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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

Tag: Completed

Adopt A Classroom – Nor Ughi

Adopt A Classroom - Nor Ughi

Description

Representatives of The Paros Foundation have visited more than 100 schools throughout Armenia. While some schools have either been renovated thanks to the Armenian government or as a result of the generosity of international donors, many remain in deplorable conditions and have little hope of being renovated in the near future. These conditions affect both the ability for students to learn, as well as the health of students and teachers. How is a student supposed to learn if there are not proper desks, chairs or windows in the classroom?

The Paros Foundation will directly oversee the renovation of a classroom in the Nor Ughi  Village School. Nor Ughi Village is located in Armenia’s Ararat Region. Almost 2,000 people call Nor Ughi and neighboring Ginevet Village their home. Many in these villages are employed at Vedi Alcohol factory or are engaged in agricultural activities.

162 students attend the village school from both the neighboring village of Ginevet and Nor Ughi, which is in overall poor condition. Portions of the school have been modestly renovated using the school’s annual budget.

Currently, we will be raising funds to renovate one classroom including new doors, flooring, lighting, ceiling, paint and new furniture. 

Region

Ararat

City / Village

Ginevet, Nor Ughi

Start Date

December 2023

End Date

February 2024
Adopt A Classroom – Nor Ughi

Thank you to all our donors, we have met our fundraising goal.

The Need
Many classrooms throughout Armenia’s schools remain in deplorable conditions. Children should not have to try and learn in these conditions. Because of substandard doors and windows, many classrooms become unusable in the winter months because of the cold. In addition, even schools with proper heating are affected negatively with insufficient warmth in the classrooms that have broken doors and windows. While the Armenian Government and others regularly engage in a campaign to remodel schools, they simply cannot meet the huge need.
Short Term Impact

The short-term impact will be the employment of at least four people to renovate the classroom and the benefit to the local economy through the order for needed supplies.

Long Term Impact

In the  long-term many years of students will be able to attend class in a newly updated and modern classroom. This will have a huge psychological impact on both the students and teacher. 

Sponsors Benefits

Donors will be recognized with a plaque installed in the remodeled classroom and on The Paros Foundation website.

Anonymous User
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Mr. & Mrs. John & June Mangassarian

Smithfield, RI February 16, 2024
Anonymous User
MM

Mr. & Mrs. John & June Mangassarian

Smithfield, RI
In Memory Of Elizabeth Mangassarian (NY) & Eugenia Megerdichian (MA) December 8, 2023

Updates: Images & Information

December 26, 2023

Today the crew started construction on the Nor Ughi classroom by removing the flooring and preparing construction materials. This brings us one step closer to providing a newly refurbished classroom for students. 

February 26, 2024

Today the classroom furniture was delivered making renovations on the Nor Ughi Village School complete! For years to come, the children will have a safe and clean environment to learn.

Games For Good Artsakh Relief Effort

Games For Good Artsakh Relief Effort

Description

ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN

In light of the recent influx of displaced individuals from Artsakh, we have launched free-of-charge recurring activities for displaced boys and girls in several cities throughout Armenia. Children often carry the heavy burden of trauma, much like a backpack filled with their past experiences and struggles. Our mission is to provide them with safe, nurturing spaces where they can temporarily set aside these burdens and step onto the playing field. Here, they have the opportunity to play, prioritize their health, and acquire essential coping mechanisms and life skills to address their trauma.

Join us today, and support our efforts of ensuring our kids have a safe place to disconnect from the ugly reality that is forced upon them.

We are working with a number of sports schools and facilities across Armenia. They are ready to provide after-school programming for children from Artsakh free of charge. Most of them lack the sports gear necessary to do so. With your donations and support we will be providing them with basketballs, footballs, and other sport essentials to be able to conduct these activities.

Your contributions directly aid in securing sports gear and orchestrating events for children who have found themselves relocated to rural Armenian communities due to displacement.

Region

20 communities across Armenia

Start Date

October 24, 2023

End Date

December 31, 2023
Games For Good Artsakh Relief Effort

Thank you to all our donors, we have met our fundraising goal.

The Need
“Games For Good” serves a critical need by providing a sense of normalcy and well-being to children displaced from Artsakh. These young individuals have faced the upheaval of conflict and are in need of stability and integration into their new surroundings. Sports and purposeful play offer a unique avenue for achieving this. Not only do these activities promote physical well-being, but they also provide a sense of routine and belonging. The project recognizes the importance of creating a safe and inclusive space where displaced children can engage in sports, learn life skills, and forge new friendships. In this context, sports play a vital role in supporting their emotional and psychological well-being, enabling these children to recover from the traumas of displacement and integrate more smoothly into their new communities.
Short Term Impact

GOALS will provide free-of-charge recurring activities for displaced boys and girls in several cities throughout Armenia.

