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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
February 2, 2024

This Month at The Paros Foundation – January 2024

Artsakh Refugee Support Fund Update
Work on both permanent housing solutions and immediate humanitarian assistance for our brothers and sisters who were displaced last September from Artsakh continues at an aggressive pace.

  • 162 new winter coats were distributed to refugees in Kapan, Kajaran, Gyumri, Vardenis & Goris.
  • Hundreds of pairs of Armenian-made warm winter boots were distributed to refugees in communities including Kapan, Kajaran, Gyumri, Vardenis and Goris.
  • More than 1,100 refugees received clothing in communities including Kapan, Kajaran, Gyumri, Vanadzor, Berd and Goris.
  • Three displaced families from Artsakh have received and are now living in their new permanent homes.
  • Three homes are currently under renovation for the next three displaced families. 
  • Negotiations on two additional homes are completed and both will be purchased in the coming days.
  • Plans are finalized on the construction of 10 new homes for Artsakh families in the community of Kajaran in Armenia’s Syunik Region.  These homes will be completed within three months as a result of innovative construction methods and the full support of the local municipal leadership.

Please consider supporting these important efforts by making a tax-deductible contribution today. Approximately $30,000 will provide permanent housing for a family from Artsakh.

Donate

Hatsik Preschool Renovation
Renovations are almost complete at the Hatsik School for the preschool wing. In a few days, the new classrooms will welcome students back to a warm, clean and bright environment. Thank you to everyone who donated to complete this important project.

Berd Medical Center Renovations
The footings are in! Our construction team in the border community of Berd was successful in digging and pouring the new foundation for the X-ray room addition to the Berd Medical Clinic. As soon as the weather permits, the team will begin blocking up the walls and soon this clinic will be able to operate its new x-ray machine to help their patients.

Paros Executive Director in Armenia
The Paros Foundation’s Executive Director, Peter Abajian, spent half of January and part of February on a regular working visit to Armenia. During his trip, and despite two different snow storms and icy conditions, team members and volunteers traveled to visit project sites in the Syunik, Vayots Dzor, Geghargunik, Tavush, Lori, Shirak and Kotayk Regions.

Nor Hachen Polyclinic
Our Med-Aid effort to improve healthcare in Armenia successfully delivered four vital sign monitors, four otoscopes, and four new portable ultrasound machines, along with other needed supplies for use at the Nor Hachen Polyclinic. In addition, the team signed a purchase contract for a new X-Ray machine for the clinic’s use to replace a 40+ year old machine they currently operate. Learn more here.

Nor Hachen Polyclinic Fundariser
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 2024
June 23, 2024 – July 14, 2024

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. We are currently looking for a coordinator to join the trip. If you or someone you know is interested contact Peter Abajian (310) 400-9061.

In 1993, a group of passionate Armenians knew they could make a positive difference by bringing together their resources and love for Armenia. That is how Developmental Services for Armenia came to be. Our guest, Raffi Bilemjian, walks us through how the foresight of a few passionate individuals has created lasting positive changes for Armenia for over 30 years.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or Amazon.

 

The number of refugees from Artsakh who received clothing in communities including Kapan, Kajaran, Gyumri, Vanadzor, Berd and Goris.

By Narine
Newsletters
December 30, 2023

This Month at The Paros Foundation – December 2023

Secure, Stable, Successful
These three words are not just a slogan for our year-end campaign, but rather they almost perfectly summarize our 17-year approach to making a difference in Armenia through meaningful, effective, and well-implemented projects. Our partnership with you, our supporters, enables us to help both Armenia’s development (especially in communities outside of Yerevan) and, directly help our brothers and sisters with their immediate humanitarian needs including food, medicine, and warm clothing, and improving their living conditions through home renovations and new, permanent housing. If you believe in our mission, like our approach and transparency, and want to make a difference in Armenia, please take this final opportunity in 2023 to make your tax-deductible contribution to the project of your choice today!

Hatsik Preschool Renovation
In 2013 and 2014, The Paros Foundation renovated one of the buildings on the Hatsik School’s campus which includes the school’s kitchen, gym and several of the offices and classrooms. In addition, the village’s preschool is housed on the school’s first floor. Soon, the school’s preschool wing will be completely remodeled, creating a safe, clean and inviting space for the children to begin their education. Work is progressing well and we expect the space to be completed in early 2024.

