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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
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
Newsletters
April 2, 2024

This Month at The Paros Foundation – March 2024

Artsakh Refugee Support Fund Update #3
  • During the blockade, helped deliver 740 tons of food emergency food and aid
  • Facilitated the delivery of more than $80,000 in direct financial assistance to displaced families
  • Distributed 750 pairs of new winter boots
  • Distributed 170 new winter coats
  • Distributed more than 4,500 articles of clothing to over 1,200 refugees
  • Met the heating and cooking needs of 25 families with firewood
  • Provided and moved four families into new permanent housing
  • Purchased and currently renovating six new permanent homes for Artsakh families
  • Building 10 new homes in the Kajaran community of Qeti
Full Update

Packs On Back 2024
Through our Packs on Backs initiative you can help ensure one child’s success this upcoming school summer and school year.

Each $35 donation provides one backpack full of supplies (notebooks, pens, pencils, and more!)

Donate Here

Heating for Azatamut Clinic
The Armenian Government previously renovated the Azatamut Clinic, however, they did not run gas to the building during their renovations leaving them without heat during the rough winters. With no heating, the Azatamut Clinic is non-functional during the winter. Help us provide a fully functional medical clinic year round to meet this community’s immediate medical needs.

Donate Here

Khndzoresk Kindergarten Renovation
Work on the kindergarten in the border village of Khndzoresk has begun, and renovations on the roof are underway. With over 75 children attending the kindergarten and a waitlist of 35, construction on the remainder of the school is a top priority. Please join us as we expand the early education of these children and consider donating to help us continue renovations.
Donate Here

Gyumri Updates
Children at the Debi Arach Children Center had a very busy month. Guest speakers visited the Center and presented information about careers in the field of Agriculture and the Armenian Military. Debi Arach celebrated Easter with its traditions and fun activities. At the Hianali Beauty Center, our next group of trainees completed their courses and received their certificates!

This month, Hianali helped sponsor a Gala Concert that took place in Gyumri with renowned performers by doing their hair and make-up. This helped promote the high quality of service and led to new customers visiting Hianali for the first time!

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur
Home Improvements

Thanks to the generous support of Jean-Marie Atamian and his family, significant improvements were made to two more family’s homes in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghybur. The Samvel P.’s family now enjoys an indoor restroom and an extra bedroom that they can use with the birth of his new grandchild. Vartan S.’s family will now enjoy their expanded living space and a new roof over their now larger home. This brings to more than two dozen the number of homes completely rebuilt or significantly improved for local families in this border village.

Ponics on the Border
This month our ponics growing system in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghybur sold many potted flower plants as the celebration of international women’s day took place on March 8. Our team continues its trials to determine the best way to maximize the greenhouses growing potential. Children from the school continue to enjoy their lessons and hands-on experience as part of their curriculum.

Fundraiser for Nor Hachen Clinic

Help us revamp healthcare delivery for residents in the greater community of Nor Hachen!

Support by bidding on our online auction, or if you are in Los Angeles, join us for an enjoyable, informational, and elegant gathering to raise funds to help equip the clinic.

SERVICE Armenia 2024
There are a few spots left on our summer trip! Open for ages 17-24 June 23-July 14, 2024. Apply here.

Interested in visiting Armenia this fall with other 24-45 year olds? Fill out our SERVICE Armenia Young Professionals Interest Form!

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.

Pari Louys With Paros Podcast

Our latest episode of Pari Louys With Paros features Der Vasken and Yeretzgin Arpi Kouzouian, of Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston, sharing their experience rallying support, collecting items, and personally distributing to over 1,000 Artsakh refugees in Armenia.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple, Amazon!

 

 

The number of people who will benefit from a new x-ray machine in the greater Nor Hachen community

By Narine
Paros Blog
March 25, 2024

Online Auction To Support The Nor Hachen Clinic Is Now Live!

Help us revamp healthcare delivery for residents in the greater community of Nor Hachen!

Support by bidding on our online auction, or if you are in Los Angeles, join us for an enjoyable, informational, and elegant gathering to raise funds to help equip the clinic.

SUPPORT OUR AUCTION

Explore these and other beautiful items here.
Online Auction

YOU’RE INVITED!

If you are in Los Angeles, join us for an enjoyable, informational and elegant gathering to raise funds to help equip the clinic.

$250 Donation – Individuals
$150 Donation – Students
– RSVP by April 15th –

RSVP

Can’t Attend?
Support by bidding on our auction benefiting the clinic!

For inquiries, please contact Peter Abajian
peter@parosfoundation.org or (310)400-9061

By Narine
Newsletters
March 19, 2024

This Month at The Paros Foundation – February 2024

Artsakh Refugee Support Fund

Our team has been distributing coats, shoes, and necessities to Artsakh refugees throughout the country with volunteers from the United States who helped make the distributions possible. Our support fund is still active and we are working tirelessly to permanently house and provide much-needed items for displaced families. Please consider joining our efforts here.

Meds Masrik School Improvements

Meds Masrik is a village in the Gegharkunik region of Armenia. It is a border village with a population of 3,000 with 420 children in attendance. With the recent population growth because of families displaced from Artsakh, the school has a shortage of available classrooms. Join us as we renovate classrooms and create a computer center for learning. Donate here.

Developmental Services For Armenia Event

Join us in supporting Developmental Services for Armenia in their relaunch event benefitting the Meds Masrik School Improvements project on March 17th! Thousands of children will benefit from the renovations completed at the school. RSVP by contacting Raffi directly (626) 818-2969.

SERVICE Armenia 2024

June 23, 2024 – July 14, 2024

Priority deadline is March 15th! Young people ages 17-22 are able to join us for three amazing weeks in Armenia. Serve, tour and have fun! Applications are now available, register here. If you or someone you know is interested contact Peter Abajian (310) 400-9061.

Nor Hachen Polyclinic Fundraiser

Funding for the Nor Hachen X-Ray machine was raised primarily from the May 21, 2023 fundraiser held in Los Angeles.

SAVE THE DATE: Please join us on
April 28, 2024 to support the continued efforts to improve the clinic and its patient services. More information on tickets coming soon!

Med-Aid Armenia 2024

June 23, 2024 – July 5, 2024

Dr. Krikor Deramerian, leader of The Paros Foundation’s upcoming Med-Aid 2024 Trip, spent time in Armenia this month working on plans for this summer’s mission. Learn more and get in touch to help make a positive difference this summer! Learn more and apply here.

SERVICE Armenia Young Professionals

SERVICE Armenia Young Professionals is open to ages 24-40 and is a great opportunity to discover Armenia through a new lens, meet other young adults, and give back. If you are interested in a potential SERVICE Armenia Young Professional for Fall 2024 please fill out this form here and we will follow up with more information as it is available!

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, or Amazon.

 

 

The number of students in Meds Masrik who will enjoy the new classrooms and computer lab

By Narine