Tag: Completed

August 3, 2024

$50K for 60 Years

Description

They say 60 is the new 50 and our Executive Director, Peter Abajian, is making sure we don’t forget that! To celebrate this milestone birthday we are raising $50,000 to go towards Debi Arach Children’s Center! If anyone knows Peter they know he is full of life and joy, and ultimately has the biggest giving heart so we thought it would be perfect to give in a big way. Join us in celebrating 50 as the new 60 and let’s make a sizeable dent in the Debi Arach operation budget for this upcoming year! 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 185 children each week the necessary academic, psychological, social and humanitarian support, has since been a source of positivity in this city. 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 healthier than before with the continued consumption of multi-vitamins and a daily well-balanced meal. Staff trainings take place 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.

Region

Shirak / Շիրակ

City / Village

Gyumri / Գյումրի

Start Date

August 2024

End Date

August 2025

$12,075 of $50,000 raised

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

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Updates: Images & Information

September 3, 2024

Thank you to everyone who generously donated in honor of Peter's 60th birthday! Your donations helped us raise $16,000 for the Debi Arach operating budget and that is the best birthday gift of all.

By Garik Khachatryan

March 14, 2024

Packs on Backs Armenia: Debi Arach 2024

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Description

The Packs on Backs initiative, was started by the The Heros Humanitarian Foundation (HHF), a former Los Angeles based non-profit organization that supported children in need and their educational advancement. HHF partnered with The Paros Foundation to bring their Packs on Backs initiative to Armenia, and together successfully distributed 380 backpacks and school supplies to children in Gyumri and Vanadzor in the summer of 2015 and 225 backpacks to the children at the Kharpert Children’s Home in the summer of 2016. Since then, the Packs on Backs initiative continues to impact the lives of children in need in Armenia with this essential need.

Our next distribution will be for the kids attending the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri. Socially vulnerable children attend the center after their school and receive both humanitarian and educational support through a holistic approach. The Paros Foundation established the Debi Arach Children’s Center on April 15, 2015 and has since provided children each week the necessary academic, psychological, social and humanitarian support they need to succeed. Gyumri’s devastating history has left more than 100,000 residents homeless, and plagued with unemployment and rampant poverty. These families often struggle to provide their children with life’s basic necessities; therefore making backpacks and school supplies a distant priority. Children at the center were recipients of backpacks and school supplies during our first distribution in 2015 and distributions have continued in years since. This distribution will meet the ongoing needs of all of the children. Our goal is to distribute backpacks and supplies for 180 children attending Debi Arach. A donation of $35 will help obtain one backpack filled with supplies for one child. School supplies will be grade appropriate and include a combination of pencils, pens, pencil cases, notebooks, folders, erasers, sharpeners, glue, scissors, rulers, highlighters, and crayons. In-kind donations of the items listed are also welcomed.

Region

Shirak / Շիրակ

City / Village

Gyumri / Գյումրի

Start Date

July 2024

End Date

July 2024

$3,250 of $3,250 raised

$ Donation Amount:

Make this donation monthly

Personal Info

Title

First Name *

Last Name *

Is this donation on behalf of a company?

Company Name

Donate from an international address.

Mailing Address *

City *

State *

Zip Code *

Country *

Display Name

Phone Number

Email Address *

Make this an anonymous donation.

Comment

Dedicate this Donation

Yes, please
No, thank you

Dedication Type

Honoree Details

First Name *

Last Name

Credit Card Info

This is a secure SSL encrypted payment.

Card Number *

CVC *

Cardholder Name *

Expiration *

Donation Total: $100 One Time

Gallery Images

Children will receive backpacks filled with several needed school supplies.

The Need

It is very difficult for a child to learn and excel in their studies without a proper backpack and essential school supplies. In addition, without the proper supplies these children are less likely to attend school on a regular basis, hence severely hindering their educational growth and minimizing future opportunities.

Short Term Impact

A total of 180 children from Gyumri’s poverty stricken communities attending the Debi Arach Children’s Center will receive either proper backpacks and school supplies or new school supplies to aid in their educational advancement. Local school supplies will be purchased whenever economically feasible in turn boosting the local economy.

Long Term Impact

Your donation to sponsor the Packs on Backs Armenia: Debi Arach project will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project.

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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Updates: Images & Information

July 10, 2024

The SERVICE Armenia group assembled backpacks with necessary supplies for the next school year. The back packs will be distributed to the children of Debi Arach in Gyumri ahead of their school year beginning.

July 30, 2024

The backpacks were distributed with the help of the Dadourian and Barmakian Families to all 180 children at the Debi Arach Children's Center. Thank you to all of the donors who made this project possible. The children are now ready for the new school year ahead of them!

By Annie Dilsizian

March 4, 2024

Heating for Azatamut Clinic

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Description

Nestled in the upper northeast region of Armenia, the village of Azatamut is located in the Tavush region. It is an isolated border community with a population of 2,513. The Armenian Government previously renovated the Azatamut Clinic, however, they did not run gas to the building during their renovations leaving them without heat during the rough winters. The local Governor’s Office approached The Paros Foundation and asked us to complete this important project for the community.

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Azatamut

Start Date

May 2024

End Date

Four months from start

Heating for Azatamut Clinic

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

Gallery Images

The Need

With no heating, the Azatamut Clinic is non-functional during the winter. Local residents rely on this clinic for vaccinations, pre-natal check-ups, blood pressure screenings, and so much more. The community needs a fully functional medical clinic year round to meet their immediate medical needs.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, running gas to the Azatamut Clinic will allow community members to receive the medical care that they need during the winter months.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, a functional year-round medical clinic will lead to overall improved health in community members for years to come.

