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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

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Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Valentina K.

Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Valentina K.

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 Valentina K., with a scholarship that would reduce her out of pocket cost towards her education. Valentina Khachatryan was born in Gyumri, located in Shirak region. There are six people in her family: her father, mother, brother, grandmother, grandfather and herself. Her father is a teacher. He works in a school, but because of a serious accident, he is now on forced leave. He has had many surgeries. Her mother is a nurse and works as a laboratory assistant in a private clinic. Her grandparents do not work. The monthly income of the family is 200.000 AMD.

Currently, Valentina is in her first year at the Yerevan State Medical University, and is studying at the Faculty of “General Medicine.” She joined the Nor Luyce program in 2020. Now she is in the Higher Education Phase. Since the beginning of the project, Valentina has always been active, proactive, and willing to participate in all meetings, events and implemented programs. She is confident, intelligent, modest.

At the moment, Valentina has a problem with her tuition fees, because the annual fee at the Yerevan State Medical University is 1 million Armenian drams, which is a big burden for her family.

Valentina needs our support. $1,000 will cover her tuition fee for one year. She couldn’t apply for a discount because both of her parents work through they earn not enough to cover her tuition fee. The requested scholarship funds will help Siranush continue her studies.

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

January 2023

End Date

March 2023
Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Valentina K.

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

Valentina K. will receive the financial support she needs, in a form of a scholarship, covering the costs of her college tuition.

Long Term Impact

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

Sponsors Benefits

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

Anonymous User
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Ms. Lida Manoukian Friberg

Channing, MI March 10, 2023
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Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Violeta M.

Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Violeta 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 Violeta M., with a scholarship that would reduce her out of pocket cost towards her education. Violeta Minasyan was born in the city Gyumri, located in Shirak region. Her family is made up of four people: her mother, her father, her sister, and herself. Violeta’s father is not working at the moment; he used to go abroad for work, but due to the war situation, he has been staying here. Her mother works as a midwife in the local maternity hospital in Gyumri, and her sister is a student. The monthly income of her family is 90,000 AMD.

Currently, Violeta is studying in the Service department at Shirak State University to become a specialist in the service field. She first began her involvement at Nor Luyce in 2015. Now, Violeta is a graduate of Nor Luyce. Before participating in our program, Violeta was shy, not very active, and less confident, but after participating in the program, she became bolder, more active and confident. She actively participates in all Nor Luyce events and has gained professional direction. She is now studying in her dream major and has managed to receive very high marks in school over the years.

Violeta is currently having a problem paying her tuition fees due to the financial strain on her family. The tuition fee is 250,000 AMD per year.

Violeta needs our support. $800 will cover her tuition fee for one year. The requested scholarship funds will help her continue her studies.

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Violeta 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

Violeta M. will receive the financial support she needs, in a form of a scholarship, covering the costs of her college tuition and transportation.

Long Term Impact

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

Sponsors Benefits

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

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Mr. & Dr. Harout & Lena Soghomonian

Los Angeles, CA
April 9, 2023
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Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Ruzanna M.

Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Ruzanna 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 Ruzanna M., with a scholarship that would reduce her out of pocket cost towards her education. Ruzanna Mkhitaryan was born in the city of Gyumri, located in Shirak region. Her family consists of 4 people: Ruzanna, her father, her mother, and her brother. Ruzanna’s father  travels abroad for work. Her brother was wounded while serving in the 44-Day War in Artsakh and is now disabled. As a result, he was discharged prematurely from the military. Her mother works as a salesperson in a store. The family’s monthly income is 80,000 AMD, which mostly comes from government aid.

Currently, Ruzanna is studying Law in the Gyumri Branch of the European University. Ruzanna joined the program at Nor Luyce in 2018. In the past, Ruzanna was one of the best mentees, and now she continues her involvement with Nor Luyce as a mentee. She often participates in volunteer work, attends all important events, and is ready to support everyone in need. Before joining Nor Luyce, Ruzanna was quiet, reserved, had very few friends, and did not trust others, but after participating in the program, she has become more confident, sociable, and active. She has made many new friends and has learned to trust people and be more patient.

Ruzanna currently is struggling to pay her tuition at the university due to her family’s difficult financial situation. The tuition is 300,000 AMD per year.
 
Ruzanna needs our support. $900 will cover her tuition fee for one year. Her university does not offer any discounts. The requested scholarship funds will help Ruzanna continue her studies.

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

January 2023

End Date

January 2024
Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Ruzanna 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

Ruzanna M. will receive the financial support she needs, in a form of a scholarship, covering the costs of her college tuition.