Nor Ughi Class Renovation
John and June Mangassarian are continuing their work in the village of Nor Ughi through their current support of the renovation of a classroom in the memory of their mothers, at the village School. Last summer when they were visiting Armenia, the Mangassarians cut the ribbon on the newly renovated gym, which they both led the effort to support by reaching out to family and friends and through a generous matching gift. Work on the classroom is moving along and hopefully, the children will return to a newly renovated classroom in the new year!

Save The Date: Med-Aid Armenia 2024

June 23, 2024 – July 5, 2024

Medical professionals and students can give back by joining our 2024 Med Aid Medical trip to Armenia. For more information contact Dr. Krikor Deramerian Med Aid Chair (818)416-7457.

Save The Date: SERVICE Armenia 2024

June 23, 2024 – July 14, 2024

Young people ages 17-22 are able to join us for three amazing weeks in Armenia. Serve, tour and have fun! For more information, contact Peter Abajian (310) 400-9061. Applications are now available, register here.

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 families displaced from Artsakh following the September 23 attack that have now received new, permanent homes in Armenia through The Paros Foundation Artsakh Refugee Support Fund.  Two families have been resettled into the consolidated community of Kajaran in Armenia’s Syunik Region and the other family has moved into the village of Meds Masrik in Armenia’s Gegharkunik Region.  

By Narine
Newsletters
November 30, 2023

This Month at The Paros Foundation – November 2023

Update On Artsakh Refugee Support Fund
As a result of generous support from supporters of The Paros Foundation, 25 homes are now in the process of being purchased, renovated and given to families from Artsakh who have taken refuge in Armenia following the Azeri takeover of Artsakh in late September. This significant number of homes are located in the Kapan community of Kajaran, the Berd community of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur and the Vardenis community of Geghamasar. These 25 permanent homes for families is only the start, and other homes will be purchased, renovated and given to families as more funds are raised. Paros is also proud to be partnered with the Organization of Humanitarian Services for Armenia (DSA), who will be supplying needed appliances for homes for these families. In addition to this important program to help Artsakh refugee families, The Paros Foundation is continuing to distribute “Zadur Shoes” winter boots for women and children, and new clothing as needed.
Donate and learn more here.

Housing, Vocational, & Children’s
Center Groundbreaking
Government officials, staff, friends, and supporters all gathered for the official groundbreaking on October 30, 2023, of The Paros Foundation’s new housing, vocational training and children’s center building in Gyumri. The project budget to complete construction on the entire building is estimated to cost $800,000. $300,000 has already been raised towards this important effort. Learn more and donate here.

Fuel Through Firewood: Gyumri
The harsh winters and extreme poverty lead to people picking through trash to find something that they can burn to keep warm and cook food for their families. Due to the intense cold weather and toxic fumes, children often get sick and are unable to attend school. This effort will ensure that 300 families in Gyumri will receive fuel for heating and cooking through firewood for a month’s period. Donate here.

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur Home Build
After losing her husband in an accident, Karine S. had little hope of having their new home remodeled and made livable for her two young sons. Thanks to the continued support of Jean-Marie Atamian and his family, who have continuously invested in both complete home remodels and home repairs in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur, Karine and her sons will soon be living in a newly renovated and expanded home. With this continued support from the Atamian Family, and our Prosperity on the Border initiative, more than 10% of the village’s homes have been rebuilt and have had significant improvements made to them, helping improve the living conditions and lives of the families in this important border community.

Stepanavan School Bathrooms
Students at the St. Gregory the Illuminator School in Stepanavan returned to school following their fall vacation to 8 of the school’s 15 restrooms fully renovated and ready for use! Construction on the school’s remaining seven restrooms will be completed within the next two weeks. Work on the school’s restrooms follows the replacement of the entire school’s heating system, windows and roof over the school’s gym. Efforts to improve conditions at the school are being led by significant donations from Diane Barsam and her family and friends in memory of her father, Vartkess Barsam, who carefully managed the school’s original construction following the 1988 Spitak Earthquake.

Vanadzor Heating System
In advance of the onslaught of winter, the Vanadzor Music School #3 has received a brand new heating system consisting of new boilers, pipes and radiators throughout the three floors of the school. The old heating system ceased operating at the end of last winter and needed to be completely replaced. This new system will work more efficiently and heat the school better, creating a comfortable environment for the teachers and students. This project was made possible by the generous support of brothers, Arman and Ara Bernardi and their respective families.

