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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

Training and Education in Vayots Dzor

Training and Education in Vayots Dzor

Description

Following the 2020 war, a large number of young people ended up in the Vayots Dzor Region of Armenia, including Young people who were injured during the war. To help provide specialty training including vocational to help these young people work and earn a living, this special fund has been created. Work will be done to support the activities and specialized training via a variety of non-governmental organizations in the Vayots Dzor Region.

Region

Vayots Dzor

City / Village

Syunik and neighboring villages

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Six months after start
Training and Education in Vayots Dzor

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

The Need

Displaced young people and returning soldiers with disabilities need specialized training and education to hold the skills they need to work and earn a living. Currently very few opportunities for these young people exist in this area.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, local NGOs will be engaged to establish vocational another specialty training programs in the region. This will immediately benefit both instructors as well as students.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, the economic conditions throughout the region will improve as these young people master their skills and work.

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.

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MA

Mr. & Mrs. Haig & Ani Abnous

Fremont, CA
In Celebration Of Alek Kargodorian & Rebecca Boghossian July 23, 2022
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HT

Anonymous

Watchung, NJ May 12, 2022
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Dr. & Mrs. Edward & Narine Balasanian

Mission Viejo, CA December 7, 2021
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Dr. Viken Garabedian

Laguna Niguel, CA December 5, 2021
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Honorary Consul Oscar Tatosian

Evanston, IL December 4, 2021
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Dr. Jeffrey Wittmus

Chicago, IL November 28, 2021
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Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Gohar M.

Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Gohar M.

Description

Nor Luyce works with young girls, ages 14-17, from two local orphanages and/or from poverty stricken families from Gyumri, Armenia. Under the direction of their Executive Director, Shoghik Mikayelyan, the program provides their mentees with positive roles models and emotional support. The reduction of isolation is provided by mentors and by field trips, which expose the children to various work and educational settings. In addition, Nor Luyce’s program emphasizes the development of educational and career plans. They are now at the stage of either beginning or continuing to help implement each older child’s plan for higher education. Each child has also either completed or is in the process of completing a career plan, which includes the most appropriate type and place of higher education.

Nor Luyce is trying to provide Gohar M., with a scholarship that would reduce her out of pocket cost towards her education. Gohar was born on March 3, 2002 in Gyumri. She has a brother and a father. Her father has health issues and is bedridden. Gohar lost her mom to cancer when she was only 14 years old. Her brother is working and taking care of the family. Their monthly income is only 31000 AMD which is equivalent to about $80 USD.

Gohar is studying in the department of Tourism at Shirak State University. Gohar joined Nor Luyce in 2019. She is very smart, broad-minded, hardworking, responsible for her actions and words, and respectful towards everyone. She is only 18 years old but she is very mature compared to her peers. Together with her mentor Gohar worked to reach the ideal person that she desired to be. 

Currently, Gohar needs our support in getting her degree because her family is socially vulnerable. The requested scholarship funds will help Gohar continue her studies. She needs our support to get a college degree to be able to have a better future.

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Gohar M.

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

The Need

Children living in orphanages and/or within poverty stricken families are often isolated and may lack the knowledge, adult support and financial ability necessary to make appropriate life choices. As a consequence, many of these children are deprived from the opportunity to pursue their education. The frustration of these deficits in addition to the expectation that they will not be able to afford additional education may even lead to a lack of motivation to seek the knowledge and support needed. By being given the opportunity to pursue educational goals, they will be able to secure job opportunities, a good future and a successful life.

Short Term Impact
Long Term Impact

The long-term goal is that four girls, being given the opportunity to continue pursuing their educational goals at the university level will have a reasonable chance to become self-sufficient member of Armenian society and have a successful lives.

Sponsors Benefits
Sponsors will be recognized on both the Nor Luyce and Paros Foundation websites. Donors will be given regular progress reports on the girls’ progress during their university studies.
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MS

Mr. & Dr. Harout & Lena Soghomonian

Los Angeles, CA April 24, 2022
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Mr. Kevork Santikian

La Crescenta, April 22, 2022

Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Nina A.

Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Nina A.

Description

Nor Luyce works with young girls, ages 14-17, from two local orphanages and/or from poverty stricken families from Gyumri, Armenia. Under the direction of their Executive Director, Shoghik Mikayelyan, the program provides their mentees with positive roles models and emotional support. The reduction of isolation is provided by mentors and by field trips, which expose the children to various work and educational settings. In addition, Nor Luyce’s program emphasizes the development of educational and career plans. They are now at the stage of either beginning or continuing to help implement each older child’s plan for higher education. Each child has also either completed or is in the process of completing a career plan, which includes the most appropriate type and place of higher education.

Nor Luyce is trying to provide Nina A., with a scholarship that would reduce her out of pocket cost towards her education. Nina was born in 2003 in Gyumri. Her family consists of five people; her mother, father, two brothers and her. Nina’s father doesn’t have a permanent job. He travels back and forth to Russia for a seasonal jobs. Her mother is not employed. They receive a social stipend from the government. Nina is the first person in her family pursuing a university degree. She is a freshman in the journalism department at the Shirak State University.

Nina joined Nor Luyce in 2016. Currently she is the president of Nor Luyce alumni group. Nina is honest, trustworthy and hardworking. She is patient and doesn’t get scared when facing challenges. Nina is a responsible and active mentee. When joining Nor Luyce program, Nina was very shy and introverted, however, with the help of the program Nina gained a number of skills and knowledge. 

Currently,  Nina needs our support in getting her degree because her family is socially vulnerable. The requested scholarship funds will help Nina continue her studies and cover the costs of her tuition, books, stationaries, and her transportation fee for one year.

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Nina A.

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

The Need
Children living in orphanages and/or within poverty stricken families are often isolated and may lack the knowledge, adult support and financial ability necessary to make appropriate life choices. As a consequence, many of these children are deprived from the opportunity to pursue their education. The frustration of these deficits in addition to the expectation that they will not be able to afford additional education may even lead to a lack of motivation to seek the knowledge and support needed. By being given the opportunity to pursue educational goals, they will be able to secure job opportunities, a good future and a successful life.
Short Term Impact

Nina A. will receive the financial support she needs, in a form of a scholarship, covering the costs of her college tuition, books, stationaries, and transportation.

Long Term Impact
The long-term goal is that four girls, being given the opportunity to continue pursuing their educational goals at the university level will have a reasonable chance to become self-sufficient member of Armenian society and have a successful lives.
Sponsors Benefits
Sponsors will be recognized on both the Nor Luyce and Paros Foundation websites. Donors will be given regular progress reports on the girls’ progress during their university studies.
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MS

Mr. Alec Soghomonian

Los Angeles, CA April 24, 2022
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Mr. & Dr. Harout & Lena Soghomonian

Los Angeles, CA April 24, 2022

Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Aida V.

Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Aida V.

Description

Nor Luyce works with young girls, ages 14-17, from two local orphanages and/or from poverty stricken families from Gyumri, Armenia. Under the direction of their Executive Director, Shoghik Mikayelyan, the program provides their mentees with positive roles models and emotional support. The reduction of isolation is provided by mentors and by field trips, which expose the children to various work and educational settings. In addition, Nor Luyce’s program emphasizes the development of educational and career plans. They are now at the stage of either beginning or continuing to help implement each older child’s plan for higher education. Each child has also either completed or is in the process of completing a career plan, which includes the most appropriate type and place of higher education.

Nor Luyce is trying to provide Aida V., with a scholarship that would reduce her out of pocket cost towards her education. Aida was born in Hatsik village in Armenia. Her family consists of five people, her father, mother, brother, grandparent and her. Aida’s father works in agriculture. Her mother works at the school. Aida’s brother participated in the 44-day war with Azerbaijan during which he was wounded. Currently he is still serving in the army at the border.

