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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

Category: Newsletters

Newsletters
May 30, 2025

This Month at The Paros Foundation – May 2025

Construction at Knights of Vartan School 106
and Nor Ughi School Science Laboratory Has Begun

With schools finishing for the summer and temperatures rising, reconstruction of classrooms at the Knights of Vartan School 106 and Nor Ughi School Science Laboratory has begun!

When students return in the fall for the school year, these spaces will be beautifully redone and ready for them to enjoy. Stay tuned for updates.

Tech Aid For Vardenis
Access to computers and printers remains limited in many small towns and villages across Armenia. Providing students with these tools equips them with essential digital skills, enabling them to complete homework more efficiently and connect with opportunities around the world. We are working to provide 24 computers and 12 printers. Learn more and donate here.

Furniture For Artsakh
Refugee Families
Two homes in the village of Meds Masrik are under construction for two Artsakh Refugee families. With the generous donation of Paros friend & donor, Diane Barsam, these families will soon be able to enjoy their safe, clean, and stable homes. Our goal is to provide these families with brand new furniture to make their houses feel like homes upon moving in. We are still raising $6,500 to make this a reality. Contribute here.

Debi Arach Has Drones
Through funding to the High Tech Education for Children project, Debi Arach has their very own drone which they have been using to give the kids lessons.

This is one of many ways the children of Debi Arach are intriduced to technology from a young age, hoping to spark interest and potential careers in the tech industry.

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Have you given our podcast a listen? Pari Louys with Paros is your connection to the motherland, where we will learn, grow, and better Armenia, together!
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the number of Artsakh families who have received a new permanent home in Armenia
By Narine
Newsletters
May 1, 2025

This Month at The Paros Foundation – April 2025

Gyumri Governor Visits Debi Arach For
10 Year Anniversary

Celebrations for Debi Arach Children’s Center’s 10 years kicked off with a big celebration with all the children, families, and guests. The center even had a special visit from the Governor of Gyumri, David Arushanyan!

We are so proud of the incredible 10 years this center has had, and cannot wait for many many more years of bringing enrichment to the children of Gyumri!

Support Debi Arach here!

Packs On Backs 2025
Packs on Backs is back for another school year! Help a child in Gyumri feel confident at school with a new backpack full of supplies!

For $35, each child at the Debi Arach Children’s Center will be provided a backpack filled with age-appropriate supplies for a successful school year. Join us as we put packs on backs for the upcoming school year! Learn more and donate here!

Groceries For Gyumri 2025
Groceries For Gyumri is back for another summer! 50 additional food packs will be distributed by SERVICE Armenia 2025.

Each packet will cost $50 and will include basic staples including personal hygiene products, non-perishable food items such as rice, flour, sugar, salt, oil, and pasta. The packets will also include fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products and canned meats. Donate a food pack here.

Spring Has Sprung
Spring is officially here in Armenia and our orchard in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur is in full bloom!

This orchard serves as an economic source for the village, as well as a learning garden for the school. We are so proud of another beautiful harvest of fruit. Learn more here.

A Day of Play
The first of many fun days of play at the Paruyr Sevak School Sports Court with our new sports goods donated by St. James Armenian Church Los Angeles Sunday School families!

The children jumped right into play and are excited to enjoy the sports court, also a new addition in the past few years by Hoops 4 Hayastan.

Have you given our podcast a listen? 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 fruit trees in the orchard at Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

By Narine
Newsletters
April 2, 2025

This Month at The Paros Foundation – March 2025

Nourishing Armenia Kicks off at Debi Arach!

Students at Debi Arach were introduced to a new world of food this month thanks to Stephanie Sudjian and her Nourishing Armenia efforts. This multi-phased project provides education, food related, fun, hands-on activities and will soon have a living classroom at its flagship greenhouse location at the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri. Stephanie will be back this summer to oversee several fun activities and the new curriculum’s instruction she developed for Nourishing Armenia.

Help support this important effort here!

This quarter, our work to assist our brothers and sisters displaced from Artsakh continued.    Here is what we accomplished:

  • Moved 2 additional families into new, permanent homes into the town of Vardenis (Vardenis Consolidated Community) and village of Babikavan (Kajaran Consolidated Community). These two families were overjoyed with their new homes complete with new furniture and appliances.
  • Provided firewood to 27 families displaced from Artsakh and now living in the community of Meds Masrik during the coldest months of winter to allow them to both heat their homes and cook.
  • Distributed clothing and new warm, winter boots to more than 100 displaced families.

Contribute to our Artsakh Refugee Support Fund here.