Save The Date: Med-Aid Armenia 2024

June 23, 2024 – July 5, 2024

Medical professionals and students are able to give back by joining our 2024 Med Aid Medical Mission to Armenia. For more information contact Dr. Krikor Deramerian Med Aid Mission Chair (818)416-7457.

Save The Date: SERVICE Armenia 2024

June 23, 2024 – July 14, 2024

Young people ages 17-22 are able to join us for three amazing weeks in Armenia. Serve, tour and have fun! Applications available soon. For more information, contact Peter Abajian (310) 400-9061.

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 homes thus far that will be purchased, renovated, and given to refugee families from Artsakh

By Narine
Newsletters
November 1, 2023

This Month at The Paros Foundation – October 2023

To date we have raised about $220,000. Over the past few weeks, Executive Director Peter Abajian, and our entire Armenia team have been on the ground meeting with refugees, assessing their needs, and ultimately coming up with a plan to address their immediate and long-term needs.

Please read more about their findings and how we plan on addressing them here.

Donate Here

Wrestling Competition by ARMHOF
110 kids from 7 different villages and towns in the Tavush region, including participants from Artsakh, attended a wrestling competition, the first one in five years. This is the culmination of months of intramural wrestling support funded through the generosity of ARMHOF via the Paros Foundation including coaches, equipment and training.

Getahovit School Opening
Hovhannes Mardirossian and his wife Anahit visited the Getahovit School to install the plaque marking the completion of work they have led through a matching grant to install a new heating system throughout the school, renovate the school’s chemistry classroom and a new office. The work was done in memory of Hovhannes’ brother, Yessayi Mardirossian. Thank you to the Mardirossian Family for spearheading this project and to all of the donors who made this possible.

KOV Detroit Renovates School
The Knights of Vartan’s Nareg-Shavarashan Lodge of Greater Detroit, USA, has successfully orchestrated the comprehensive renovation of a two-story building at the Knights of Vartan 106th School in Yerevan. This latest round of renovations included the extensive renovation of a smaller building on the school’s campus inclusive of all 13 classrooms across two stories, stairways, and hallways.

Journey Through Armenia
Journey Through Armenia 2023 had a meaningful and productive trip this year! The group was able to visit several Paros project sites as well as implement an excursion with children from the Yerevan Children’s Home and distribute humanitarian aid. Thank you to everyone who joined for this memorable trip!

Artsakh Refugee Crisis
The mass exodus from Artsakh has begun, and the thousands of refugees arriving in Armenia are in need of food, shelter, and basic necessities. Executive Director Peter Abajian breaks down the ongoing crisis in our latest episode of Pari Louys With Paros.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or Amazon.

 

the number of pairs of boots donated and being distributed to refugee families through Paros with the support of Zadur Shoes

By Narine
Newsletters
September 30, 2023

This Month at The Paros Foundation – September 2023

Tens of thousands of Armenians from Artsakh have been driven from their homes and have arrived in Armenia, while others are trying to leave. This dark chapter of our nation’s history has created a humanitarian crisis. While short-term needs are being addressed, Armenia will need serious support to help permanently shelter this number of people from Artsakh.

Our Artsakh Refugee Support Fund was launched with an initial generous donation from Paros supporters, Dr. & Mrs. Gary & Linda Assarian. Funds will be used for both immediate humanitarian needs for refugees and for permanent housing opportunities. Unfortunately, we are in this situation again. Both Armenia and our brothers and sisters from Artsakh need us. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to help support this important effort.

Donate Here

Debi Arach Welcomes Artsakh
The Debi Arach Children’s Center announced that it opened its doors to accept any children from Artsakh who have relocated to Gyumri and will benefit from their services. We are incredibly thankful to our Debi Arach community for opening their doors and hearts to our brothers and sisters from Artsakh.

Aygezard Joins Aygepar Incubator
Welcome to the newest business to join the Aygepar Business Incubator – Aygezard. This sewing enterprise was launched with the help of the Berd Women’s Resource Center Foundation and the Homeland Development Initiative Foundation, with the support of the Eurasia Cooperation Foundation. Aygezard will create jobs for 12 women from Aygepar.

