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The Paros Foundation underwrites all administrative and overhead costs allowing 100% of all donor contributions to go directly towards projects and supported organizations.

Donations to The Paros Foundation Projects for Prosperity are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. To sponsor a project through The Paros Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 organization (Tax ID 20-5094630), or learn more about specific projects in need of funding, please contact us using the information below.

Contacts

2217 5th Street

Berkeley CA 94710

info@parosfoundation.org

(310) 400 9061

Paros Blog
August 15, 2024

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!

Donate Here
By Narine
Newsletters
August 1, 2024

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.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple, Amazon!

 

Number of kilometers the Paros team drove in June and July for project visits

By Narine
Press Releases
July 9, 2024

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

By Narine
Newsletters
July 1, 2024

This Month at The Paros Foundation – June 2024

Welcoming Visitors In Armenia!

This month, we welcomed several donors and friends of The Paros Foundation who were in town to visit their projects, volunteer and inspect other project sites. We welcomed the Berejikian Family from Sacramento, California, the Bernardi Family from La Canada, California, the O’Neil Family from Chevy Chase, Maryland, the Mangassarian Family from Providence, Rhode Island, and Yn. Arpi Kouzouian from Boston, Massachusetts.

We love visitors! If you are in Armenia and would like to visit with us, please reach out!

Artsakh Refugee Family Gets New Home

Another displaced Artsakh family now has a permanent home in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur! Sargis Simonyan, a contract soldier, was displaced with his wife and four young kids from their home in the Martakert area of Artsakh last year. A huge thank you to Jean-Marie & Lori Atamian, Stepan Atamian, and Nariné Atamian who made this positive impact possible for the Simonyan Family.

Nor Ughi Soccer Field Groundbreaking

We are proud to announce the official groundbreaking on the Nor Ughi School Soccer Field where work on the field has begun. Spearheaded by John and June Mangassarian, both present for the groundbreaking, this field accompanies the new gym which was also a project spearheaded by the Mangassarian family. Thank you to everyone who has helped make this field a reality.

Groceries For Gyumri Packs Distributed

SERVICE participants collectively assembled and started distributing 50 bags of groceries and non-perishable house supplies, containing one month’s supply of goods, for underprivileged families in Gyumri. Sponsor a family’s groceries for one month with a $50 donation.

Debi Arach Summer Is Here!

The Debi Arach Children’s Center summer has officially begun! Students of the center get to enjoy the many benefits of the center while school is out, including outdoor activities, meals, and lots of summer fun!

SERVICE Armenia 2024 In Full Swing!

Participants landed in Armenia and have hit the ground running touring the city, visiting Gyumri, passing out groceries, spending time with the children of Debi Arach, and so much more! Follow along with their trip on our social media accounts.

Med-Aid Armenia Making A Difference

Our 2024 Med-Aid group has arrived in Armenia and has jumped into medical checks at Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri! Along with our Med-Aid group, the Mobile Dental Clinic is providing dental check-ups for the children. Thank you to everyone who has volunteered and is making a huge positive impact for the community. Follow along on our social media pages for more updates!

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

Since 2002, Unison NGO has been dedicated to creating a more equitable world for people with disabilities and special needs in Armenia. Through their advocacy they have fostered a community that continues to make a positive impact for all. Learn about this impact in our latest podcast episode where we interview Executive Director, Armen Alaverdyan.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple, Amazon!

 

 

Number of backpacks that will be distributed through Packs-On-Backs
at Debi Arach Children’s Center!

By Narine
Newsletters
May 31, 2024

This Month at The Paros Foundation – May 2024

Community Living for Older Refugees
This home will serve as a group home for older refugees to offer them a clean, safe, and comfortable environment to live dignified lives. Ten residents will be selected from older refugees currently living in the area. The project will be administered in coordination with the local Goris municipality and renovations on the home will be starting in the coming weeks. Learn more and help us renovate and furnish the home here.

