apartment. The land, where their domik has been situated for 25 years, was returned to the adjacent school as part of an agreement with the school and city, and will be used by the school once more.

“It is a great day in Gyumri when another family can leave behind the desperation of “domik” living and move into a clean, safe and beautiful apartment,” said Peter Abajian, Executive Director of The Paros Foundation. “I would like to especially thank Jean-Marie and Lori Atamian and their family for their generous support to purchase a quality two-bedroom apartment for the Grigoryans.”

At the conclusion of a strict screening process, and confirmation that the Grigoryans qualified for an apartment through the “Purchase a Home” project, Paros Foundation staff, along with Paros Foundation partner, the Shirak Centre NGO, identified and purchased the apartment.  New kitchen cabinets and appliances were purchased then installed making their new home complete.

“We have only been in our new home for ten days, and we already feel like real people,”  said Armine Grigoryan, wife and mother of two.  “I wish for the day that no one is left living in a domik in Gyumri.”

Following the Grigoryan’s move, their old domik was dismantled and wood taken from the salvage has been stored for distribution to other domik families to use for heating and cooking fuel this winter. The metal and other construction materials were sold for scrap and above average wages were paid to locals who worked to tear down this domik.

The Paros Foundation underwrote all administrative expenses so that 100% of the Atamian contribution was allocated to this project.  This is the second family to benefit from the “Purchase a Home” project.  The Paros Foundation continues to raise funds to support the plight of other domik families in Gyumri.  To help this effort or another project of the Paros Foundation’s Projects for Prosperity, please visit www.parosfoundation.org.

About The Paros Foundation

To honor the centennial of the Armenian Genocide, The Paros Foundation launched The Paros 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity initiative in the fall of 2011 to benefit Armenia and her people. 100 pre-screened projects in the areas of development, education, cultural and humanitarian will be implemented to help make Armenia stronger and improve the lives of her people.

Donations to The Paros Foundation, a 501(c) 3 organization, are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. To find out how you can sponsor a project and for more information about how to get involved, please visit www.parosfoundation.org or call (310) 400-9061.

Formally launched in 2006, The Paros Foundation supports six exemplary local NGOs in Armenia and launched the Paros 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity in October of 2011 to commemorate the upcoming centennial of the Armenian Genocide. With an aggressive goal of identifying, vetting, fundraising for and ultimately implementing 100 special projects, The Paros Foundation and its staff in Armenia and the United States are quickly earning a reputation as the “go to” organization to oversee small and medium-sized project implementation in Armenia.

To sponsor a project of the Paros Foundation’s 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity, please visit www.parosfoundation.org.

Agoura Hills, CA—On Sunday, August 9, Hilltop Dental served as the venue for a lovely evening of refreshments and fellowship benefitting the Dental Clinic at the Prkutyun Special Children’s Center. The Marc Tognozzi Memorial Fund, established and maintained through The Paros Foundation, has partnered with Dr. George Apelian to both support and help raise needed funding to maintain the ongoing free dental services the clinic provides to almost 1,000 patients annually.

“Through Marc’s Fund, I am very proud to support Dr. Apelian’s work to benefit the children at the Prkutyun Center in Armenia.” Said Esther Tognozzi, Marc’s mother “Dr. Apelian established this clinic 10 years ago and we hope to work together to raise the support necessary to ensure its success well into the future.”

The Dental Clinic at the Prkutyun Special Children’s Center is named after George Apelian, Jr. and provides free dental services to more than 1,000 children of the center and their families who meet the financial guidelines established by the Center. The Center is currently in need of funding to replace its x-ray machine and operating funding to ensure operations through the end of 2015.

The Marc Tognozzi Memorial Fund was established in 2013 following the untimely passing of Marc Tognozzi. In an effort to find solace in creating some good from this terrible tragedy, the Tognozzi family partnered with The Paros Foundation to create The Marc Tognozzi Memorial Fund to implement valuable projects in Armenia.