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 Azatamut can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.

Updates: Images & Information

June 24, 2024

Pipes have been installed that will bring gas to the boilers to heat the Azatamut Clinic in the winter.

By Annie Dilsizian

February 28, 2024

Family Relocation to Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

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Description

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur is an important border village with a population of more than 1,100 residents in the Berd area of Armenia’s Tavush Region. Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur is a beneficiary village of the Paros Foundation’s Prosperity on the Border Initiative. With major financial support of Jean-Marie Atamian and his family over the last ten years, much of the village’s infrastructure has been completely rebuilt and improved including, but not limited to, its large secondary school, expanded kindergarten, medical center, emergency services building and water distribution system. In addition, several families have benefited from agribusiness and animal husbandry projects. Having funded the rebuilding of NKA’s infrastructure, the Atamian family is now focusing its attention on the reconstruction a severely damaged home to provide a decent and safe home for a deserving family displaced from Artsakh. Since 2012, a variety of work (ranging from $2,500 to $30,000) has taken place on more than 20 homes in the village thanks to the leadership of the Atamian family.

To date, The Paros Foundation has successfully facilitated the relocation of seven displaced families from Artsakh to newly renovated homes in NKA. This forthcoming family will mark the eighth displaced family from Artsakh to benefit from this initiative. This opportunity will enable them to join the community in NKA, where numerous families from Artsakh have already resettled in the wake of the 2020 War.

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Start Date

December 2023

End Date

July 2024

Family Relocation to Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

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

Gallery Images

The home that will be renovated for the Artsakh family.

The interior of a home in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur.

The Need

Many displaced families from Artsakh find themselves in dire need of housing that is clean, safe, and comfortable. They need to know that the diaspora stands with them in this time of need.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, work will be done to renovate this home. The local economy will benefit as materials and labor will be secured locally whenever possible.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, a displaced Artsakh family will thrive in their new home and the community as a whole will benefit as conditions in their community continue to improve.

Sponsors Benefits

Updates: Images & Information

December 21, 2023

Today renovations began on the Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur home. We look forward to providing another fully functional home for a Artsakh family in need.

June 24, 2024

Renovations on the house are finished! The Simonyan Family, who were displaced from Artsakh last year, have moved into their newly renovated and furnished home in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur. To celebrate the joyous occasion a ribbon cutting was held at the house. A huge thank you to Jean-Marie & Lori Atamian, Stepan Atamian, and Nariné Atamian who made this positive impact possible for the Simonyan Family.

By Annie Dilsizian

December 12, 2023

Adopt A Classroom – Nor Ughi

Adopt A Classroom - Nor Ughi

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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.

Gallery Images

A typical Armenian classroom prior to renovation.

Classroom will receive new doors, lighting, ceiling, paint and new furniture.

New flooring will also be installed.

Students will be able to attend class in a newly updated and modern classroom.

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.

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.

By Narine

December 7, 2023

Orphaned Children’s Day Excursion 26

Orphaned Children Day Excursion 26

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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 $300 -$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

July 2024

End Date

July 2024

Orphaned Children’s Day Excursion 26

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.

Updates: Images & Information

July 15, 2024

A group of 12 kids from the Yerevan Children's Home were accompanied to the movies by six employees. They had a great time watching the movie and enjoying movie theater snacks.

By Narine

October 28, 2023

Games For Good Artsakh Relief Effort

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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.

Gallery Images

I want to take a moment to address the deeply concerning and heartbreaking situation unfolding in Artsakh and Armenia. The region is in the midst of a severe humanitarian crisis, with over 75,000

Games for Good

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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.

By Narine

September 6, 2023

Orphaned Children’s Day Excursion 25

Orphaned Children Day Excursion 25

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Description

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.

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

Short Term Impact

Long Term Impact

Sponsors Benefits

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.

By Narine

August 25, 2023

Orphaned Children’s Day Excursion 24

Orphaned Children Day Excursion 24

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Description

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.

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

Short Term Impact

Long Term Impact

Sponsors Benefits

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.

By Narine

August 13, 2023

New Home for Karine S.

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Description

Karine S. and her two young sons live in the border village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur. Last year, Karine’s husband was killed in a tragic auto accident. Prior to this accident, Karine and her husband had purchased a home of their own in the village with plans to renovate the space, work the properties orchard and build a future for their children.

Karine and her boys currently live in a rented home in the village. The home they purchased needs to be rebuilt completely and partially expanded. Once rebuilt, the home will have two bedrooms, a kitchen, living room and bathroom.

Karine and her boys would be grateful to receive the support needed to help them renovate their home and give them a fresh start for their future.

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Start Date

September 2023

End Date

May 2024

New Home for Karine S.

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

Gallery Images

Karine and her boys currently rent a home in the village as their home needs a complete renovation.

Karine's home needs an addition to accommodate the construction of a bathroom and the kitchen.

A new roof needs to be installed on the home.

This space will be expanded to facilitate the home's bathroom and kitchen.

Work on the home will take an estimated four months to complete.

The Need

Improving conditions for people to live in communities along the border with Azerbaijan is important. Helping villagers with home improvements is vital to help create a vibrant border community. Karine, a widow, cannot afford to renovate the home she purchased with her husband prior to his death.

Short Term Impact

A local construction team will be hired to do the reconstruction and renovation work on Karine’s home. In addition, windows and other materials will be purchased locally, which help support the local economy.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, rebuilding Karine’s home will create a lasting bond for her boys within this border community. In addition, making significant improvements to her home will improve her and her children’s attitudes and moral, which is equally as important as their living conditions.