Long Term Impact
Research shows that sports can help mitigate the effects of forced displacement on children. Participating in team sports yields psychological, physical, emotional, social, educational, and long-term benefits. These include improved concentration and physical fitness, social integration, conflict resolution skills, reduction in anxiety and depression, and increased motivation to attend school.
Sponsors Benefits
Sponsors will be listed on The Paros Foundation website, on the GOALS website, and in all relevant press of this important project.
Anonymous User
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Ms. Maral Elliott

Canada March 17, 2024
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ME

Ms. Maral Elliott

Canada February 17, 2024
Anonymous User
ME

Ms. Maral Elliott

Canada January 24, 2024
Anonymous User
ME

Ms. Maral Elliott

Canada December 17, 2023
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Mr. & Mrs. David & Julie Theiler

Fort Collins, CO
December 1, 2023
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ME

Ms. Maral Elliott

Canada November 17, 2023

Orphaned Children’s Day Excursion 25

Orphaned Children Day Excursion 25

Description

More than 1,200 children live in Armenia’s 15 orphanages. These facilities provide for the children’s basic needs, but their limited budgets do not allow these children to participate in visits to popular historical sites, amusement parks, concerts, or attend cultural events.

Armenia’s orphan children should have the opportunity to experience popular cultural events, exhibits, and excursions. Many different activities and excursions can be organized for these children. The extent of the activity or trip is directly related to the sponsorship amount. For sponsorship amounts between $250 -$750 approximately 20 children and an appropriate number of chaperons will be able participate in a memorable activity. Please consider supporting multiple excursions for these children.

The Paros Foundation staff and volunteers will organize and oversee the excursion/activity. Opportunities to sponsor excursions for orphanages serving both disabled and non-disabled children exist. Whenever possible, our staff will work with the destination for the excursion to secure group pricing and/or discounts.

 

Region

Throughout Armenia

City / Village

Throughout Armenia

Start Date

October 2023

End Date

October 2023
Orphaned Children’s Day Excursion 25

Thank you to all our donors, we have met our fundraising goal.

The Need
Armenia’s orphanages generally are able to provide for their children’s basic care, but limited funding does not allow these children to visit museums, historical sites and popular cultural events. Allowing a child a few hours of recreation and/or entertainment as a regular child greatly enhances his/her outlook on life and reduces the emotional complexes of being an orphan.
Short Term Impact
The short-term impact of this project will be the immediate employment of a bus driver, money being spent in Armenia’s local economy and most importantly the emotional and social benefits for 20 orphan children.
Long Term Impact
This project has considerable long-term emotional, educational and psychological benefits for the children, as they will be able to participate in activities that are above and beyond basic existence in an orphanage.
Sponsors Benefits
Your support of this project will be recognized at the relevant Orphanage, your name listed as a sponsor on the Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation stands ready to help you arrange a visit to the care facility when you are in Armenia.
Anonymous User
MY

Ms. Elise Yacoubian

La Crescenta, CA August 24, 2023

Updates: Images & Information

October 23, 2023

Journey Through Armenia 2023 participants spend the afternoon with kids from the Yerevan Children's Home for an excursion at an indoor zoo in Yerevan called Zoolandia.

Orphaned Children’s Day Excursion 24

Orphaned Children Day Excursion 24

Description

More than 1,200 children live in Armenia’s 15 orphanages. These facilities provide for the children’s basic needs, but their limited budgets do not allow these children to participate in visits to popular historical sites, amusement parks, concerts, or attend cultural events.

Armenia’s orphan children should have the opportunity to experience popular cultural events, exhibits, and excursions. Many different activities and excursions can be organized for these children. The extent of the activity or trip is directly related to the sponsorship amount. For sponsorship amounts between $250 -$750 approximately 20 children and an appropriate number of chaperons will be able participate in a memorable activity. Please consider supporting multiple excursions for these children.

The Paros Foundation staff and volunteers will organize and oversee the excursion/activity. Opportunities to sponsor excursions for orphanages serving both disabled and non-disabled children exist. Whenever possible, our staff will work with the destination for the excursion to secure group pricing and/or discounts.

 

Region

Throughout Armenia

City / Village

Throughout Armenia

Start Date

June 2023

End Date

June 2023
Orphaned Children’s Day Excursion 24

Thank you to all our donors, we have met our fundraising goal.