Nor Ughi Soccer Field
Recently, the Nor Ughi school gym was renovated through the leadership of Mr. and Mrs. John & June Mangassarian and they want to continue positively impacting Nor Ughi. In collaboration with GOALS – Girls of Armenia Leadership Soccer, a brand new soccer field will be built on the school’s grounds. The city has agreed to clear the field and remove the initial layers of soil in preparation for the field. Learn more and donate here.

New Home for Karine S.
Karine S. and her two young sons live in the border village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur. Last year, Karine’s husband was killed in a tragic auto accident. Prior to this accident, Karine and her husband had purchased a home of their own in the village with plans to renovate the space. With the generous contributions of the Atamian Family and Badishkanian Family, their home has been renovated and Karine and her children have moved in!

SERVICE Armenia Young Professionals 2024 Application
October 12-26, 2024
Ages 24-45

Back for a third year, SERVICE Armenia Young Professionals applications are now live! Join us this fall for an unforgettable experience serving touring, and playing in Armenia! Apply here.

Visit a Project in Armenia

If you are visiting Armenia this summer and are interested in visiting a Paros project that you have contributed to, or want to learn more about, our team is happy to coordinate that into your trip! Reach out with any questions!

Help Support Packs on Backs Armenia: Debi Arach 2024
and Groceries for Gyumri 2024

SERVICE Armenia 2024 will be working next month distributing backpacks and school supplies for the children at Debi Arach AND distributing food packs to needy families throughout Gyumri. A backpack filled with school supplies costs $35 and a one-month food pack costs $50. Families depend on this support to help make ends meet. Please consider supporting either of these important humanitarian efforts targeting people in Armenia’s second largest city. Contribute to Groceries For Gyumri & Packs on Backs!

Pari Louys With Paros Podcast

Wake up to the sweet smell of soorj and learn about different regions in Armenia as we give you a quick dive into life throughout the country. 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 days until the start of SERVICE Armenia 2024!

By Narine
Featured PostsPress Releases
May 24, 2024

Community Housing in Goris

The Paros Foundation is pleased to launch a new effort to provide permanent housing for older Artsakh refugees with the purchase of a home for the Community Living for Older Refugees project in the community of Goris.

This home will serve as a group home for older refugees to offer them a clean, safe, and comfortable environment to live dignified lives. Ten residents will be selected from older refugees currently living in the area. The project will be administered in coordination with the local Goris municipality and renovations on the home will be starting in the coming weeks.

“Following the mass exodus from Artsakh in September 2023, many older refugees have no one to look after them, very little income, and are left without affordable housing options. Providing group housing for these older refugees can alleviate their challenges, especially after leaving so much of their lives behind in Artsakh.”

-Peter Abajian, Executive Director

*Seniors pictured are not the same seniors in the housing program.

The community living home is situated in the community of Verishen and is adjacent to the Syunik city of Goris. The home has a large footprint that will provide both communal and private living spaces in addition to a large plot of land with fruit trees and garden spaces. The home even has a chicken coop should the future residents care to keep chickens! It is envisioned that the home will be equipped with both solar hot water systems and solar panels to keep utility costs low.

Contribute Here
This is the newest housing project in a series of successful permanent housing that The Paros Foundation has purchased and renovated for Artsakh refugees including three in Geghamasar, two in Meds Masrik, two in Vardenis, one in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur, four in Kajaran, and 10 new homes that are being built in the neighborhood of Qeti in the village of Kajaran. With this addition, The Paros Foundation continues to assist refugees of every age, building not just homes, but communities where they can restart their lives.
By Narine
Press Releases
May 17, 2024

Assarian Vocational Training Program Resurging at The Lenten Textile Factory

The Assarian Vocational Training Program has launched a new round of
training at the Lentex Textile Factory in the village of Akhuryan just outside of Gyumri. Part of The Paros Foundation and the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri, The Assarian Vocational Training Program has launched a new segment of training classes on sewing for 15 participants including two women who were forcefully displaced from Artsakh last year. At the end of their training, it is expected that all of the participants will be hired as full-time employees at the Lentex Factory.

