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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: Paros Blog

Paros Blog
June 9, 2026

You Can Still Join Young Professionals In Armenia This August!

There is still time to join us in Armenia this summer! A limited number of spots remain for this 10-day adventure designed for young professionals ages 23–45 who want to connect with incredible people, make a meaningful impact, and create lifelong memories.

Participants will take part in hands-on service projects, explore Armenia through unique excursions and cultural experiences, and enjoy plenty of opportunities for fun, relaxation, and connection. Guided by the experienced Paros team, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Armenia while contributing to projects that make a real difference. If you’ve been considering joining us, now is the time—there’s still a chance to be part of this unforgettable experience.

Sign Up Here
Learn More

• Visit and tour Armenia, while gaining valuable life experiences
• Tour historical, religious and cultural sites throughout Armenia
• Meet other 23- 45-year-olds from throughout the United States
• Travel and adventure together
• Serve Armenia with both Diasporan and local volunteers
• You do not need to be Armenian to participate. Everyone is welcome!
• Professional and experienced, English speaking staff and guides
• Create a lifetime of great memories and friends!

Sign Up Here
By Narine
Paros Blog
May 5, 2026

SERVICE Armenia 2026 Deadline is Approaching🇦🇲

Your deadline to apply is approaching but there’s still time
to join us in Armenia this summer!

This is your chance to be part of a meaningful journey that
combines service, cultural exploration, and connection.

You’ll work alongside local communities, experience Armenia in a deeper way, and build friendships that last well beyond the trip.

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of something impactful.

Join us while space is still available!

Apply Now
July 2 – July 23, 2026 | Ages 17-22

Participants implement several projects, including helping renovate village school classrooms and distributing humanitarian and educational supplies in rural communities.

Visit historic and religious sites such as Lake Sevan, the Mother See of the Armenian Church at Etchmiadzin, Garni, Geghard, Khor Virab, Noravank, and more! Additionally, an overnight trip will be organized to Armenia’s second largest city, Gyumri.

The group will live, work, tour, and play together, creating a lasting bonding experience. Participants will be able to enjoy several meals at many excellent Yerevan restaurants during planned group dinners, and/or prepare meals for themselves during the trip.

Participant Requirements Have Been Updated!

In addition, each participant is required to fundraise a minimum of $3,000 in donations prior to the start of the SERVICE Armenia 2026 trip. Participants may choose one of the following initiatives to support through their fundraising efforts:

  • Debi Arach Children’s Center Food Program
  • Humanitarian Aid for the Debi Arach Children’s Center (including backpacks, school supplies, winter coats and boots, shoes, and groceries for families in need)
  • Paros Housing, After-School & Vocational Center Project
  • Paros Chamber Choir
  • The Paros Foundation’s Operational Support

Participants are also asked to download, complete, and return the Fundraising Plan Form to The Paros Foundation, outlining their intended fundraising activities and goals.

Apply Here
Fundraising Plan Form
By Narine
Paros Blog
February 18, 2026

SERVICE Armenia 2026 Info Session – Open to All!

Interested in SERVICE Armenia?

Join our info session on Saturday, 2/21 at 9am PST to learn more about the trip, ask questions, and explore what the experience includes. It’s open to anyone so join us and see if this trip is right for you.

Zoom Link

details to join also found at bottom of email

July 2 – July 23, 2026 | Ages 17-22

Participants implement several projects, including helping renovate village school classrooms and distributing humanitarian and educational supplies in rural communities.

Visit historic and religious sites such as Lake Sevan, the Mother See of the Armenian Church at Etchmiadzin, Garni, Geghard, Khor Virab, Noravank, and more! Additionally, an overnight trip will be organized to Armenia’s second largest city, Gyumri.

The group will live, work, tour, and play together, creating a lasting bonding experience. Participants will be able to enjoy several meals at many excellent Yerevan restaurants during planned group dinners, and/or prepare meals for themselves during the trip.

Participant Requirements Have Been Updated!