Aida is studying in the Armenian-English translation department at the Shirak State University. She is in her first year. Aida joined Nor Luyce in 2018. At that time she lacked self-confidence and had low self-esteem. However, she has successfully completed all her phases at Nor Luyce and is a Nor Luyce alum. Thanks to Nor Luyce, Aida has become self-confident, can express her opinion easily and she has developed leadership skills. All these years, Aida has been one of the best mentees, participated in all the meetings and events. Currently she volunteers at Nor Luyce helping the staff in different activities. She also gave a number of presentations on bullying at various communities in the Shirak Region. 

Currently, Aida needs our support in getting her degree because her family is socially vulnerable. The requested scholarship funds will help Naira continue her studies and cover the costs of her tuition, books, stationaries, and her transportation fee.

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Aida V.

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

The Need
Children living in orphanages and/or within poverty stricken families are often isolated and may lack the knowledge, adult support and financial ability necessary to make appropriate life choices. As a consequence, many of these children are deprived from the opportunity to pursue their education. The frustration of these deficits in addition to the expectation that they will not be able to afford additional education may even lead to a lack of motivation to seek the knowledge and support needed. By being given the opportunity to pursue educational goals, they will be able to secure job opportunities, a good future and a successful life.
Short Term Impact

Aida V. will receive the financial support she needs, in a form of a scholarship, covering the costs of her college tuition, books, stationaries, and transportation.

Long Term Impact
The long-term goal is that four girls, being given the opportunity to continue pursuing their educational goals at the university level will have a reasonable chance to become self-sufficient member of Armenian society and have a successful lives.
Sponsors Benefits
Sponsors will be recognized on both the Nor Luyce and Paros Foundation websites. Donors will be given regular progress reports on the girls’ progress during their university studies.
Anonymous User
MS

Mr. Alec Soghomonian

Los Angeles, CA April 24, 2022

Aygedzor Village Kindergarten Reconstruction

Aygedzor Village Kindergarten Reconstruction

Description

The village of Aygedzor is located within the Berd Consolidated Community of Armenia’s Tavush Region.  The village is home to more than 2,000 residents.  The community operates two kindergartens to serve the children in the village, however one of them is located in a building in terrible condition.  The Berd Consolidated Community has asked The Paros Foundation to renovate and expand this kindergarten for the Aygedzor Village. Once completed, two groups of kindergartens will be able to benefit from this work.  

The municipality of Yerevan is providing approximately $12,200 towards this important project.  

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Aygedzor

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Six months after start
Aygedzor Village Kindergarten Reconstruction

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

The Need

The second kindergarten in the Aygedzor village is both overcrowded and needs to be completely rebuilt to provide safe and sanitary conditions for the children to begin their early education.  

Short Term Impact

In the short term, the complete building housing Aygedzor’s second kindergarten will be rebuilt. The purchase of local materials and the employment of local labor whenever possible will create a modest benefit for the village economy.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, children in the village will benefit from early education.  The community itself will benefit from additional employment opportunities at the expanded kindergarten.

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.

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MY

Municipality of Yerevan

Armenia January 7, 2022
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Anonymous

West Hills, CA December 22, 2021
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Mr. & Mrs. Edward & Pamela Avedisian

Lexington, MA December 15, 2021
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John Mirak Foundation

Arlington, MA December 13, 2021

Updates: Images & Information

July 20, 2022

After several months of hard work, our crew celebrated the ribbon cutting of the completely remodeled and furnished kindergarten.  Guests included representatives of the Yerevan Municipality, the Governor's office and the Berd Municipality.  Our partners at FOCN joined us for this joyous celebration as well.  