The Paros Foundation underwrites all administrative expenses allowing all sponsor contributions to be allocated 100% to the project. Donations to The Paros Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Formally launched in 2006, The Paros Foundation supports six exemplary local NGOs in Armenia with contributions of quality rent-free program space, operating funds and human resource support. To honor the centennial of the Armenian Genocide, The Paros Foundation launched the Paros 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity in October of 2011. With an aggressive goal of identifying, vetting, fundraising for and ultimately implementing 100 special projects, The Paros Foundation and its staff in Armenia and the United States are quickly earning a reputation as the “go to” organization to oversee small and medium-sized project implementation in Armenia. To donate, or for more information, visit www.parosfoundation.org or call (310) 400-9061.

Proceeds to Benefit Verin Tsakhkavan Medical Center and the Ghoghanj Children’s Center

San Francisco, CA–On January 24, 2015 The Bay Area Paros Committee hosted their 2nd annual wine tasting fundraiser. The Sip, Savor and Share event raised funds for two important Paros 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity; the creation of a math and science lab at the Ghoghanj Children’s Center and the reconstruction of a medical center in the village of Verin Tsakhkavan located in the Bert area of Armenia’s Tavush Region.

Proceeds from a similar fundraising event in 2013 were used to renovate the Kurtan Medical Center, and several committee members visited Kurtan for its official opening in June 2014. “The committee was excited to be able to raise funds for yet another medical center in Armenia. Witnessing the positive impact of a fully functioning medical clinic on the residents of Kurtan increased our sense of urgency to support more medical projects like Verin Tsakhkavan,” said Bay Area Paros Committee Member, Valina Agbabian. The residents of Verin Tsakhkavan live in a remote and isolated area. Their medical center serves more than 800 patients annually including more than 200 children. The medical center will be partially reconstructed including heating and water installation and will receive updated equipment and medical supplies to better serve their patients.

Proceeds from this year’s wine event will also fund the creation of a math and science lab at the Ghoghanj Children’s Center in Yerevan. The goal of the math and science lab is to provide after school science and math enrichment for at risk children who do not otherwise have access to such classes. The lab will be equipped with science lab supplies, and proceeds will also pay the salary of a science teacher. There will be computer science classes and math tutoring. Hopefully, these enrichment opportunities will both stimulate creativity and provide necessary skills for these children to be successful. “My wife Wendi and I are pleased to participate in an effort to expand upon the important work of the Ghoghanj Children’s Center with this science lab,” said Rubik Moradian, Bay Area Paros Committee member and key event sponsor.

Fifty guests spent the evening tasting French, California and Armenian wines at the home of Roger Strauch and Julie Kulhanjian. Rubik and Wendi Moradian generously donated the French and California wines. Armenian wines were also featured and included wines from ArMas winery, which donated their wines, and wines from Zorah and Karas. Later, sauternes and the ever-popular Ararat Nairi cognac were served with desserts and cheese. Paros Committee members worked and prepared delicious food to complement the excellent wines. Professional sommelier Michael Perry provided a particularly wonderful flair to the evening’s wine tasting and the silent auction that followed. Bay Area Paros Committee members include Valina Agbabian, Suzanna Cogswell, Laura Conrow, Rita Kablanian, Martha Missirlian, Rick & Wendi Moradian and Julie Kulhanjian Strauch.

During a short formal presentation, Roger Strauch, Paros Foundation Founder and Chairman, welcomed guests, recognized organizations, supporters and friends, and presented the Foundation’s vision for the future. Guests also learned more about The Paros Foundation and its projects, the foundation’s future goals and volunteer opportunities from Executive Director, Peter Abajian.

Donations to The Paros Foundation, a 501(c) 3 organization, are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. The Paros Foundation underwrites all administrative expenses associated with both projects allowing all contributions to be allocated 100% to these projects.

Formally launched in 2006, The Paros Foundation supports six exemplary local NGOs in Armenia and launched the Paros 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity in October of 2011 to commemorate the upcoming centennial of the Armenian Genocide. With an aggressive goal of identifying, vetting, fundraising for and ultimately implementing 100 special projects, The Paros Foundation and its staff in Armenia and the United States are quickly earning a reputation as the “go to” organization to oversee small and medium-sized project implementation in Armenia.