Artsakh Refugee Crisis
The mass exodus from Artsakh has begun, and the thousands of refugees arriving in Armenia are in need of food, shelter, and basic necessities. Executive Director Peter Abajian breaks down the ongoing crisis in our latest episode of Pari Louys With Paros.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or Amazon.

 

 

The number of refugees that have fled from Artsakh to Armenia.

By Narine
Newsletters
August 31, 2023

This Month at The Paros Foundation – August 2023

For 263 days the Azerbaijan Government has illegally blockaded 120,000 men, women and children who call Artsakh their home. This illegal action has led to widespread malnutrition, economic disaster and even most recently death. We cannot allow this attack on Armenians and Christians to go unchecked.

Please take a moment to contact the President, your elected officials and/or the media to urge them to pressure Azerbaijan to end this illegal and inhuman blockade before it is too late.

Knights of Vartan School #106
School 106 in Nor Nork over the last several years has received major upgrades thanks to the Knights of Vartan. Work has included the renovation of the school’s gym, work on its’ auditorium and the renovation of several classrooms and bathrooms for students on the first and second floors of the school. Most recently our team completed the renovations to the hallway on the first floor. If you are in the neighborhood, be sure to visit!

Nor Geghi Kindergarten
The work on replacing the roof at the Nor Geghi Kindergarten was completed earlier this month thanks to the continued support of the Nor Keghi Association based in Michigan. It is noteworthy that the local community also made a significant financial contribution to this work to help ensure it was completed this year prior to the onset of winter.

Aquaponics On The Border
Earlier this summer, we cut the ribbon and began production in the newly built ponics system in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur. This month, the first of our specialty tomatoes were sold in the local Berd marketplace. While it was a small amount, it marks another step in the cycle of this important project: Education, Production, Sales, and Community Reinvestment. We look forward to the continued success of our ponics greenhouse and all that are involved.

Visit Armenia with Paros in October!
Space is still available to join our Journey Through Armenia trip October 20 to November 1. Experience the best of Armenia, visit Paros projects, and help through service work. This ten day itinerary will take you to some of the best tourist sites, restaurants and project sites in Armenia. Please call Peter Abajian at (310) 400-9061 for more information and to reserve your space. Register Here

Debi Arach Student Gets Admitted To College
Another student from Debi Arach will be attending University! Larisa Grigoryan has attended Debi Arach since 2017. She thrived in her academic studies and enjoyed the extracurricular actives as well. She was specifically drawn to English and Math, and this year was admitted to the Department of Mathematics at Shirak State University. She now also volunteers at the center to help others like herself. Congratulations Larissa!

Thank You To Our Birthright Volunteer!
Special thanks to Annie Dilsizian who has been volunteering with us in Vanadzor this past summer. She has been participating in Birthright Armenia and working part time for Paros in Vanadzor. During her tenure, Annie helped with marketing efforts for Paros at the Vanadzor Museum of Fine Arts and Musical Armenia project sites. Thank you Annie!

The Growth of Ponics in Armenia 
How sustainable is farming in Armenia? Remote villages with a lack of access to resources like water or the correct landscape may have difficulty producing crops. That is where systems like ponics come in. Join us as we discover the magic of this growing system that has proven effective in Armenia with MAquaponics co-founder, Kirk Wallace.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or Amazon.

 

The number of days the Azerbaijan Government has illegally blockaded 120,000 people in Artsakh 

By Narine
Newsletters
July 31, 2023

This Month at The Paros Foundation – July 2023

Nor Ughi Gym Opening
On July 13, students, parents, and staff at the Nor Ughi Village School welcomed local and regional officials and donors and staff from The Paros Foundation to the gala ribbon cutting of the school’s new gym. John and June Mangassarian (RI-USA) spearheaded the fundraising for this project, matching all contributions to this important project.

Four New Classrooms at Talin Music School
For the last several years, we have worked to expand the music school in the town of Talin and to make significant improvements to the facility. This summer, we improved four more classrooms for the students studying there. An additional $30,000 is needed to complete this project. Please consider contributing to this important project to help us complete this work. Learn more and contribute here.