In addition, each participant is required to fundraise a minimum of $3,000 in donations prior to the start of the SERVICE Armenia 2026 trip. Participants may choose one of the following initiatives to support through their fundraising efforts:

  • Debi Arach Children’s Center Food Program
  • Humanitarian Aid for the Debi Arach Children’s Center (including backpacks, school supplies, winter coats and boots, shoes, and groceries for families in need)
  • Paros Housing, After-School & Vocational Center Project
  • Paros Chamber Choir
  • The Paros Foundation’s Operational Support

Participants are also asked to download, complete, and return the Fundraising Plan Form to The Paros Foundation, outlining their intended fundraising activities and goals.

Apply Here
Fundraising Plan Form

Zoom Info:

Topic: SERVICE Armenia 2026 Info Session
Time: Feb 21, 2026 09:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85739859270

Meeting ID: 857 3985 9270

—
One tap mobile
+16694449171,,85739859270# US
+16699006833,,85739859270# US (San Jose)
—

Join by SIP
• 85739859270@zoomcrc.com

Join instructions
https://us06web.zoom.us/meetings/85739859270/invitations?signature=dQSfCQnsXqC6Kgxd278RZYeBqPMOnFFrCrDb59zZk8E

By Narine
Paros Blog
February 10, 2026

Paros Housing, After-School & Vocational Center Continues To Move Forward!

Paros Housing, After-School & Vocational
Center in Gyumri is Fully Funded!

Because of your support, 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. We look forward to opening our doors later this year and beginning this next chapter of impact together.

Learn More

The 1988 Spitak Earthquake caused the death of more than 35,000 people and left more than 100,000 people homeless. Armenia’s second largest city, Gyumri, was most affected by the earthquake. In the years that followed, Armenia’s Independence, the Artsakh War and corrupt regional and local officials contributed to a massive housing crisis, the inability to emerge from this housing shortage, and generational poverty in Gyumri. Today, almost 2,000 domiks are still “home” to people in Gyumri.

Concentrated Impact in Gyumri

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 learn more:
Spotify | Apple | Amazon

By Narine
Paros Blog
December 19, 2025

Support the Paros Housing, After-School & Vocational Center

With your support, the Paros Housing, After-School & Vocational Center can be one step closer to being complete! This new building will house a second Debi Arach Children’s Center, a vocational training space, and a new social enterprise—bringing stability, opportunity, and hope to Gyumri’s most vulnerable families. We will also add a fourth floor creating 27 safe, permanent apartments for “domik” families still living in heartbreaking conditions. Funds needed to complete the building’s construction are secured through an anonymous contribution. Now funding is needed to furnish and equip the apartments and the second Debi Arach Children’s Center.
Learn More
Project Timeline 

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.

The 1988 Spitak Earthquake caused the death of more than 35,000 people and left more than 100,000 people homeless. Armenia’s second largest city, Gyumri, was most affected by the earthquake. In the years that followed, Armenia’s Independence, the Artsakh War and corrupt regional and local officials contributed to a massive housing crisis, the inability to emerge from this housing shortage, and generational poverty in Gyumri. Today, almost 2,000 domiks are still “home” to people in Gyumri.

Learn More & Donate

Concentrated Impact in Gyumri

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 learn more:
Spotify | Apple | Amazon

By Narine
Paros Blog
December 2, 2025

*GIVING TUESDAY* Help Us Build Tomorrow 🇦🇲

With your support this Giving Tuesday, the Paros Housing, After-School & Vocational Center can be one step closer to being complete! This new building will house a second Debi Arach Children’s Center, a vocational training space, and a new social enterprise—bringing stability, opportunity, and hope to Gyumri’s most vulnerable families. We will also add a fourth floor creating 27 safe, permanent apartments for “domik” families still living in heartbreaking conditions.

Learn More

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.

The 1988 Spitak Earthquake caused the death of more than 35,000 people and left more than 100,000 people homeless. Armenia’s second largest city, Gyumri, was most affected by the earthquake. In the years that followed, Armenia’s Independence, the Artsakh War and corrupt regional and local officials contributed to a massive housing crisis, the inability to emerge from this housing shortage, and generational poverty in Gyumri. Today, almost 2,000 domiks are still “home” to people in Gyumri.

Learn More & Donate
By Narine
Paros Blog
November 21, 2025

SERVICE Armenia 2026 Application Now Live!

SERVICE Armenia helps develop the relationship between program participants and Armenia. These three week-long service trips are planned to include service projects, educational excursions and outings, and time for leisure and fun activities.