Hatsik School Auditorium

Hatsik School Auditorium

Description

The village of Hatsik is located about ten minutes from the city of Armavir in Armenia’s Armavir region about 60 kilometers from Yerevan. Hatsik is home to 2,560 residents. The village has one school with 260 children in attendance. In 2013, The Paros Foundation and its SERVICE Armenia program began the renovation of one of the two buildings on campus. Over the course of four years, renovations were made to three bathrooms, twelve classrooms, the hallways, gym and locker room. The facade of the building was also repaired. The school’s auditorium needs to be renovated to facilitate school gathers and performances. This renovation will include the replacement of the windows and doors, rebuilding of the stage, new electrical, new paint and new seating. The renovation will also include the cosmetic renovation of the hall immediately in front of the entrance to the auditorium.

Region

Armavir

City / Village

Hatsik

Start Date

February 2018

End Date

May 2018
Hatsik School Auditorium

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

The Need
260 children in the school at Hatsik do not have a proper auditorium to conduct plays, hold gatherings and performances. The school and its students have a vibrant and active schedule and would greatly benefit from this renovated facility.
Short Term Impact
In the short term, the school would immediately benefit from a renovated auditorium. Materials and labor would be purchased locally, which would benefit the local economy.
Long Term Impact
In the long term, both the school and the village would benefit from a new gathering and performance space. In addition to furthering the education of the children at the school, Armenia’s culture will be promoted via a new emphasis on performance and the fine arts.
Sponsors Benefits
All sponsors will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website, in appropriate press released to this project, and on a plaque installed in the Hatsik School Auditorium.
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MY

Mr. & Mrs. Jack & Zarig Youredjian

Los Angeles, CA
In Honor Of Alice Kessedjian's 90th Birthday April 17, 2018
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MA

Mr. & Mrs. Haig & Nadine Ariyan

West Nyack, NY December 21, 2017

Updates: Images & Information

February 11, 2018

New windows arrived and are going to being installed. The rough electrical work has been completed.

 
April 10, 2018

Work in the Hatsik School is almost complete! Our construction crew Is working on both the tile flooring and the painting in the hallway and auditorium.

 
May 15, 2018

The Hatsik School Auditorium is now complete with a new stage and chairs, new interiors, tile, paint, new windows and electrical !

Terchoonian Home Restoration Project

Terchoonian Home Restoration

Description

The site of the Terchoonian Home, located in Gyumri Armenia, holds great historical significance. It was an orphanage during the Armenian Genocide managed by the Near East Relief, a social and economic development organization established in 1915. It later became a military headquarters for the Soviet army. In 1988, the building was heavily damaged during the devastating Spitak Earthquake. Due to support by the Terchoonian Family, and the hard work and dedication of the late Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian and Romen Gozmoyan, the building was purchased and renovated. The Terchoonian Home Orphanage opened its doors again in 2003 through the generous donation by the Terchoonian Family honoring the late Vahan Terchoonian. The Terchoonian Family chose Gyumri as it was the city Terchoonian found refuge in after escaping from Turkey, before eventually immigrating to the United States.

Today, the orphanage houses 84 children and operates a school that serves a total of 115 children with 54 individuals on staff. This historic building, specifically its third floor, is in need of emergency repairs prior to another harsh Gyumri winter. Sponsorship of this project will help urgently complete renovations, which include repairs to fix several leaks in the roof, replacement of 32 windows on the third floor (several of which have been boarded up because there is no glass in them or they don’t close), new doors for the third floor corridor (at each staircase), balcony, bedrooms and classrooms, and new carpeting for the rooms with water damage where children stay. Furthermore, the exterior walls on the third floor are made of asbestos panels, which have been poorly installed, are not water tight and have caused the third floor carpeting in the rooms to become damp and foul over time. The asbestos panels will be replaced with a new exterior wall that will be weather/water tight. Additional repairs are also needed, such as repairs to water pipes and partial renovation of two bathrooms (including drain pipes and the addition of a shower stall), but will be addressed after the above urgent needs are met. These renovations to the orphanage are important to not only keep the children and staff safe, warm and protected from illnesses that may arise due to poor conditions, but also to help preserve a building that holds such significance for Armenian history in its walls.