This new round of training follows the successful 2021 training sponsored through the Assarian Vocational Training Program. Participants then were able to participate in sewing classes at the Lentex Textile Factory headquarters in Gyumri. This training proved to be wildly successful as all 12 participants were hired full-time following the completion of the classes. Today, they are still gainfully employed at Lentex.

“The Assarian Vocational Training Program continues its mission of providing real-world vocational training for people who want to work. Within two short months, these participants are training and will have secured meaningful employment and a way of supporting their families.”
-Peter Abajian, Executive Director

“We are committed to creating a diverse number of opportunities for people. So far, it is uncanny how successful program participants have been. Through vocational training, people are able to have employment opportunities because they now have a marketable trade. The vocational training covers a vast span of local industries giving people an opportunity to live free and prosper where they currently reside. Part of our mission is to instill opportunities for local Armenians to be able to earn a living
in Armenia and stay in Armenia.”
-Dr. Gary Assarian

By Narine
Press Releases
May 7, 2024

Successful Evening in Los Angeles for the 2nd Annual Med-Aid Fundraiser Benefiting the Nor Hachen Polyclinic!

On April 28, 2024, the Med-Aid Armenia 2nd Annual Fundraiser was held raising funds for new medical equipment purchases for the Nor Hachen Polyclinic.

More than 75 attendees gathered at the restaurateur Alex Sarkissian’s chic restaurant Momed in support of the Nor Hachen Polyclinic. Currently, the polyclinic lacks basic equipment that prevents it from successfully serving its patients. As a result of the event’s success, several new pieces of equipment will be purchased and delivered in the coming weeks. The new equipment will help bring the polyclinic up to Western standards.

“Dr. Krikor Deramerian worked hands-on with the polyclinic’s staff to better understand their situation and where we can engage to make a real difference. At the same time, the Armenian government has agreed to renovate the physical space later this year. The work we are doing collectively to equip the Nor Hachen Polyclinic and provide them with additional necessary training will have a long-term positive impact.”
-Peter Abajian, Executive Director

The reach of the Nor Hachen Polyclinic is expansive, serving almost 13,000 people in the Nor Hachen community. The polyclinic provides primary care, ambulance services, and some specialty services. During last year’s Med-Aid Armenia Annual Fundraiser, enough funds were raised to purchase a new x-ray machine for the Nor Hachen Polyclinic. The medical equipment purchased with funds raised from this year’s event will greatly improve the services offered at the polyclinic and leave a lasting impact. Thank you to everyone who attended the event and made it a success.

“By bringing new equipment and implementing staff training we are helping improve care delivery for patients. My goal is to create a sustainable and efficient process that is going to improve the health care of Nor Hachen. As we move forward, I hope that the Nor Hachen Polyclinic will serve as an example for other polyclinics in Armenia.”
-Dr. Krikor Deramerian

The Paros Foundation created the Med-Aid Armenia program to administer medical missions as well as to improve the conditions of clinics around the country, and this summer the 5th medical mission will occur providing medical services to those in need. Through The Paros Foundation, Med-Aid Armenia has made improvements to seven clinics in Armenia, including ongoing efforts made at the Nor Hachen Polyclinic.

By Narine
Newsletters
May 2, 2024

This Month at The Paros Foundation – April 2024

Artsakh Family Number Five
Receives a New Home!
While the Paros Team was in the Syunik village of Babikavan, they were able to give Tigran Petrosyan, his wife and six children the excellent news that they were now owners of a newly renovated three bedroom apartment and would be moving in within the next week. In addition, the family’s new apartment will be fully furnished thanks to the generosity of the St. Sahak & Mesrob parish in Wynnewood, PA.

Help contribute towards supporting permanent housing for other Artsakh refugees here.