Packs On Backs
Packs on Backs is back for another school year! Help a child in Gyumri feel confident at school with a new backpack full of supplies!

For $35, each child at the Debi Arach Children’s Center will be provided a backpack filled with age-appropriate supplies for a successful school year. Join us as we put packs on backs for the upcoming school year! Learn more and donate using here!

Boghos and Shake Derderian hosted a gathering this month for their family and friends to learn more about the efforts of The Paros Foundation to positively impact Armenia and support our important work. Peter Abajian, Executive Director, also spoke at the St. Sahag & St. Mesrop Armenian Apostolic Church Lenten Luncheon Program following Church Services. Thank you to the Derderian family for hosting and arranging for such a wonderful opportunity for Paros to connect in Philadelphia!

We are excited to announce our SERVICE Armenia 2025 trip is full with a record number of participants! 30 diasporan youth will enjoy all Armenia has to offer this summer. We can’t wait!

Are you a medical resident? Join us on Med-Aid 2025! Make an immediate impact through medical checks throughout the country and a lasting impact through trainings for local medical staff to make preventative care the norm in Armenia!

Learn more and apply to make a positive difference in Armenia here.

**Note: participants must apply for approval from their residency program to receive credit.

Promoting teamwork, building confidence, and developing valuable life skills are just a few of the benefits of organized sports that Hoops 4 Hayastan is bringing to children all throughout Armenia

Listen to our latest episode to hear from founder Garen and board member Natalie on how they combined their passion for basketball and their love for Armenia to benefit the greater good. 🏀

Listen now on
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the number of SERVICE Armenia participates for this summer’s program (full house!)

By Narine
Newsletters
March 1, 2025

This Month at The Paros Foundation – February 2025

Debi Arach Children’s Center
Celebrates 10th Year!

In April 2015 as the 100th project of The Paros 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity campaign we launched the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri.

Over the last 10 years, we have provided life changing services for more than 1,800 children from economically disadvantaged families, helping them move towards the goal of becoming self-sufficient, economically successful citizens of Gyumri through intense academic, humanitarian and nutritional support.

Stay tuned for a host of fun activities throughout the year to commemorate this monumental event!

Verishen Adult Center Update
On January 31, 2025, The Paros Foundation joined the celebration in the Goris community of Verishen to mark the completion of construction on the Community Living for Older Refugees. Eight people who lost their homes in Artsakh following its 2023 ethnic cleansing will be able to live in this forever home with dignity and modern convenience. Future plans include the addition of a fruit orchard, chicken coop and greenhouse to provide both economic and social activities for residents.

Paros Housing, After-School
& Vocational Center
Construction permits have been secured and construction will begin shortly for the multi-use center located in Gyumri. Once completed 16 families will receive new apartments. 16 domiks will be demolished and the land returned to the city for public use. 100 children will receive the benefits proven through the programing at Debi Arach and 8 to 10 full time employment positions will be created at the new location. Learn more here.

Med-Aid Nor Hachen Clinic Training
The Med-Aid team has been working with the Nor Hachen team to prepare both for ongoing training and for their summer medical mission. With the installation of a new teleconference equipment, the clinic has held its first ACEs training for clinic staff.

Shgharshik School Gym Renovation
Help give the students of Shgharshik a usable gym space! 60 students that attend the Shgharshik Secondary School cannot use the school’s gym because it is in need of a full renovation. Over the useful life of the school’s gym renovation, an estimated 2,000 children will receive the benefits of sports at their school.

Join the efforts of Arev Gabriel and her community who have been working to raise funds to make this project possible here!

There are a few spots left for our 2025 SERVICE Armenia summer trip! Meet other participants from the diaspora and experience all Armenia has to offer on this three-week long trip!

June 25-July 16, 2025 | Ages 17-23
Sign Up Here!

Are you a medical resident? Join us on Med-Aid 2025! Make an immediate impact through medical checks throughout the country and a lasting impact through trainings for local medical staff to make preventative care the norm in Armenia!

Learn more and apply to make a positive difference in Armenia next summer here.

**Note: participants must apply for approval from their residency program to receive credit.

Have you given our podcast a listen? 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 # of years Med-Aid has made
a difference in Armenia

By Narine
Newsletters
February 1, 2025

2025 – The Year of Action

Two Additional Artsakh Refugee Families Receive A New Home
Martin Grigoryan, his wife, and four children, one of which is a newborn received their new home in Vardenis! Their three bedroom home is now a safe and permanent space they can raise their family.

