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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

Category: Newsletters

Newsletters
October 2, 2026

This Month at The Paros Foundation – September 2026

The Lasting Impact of Two Families’
Commitments to Armenia

This summer, Jean-Marie Atamian and Stepan Piligian, along with their families, traveled to Armenia to visit the villages, Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur and Paruyr Sevag, they have chosen to support and see firsthand the people and communities at the heart of their commitment.

Their generosity goes beyond supporting a single project. Together with their families and communities, they are investing in the wellbeing and future of an entire village, creating meaningful impact that can reach families and generations to come.

We are incredibly grateful to Jean-Marie and Stepan, and to their families and communities, for their dedication, partnership, and belief in the future of the village they have chosen to support.

SERVICE Armenia Fundraising Continues

We’re incredibly proud of our SERVICE Armenia 2026 participants for going above and beyond this summer by raising funds for projects they were passionate about. Their trips may be over, but their fundraising continues, and you can still support their projects and help extend the impact of their time in Armenia.

Learn more about their efforts and donate using the links below!

Med-Aid Armenia is coming to New York!

New York, we’re coming your way!
Join us for a Med-Aid Armenia event to build healthier communities together! Come connect with the Med-Aid & Paros community, hear more about the important medical work happening on the ground, and be part of the conversation.

📍 New York, The Gem Saloon
🗓️ October 24th, 6-9pm
🎟️ Free attendance – RSVP online

Join Med-Aid Armenia 2027
June 19-July 2nd, 2027

We welcome medical professionals, residents, medical students, high school seniors and university aged pre-med students to join in these efforts to use 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 here.

Become a Monthly Donor

By becoming a monthly donor, you help provide consistent support for the projects and communities we serve across Armenia.

Every recurring gift helps us plan ahead, respond to needs, and keep important projects moving forward. Learn more and make your impact here.

What does it actually feel like to be part of Med-Aid Armenia?
In our latest podcast episode, we sat down with Talia, a nurse and future nurse practitioner who joined this summer’s Med-Aid trip. Talia shares her firsthand experience, from providing medical checkups in communities across Armenia to connecting with local healthcare professionals and seeing how training can help extend the impact long after the team goes home.


Listen Now
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By Narine
Newsletters
September 7, 2026

This Month at The Paros Foundation – August 2026

As part of Paros Foundation’s Nourishing Armenia program, the children at the Debi Arach Children’s Center are taking the lead in creating a new series of healthy recipe videos. From developing and preparing the recipes to working behind the scenes with lighting, cameras, and directing, the kids are involved in every step of the process. Hamov Hub gives them the opportunity to explore healthy eating while building valuable skills in cooking, creativity, teamwork, and media production. We’re excited to see what they create and to share their recipes with you!

Watch Here
Med-Aid Armenia is coming to New York!

New York, we’re coming your way!
Join us for a Med-Aid Armenia event to build healthier communities together! Come connect with the Med-Aid & Paros community, hear more about the important medical work happening on the ground, and be part of the conversation.

📍 New York, The Gem Saloon
🗓️ October 24th, 6-9pm
🎟️ Free attendance – RSVP online

Paros Housing, After-School, & Vocational Center
Peter recently visited the building in Gyumri and we are excited to sare that construction is moving along nicely, including the roof being almost complete, interior tile work, and paint.

We’re excited to see this important project continue to take shape. Learn more here.

Continued Support in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur by Atamian Family
Longtime supporters and friends Jean-Marie and Lori Atamian recently visited Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur in the Tavush Region to see the home improvement and economic development projects they have supported. They also explored future opportunities to support the local school, medical center, village homes, and economic development grants for families. We are so thankful for their dedication to this important border community.

Join Med-Aid Armenia 2027
June 19-July 2nd, 2027

We welcome medical professionals, residents, medical students, high school seniors and university aged pre-med students to join in these efforts to use 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

Join us as we share stories, conversations, and updates that highlight the people, projects, and partnerships making a difference in Armenia. Tune in to learn more about the work happening on the ground and the inspiring individuals helping build a brighter future.

Listen Now
Spotify | Apple | Amazon

By Narine
Newsletters
August 5, 2026

This Month at The Paros Foundation – July 2026

Groceries for Gyumri: Creating Immediate
Impact While Building a Better Future

As part of SERVICE Armenia 2026, our participants took part in the Groceries for Gyumri project, providing essential food supplies to families in need throughout Gyumri. Through their fundraising efforts and hands-on involvement, participants were able to support families facing difficult circumstances and bring a sense of care and connection to those in the community. This project is especially meaningful as it connects to the future impact of the Paros Housing, After-School, and Vocational Center, which will provide safe and stable housing for 27 families currently living in domiks.