9th Artsakh Family Receives A New Home
Arsen Mnatsakanyan, his wife Narine and their four children received a new home in the community of Meds Masrik through the collective efforts of The Paros Foundation and Focus on Children Now. The family, having lost their home during the 2020 war, are now able to begin putting down roots in this village located in Armenia’s Vardenis area. This is the 9th Artsakh family given a home in the community of Meds Masrik.

Work Begins to Clean Out Gyumri Building
SERVICE Armenia participants spent a day this month working at The Paros Foundation’s new building in Gyumri cleaning out trash and preparing for construction to begin. Years of neglect have left the building full of trash and the property overgrown with weeds and brush. More than a truckload of trash and brush was removed from the building! Thank you SERVICE Armenia participants for a job well done!

SERVICE Armenia 2023 Wraps Another Successful Trip
For three weeks 19 young people from throughout the United States created meaningful memories and left their mark on Armenia through The Paros Foundation’s SERVICE Armenia 2023 program. The group based in Yerevan traveled throughout the country and completed service projects in Payuyr Sevak (working at the school and kindergarten), Talin (helping continue the renovation at the music school), Gyumri (Paros Housing, After-School & Vocational Center and at the Debi Arach Children’s Center) and in Yerevan (orphan excursions for children at Nork and Kharpert residential facilities.) More than 150 young people have participated in this life-changing program which connects diasporan youth to the homeland. To express interest in next summer’s program (which is open to young people ages 17 to 22) please email us at info@parosfoundation.org.

Visit Armenia with Paros in October!
Sign up now for The Paros Foundation’s Journey to Armenia trip October 20 to November 1. Experience the best of Armenia, visit Paros projects and help through service work. This ten day itinerary will take you to some of the best tourist sites, restaurants and project sites in Armenia. Please call Peter Abajian at (310) 400-9061 for more information and to reserve your space. Register Here

Med-Aid Armenia 2023 Wrapped
Med-Aid 2023 has officially wrapped! Our group spent their time in Armenia conducting health screenings on children in Yerevan, Gyumri and Paruyr Sevak. Medical professionals and volunteers also worked with their local colleagues in the community of Nor Hachen. We are so thankful for everyone who volunteered their time for this important initiative, and a special thank you to Dr. Krikor Deramerian who led the medical mission.

Ruzan is Working!
A new graduate of the Hianali Beauty Center, a social enterprise launched and supported by the Gary & Linda Assarian Vocational Training Program at Debi Arach, recently was hired to work at the salon. Ruzan is the third student that we have trained and ultimately hired. Of the almost 90 students that have completed their training, more than 75% of them are working in their new field and earning money. Hianali only hires the best of the best in the industry, so we are proud that their own program is contributing to this positive cycle. Congratulations Ruzan!

Hovnanian Family Foundation
Our latest episode of Pari Louys with Paros features Executive Director, Korioun Khatchadourian, from the H. Hovnanian Family Foundation. Since its inception in 1986, the foundation has created a ripple effect of positivity with programs like Birthright Armenia, various scholarships, and projects throughout Armenia. Listen using the link in our bio to learn about the impact this organization has made.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or Amazon.

 

 

The number of SERVICE Armenia Alumni

By Narine
Newsletters
July 1, 2023

This Month at The Paros Foundation – June 2023

Aquaponics Opening
Representatives and supporters from the Austrian Development Agency, the Tavush Regional Government, the Berd Consolidated Community and The Paros Foundation gathered to celebrate the official ribbon cutting and launch of the Ponics Greenhouse and Educational Center adjacent to the village school in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur. The Goshtigian Family from California, who generously supported the project on behalf of The Paros Foundation, were on hand to witness the launch of this cutting-edge agricultural system.

Hianali Has A New Home
We are excited to announce Hianali Beauty Center has moved to a new home! Thank you to everyone who has made this center a success for the past year and a half, especially with the donation and guidance of Dr. & Mrs. Gary & Linda Assarian. Their continued dedication to the people of Gyumri is incredible. We are excited about this next chapter. Stay tuned for more updates once they are fully settled!

SERVICE Armenia 2023
Off To A Great Start
It has been almost one week since our SERVICE Armenia group arrived and they have hit the ground running with touring and service! We are so excited about all that the group has left to do during their two remaining weeks in Armenia!

Med-Aid Armenia 2023
Med-Aid 2023 has officially wrapped! Our group spent their time in Armenia conducting health screenings on children throughout the country. We are so thankful for everyone who volunteered their time for this important initiative.