Vahan Atayan, along with his wife, two children, grandparents and uncle moved into their new three bedroom home in Babaikavan Village/Kajaran Community. This new space offers ample room to gather as a family to make the best of their new life in this community.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support our Artsakh Refugee Support Fund. It is with your help these life changing moves are possible.
Learn more about our Artsakh Refugee Support Fund here.

Nor Geghi Kindergarten
Gym Opening
The Paros Team visited the Nor Geghi Kindergarten to cut the ribbon on the new gym that was renovated thanks to the ongoing support and generosity of the Nor Keghi Association. More than 75 children will benefit from this new gym space!

The Paros team was in Gyumri this week to hold meetings with local and regional leadership regarding our programs and the progress on the Paros Housing, After-School & Vocational Center. These meetings included time with both the Shirak Region Governor, David Arushanyan, and Gyumri Mayor, Sarik Minasyan. We are looking forward to the great work we can all accomplish together!

Are you a medical resident? Join us on Med-Aid 2025! Make an immediate impact through medical checks throughout the country and a lasting impact through trainings for local medical staff to make preventative care the norm in Armenia!

Learn more and apply to make a positive difference in Armenia next summer here.

**Note: participants must apply for approval from their residency program to receive credit.

On our newest episode of Pari Louys With Paros, we interview Integrative & Functional Registered Dietitian, Stephanie Sudjian, to discuss what people in Armenia are doing correctly and how she is working to help improve the habits that may not be the healthiest for overall well-being.

Listen now on
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the # of full and part time jobs created in Armenia to date through our efforts

By Narine
Newsletters
December 29, 2024

This Month at The Paros Foundation – December 2024

Make Your Year End Contribution Today!

This year, our year-end campaign focuses on the impact on the vital border community of Vardenis. By improving all parts of this community our goal is to raise the overall well-being of the people who call it home. Join us in uplifting this community in more ways than one this holiday season!

Artsakh Refugee Resettlement

Several more families are hoping to make the community of Vardenis their permanent home. Funding permitting, the Paros team will continue our existing housing resettlement program, which purchases, renovates, furnishes and gives these refugee families 90% ownership in their new homes. The balance of ownership will be transferred to them in 10 years to ensure a stable home for their entire family.

The budget to permanently resettle an average family of six people is $35,000, which includes a fully renovated and furnished home, furniture and appliances.

Donate Here

Humanitarian Aid

Meds Masrik School Renovation

Vardenis Adult Recreation Center

Paros friends and donors Dr. Gary & Mrs. Linda Assarian are matching donations up to $7,500 for our Artsakh Refugee Families Humanitarian Aid efforts! These funds will help us distribute important items such as firewood for heating and cooking, clothing, winter boots, and food packs to these families during the cold winter months.

The school in Meds Masrik currently has 425 students including 45 from Artsakh, and needs additional renovations to accommodate these new students. Once renovated, these classrooms will house the 4th- 8th grade students. The renovation for this wing will cost $95,000 including a new roof, furniture and heating system.

Elderly refugees from Artsakh have settled into this community and often are lonely. We have raised the funds necessary with the generous support of Patrick & Mary Goshtigian to renovate this center to both provide elderly refuges and other elderly villagers a place to gather, have a hot meal and engage in meaningful interactions.  

Double Your Impact
Donate Here
Learn More

Additional Artsakh Refugee
Family Receives New Home
The Harutyunyan family, Eric, his wife, two children and their grandmother received a new home in the city of Vardenis. The family is looking forward to a new start in a new space they can call home. Thank you to everyone who made this new start possible for the Harutyunyan family. Learn more about our Artsakh Refugee Support Fund here.

Paros Visits The East Coast
Members of our Paros team traveled to Boston to participate in several community activities including speaking at the annual Holy Translators Christmas Brunch about the Community Living for Elderly Refugee project, visiting the Holy Trinity’s annual Christmas Bazaar and speaking following church services. We also held strategy meetings regarding our Nourishing Armenia project, work taking place at Payuyr Sevak and other ongoing projects and upcoming efforts.

SERVICE Armenia 2025 Applications
Space is still available for our SERVICE Armenia 2025 summer trip! Join other diasporan Armenians for an incredible opportunity to connect with other Armenians, give back, and tour our Homeland.

The trip is happening June 25-July 16, 2025) and is open to participants ages 17-23. Spots are limited, apply here!

Join Med-Aid 2025!
Why join our medical trip? It’s simple, we have a goal to establish preventative care as a norm in Armenia. You can be a part of that change.

Join us June 21st – July 3rd, 2025 for an impactful and meaningful medical trip. All expertise levels are welcomed. Learn more and apply to make a positive difference in Armenia next summer here.