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Four months from start date
Terchoonian Home Restoration Project

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

The Need
The Terchoonian Home, which has several leaks, and damage to their building, is in need of emergency renovations in order to withstand another winter and keep its children, students and staff, safe and away from illness that may arise. Additionally, preserving this building is of high cultural importance due to its historical significance.
 
Short Term Impact
The short-term impact of this project will include repairs to several leaks in the roof, repairs to 32 windows on the third floor, installation of new doors for the third floor corridor, balcony, repairs to the bedrooms and classrooms, new carpeting for the children’s rooms and replacement of the asbestos panels on the third floor with a new exterior wall that will be weather/water tight. All materials will be purchased in Armenia, thus providing a boost to the local economy. In addition, local labor will be hired to complete the construction work whenever possible, thus providing locals with temporary jobs.
 
Long Term Impact
In the long term, additional repairs will be made such as repairs to water pipes and partial renovation of two bathrooms (including drain pipes and the addition of shower stall). The success of this project will provide a proper, safe and warm facility for current and future children attending or living in the Terchoonian Home. The amount of illnesses and colds will be decreased with the elimination of leaks and water damage. Furthermore, a building that holds great historical significance will continue to be preserved for years to come.
 
Sponsors Benefits
Your donation to sponsor the Terchoonian Home Restoration Project will be recognized on a plaque at the Home, on the Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation will gladly arrange a visit to the orphanage when you are in Armenia.
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Ms. Elda Morgan

NJ, United States January 1, 2016
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Mr. & Mrs. Vicken & Rosette Arslanian

Tenafly, NJ January 1, 2016
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Terchoonian Children's Home Foundation

Oak Park, MI October 12, 2015
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Updates: Images & Information

August 1, 2015

Work is completed on the living quarters at the Terchoonian Home. Roof repairs, new flooring, doors and windows, lighting and electrical, paint and new bathrooms including indoor bathing facilities dramatically improving the living conditions for the children.

Debi Arach Children’s Center 2021 Operating Budget

Debi Arach Children's Center 2021 Operating Budget

Description

The Paros Foundation launched the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri, Armenia on April 15, 2015 with the help of generous donors. The center, which provides 180 children each week the necessary academic, psychological, social and humanitarian support, has since been a source of positivity in this city. The residents of Gyumri, Armenia’s second largest city have endured very devastating realities since the tragic 1988 Spitak Earthquake. More than 100,000 residents were left homeless, and plagued with unemployment and rampant poverty for years to come. In turn, the fate of children in Gyumri has also been affected. Dealing with the difficulty of finding means to feed and care for their families, many parents are unable to provide their children with the proper guidance, supervision, educational aid and the financial resources for them to excel in school and have successful futures. The Debi Arach Children’s Center, which in Armenian means “moving forward,” helps these socially vulnerable children through a holistic approach providing them with both humanitarian and educational support. The center provides counseling and group therapy with a psychologist on staff, homework help and tutoring for almost every subject the children learn in school including English, Math, Art/Design, and Computer classes. Additionally, they are served a nutritious meal everyday, helping them receive the calories and/or nutrients they would otherwise not have. Furthermore, the Center addresses a very important hygienic need by providing the children in attendance with supervised bathing facilities. The goal is to help hundreds of children develop a vision for a successful future, and to give them the skills they need to reach these goals. This project is impacting the lives of hundreds of socially vulnerable children by helping them gain the guidance and support they need in order to create greater future opportunities, and become successful individuals and good citizens.

To date, the center has already had several important successes. At least nine children have been taken out of boarding schools, attend our center and now live back at home with their families. Many of the children who were receiving poor grades in school are now achieving top scores. The children have become socially well adjusted and much more healthier than before with the continued consumption of multi-vitamins and a daily well-balanced meal. Staff trainings have begun with an academic counsel of professionals from the United States and Armenia to ensure that the children are receiving the best care, treatment and methods for their development.