Community Gym for Verin Karmir Aghbyur
The Paros team visited the new “Sport Zone” community gym in the Tavush village of Verin Karmir Aghbyur to celebrate its opening. Gevork, a champion weightlifter and visionary of the gym worked tirelessly with friends and relatives to complete the renovation on this facility, which was given to them for this purpose by the local community. Thank you to the Goshtigian Family for supporting this important initiative.

Paros Team In Armenia
Accompanied by Paros leadership from the US, the Paros team visited many of its project sites throughout all regions of Armenia during a brief 13 day visit, completing planning and making substantial progress on many new and existing projects. Of special note was the team’s visit to the Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial.

Fundraiser for Nor Hachen Clinic
On April 28th in Los Angeles, The Paros Foundation held a successful and enjoyable dinner fundraiser to support the Nor Hachen Polyclinic. Proceeds from the event will be used to purchase additional necessary medical equipment for the clinic. Med-Aid Armenia Program Chairman, Dr. Krikor Deramerian will once again lead this year’s medical mission to Armenia in late June.

AYP’s School Students visit Nerkin Karmir Aghybur Agriculture Projects
Students from the “AYP” School, a leading private school based in Yerevan, visited our orchard and ponics greenhouse at the school in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur to learn more about these successful agricultural and educational initiatives. Students were able to not only tour the facilities, but also obtained hands-on experience in orchard and greenhouse systems management.

Med-Aid Armenia 2024
June 23, 2024 – July 5, 2024
We welcome pre-med, medical students, and residents to join in these efforts to garner experience and expertise in the medical field. It is truly a unique opportunity for hands-on experience, program development and to create a lasting effect in a place of great need. Learn more and apply here.

SERVICE Armenia Young Professionals 2024 Application
October 12-26, 2024
Ages 24-45
Back for a third year, SERVICE Armenia Young Professionals applications are now live! Join us this fall for an unforgettable experience serving touring, and playing in Armenia! Apply here.

SERVICE Armenia 2024
We are excited to announce our SERVICE Armenia 2024 summer program is at capacity and full! Thank you to everyone who signed up, we cannot wait for an incredible summer with all of you!

Pari Louys With Paros Podcast

Visiting Armenia can be a life-changing experience, and for many, it kickstarts a passion to get involved and to make a difference. In our latest episode of Pari Louys With Paros you can listen to Wendy O’Neil’s experience, who jumped with both feet in at the chance to make a difference in the lives of many.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple, Amazon!

 

 

The number of participants who will be on SERVICE Armenia Summer 2024

By Narine
Paros Blog
April 18, 2024

SERVICE Armenia Young Professionals 2024 Application Now Live!

Back for a third year, SERVICE Armenia Young Professionals is a trip designed for participants ages 24-45, taking place this October 12th-26th! This trip was created for young professionals who want to tour Armenia while participating in service work with other young adults. We can work with participants to engage in Armenia within their professional areas as well. For example, a teacher can spend a day at an Armenian school volunteering. This trip is a great opportunity to network within the Armenian professional community, and to bring people together for an unforgettable experience!

Participant fees are $3,500 per person for single occupancy or $2,600 per person for double occupancy (including a $400 charitable contribution towards defraying service project costs), not including airfare.

SERVICE Armenia Young Professionals Application

Registration deadline is July 15th.

“While I’ve been lucky to have been to Armenia plenty of times before, there is a newfound appreciation when you visit as a working, young professional. As someone forging their own career and professional path, the inspiration you gain from visiting as a young adult is unlike any other.”

-Aram Nahabedian, 2022 participant

“SERVICE Armenia provided me with the best first experience in Armenia. This group of young professionals went as strangers and returned as family. I was thoroughly impressed with all the accommodations, excursions, and experiences. I can firmly say I will be going back.”

-Eric Nikssarian, 2022 participant

If you have any questions about our SERVICE Armenia Young Professionals 2024 program please call Peter Abajian, Executive Director at (310) 400-9061 or contact him via email pabajian@gmail.com.

SERVICE Armenia Young Professionals Application
By Narine