Have you given our podcast a listen? 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 # of spots left on SERVICE
Armenia 2025

By Narine
Newsletters
November 29, 2024

This Month at The Paros Foundation – November 2024

Renovated Hatsik Preschool Re-opens!

The Hatsik Preschool in the Armavir Region of Armenia is now reopened! After being fully renovated by Paros and fully furnished by Focus on Children Now, the kids, staff, and community are excited for this new space. Thank you to everyone who made this possible!

Community Living For Older Refugees So excited to announce that the work is ongoing on the “Community Living for Older Refugees” Home in Verishen settlement of Goris community in Syunik province of Armenia. Thank you, UNHCR Armenia and European Union for your generous and timely support and Action Against Hunger South Caucasus for ensuring sound technical assistance in the renovation of a new home for refugees and local older people in Goris community.

New Water Pipes Brings Water To Families Thanks to the Atamian Family and their support, nine families in newly constructed homes in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur will have now have access to running water in their homes. Prior to the installation of this piping infrastructure these families did not have access to running water readily available in this part of town.

2022-23 Annual Report Is Here!
Our mission is to remain transparent in all of our projects here at Paros. Our Annual Report serves as a way to give the public a look at what we have accomplished, how we accomplished it, and who helped make it happen. We invite you to skim the pages and learn where your donor dollars are going each year.
Learn more here!

SERVICE Armenia 2025 Applications SERVICE Armenia 2025 summer applications are now live, and we already have applicants! This trip is an incredible opportunity to connect with other Armenians, give back, and tour our Homeland.

The trip is happening June 25-July 16, 2025) and is open to participants ages 17-23. Spots are limited, apply here!

Med-Aid 2025 Applications Now Live!
Why join our medical trip? It’s simple, we have a goal to establish preventative care as a norm in Armenia. You can be a part of that change. 


Join us June 21st – July 3rd, 2025 for an impactful and meaningful medical trip. All expertise levels are welcomed. Learn more and apply to make a positive difference in Armenia next summer here.

Looking For Laptops
We are looking for six new or gently used laptops for Debi Arach Children’s Center to replace some of the older laptops in the computer room. If you or anyone you know is interested in donating, please contact Peter Abajian peter@parosfoundation.org.

Have you given our podcast a listen? 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 # of kids that attend the Meds Marsik School

By Narine
Newsletters
November 1, 2024

This Month at The Paros Foundation – October 2024

Khndzoresk Kindergarten Receives Complete Renovation

Earlier this month representatives from the local community, lead project sponsor, Adrienne Krikorian, representatives of The Paros Foundation and officials of the consolidated community of Goris gathered for the re-opening celebration of Khndzoresk Kindergarten. This renovation will now allow the kindergarten to facilitate the early education for up to 100 children from this important border community.

Two Additional Refugee Families
Get Permanent Homes
The Telyan Family received their home in Meds Masrik, which was the second home they received after having to relocate in 2023. They had originally been given a home through our Emergency Resettlement program in Maghavuz, Artsakh, following the 2020 war. Their family of seven is looking forward to having a stable place to call home.

The Harutunyan Family moved into their home in Geghamasar with parents and six boys. Their family is thankful for this new beginning where their children can thrive.

Thank you to everyone who has supported this initiative for these families. We are proud of all that has been accomplished and the positive impact these efforts continue to make. Our work is not done yet, learn more and donate here!

Nor Geghi Kindergarten Gym Under Way
The work on the Nor Geghi Kindergarten Gym is underway! This renovation will allow 80+ students to enjoy and utilize the space for many fun activities. Learn more about this project here.

Nor Hachen Clinic Update
Thanks to the successful Med-Aid Cuban Night Fundraiser generously hosted by the Haddadian Family, a Slit Lamp Bio Microscope for eye exams was purchased for the clinic’s use. In addition, to improve the quality of management and care, the clinic’s director and emergency medicine doctor both began Master’s programs in their respective fields with scholarships provided by The Paros Foundation.

SERVICE Armenia 2025 Applications
SERVICE Armenia 2025 summer applications are now live, and we already have applicants! This trip is an incredible opportunity to connect with other Armenians, give back, and tour our Homeland.

The trip is happening June 25-July 16, 2025 and is open to participants ages 17-23. Spots are limited, apply here!

Looking For Laptops
We are looking for six new or gently used laptops for Debi Arach Children’s Center to replace some of the older laptops in the computer room.

If you or anyone you know is interested in donating, please contact Peter Abajian peter@parofoundation.org.

 

Have you given our podcast a listen? 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 # of people the Nor Hachen Clinic serves

By Narine
Newsletters
October 1, 2024

This Month at The Paros Foundation – September 2024

Cuban Night was a huge success! It was such a fun evening raising substantial money for the clinic. This additional funding will help our ongoing efforts to improve the healthcare system in Armenia.