While Groceries for Gyumri addresses an immediate need, the new center represents a long-term commitment to helping families build healthier, more secure futures. Together, these efforts reflect the power of community, compassion, and the belief that every family deserves the opportunity to thrive.

Knights of Vartan School 106
Through hands-on work, our SERVICE Armenia 2026 group helped transform the space by painting classrooms, installing laminate flooring, and completing important renovations that will benefit students for years to come. They made great progress to help renovations along.

Hamov Hub Youtube Coming Soon!
Something exciting is cooking!
Introducing Hamov Hub, a new kids’ cooking show coming soon to YouTube as part of our Nourishing Armenia initiative! Through fun, easy-to-follow recipes, Hamov Hub will inspire children to build healthy eating habits, learn about nutritious foods, and discover that cooking can be both fun and accessible.

Stay tuned!

Summer 2026 in Armenia

Med-Aid 2026 has another successful year!

Med-Aid Armenia 2026 was a tremendous success! Through medical checkups, educational lectures, and collaboration with local healthcare providers, the team created an impact that will continue beyond their time in Armenia. We are grateful for their compassion, expertise, and commitment to improving lives.

SERVICE Armenia completes in 12th trip to Armenia!

Over the course of the trip, participants worked alongside communities across Armenia, completed meaningful service projects, supported local initiatives, and built lasting relationships with the people they met along the way. We are proud of this year’s group for embracing every opportunity to serve, learn, and experience Armenia in a truly meaningful way.

Join us as we share stories, conversations, and updates that highlight the people, projects, and partnerships making a difference in Armenia. Tune in to learn more about the work happening on the ground and the inspiring individuals helping build a brighter future.

Listen Now
Spotify | Apple | Amazon

 

number of SERVICE Armenia trips
since it’s start in 2013

By Narine
Newsletters
July 1, 2026

This Month at The Paros Foundation – June 2026

Vardenis Adult Recreation Center in the Community of Meds Masrik Opens

This month we held the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Vardenis Adult Recreation Center in the community of Meds Masrik.

Paros renovated this building that was left in a servere state of disrepair for the last
30 years with the generous support of the The Goshtigian Family (CA) in memory of their parents Gabriel and Stephanie Goshtigian. The center will be operated by the Association of Healthcare and Assistance to Older People and will benefit many in the community for years to come.

Dryer Needed In NKA
As fruit production in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur continues to expand, the current drying equipment can no longer keep up with the increased harvest. A larger fruit dryer will allow students to preserve more of what they grow and reduce waste.

Help us support this growing program and reach our goal of $6k to provide this much needed equipment for the community! Donate here.

Vardenis Community Basketball Court
This initiative will create an outdoor basketball court at the local sports school, giving children from Vardenis and nearby villages a safe space to participate in organized sports, competitions, and fitness activities. The court will become a gathering place for families, schools, and coaches, strengthening community connections and encouraging youth development.

Support and learn more here.

Med-Aid 2026 has officially begun!
We are excited to welcome this incredible team of medical professionals and volunteers as they begin their journey of service, connection, and impact across Armenia.

Stay tuned for updates on social media from the group’s progress throughout the country!

Support SERVICE Armenia Participants
SERVICE Armenia participants are making an even greater impact by raising funds for projects they are passionate about throughout their trip. Each participant has chosen a Paros project to support, helping provide resources and opportunities for communities across Armenia.

Explore and support their efforts here.

Visiting Armenia This Summer?

Many of our donors and friends are visiting Armenia this summer and taking the opportunity to see our projects and connect with the communities they support. If you are in Armenia and would like to get involved or visit a project, we’d love to hear from you, reach out and join us!

Two Decades of Impact: Charitable Evolution in Armenia
On the next episode of our Two Decade reflection, Peter and Sofia discuss how the needs in Armenia have evolved over the last 20 years. What once focused more on immediate relief has gradually shifted toward long-term development and building sustainable opportunities.

Listen Now
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number of participants in this year’s Med-Aid 2026 Trip in Armenia

By Narine
Newsletters
May 29, 2026

This Month at The Paros Foundation – May 2026

Help Us Keep the Torfavan Kindergarten
Open for Local Families

The Torfavan Kindergarten currently serves 30 children from the villages of Torfavan, but the facility is at risk of closure due to the lack of a separate bedroom required under Armenian kindergarten regulations. Completing this expansion project and installing proper heating are essential in keeping the kindergarten open and continuing to serve the local families.

Completing the expansion and installing a heating system will immediately provide the kindergarten with a dedicated sleeping area and a warmer, more comfortable environment for children and staff. These improvements will allow the kindergarten to continue operating while providing local families with reliable access to early childhood education and care close to home.

A properly functioning and heated kindergarten will help children build strong educational and social foundations while supporting the long-term stability and growth of the community.