To sponsor a Paros 100 for 100 Project for Prosperity or to find out how you can help fundraise, please visit  www.parosfoundation.org.

Armavir Region, Armenia—Building upon its 2013 successes, The Paros Foundation’s SERVICE Armenia 2014 group continued renovation of the Hatsik village school. With the generous support of donors and SERVICE Armenia volunteers, five additional classrooms, the corridor and one additional restroom were renovated during summer 2014. Five classrooms and two restrooms at the school had previously undergone renovation during the 2013 SERVICE Armenia program.  Hatsik school renovation is one of the Paros Foundation’s 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity, an initiative aimed at commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide by implementing 100 special projects in the homeland. To date 76 projects have been funded of which 56 are complete since the fall of 2012.

The upgrades to the classrooms include new doors and windows, laminate and tile flooring, chalkboards, window blinds, electrical upgrades and renovated desks. The Paros Foundation underwrites all administrative expenses allowing 100% of donor contributions to go directly to this project. The local Hatsik community has joined the effort by providing volunteer labor and as well as contributing financially to the purchase of window treatments and electrical materials.

“We are actively seeking a donor or donors to sponsor the renovation of the school gymnasium which would complete the final phase of the Hatsik School,” said Peter Abajian, Paros Foundation Executive Director. “We are hoping to raise these funds in time to complete the gym during our SERVICE Armenia 2015 program this summer.”

The Paros Foundation established SERVICE Armenia to provide young people between the ages of 16 and 24 with the opportunity to experience Armenia in a positive, productive, and fun way. Participants spend one month working on a variety of projects and touring Armenia and Artsakh, while developing life long friendships. Applications for this summer’s program are currently available.

To participate in SERVICE Armenia, to sponsor the Hatsik gym or other projects, please visit www.parosfoundation.org.

About The Paros Foundation

To honor the centennial of the Armenian Genocide, The Paros Foundation launched The Paros 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity initiative in the fall of 2011 to benefit Armenia and her people. 100 pre-screened projects in the areas of development, education, cultural and humanitarian will be implemented to help make Armenia stronger and improve the lives of her people.

Donations to The Paros Foundation, a 501(c) 3 organization, are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. To find out how you can sponsor a project and for more information about how to get involved, please visit www.parosfoundation.org or call (310) 400-9061.

Formally launched in 2006, The Paros Foundation supports six exemplary local NGOs in Armenia and launched the Paros 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity in October of 2011 to commemorate the upcoming centennial of the Armenian Genocide. With an aggressive goal of identifying, vetting, fundraising for and ultimately implementing 100 special projects, The Paros Foundation and its staff in Armenia and the United States are quickly earning a reputation as the “go to” organization to oversee small and medium-sized project implementation in Armenia.

To sponsor a project of the Paros Foundation’s 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity, please visit www.parosfoundation.org.

BERKELEY, CA—Applications are now available for The Paros Foundation’s SERVICE Armenia 2015 Program. The Program will run from June 22 to July 23, 2015 and enables young people to travel and tour Armenia and Artsakh, while engaging in meaningful service projects benefiting Armenia and her people.

“I am looking forward to a fun and successful SERVICE Armenia 2015 program this summer.” Said Peter Abajian, Executive Director of The Paros Foundation. “It is quite exciting to see students from throughout the country develop friendships with one another while working on meaningful service projects in Armenia.”

Throughout the Program, participants will tour historic, religious and cultural sites in Armenia and Artsakh with experienced, English speaking staff and guides. Safe and well located accommodations and transportation combined with interesting cultural and educational activities will ensure all will have an engaging and memorable experience. The program is open to both Armenian and American young people wishing to participate in this once in a lifetime opportunity. Knowledge of the Armenian language is not required. Join us and create a lifetime of great memories and friends. The deadline to submit the completed application is April 1, 2015.

“I had such an amazing experience and made so many friends with SERVICE Armenia, that I cannot wait to go back to back!” Said Vanna Kizirian, SERVICE Armenia 2014 Participant.

More information including photos, video and the application form can be found at https://www.parosfoundation.org. For more information, please contact Peter Abajian (310) 400-9061 or via E-mail peter@parosfoundation.org.