A very big thank you to the Haddadian Family for hosting this incredible evening and to everyone who attended and supported our efforts! Shout out to Mission Wine & Spirits, Old Oaks Cigar Company and Cherub Coffee for providing incredible cigars and coffee for the night and for their donations towards the clinic!

Chakhruk Music Festival In Gosh Village
The children of Debi Arach and Kharpert Home For Special Children participated in the Chakhruk Music Festival where they showcased their art and honey made at the center in Gyumri. The children toured Goshavank Monastery and ultimately had a day filled with friendship and culture.

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur Gets A New Sports Court
It’s time for sports at this beautiful new sports court that was just completed at the Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur Primary School. A huge thank you to Dr. & Mrs. Gary & Linda Assarian for sponsoring this effort and creating a space that will bring so much joy to the community!

Levon Bosnoyan Chess Room Floors
The Levon Bosnoyan Chess Room in Vanadzor was renovated in memory of Levon and his love for chess.

A few years since his passing, his family wanted to honor his birthday and continue making the classroom a bright part of these children’s lives. Thank you to the Bosnoyan Family for keeping his memory alive in this meaningful way.

 

Have you given our podcast a listen? 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

 

Wishing You Luck!

We wanted to wish our latest Paros team member, Annie Dilsizian, all the best as she embarks on her next steps in her career! Thank you for all that you have done to help Paros!

 

 

The number of pounds of honey harvested from our three field this season

By Narine
Newsletters
August 31, 2024

This Month at The Paros Foundation – August 2024

60 is the new 50 Fundraiser A Huge Success!

Thank you EVERYONE for the kind greetings and generous donations in honor of my 60th Birthday. I am humbled and overwhelmed with your friendship and generosity. We have raised more than $15,000 for our work and Debi Arach, and for this I am so grateful! Thank you, thank you!
-Peter Abajian

Artsakh Refugee Family Gets New Home
We are proud to announce an additional Artsakh refugee family has received permanent housing through our Artsakh Refugee Support Fund! Hovik, a contract soldier, was off fighting while his wife, children, and father fled out of Artsakh last year. Now reunited, they will be living in their permanent home in Geghamasar where they will have a fresh start and not have to worry about their living situation.

It’s Honey Season!
It is honey harvesting season, and the Paros hives are ready to be enjoyed by all! If you are in Armenia or traveling there soon reach out about purchasing honey from our hives.

These hives have offered econcomic opportunities for rural communities, keeping the entire process local and self-sufficient. Learn more about this initiative here.

New X-Ray & Ultrasound at
Nor Hachen Clinic
We are proud to announce that with your help, not only does Nor Hachen Clinic now have a new x-ray machine, but also a new ultrasound machine! A huge thank you to Dr. Krikor Deramerian for spearheading this initiative and for everyone who attended our Los Angeles fundraiser to make this happen. The community will greatly benefit from this update in their medical facility.

Cuban Night For Nor Hachen Clinic
Join us for a Cuban-themed night filled with lots of great food, unique auction items, and incredible people all for a great cause! Happening in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 15th, we will be gathering to enjoy a fun-filled night benefitting the continued improvements to the Nor Hachen Clinic. Learn more and reserve your spot here.

Dadourian & Barmakian Families Visit
The Dadourian & Barmakian Families joined the Paros team for a meaningful trip to Armenia! Their first stop was in Gyumri, where they visited Debi Arach Children’s Center, which they have been the main supporters of since its inception in 2015. The next day, a trip to Lake Sevan with a stop in Meds Masrik to contribute to the construction of a home for an Artsakh refugee family, was full of incredible moments. And lastly being present for a ribbon cutting in Geghamasar for a new home for an Artsakh refugee family, ended an impactful week together!

Bringing Garment Production to Armenia with Ashod Spendjian
It’s a rare occurrence to look at your clothing label and read “Made In Armenia.” Our guest Ashod Spendjian, and his family, with deep roots in the apparel industry, have set out to change this. Listen as Ashod explains this goal and how they are setting out to achieve it.

Listen now on Spotify or Apple!

50k for 60 Years with
Peter Abajian
Happy Birthday Peter Abajian! They say 60 is the new 50 and as our podcast guest this month Peter is the perfect example that age is just a number! To celebrate this milestone birthday, we are raising $50,000 towards Debi Arach Children’s Center Operating Budget!

Listen now on Spotify or Apple!

 

 

Number of SERVICE Armenia Alumni

By Narine