Journey Through Armenia 2023 Application Is Live!
We are excited to announce the Journey Through Armenia 2023 trip for anyone wanting to visit Armenia this fall! If you are interested please use the link below to fill out an interest form and we will follow up with more information! Register by August 1st, space is limited so don’t wait!
Register Here

Paros Charitable Giving
Did you know that you can add The Paros Foundation to your will? Through charitable giving, you can donate to Paros in various ways. To learn more about this form of giving, listen to our podcast episode with Eric Nikssarian, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional. Please also feel free to reach out with nay questions, we are happy to discuss!

Social Enterprise In Armenia
Our latest episode of Pari Louys With Paros takes a deep dive into learning more about the compelling social enterprise giving model and the impact it’s making throughout the country with Dr. Gary Assarian, who has led the charge in Gyumri.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or Amazon.

 


# of participants currently on SERVICE Armenia 2023

By Narine
Newsletters
June 5, 2023

This Month at The Paros Foundation – May 2023

New Kindergarten in Marmashen Village

The Shirak Region community of Marmashen now has a functioning kindergarten thanks to this collaborative project between the local community, Focus on Children Now, The Paros Foundation and its donor Ms. Jeanette Boras (CA-USA). The Gala celebration took place on May 4th, 2023 with representatives in attendance from the local community, FCN, parents, Paros staff and most importantly, the students! Up to 60 children will be able to attend kindergarten for the first time in Marmashen. Not only is this a huge benefit for the children as far as socialization and early education, but it is a direct benefit for their families as the children are there for a full day. This is the third Shirak Region community that has benefited from a kindergarten through this collaboration. The other two kindergartens are located in the communities of Keti and Jajur and were sponsored through the generous support of Mark & Charlene Asdourian (CA-USA) last year. The trilateral partnership on these three kindergarten projects broke down as follows: The local communities renovated the buildings to house the kindergartens, Focus on Children Now provided all of the necessary furniture for the children including lockers, tables, chairs, beds and bedding, and The Paros Foundation provided all of the kitchen cabinets, appliances, and all of the cooking, serving and eating settings.

Sswweeeeeet! The Honey Project is Expanding!

Thanks to individual family sponsorships and a generous donation from Dr. & Mrs. Gary & Linda Assarian (MI-USA) the Armenian Honey Project will be expanding into the Shirak Region village of Gusanagyugh near Gyumri. Generous individual support helped fund 32 new beehives. The Assarian family is not only funding 18 more, but their support is sponsoring a new beekeeper’s salary for one year along with field preparatory work that needs to take place prior to the new 50 hives being located within this new community. In addition to creating new jobs in this community, the locally produced honey will ultimately be packaged in the Assarian Clean Kitchen at the Aygepar Business Incubator in Tavush, thus creating new employment opportunities there as well. The economic impact of this project so generously supported by both the Assarian Family and individual donors around the country is significant through both the creation of these three fields of hives, the education taking place in local school curriculums and the packaging and selling of the honey. All in all, this is a pretty sweet project!

$4,000 Remains to Complete Matching Grant

Following a major matching grant funded generously by Mr. & Mrs. Hovhannes & Anahit Mardirossian (NJ-USA) aimed at installing a proper heating system on an emergency basis at the school in the Tavush village of Getahovit, enough funds have been raised over the last 18 months to rebuild the school’s boiler room, replace two boilers, replace all of the school’s heating pipes and radiators, rebuild the school’s chemistry lab and store room, and build a new administrative office for part of the school’s administrative team. Because of the number of students at the school, the school now plans on utilizing a wing of the school that was previously not in service. A third boiler needs to be installed to properly heat that portion of the school. Hovhannes and his wife, Anahit, have again agreed to match all contributions needed to complete this important project of $8,000. We currently need donations of $4,000 to purchase and install the boiler at the school. Learn more and donate here.

Scholarship Fund Created for Komitas Conservatory
Thanks to the vision of the Cultural Society of Istanbul Armenians in Detroit, Michigan, and in memory of one of their supporters, a new scholarship fund is being created that will help a few select students on an annual basis attend the Komitas Conservatory. The Komitas Conservatory is the premier institution in Armenia for musical and vocal education. More on this exciting new fund next month!