The center is working on funding year five and raising additional funds in order to develop and add to the programs and classes offered with the ability to hire more educators, and get more supplies, and equipment. Funds will also be used to supplement daily activities, hold forums for guest speakers and provide educational and career planning opportunities. $80,000 is needed to cover operating costs for the Center. In January of 2017, Debi Arach successfully launched its first program within its Vocational Training Center, teaching children computer programming, 3d printing and robotics curriculum. The goal of this newest component is to provide these children with marketable job skills in order to help them work themselves out of poverty. In 2019, with the long term commitment by Dr. & Mrs. Gary and Linda Assarian (MI) the vocational training program was renamed the Assarian Vocational Training Program.

Region

Shirak / Շիրակ

City / Village

Gyumri / Գյումրի

Start Date

April 2021

End Date

March 2022
Debi Arach Children’s Center 2021 Operating Budget

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

The Need

Thousands of children in Gyumri are living in extreme poverty, with no hope for a decent future. These socially vulnerable children are in need of a safe and enriching environment where they can receive additional guidance through social, psychological and academic support giving them a chance to break their cycle of poverty. The children’s center will continue to provide these children with the opportunity to attend afterschool and summer school programs providing them with the additional skills necessary for a successful future. Additionally, these children suffer from malnutrition and related illnesses due to a lack of well-balanced meals. The center will continue to provide each child with a nutritious meal everyday, helping them receive the calories and/or nutrients they need. Furthermore, many families were forced to take refuge in overseas shipping containers (domiks), or in condemned buildings after the devastating 1988 Spitak Earthquake or due to their poor socioeconomic status. An entire generation of children has grown up in deplorable conditions, often times with no running water and little or no heat to take showers. The Center will address this very important hygienic need by continuing to provide the children in attendance with supervised new bathing facilities.

Short Term Impact

The short-term 180 children will receive immediate support and guidance to help them succeed for the second year. The Center will continue offer nutritious meals, bathing facilities, counseling opportunities, homework aid and tutoring and core classes including English, Computer, Art/Design, and Math.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, with the success of the Center’s current offerings, additional classes and programs will be added and attendance will rise. The number of children growing up in poverty in the future will decrease as the number of children successfully graduating from our program and continuing onto college or successful vocations increases. The number of “social orphans” and children temporarily residing in boarding schools in Gyumri will be reduced as parents become increasingly able to keep their children at home given the humanitarian support they receive at the center. Through ongoing employment opportunities created, several families will continue to receive a fair wage, hence improving Gyumri’s economy.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the operating cost for 2021 of the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri will be recognized with a plaque at the Center and on the Center’s website and in their printed materials. Your name will also be listed as a sponsor on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation will proudly arrange a visit to the new Center when you are in Armenia.

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MH

Mr. & Mrs. Harvey & Nora Hanoian

Walnut Creek, CA
In Memory Of Hayrik Abnous January 20, 2022
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MA

Ms. Kathryn J. Abajian

CA, United States January 19, 2022
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Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence & Theresa Vranka

Port Washington, NY January 11, 2022
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MA

Mr. & Mrs. Stuart & Caroline Arakelian

Danville, CA January 11, 2022
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Anonymous

San Francisco, CA January 11, 2022
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MY

Mrs. Joyce Yeremian

North Providence, RI January 10, 2022
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Dr. & Mrs. Jack & Marie Saroyan

San Francisco, CA January 7, 2022
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Mr. & Mrs. Norman & Rosemary Kondy

San Francisco, CA January 7, 2022
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Ms. Monica Markarian

PA, United States January 7, 2022
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Mr. & Mrs. Suren & Izzy Toumanian

United States January 5, 2022
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Mr. Roupen Dechkounian

Lexington, MA January 4, 2022
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Updates: Images & Information

March 4, 2021

Due to the pandemic, schools and children's centers were closed throughout Armenia.  Debi Arach reopened as soon as it was allowed to.  Children are provided a fresh mask each day, food is served in individual containers and extra sanitary steps are taken to prevent the virus' spread. 