The Need
Armenia’s orphanages generally are able to provide for their children’s basic care, but limited funding does not allow these children to visit museums, historical sites and popular cultural events. Allowing a child a few hours of recreation and/or entertainment as a regular child greatly enhances his/her outlook on life and reduces the emotional complexes of being an orphan.
Short Term Impact
The short-term impact of this project will be the immediate employment of a bus driver, money being spent in Armenia’s local economy and most importantly the emotional and social benefits for 20 orphan children.
Long Term Impact
This project has considerable long-term emotional, educational and psychological benefits for the children, as they will be able to participate in activities that are above and beyond basic existence in an orphanage.
Sponsors Benefits
Your support of this project will be recognized at the relevant Orphanage, your name listed as a sponsor on the Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation stands ready to help you arrange a visit to the care facility when you are in Armenia.
Anonymous User
MA

Ms. Leslie Aznoian

North Andover, MA
August 21, 2023

Updates: Images & Information

June 27, 2023

Participants and volunteers of the SERVICE Armenia 2023 group accompanied children from the Yerevan Children's Home during a fun afternoon excursion at Victory Park.

Home Improvements for Vardan S.

Home Improvements for Vardan S.

Description

Vardan S. and his wife Anush have three children.  The family of five live together in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur.  The family purchased their home a few years ago and spent their savings on expanding the home to its current size of 1, 100 square feet.  

The expanded portion of the home was never finished due to lack of funds.  The home’s entire roof is in need of being replaced.  The roof replacement and completion of the interior of the addition will dramatically improve the living conditions for this family.

Vardan works as a contract soldier with the Armenian Army.  He is at his post two weeks of every month.  
 
Vardan and his family would be grateful if we could replace the leaking roof on his home along with completing the construction of their addition.  This would help seal his home from the cold winter weather and rain and allow his children to live in a safer, more comfortable environment.  

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Start Date

March 2023

End Date

April 2024
Home Improvements for Vardan S.

Thank you to all our donors, we have met our fundraising goal.

The Need

Improving conditions for people to live in communities along the border with Azerbaijan is important.  Many of these residents work as border guards, protecting our borders.  Helping villagers with home improvements is vital to help create a vibrant border community.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, a local window company will be contracted with to manufacture the windows in the addition. Roofing materials will also be purchased locally, thus positively impacting the local economy.  Local construction teams will be hired to do the reconstruction and renovation work.  

Long Term Impact

In the long term, homes in these communities will be improved beyond their previous condition. In addition, making significant improvements to villager’s homes will improve villager’s attitudes and moral, which is equally as important as their living conditions.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors of this important project will be listed on The Paros Foundation’s website and in all press related to this project. Visits to these communities can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.

Anonymous User
MA

Mr. & Dr. Jean-Marie & Lori Atamian

New York, NY September 15, 2023

Updates: Images & Information

April 5, 2024

Renovations on Vardan S.'s home are finished! The family will now be able to enjoy a clean, safe, and comfortable home. 

Home Improvements for Samvel P.

Home Improvements for Samvel P.

Description

Samvel and his wife live with their married son, Ivan and his wife and children all live together in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur.  Six people spanning three generations live together in the family’s home.  The home is approximately 1,100 square foot and is mostly renovated.  They need one additional room renovated so the children have a place to sleep and a bathroom constructed in the home.  

Samvel works at the school as the guard and facilities person.  Karine, his wife, works as one of the school’s cooks.  Ivan, his son, works for the Ministry of Emergency Services.  
 
The work that Samvel is requesting will cost approximately $6,200 to renovate one bedroom and build the bathroom.   This work would offer the children a safe and comfortable enviroment in which to sleep and would offer the family the benefits of indoor plumbing.   

  

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Start Date

February 2021

End Date

April 2024
Home Improvements for Samvel P.

Thank you to all our donors, we have met our fundraising goal.

The Need

Improving conditions for people to live in communities along the border with Azerbaijan is important.  Many of these residents work as border guards, protecting our borders.  Helping villagers with home improvements is vital to help create a vibrant border community.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, a local construction team will be hired to do the reconstruction and renovation work on the bedroom and bathroom.  Materials will be purchased locally to help impact the local economy.  The family will soon benefit from their new bedroom and bathroom.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, homes in these communities will be improved beyond their previous condition. In addition, making significant improvements to villager’s homes will improve villager’s attitudes and moral, which is equally as important as their living conditions.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors of this important project will be listed on The Paros Foundation’s website and in all press related to this project. Visits to these communities can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.