Long Term Impact

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

Sponsors Benefits

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

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Mr. Alec Soghomonian

Los Angeles, CA April 26, 2023
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Mr. & Mrs. Simon & Arsho Simitian

Los Angeles, CA
April 23, 2023
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Dr. & Mrs. George & Gail Kodokian (Gudukian)

Kennett Square, PA
In Memory Of Kirk & Shake Gudukian April 16, 2023
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Anonymous

Inverness, FL February 17, 2023
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Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Siranush A.

Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Siranush 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 Siranush A., with a scholarship that would reduce her out of pocket cost towards her education. Siranush Arakelyan was born in the village of Kamo, located in Shirak region.  Her household has seven people in it: her mother, her grandmother, her grandfather, her uncle, her uncle’s wife, her cousin, and herself. Siranush’s father died when she was very young. Her mother works in a store as a saleswoman and other members of her family are engaged in agricultural work. The family’s monthly income is 75,000 AMD.

Currently, Siranush is studying at Gyumri State Medical College to become a nurse. She started as a mentee at Nor Luyce in 2021 and is now completing the Skills Development Phase. Before participating in the program,  Siranush was reserved, withdrawn, had few friends, and did not trust people at all. Coming into the city from the village was difficult for her, but after participating in the program, she has become more confident, sociable, active, and has made many new friends.

Siranush currently has an issue paying her tuition fees as her family is in a very difficult place financially and will not be able to come up with the money. The tuition fee is 220,000 AMD per year

Siranush needs our support. $1,000 will cover both her tuition fee for one year and her transportation cost since she is commuting from the village. Siranoush has received a 30% discount for her education because she is coming from a single-parent household. The requested scholarship funds will help Siranush continue her studies.

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

January 2023

End Date

March 2023
Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Siranush 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

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

Long Term Impact

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

Sponsors Benefits

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

Anonymous User
MB

Mr. & Mrs. Leon & Salpi Bablouzian

Newtonville, MA
In Honor Of Aida Kargodorian January 19, 2023
Musical Armenia

Musical Armenia

Musical Armenia

Description

Musical Armenia was founded in 2017, to support youth music education in Armenia. They believe that every child in Armenia should have access to music education, regardless of financial means. Musical Armenia has partnered with The Paros Foundation to help provide tuition scholarships and instruments for underprivileged children. Musical Armenia is solely supported by individual donors.

This project aims to provide full, ongoing music scholarships to children from socially vulnerable families in Vanadzor who attend the Orran Center andchildren in need from Nork Marash who attend the Andreasyan School of Music. The budget includes funds allocated for securing instruments, transportation costs and other related expenses whenever needed.

Your contribution of $20 per month ($240 per year) will sponsor one child for the duration of one year. Sponsorship in any amount is welcomed.


Region

Lori, Yerevan

City / Village

Vanadzor, Nork Marash

Start Date

January 2023

End Date

December 2024
Musical Armenia

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

The Need

Children who attend the Orran Center in Vanadzor and the Andreasyan School of Music in Nork Marash have been identified who would like to study music, but are unable to pay for tuition due to their family’s economic condition.

Short Term Impact

Children will study music in a warm and nurturing environment. This includes learning an instrument, studying music theory, and having the opportunity to sing in the school choir (optional). In addition, the project increases teacher salaries, since teachers are paid per student and the project increases the number of students.

Long Term Impact

Musical education teaches discipline, helps develop good work ethic, increases self-esteem and empowers children. This project will sponsor children for the duration of their studies (maximum 8 years), making a lasting investment in the child’s development. The goal is to inspire and allow the children to explore their talents and reach their full potential. Furthermore, this project has the potential to promote Armenia’s rich culture.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors will be recognized on The Paros Foundation and Musical Armenia websites. In addition, donors will be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project.

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Mr. & Mrs. Hovsep & Elizabeth Hajibekyan

Burbank, CA June 16, 2025
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Ms. Gale Patricia Valentini

Palos Verdes Estates, CA
May 1, 2025
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Mr. & Mrs. Hovsep & Elizabeth Hajibekyan

Burbank, CA
April 16, 2025
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Mr. & Mrs. Hovsep & Elizabeth Hajibekyan

Burbank, CA March 16, 2025
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Mr. & Mrs. Hovsep & Elizabeth Hajibekyan

Burbank, CA February 16, 2025
Anonymous User
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Mr. & Mrs. Hovsep & Elizabeth Hajibekyan