May 1, 2021

Debi Arach has won a small grant from the U.S. Embassy in Armenia.  The grant is titled "American Summer" and is aimed at teaching students about American culture through food, music, sports and movies.  This program will run throughout the summer months.

October 25, 2021

As part of our SERVICE Armenia Young Professional's trip to Armenia, participants helped distribute warm winter boots and scarfs for the students at Debi Arach. This project is very valuable as winter boots are expensive and most of the children walk to Debi Arach after school (and Gyumri is very cold.)

Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Ani H. – Gohar G. – Anna & Gohar G.

Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Ani H. - Gohar G. - Anna & Gohar G.

Description

Nor Luyce works with young girls, ages 14-17, from two local orphanages and/or from poverty stricken families from Gyumri, Armenia. Under the direction of their Executive Director, Shoghik Mikayelyan, the program provides their mentees with positive roles models and emotional support. The reduction of isolation is provided by mentors and by field trips, which expose the children to various work and educational settings. In addition, Nor Luyce’s program emphasizes the development of educational and career plans. They are now at the stage of either beginning or continuing to help implement each older child’s plan for higher education. Each child has also either completed or is in the process of completing a career plan, which includes the most appropriate type and place of higher education.

Nor Luyce is trying to provide the following young girls from Gyumri, with a scholarship that would reduce their out of pocket costs towards their education:

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

2021
Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Ani H. – Gohar G. – Anna & Gohar G.

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

Ani H.
Ani was born on October 25, 2004 in Gyumri, Shirak region. Her family consists of four people including her mother and two siblings. Her mother does not work, and her father has passed away due to a car accident.

Ani is attending the local medical college and is making good progress. In her free time she likes to read, listen to music, and play the piano. She has been attending Nor Luyce since 2017. According to her mentor, due to the hardships in her life, Ani was in a difficult mental state and found it hard to express her opinion and was closed-off. Thanks to hard work, Ani is in a better mental place now. She is developing her skills and has become more active. She comes up with various initiatives and ideas on her own. She is well on her way to becoming an established and stable individual who knows her goals and how to achieve them.

Ani is going to become a nurse as soon as she graduates. Ani needs assistance in buying books, winter clothes and boots, and the necessary medical supplies for her practicum/internship.

Scholarship needed: $500

Gohar G.
Gohar Galoyan was born on December 27, 2000 in Gyumri, Shirak region. She has six people in her family including two sisters and a brother who are all married and live separately. Gohar lives with her father and mother.

Gohar G.

Gohar is studying at the Shirak State University in the Department of English Language and Literature. In her free time she likes to paint, sing, and play the piano. Gohar has been attending Nor Luyce since 2014. According to her mentor, she initially had low self-esteem, which she only talked about with her mentor, but on the outside she acted as if she had very high self-esteem. As a result of personal one-on-one meetings, Gohar admitted that she is now showing her true self and, in her words, she has now got rid of her inner complexes and is living more freely and calmly. Gohar is now in Nor Luyce’s senior group of mentees. She has progressed very well during the Skill-Building phase and has been very active and enterprising during her time at Nor Luyce.

Gohar’s family lives in poor social conditions and needs assistance paying her tuition.

Scholarship needed: $770

Gohar & Anna G.
Gohar and Anna are sisters. Gohar was born in 2002 and Anna was born in 2005 in Hovuni Village. Their family consists of nine people including her father, mother, grandmother, three brothers, and a sister.

Gohar joined Nor Luyce Mentoring Center in 2016. She has been actively engaged in Nor Luyce activities up to now. Gohar is very punctual, modest, active and smart. She has also conducted volunteer work and presented a topic for other mentees in the organization.
Gohar’s sister Anna joined Nor Luyce in 2018. She is also very punctual like Gohar. Anna is a little shy compared to her sister, however, she has a good skill of self-advocacy. Both Anna and Gohar are going to become nurses and they have applied to the local Medical College. Since Gohar’s and Anna’s family is socially vulnerable, it is hard for them to cover the tuition fee.