Anonymous User
MA

Mr. & Dr. Jean-Marie & Lori Atamian

New York, NY December 17, 2023

Updates: Images & Information

April 4, 2024

Renovations on Samvel P.'s home are complete. The family will now be able to enjoy their new, clean, and safe home. 

Home Improvements for Lyova V.

Home Improvements for Lyova V.

Description

Lyova. and his mother, his two sons and one of his son’s family all live together in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur.  Nine people spanning four generations live together in the family’s home.  The home has been renovated and maintained over the years, however Lyova has asked for some interior doors to be replaced and one room to be fully remodeled including new windows.
 
The home is two story with each floor containing about 2,000 sq feet of space.  The family lives both upstairs and a portion of the downstairs as living space.
 
Lyova is retired and had worked as a contract soldier. His sons, Gnel and Vrezh both work for the Emergency Services and as a guard for the Security services respectively.  The work they are requesting will cost approximately $5,800.  This work will improve the conditions within Lyova’s home for his large family.
 

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Start Date

November 2023

End Date

December 2023
Home Improvements for Lyova V.

Thank you to all our donors, we have met our fundraising goal.

The Need

Improving conditions for people to live in communities along the border with Azerbaijan is important.  Many of these residents work as border guards, protecting our borders.  Helping villagers with home improvements is vital to help create a vibrant border community.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, a local window company will be contracted with to replace the remaining windows in the home.  All materials will also be purchased locally, thus positively impacting the local economy.  Local construction teams will be hired to do the reconstruction and renovation work.  

Long Term Impact

In the long term, homes in these communities will be improved beyond their previous condition. In addition, making significant improvements to villager’s homes will improve villager’s attitudes and moral, which is equally as important as their living conditions.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors of this important project will be listed on The Paros Foundation’s website and in all press related to this project. Visits to these communities can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.

Anonymous User
MA

Mr. & Dr. Jean-Marie & Lori Atamian

New York, NY October 20, 2023

Updates: Images & Information

December 20, 2023

Renovations are complete. The home is now equipped with new a new living room and doors.

Community Gym for Verin Karmiraghbyur

Community Gym for Verin Karmiraghbyur

Description

Gevorg is an amazing young man who is a champion weightlifter who has competed throughout the world.  He is proud of the gym he has built in Gavar both for the quality of the training that takes place there, as well as the fact that he provides free access to for training and rehabilitation for people with disabilities and war veterans. Gevorg uniquely understands that difficulties faced by people with disabilities and those injured during the war as Gevorg, himself, has cerebral palsy.  

Gevorg wishes to build a second gym in the Tavush village of Verin Karmiraghbyur.  More than 1,500 residents call this community home and they do not have nearby facilities for training or rehabilitation.  The local community has given Gevorg’s NGO a space in one of the community buildings that will serve as the gym once it is renovated.  

Gevorg and his NGO partners and friends are willing to do supply labor to complete the renovation work themselves.  They need funding for the materials.  Once completed, their intent, as is currently operating at the Gavar gym, is to charge a modest fee for the gym’s use and for classes to help off set the expenses related to providing free access to people with disabilities and injured veterans.  

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Verin Karmiraghbyur

Start Date

October 2023

End Date

April 2024
Community Gym for Verin Karmiraghbyur

Thank you to all our donors, we have met our fundraising goal.

The Need

In the village of Verin Karmiraghbyur, there are no gym facilities for the community.  This absence effects the ability for people with injuries from the war, those with disabilities and the community at large from gaining the benefits of exercise and training. 

Short Term Impact

In the short term, Gevork and his friends and supporters will join together to renovate the space in the building.  This effort should last four months.  Materials will be purchased locally thus positively impacting the local economy.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, once the gym is completed, residents will enjoy the benefits of this new addition to their community.  People with disabilities and war veterans injured will be able to have a space to exercise, train and conduct rehabilitation activities free of charge. 

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors of this important project will be listed on The Paros Foundation’s website and in all press related to this project. Visits to these communities can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.

Anonymous User
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Mr. & Mrs. Patrick & Mary Goshtigian

Hermosa Beach, CA
September 5, 2023

Updates: Images & Information

October 8, 2023

Renovation on the gym has started.  Our construction crew started by adding new windows and doors. 

April 17, 2024

After several months of hard work by Gevorg, his friends and family and materials from The Paros Foundation, the new community gym “Sport Zone” was opened in the community of Verin Karmiraghbyur. The gym will offer free access to injured veterans and those with disabilities. A special thank you to Patrick and Mary Goshtigian who contributed generously to this important project. 