Burbank, CA
January 16, 2025
Anonymous User
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Mr. & Mrs. Svejan & Inessa Zagorov

San Francisco, CA
December 19, 2024
Anonymous User
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Mr. & Mrs. Arshavir & Alis Hajibekyan

Glendale, CA
December 5, 2024
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Mr. Vahe Khachatryan

United States December 3, 2024
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Mr. Ovsep Akopchikyan

Tujunga, CA
December 1, 2024
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Ms. Agunik Sarksyan

United States
November 27, 2024
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Mr. Armen Khachatryan

United States
November 25, 2024
View More Sponsors
February 22, 2024

With consistent funding, the children are continuing their music education. At the Orran Center, the children are improving on their dhol and guitar skills. The children attending classes at the Andreasyan School of Music are continuing to learning new skills in their private lessons.

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Debi Arach Children’s Center 2023 Operating Budget

Debi Arach Children's Center 2023 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 185 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 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.

The center is working on funding year nine 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. $82,000 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 / Õ‡Õ«Ö€Õ¡Õ¯

City / Village

Gyumri / Ô³ÕµÕ¸Ö‚Õ´Ö€Õ«

Start Date

April 2023

End Date

March 2024
Debi Arach Children’s Center 2023 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 185 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 2023 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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Mr. Roupen Dechkounian

Lexington, MA April 4, 2024
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Ms. Monica Markarian

PA, United States March 7, 2024
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Ara Arakelian

Sun Valley, CA March 4, 2024
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Dr. & Mrs. Gary & Linda Assarian

Bloomfield Hills, MI February 26, 2024
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Ms. Monica Markarian

PA, United States February 7, 2024
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Ara Arakelian

Sun Valley, CA February 4, 2024
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Mr. Roupen Dechkounian

Lexington, MA February 4, 2024
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Ms. Ariana Kabodian

Novi, MI January 22, 2024
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Ms. Monica Markarian

PA, United States January 7, 2024
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Mr. Ara Arakelian

Sun Valley, CA
January 4, 2024
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Mr. Roupen Dechkounian

Lexington, MA January 4, 2024
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Mr. Ronald Mitchell & Mrs. Diane Mgrublian

South Pasadena, CA January 3, 2024
View More Sponsors

Updates: Images & Information

June 22, 2023

SERVICE Armenia arrived at Debi Arach today ready to distribute groceries to families under the Groceries for Gyumri program. 

July 14, 2023

SERVICE Armenia continue their work at Debi Arach by spending a day with the children playing in the sun. 

June 27, 2023

Today Med-Aid Armenia visits Debi Arach to provide free quality medical checkups and make sure the children are healthy. 

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Home Improvements for Samvel G.

Home Improvements for Samvel G.

Description

Samvel and his wife along with their four young children (3 boys and a girl) live together in the border village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur.  

Samvel has done his best to make improvements on the family home including rebuilding their bathroom and repairing the roof.  The home needs a complete cosmetic remodel including new doors and windows.  

Samvel is a retired contract soldier from the Armenian army. Several years ago, Samvel and his family were beneficiaries of The Paros Foundation’s Agribusiness project and received several pigs.  He continues to work with his pig farm on a regular basis.  He also works as a beekeeper for The Paros Foundation’s honey production effort at the local school.  Astrig, Samvel’s wife, was employed until recently as the director of the village’s kindergarten. 

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur is an important border village with a population of approximately 1,100 residents in the Berd area of Armenia’s Tavush Region. This community remains under constant risk of sniper fire and renewed armed conflict. NKA was the single most damaged Armenian village during the Azeri conflict in the 1990’s. The economy of the village and the livelihood of many of its residents have suffered due to these difficult and dangerous conditions. In particular, 70% of their fertile land is unusable because of frequent sniper attacks. 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 10 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 of severely damaged houses to provide decent and safe homes for deserving families in the village. 

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Start Date

June 2022

End Date

September 2022
Home Improvements for Samvel G.

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

The Need

Samvel’s home is in poor condition.  Due to the lack of economic opportunities in this border community, Samvel and his family cannot afford to complete renovations to their home.  

Short Term Impact

In the short term, a local construction crew will be employed to renovate this home and earn a fair market wage.  Reconstruction materials will be purchased locally also to provide a benefit to the regional economy.  

Long Term Impact

In the long term, as homes in these communities are improved, local villagers will take greater pride in their communities. More importantly, Samvel and his family will live in safer and more comfortable 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.