Scholarship needed for both: $1,000

The Need
Children living in orphanages and/or within poverty stricken families are often isolated and may lack the knowledge, adult support and financial ability necessary to make appropriate life choices. As a consequence, many of these children are deprived from the opportunity to pursue their education. The frustration of these deficits in addition to the expectation that they will not be able to afford additional education may even lead to a lack of motivation to seek the knowledge and support needed. By being given the opportunity to pursue educational goals, they will be able to secure job opportunities, a good future and a successful life.
Short Term Impact
Ani H., Gohar G. and sisters Anna and Gohar g., who all currently live in Gyumri’s, will receive the financial support they need, in a form of a scholarship, covering the costs of their college tuition, uniform, books, stationaries, winter clothes and transportation.
Long Term Impact
The long-term goal is that four girls, being given the opportunity to continue pursuing their educational goals at the university level will have a reasonable chance to become self-sufficient member of Armenian society and have a successful lives.
Sponsors Benefits
Sponsors will be recognized on both the Nor Luyce and Paros Foundation websites. Donors will be given regular progress reports on the girls’ progress during their university studies.
Anonymous User
WE

Western Drug Employees

Toluca Lake, CA April 30, 2021

ASF Online Marketplace Plat – Shop Shouga

Armenia Support Fund Online Marketplace Platform - Shop Shouga

Description

The Armenia Support Fund (ASF) was established in early 2020 to take on strategic initiatives impacting Armenians in both Armenia and around the globe. In response to COVID-19, ASF partnered with The Paros Foundation to launch the “Armenia COVID-19 Small Business Support Initiative,” which aimed to raise funds to support the business-related needs of family-owned businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19 in Armenia. This project raised $50,000 and provided small business grants to over 40 struggling businesses in Armenia. As part of ASF’s efforts to help rebuild Armenia after the devastation caused by the Azeri conflict, ASF has once again partnered with Paros to build the first ever exclusively Armenian online marketplace platform. This e-commerce website will be called, Shop Shouga (Armenian for marketplace) and will help businesses in Armenia sell overseas to diaspora communities and non-Armenians. We have handpicked and curated the collection to ensure the quality and value of the products. Our team will help purchase the products that ASF has sourced from Armenia as well as ship them to Los Angeles where they will be placed in a fulfillment center for delivery.

Region

Throughout Armenia & Artsakh

City / Village

Throughout Armenia & Artsakh

Start Date

December 2020

End Date

December 2021
ASF Online Marketplace Plat – Shop Shouga

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

The Need
COVID-19 and the war have had a devastating effect on Armenia’s economy and families that own small businesses. The pandemic ruined Armenia’s flourishing tourism industry and the war has displaced many small-business owners. Now, more than ever, it is crucial that we encourage people to buy Armenian products. The Armenia Support Fund is committed to helping enable Armenia based small businesses to sell online internationally.
Short Term Impact
In the short term, this project will help Armenia based small businesses get back on their feet and keep their businesses running. The affects of this project will be felt immediately as it helps promote economic stimulus in Armenia.
Long Term Impact
In the long term, helping these family-owned small businesses will not only help Armenia’s economy recover, but will help ensure these families remain committed to their businesses and not consider abandoning them for economic reasons.
Sponsors Benefits
Sponsors of this important project will be listed on The Paros Foundation and The Armenia Support Fund websites and in relevant press.
Anonymous User
MP

Mr. Holger Panzlaff

Germany January 31, 2021
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BA

Bodega Los Alamos

United States January 23, 2021
Anonymous User
MK

Mr. Hagop Kalaidjian

Encino, CA January 21, 2021
Anonymous User
MR

Mr. Wesley Richardson

United States January 6, 2021
Anonymous User
HC

Henry's House of Coffee

San Francisco, CA November 17, 2020