Home Improvements for Vachik M.

Home Improvements for Vachik M.

Description

Vachik M. and his wife, their son and his family all live together in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur.  Seven people spanning three generations live together in the family’s home.  The home has a leaky roof and is need of having it replaced.  In addition, the family’s home has old, broken windows that he would like replaced.  
 
The home is two story with each floor containing about 1300 sq feet of space.  The family uses the upstairs mainly and some of the downstairs space for a summer kitchen and storage.
 
Vachik works in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur turning on and off various pumps in the village to supply various parts of the village with water.   Several year’s ago he was shot in the leg and walks with a strong limp.  He was shot while working his field.  His son, Karen, works as a guard at the Berd police station.  
 
Vachig and his family would be very happy if we could replace the leaking roof on his home along with all the windows (several windows are broken) and doors.  This would help seal his home from the cold winter weather and rain and allow his grandchildren to live in a safer, more comfortable environment.  

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Start Date

October 2023

End Date

November 2023
Home Improvements for Vachik M.

Thank you to all our donors, we have met our fundraising goal.

The Need

Improving conditions for people to live in communities along the border with Azerbaijan is important.  Many of these residents work as border guards, protecting our borders.  Helping villagers with home improvements is vital to help create a vibrant border community.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, a local window company will be contracted with to replace the windows in the home.  Roofing materials will also be purchased locally, thus positively impacting the local economy.  Local construction teams will be hired to do the reconstruction and renovation work.  

Long Term Impact

In the long term, homes in these communities will be improved beyond their previous condition. In addition, making significant improvements to villager’s homes will improve villager’s attitudes and moral, which is equally as important as their living conditions.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors of this important project will be listed on The Paros Foundation’s website and in all press related to this project. Visits to these communities can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.

Anonymous User
MA

Mr. & Dr. Jean-Marie & Lori Atamian

New York, NY August 5, 2023

Updates: Images & Information

November 3, 2023

Home improvements on Vachik M.'s home are complete with the addition of new windows and a roof. 

Kharpert Home for Special Children Excursion 23

Kharpert Home for Special Children Excursion 23

Description

The Kharpert Home for Special Children is an orphanage located in the village of Nor Kharpert serving more than 250 children with varying degrees of developmental disabilities. The orphanage is a state run facility that receives governmental support to provide these vulnerable children with their basic care and education.

Excursions for these children to amusement parks and/or other appropriate venues provide these children with both valuable community experience and needed recreation. Children with disabilities in Armenia are generally kept sheltered from society. These children do not attend school, but rather attend classes at the orphanage. It is important for both these children and society for these children to experience community life.

This August, the kids from he Kharpert Home have a special trip planned. They will be giving a concert, during which they will be singing and dancing in Gyumri. Although they are very excited for this special opportunity they are in need of funding to make this trip possible. They will need $2,500 to cover the costs of hotel rooms and transport to and from Gyumri. Please consider supporting this important project for the Kharpert Home. 

Region

Ararat

City / Village

Nor Kharpert

Start Date

August 21, 2023

End Date

August 21, 2023
Kharpert Home for Special Children Excursion 23

Thank you to all our donors, we have met our fundraising goal.

The Need

Approximately 1,200 children live in Armenia’s 15 orphanages. While these facilities provide basic care for these children, their limited funding does not permit these children regular visits and participate in various social and cultural activities. A child with a disability has very few opportunities to visit the city and experience life outside of the grounds of the Kharpert Home for Special Children.

Short Term Impact

The short-term impact of this project will help children from the Kharpert Home travel to Gyumri on an away trip and be able to perform their song and dance concert. 

Long Term Impact

This project has considerable long-term benefits for both the children and for society. Society’s attitudes towards people with disabilities will slowly begin to change as witness these children regularly and realize that society can indeed accommodate them as part of their community. This project will also gift the children a special day they will cherish in their memories for a long time.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to the Kharpert Home for Special Children will be recognized at the Center and your name listed as a sponsor on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation stands ready to help you arrange a visit to the Kharpert Home for Special Children when you are in Armenia.

Anonymous User
MB

Mr. & Mrs. George & Angineh Boktor

Bell Canyon, CA
July 7, 2023

Updates: Images & Information

August 21, 2023

Residents from the Kharpert Home For Special Children were taken to Gyumri to participate in the folk music festival "Chachruk" for people with disabilities. They had a very successful trip and an amazing time performing and showing their talents.