Learn More

Meds Masrik Kindergarten Expansion Continues

Construction on the expansion has now been completed, marking an exciting milestone for the project. Renovation work on the kitchen building is also nearing completion, and we are looking forward to celebrating the official opening soon. This progress brings us one step closer to creating an improved and welcoming space for the community to enjoy.

Sari Gat Expands With Donation

Sari Gat, in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur, was able to expand its production and distribution, grow its staff, and purchase more local milk from nearby dairy farmers thanks to the generous support of Jean-Marie & Lori Atamian. This investment created a meaningful economic boost for the village, supporting local families and strengthening the community’s long-term sustainability. Thank you to the Atamian Family for their donation!

Nourishing Armenia Keeps Inspiring

One of the students at Debi Arach Children’s Center who helps out with the Nourishing Armenia Greenhouse was so inspired by the program that she decided to create a mini greenhouse of her own at home! Moments like this show the true impact of the program, not only teaching students about growing food, but inspiring curiosity, creativity, and a lasting connection to sustainability and learning. Contribute to this positive impact here.

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

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

Two Decades of Impact: Charitable Evolution in Armenia

On the next episode of our Two Decade reflection, Peter and Sofia discuss how the needs in Armenia have evolved over the last 20 years. What once focused more on immediate relief has gradually shifted toward long-term development and building sustainable opportunities.

Listen Now
Spotify | Apple | Amazon

 

number of years our SERVICE Armenia trip has been running after this upcoming summer

By Narine
Newsletters
May 2, 2026

This Month at The Paros Foundation – April 2026

Construction on the Paros Housing, After-School and
Vocational Center building is entering its next phase

With the building’s structural reinforcement complete, work now focuses on the roof and interior. With a little luck and your continued support, this complex will be completed and occupied by year’s end! If you are visiting Armenia and would like a tour of the building please let us know!

Learn More

Nourishing Armenia Continuing Education

As part of her work with Nourishing Armenia, Stephanie Sudjian, ran a Continuing Medical Education course for Doctors and Nurses in Yerevan. More than 30 enthusiastic local healthcare professionals attended to learn about Nutrition and its relation to maternity health. In addition, Stephanie met with elderly members of the Association of Healthcare and Assistance to Older People in Yerevan to discuss healthy diets and their relation to elder issues.

2nd ArmHOF Wrestling Competion

The second Armenian Sports Hall of Fame interschool wrestling competition was a huge success! This year, 116 children from across the Tavush region, traveling from as far as Ijevan, came together in Berd to compete, nearly doubling participation from our first event. It’s inspiring to see the program grow, bringing more young athletes together.

New Computers Needed

At Debi Arach Children’s Center, students are excited to learn and explore, but computers that are a decade old hinder this experience. Technology plays such an important role in education today, and with the right tools, these kids can keep growing, creating, and building their futures. With your help, we can provide the new computers they need to move forward and reach their full potential. Learn more and donate here.

Visit To Armenia

Our Executive Director, Peter Abajian, recently traveled to Armenia to visit project sites, meet with our local team, and move key initiatives forward. Being on the ground allows for meaningful collaboration and ensures each project is progressing with care and purpose. These visits are an important part of staying connected to the communities we serve and the work we do together.

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

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

Two Decades of Impact: Armenian Diaspora with Peter Abajian

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

Listen Now
Spotify | Apple | Amazon

 

percentage of graduates from the Hianali Beauty Center Vocational Training program successfully working and earning money in their field

By Narine
Newsletters
April 1, 2026

This Month at The Paros Foundation – March 2026

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

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

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

Learn More

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

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

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

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

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

Med-Aid – FULL
June 25-July 8, 2026

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

Two Decades of Impact: Armenian Diaspora with Peter Abajian

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

Listen Now
Spotify | Apple | Amazon

 

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

By Narine
Newsletters
February 28, 2026

This Month at The Paros Foundation – February 2026

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

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

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

Gyumri Building Is Fully Funded!

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

Tech Aid For Ghoghanj

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

Goris Autism Center

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

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

Med-Aid – FULL
June 25-July 8, 2026

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

Charitable Giving with
Eric Nikssarian, CFP®

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

Listen Now
Spotify | Apple | Amazon

 

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

By Narine
Newsletters
January 31, 2026

Paros Turns 20! Reflections from Executive Director, Peter Abajian

Reflections at the Start of Our 20th Anniversary Year

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

A few impressions from our travels:

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

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

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

Peter Abajian
Executive Director

By Narine
Newsletters
January 6, 2026

This Month at The Paros Foundation – December 2025

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

Year End Campaign – Help Us build Tomorrow

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

Learn More

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

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

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

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

 

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

Listen Now
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Paros will be celebrating its
20th anniversary in 2026

By Narine