Working Towards a New X-ray Machine for Nor Hachen

On May 21, an enthusiastic group of Paros friends and supporters gathered at Momed restaurant in the Atwater Village neighborhood of Los Angeles to both enjoy one another’s company, an excellent meal and raise funds towards purchasing a new x-ray machine for the Nor Hachen Poly Clinic located about 30 minutes north of Yerevan. During last year’s Med Aid Medical Mission to Armenia, our team of healthcare professionals led by Dr. Krikor Deramerian, spent the day at the clinic and learned of this tremendous need and committed to helping raise the necessary funds to purchase a new machine. The event itself, along with additional support from donations made that evening and contributions from people who were unable to attend, has raised more than half of the funds required to complete this important purchase. The community of Nor Hachen serves more than 30,000 residents and their existing machine from Soviet times is unsafe to use. Learn more and help support this important initiative here.

Journey To Armenia 2023 Interest Form

Experience all Armenia has to offer through an exciting 10 day itinerary, which will include several visits to UNESCO world heritage sites, amazing cultural outings and several visits to Paros project sites. Opportunities to interact with Armenia’s children through service work will certainly leave you with a memorable and lasting impression. Delicious food, premium accommodations and transportation and English-speaking staff and guides ensure all will have a meaningful experience. If you are interested please fill out the form here and we will follow up with more information as it is available!

Adopting a village in Armenia has become an increasingly popular philanthropic model. By rallying efforts around one village, donors are able to make a big difference for people of one community in a meaningful way. Join us as guest Stepan Piligian shares his experience leading the charge on adopting a village in Armenia.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or Amazon.

The Birthright Armenia program brings together Armenians from all over the world to experience their ancestral homeland, give back, and ultimately fulfill their birthright. Join us as we interview country director, Sevan Kabakian, about this incredible organization.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or Amazon.

 

 

The number of kindergartens
Paros has renovated

By Narine
Newsletters
April 30, 2023

This Month at The Paros Foundation – April 2023

Nor Hachen Poly Clinic X-ray Fundraiser
The Nor Hachen Poly Clinic is a full-service medical center, and its existing x-ray machine is unsafe to use and more than 50 years old. A quality portable X-ray will cost approximately $50,000 USD. Our goal is to raise the funds necessary to purchase and deliver a quality machine to the clinic. Any excess funds will be used to purchase additional needed equipment for the clinic. Learn more and donate here.

Sponsor-A-Hive
Sponsor-A-Hive is back for a second time! We are raising funds to launch 50 hives in a new community through the Aygepar Business Incubator and have 16 hives left to sponsor. Expanded honey production will create commercially viable quantities of honey both for local consumption and export. With every $300 donation, you will be able to support one hive, as well as receive a jar of honey with a customizable label. Donate here. Customize label here.

Getahovit School Heating System
Work on expanding the heating system at the Getahovit School is progressing. To complete the expanded heating system we need to raise $4,000. Thanks to the generosity of the Hovhannes Mardirossian & Anahit Ghazaryan, this amount will be matched. Learn more and donate here.

Tavush Wrestling Program
Schools involved in the Tavush Wrestling project with border communities in Tavush have begun their training. Students and coaches are excited and preparing for their upcoming intramural competition in September. Thank you to the Armenian Sports Hall Of Fame for making this happen! Learn more here.

Save The Date Fundraiser For Nor Hachen
Join us in Los Angeles on May 21st for a fundraiser benefiting the Nor Hachen Poly Clinic. This clinic serves an area that includes almost 13,000 people. Although the Clinic is a full-service medical center, its existing X-ray machine is unsafe and more than 50 years old. Contact Peter Abajian (310) 400-9061 or learn more and RSVP here.

Med-Aid Armenia 2023
Med-Aid Armenia is back again this summer from June 19th – June 29th, 2023! Join our medical group as they make an impact throughout Armenia through medical exams, research, and more! This trip is open to all medical professionals and medical students. Learn more here.

Join us as we hear firsthand what life is like for a tour guide in Armenia with Marine Khatchatryan, a freelance tour guide working with SIMA Tours and also a member of the Paros Team.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or Amazon.

The percentage of women that participated in one of our free vocational training courses at the Hianali Beauty Center and vocational training program sponsored by Dr. Gary and Mrs. Linda Assarian and are now earning money in their new career.

By Narine