Participants implement several projects, including helping renovate village school classrooms and distributing humanitarian and educational supplies in rural communities.

Visit historic and religious sites such as Lake Sevan, the Mother See of the Armenian Church at Etchmiadzin, Garni, Geghard, Khor Virab, Noravank, and more! Additionally, an overnight trip will be organized to Armenia’s second largest city, Gyumri.

The group will live, work, tour, and play together, creating a lasting bonding experience. Participants will be able to enjoy several meals at many excellent Yerevan restaurants during planned group dinners, and/or prepare meals for themselves during the trip.

Participant Requirements Have Been Updated!

In addition, each participant is required to fundraise a minimum of $3,000 in donations prior to the start of the SERVICE Armenia 2026 trip. Participants may choose one of the following initiatives to support through their fundraising efforts:

  • Debi Arach Children’s Center Food Program
  • Humanitarian Aid for the Debi Arach Children’s Center (including backpacks, school supplies, winter coats and boots, shoes, and groceries for families in need)
  • Paros Housing, After-School & Vocational Center Project
  • Paros Chamber Choir
  • The Paros Foundation’s Operational Support

Participants are also asked to download, complete, and return the Fundraising Plan Form to The Paros Foundation, outlining their intended fundraising activities and goals.

Apply Here
Fundraising Plan Form
By Narine
Paros Blog
November 14, 2025

Help Establish Preventative Care as a Norm in Armenia!

This trip will provide essential healthcare delivery in Armenia, develop related programs & support individuals pursuing careers in the healthcare field.

We welcome medical professionals, residents, medical students, high school seniors and university aged pre-med students. An interview is required to approve participation.

Med-Aid participants will earn volunteer hours. The primary care team will conduct wellness screenings for several hundred families throughout Armenia who do not have regular access to healthcare.

To balance the labor of love, there will also be adventure, cultural immersion through visits & tours to several of Armenia’s historic sites, and rest. The trip will begin and end in Armenia’s vibrant capital, Yerevan.

Learn More & Sign Up
By Narine
Paros Blog
October 30, 2025

Young Professionals – Join Our 2026 Trip to Armenia!

SERVICE Armenia Young Professionals is back!

This trip is your chance to experience Armenia like never before. A 10-day adventure specifically designed for ages 23–45 who want to meet incredible people, give back, and create lifelong memories. Together, you’ll take part in meaningful service projects, explore Armenia through unique excursions and cultural experiences, and enjoy plenty of time for fun, relaxation, and bonding. Guided by the dedicated Paros team—whose deep experience in Armenia ensures every moment is meaningful—you’ll return home inspired, connected, and proud to have made a difference for Armenia’s future.

Sign Up Here

• Visit and tour Armenia, while gaining valuable life experiences
• Tour historical, religious and cultural sites throughout Armenia
• Meet other 23- 45-year-olds from throughout the United States
• Travel and adventure together
• Serve Armenia with both Diasporan and local volunteers
• You do not need to be Armenian to participate. Everyone is welcome!
• Professional and experienced, English speaking staff and guides
• Create a lifetime of great memories and friends!

Sign Up Here
By Narine
Paros Blog
October 14, 2025

LA Young Professionals – Join Yeraz Blend on November 6th!

Less than one month until Yeraz Blend x Paros Foundation fundraiser event!

Join us Thursday, November 6 for an evening filled with specialty tastings, gourmet experiences and surprise musical performances. Proceeds will go towards our Paros Housing, After-School & Vocational Center in Gyumri. This center takes a holistic approach to helping impoverished children excel in school and develop career goals to work themselves out of poverty.

Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot now!
Reserve Here
Meet Yeraz Blend

Yeraz Blend started with one mission: bring young Armenians together and give back to Armenia. From one small gathering to four sold-out events, we’ve built a growing community that has raised $120K+ and supported three nonprofits — with 100% of proceeds going directly to Armenia. 🇦🇲

Reserve Here
Hear From The Co-Founder

Check out our latest episode of Pari Louys with Paros featuring Yeraz Blend Co-Founder, Nick Cabraloff, about the inspiration for this initiative to start a social group for young Armenians that also gives back.

This episode is part of our “What Have You Done?” series featuring Armenians throughout the diaspora who are making a positive difference.

Listen on Apple | Spotify | Amazon

By Narine