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Mr. & Dr. Jean-Marie & Lori Atamian

New York, NY July 1, 2023
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Mr. & Dr. Jean-Marie & Lori Atamian

New York, NY May 6, 2023
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MA

Mr. & Dr. Jean-Marie & Lori Atamian

New York, NY April 2, 2023

Updates: Images & Information

September 15, 2022

Renovations on Samvel G.'s home is complete! The home is now equipped with new windows and doors. 

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Kharpert Home for Special Children Excursion 22

Kharpert Home for Special Children Excursion 22

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.

For each donation of $250, approximately 20 children and an appropriate number of care provides will be able to go on an excursion to Yerevan at Victory Park, or another appropriate venue for a morning or afternoon of activities including transportation, admission and snacks. Please consider supporting multiple excursions for these children.

Region

Ararat

City / Village

Nor Kharpert

Start Date

October 28, 2022

End Date

Kharpert Home for Special Children Excursion 22

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 orphanage.
Short Term Impact
The short-term impact of this project will be the employment of a bus driver, money being spent in Armenia’s local economy and most important the education and social benefits for 20 children with developmental disabilities.
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.
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
MM

Mrs. Nyire Melconian

Locust, NJ
November 1, 2022

Updates: Images & Information

June 25, 2024

SERVICE Armenia 2024 participants accompanied 20 residents from the Kharpert Home for Special Children to a fun day at Victory Park in Yerevan.

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Orphaned Children’s Day Excursion 23

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, an amusement park or concert, or attend a cultural event.

Armenia’s orphan children should have the opportunity to experience popular cultural events, exhibits, and excursions in Armenia, or simply have a fun afternoon or activity that they normally would not be able to experience. 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 sponsorships 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 18, 2022

End Date

October 18, 2022
Orphaned Children’s Day Excursion 23

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 important the education and social benefits for 20 orphan children.

Long Term Impact

This project has considerable long-term emotion, education 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
MN

Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Nora Nahabet

Glendale, CA
March 12, 2023

Updates: Images & Information

October 18, 2022

Participants of the SERVICE Armenia 2022 Young Professionals group accompanied children from the Yerevan Children's Home during a fun afternoon excursion at an indoor zoo.

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Home Improvements for Hrant A.

Home Improvements for Hrant A.

Description

Hrant and his wife along with their married son and his family all live together in the border village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur.  Seven people total live in this home, including three children under the age of six.  The home is in need of a full remodel including the addition of one bedroom to offer the children a space of their own.  

The family has a small plot of land around the house. They have a pig and a cow and some bee hives. They also have a small plot of land on the edge of the village that they use to harvest grass for use in their small barn.  

Hrant is a retired soldier from the Armenian army and lives on a pension. His son, Karen, works in Berd and also works as a beekeeper for The Paros Foundation’s honey production effort at the local school.  

Hrant’s house is in overall poor condition with their greatest need being a new roof and doors and windows. They also do not have proper heating.  This effort would not only solve these critical housing needs, but also provide this large family with a completely renovated and reconfigured home for them.

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur is an important border village with a population of approximately 1,100 residents in the Berd area of Armenia’s Tavush Region. This community remains under constant risk of sniper fire and renewed armed conflict. NKA was the single most damaged Armenian village during the Azeri conflict in the 1990’s. The economy of the village and the livelihood of many of its residents have suffered due to these difficult and dangerous conditions. In particular, 70% of their fertile land is unusable because of frequent sniper attacks. 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 10 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 of severely damaged houses to provide decent and safe homes for deserving families in the village. 

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Start Date

April, 2023

End Date

August, 2023
Home Improvements for Hrant A.

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

The Need

Hrant A.’s home is in poor condition.  Due to lack of economic opportunities in this border community, Hrant and his family cannot afford to renovate their home.  A leaky roof, poor windows and lack of proper heating create unsafe and uncomfortable conditions for his large family. 

Short Term Impact

In the short term, a local construction crew will be employed to renovate this home and earn a fair market wage.  Reconstruction materials will be purchased locally also to provide a benefit to the regional economy.  

Long Term Impact

In the long term, as homes in these communities are improved, local villagers will take greater pride in their communities. More importantly, Hrant and his family will live in safer and more comfortable 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

Ms. Nariné Atamian

New York, NY
September 20, 2023
Anonymous User
MA

Ms. Nariné Atamian

New York, NY
September 20, 2023
Anonymous User
MA

Ms. Nariné Atamian

New York, NY
April 6, 2023

Updates: Images & Information

August 28, 2023

Work on Hrant's home is completed and the family has moved back in just prior to the start of school. Â