Tag: In Progress

February 28, 2024

Family Relocation to Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

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

Four months after start

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

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.

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.

By Annie Dilsizian

February 15, 2024

Kharpert Home for Special Children Excursion 24

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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 $300, 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

Immediately

End Date

Kharpert Home for Special Children Excursion 24

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

The Need

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

Short Term Impact

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

Long Term Impact

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

Sponsors Benefits

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

By Narine

January 12, 2024

Mobile Dental Clinic Vayots Dzor 2

Mobile Dental Clinic for Vayots Dzor 2

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Description

The Armenian Dental Society of California and The Paros Foundation have successfully partnered in order to help the mobile dental clinic bring dental care to poverty stricken communities throughout Armenia.

Dr. Viken Garabedian who has worked closely with Drs. Gary Kevorkian and Jack Bayramyan and the ADSC mobile clinic, is ready to tackle the challenge of bringing expanded dental health to the communities in Armenia’s Vayots Dzor region by adding a second mobile dental clinic. In partnership with ADSC, the Syunik Development NGO and The Paros Foundation, a second bus will be converted into a mobile dental clinic and serve the isolated and poverty stricken communities in Armenia’s Vayots Dzor region.

Many of the villagers in Vayots Dzor live only a few hundred meters from the Azeri Border. Many of the men in these villages serve in the army, protecting Armenia’s border. The harsh and isolated conditions in these areas has forced many of the residents to flee their homes and resettle in the larger neighboring cities.

Currently, $3,500 is needed for monthly operating funds.

Region

Vayots Dzor

City / Village

Yeghegnadzor and surrounding villages

Start Date

January 2024

End Date

Mobile Dental Clinic Vayots Dzor 2

$100 of $35,000 raised

$ Donation Amount:

Make this donation monthly

Personal Info

Title

First Name *

Last Name *

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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

Donation Total: $100 One Time

Gallery Images

Our second Mobile Dental Clinic ready to get on the road.

The second mobile dental clinic on the road in the village of Khachig seeing patients, many of whom are soldiers.

Dr. Viken Garabedian visiting with the staff in the first mobile dental clinic.

Children in rural and poor communities greatly benefit from the mobile clinic and its free services.

The Need

Dental supplies and clinics are difficult to find or too expensive for residents living in Armenia’s isolated and poverty stricken villages in the Vayots Dzor Region. This can cause a lifetime of dental problems and oral disease for these people. Residents living in these areas are in need of dental care in order to be able to prevent serious dental issues in the future.

Short Term Impact

Residents in the Vayots Dzor region of Armenia will be visited regularly by the mobile dental clinic and receive basic dental care. In addition, two dentists, one assistant and a driver work on the clinic all from Armenia, and have the opportunity to work alongside volunteer dentists from the United States.

Long Term Impact

Residents of in the Vayots Dzor region will have a decreased chance of tooth decay and serious oral issues in their future.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the Mobile Dental Clinic will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website and in all appropriate press related to this important project.

By Annie Dilsizian

January 3, 2024

Ghoghanj Nor Nork – 2024-2025 Funding

Ghoghanj Nor Nork - 2024-2025 Funding

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Description

The Ghoghanj Children’s Center located in the Kentron of Yerevan provides afterschool and summer school programs for approximately 85 children every month. Children who attend the Center are loosely defined as “at risk.” These children typically come from very poor households, often times with a single head of household, who cannot pay for such assistance. The goal of the Ghoghanj Children’s Center is to provide the necessary academic, psychological and social support to ensure that the children attending mature to well adjusted, successful, young adults.

In order to further impact more “at-risk” children, the Center has identified a need for this model to be replicated and offered to other communities in Armenia. Through the generous support of the Dadourian Foundation, a second center for “at-risk” children was opened in 2014 in the Nor Nork neighborhood of Yerevan to provide support to 85 additional children annually. The new center has provided students the same core classes daily (English, Russian, Computer, Design, Painting, Theater and Dance) as the Ghoghanj Children’s Center – Kentron. The goal of this project is to broaden the services offered to socially vulnerable children and families in other communities and provide them with the proper support and guidance needed to excel in school and become self-confident and respectful young adults.

Amount will include rent, utilities, teacher salaries, maintenance and additional improvements, and supplies.

Region

Yerevan / Երևան

City / Village

Nor Nork / Նոր Նորք

Start Date

September 2024

End Date

August 2025

Ghoghanj Nor Nork – 2024-2025 Funding

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

The Need

Children living in the community of Nor Nork in Yerevan are in need of additional guidance through social, psychological and academic support. A second center for these kids has been opened and needs financial support in order to cover operational costs for the following school year 2023-2024.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, sponsorship of this project will help continue to employ teachers, and provide 85 children in the Nor Nork neighborhood of Yerevan with their needed tutoring and guidance.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, this project has the potential of impacting the lives of 85-100 at-risk students by helping them gain the guidance and support they need in order to create greater future opportunities, and become successful individuals and good citizens.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to fund the operational costs for the 2024-2025 school year for Ghoghanj-Nor Nork 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 happily arrange a visit to the center when you are in Armenia.

By Narine

January 3, 2024

Debi Arach Children’s Center 2024 Operating Budget

Debi Arach Children's Center 2024 Operating Budget

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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. $92,000 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 2024

End Date

March 2025

Debi Arach Children’s Center 2024 Operating Budget

$35,100 of $92,000 raised

$ Donation Amount:

Make this donation monthly

Personal Info

Title

First Name *

Last Name *

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Company Name

Donate from an international address.

Mailing Address *

City *

State *

Zip Code *

Country *

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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

Donation Total: $100 One Time

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 2024 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.

By Narine

January 2, 2024

Orphaned Children’s Day Excursion 28

Orphaned Children Day Excursion 28

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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

Immediately

Orphaned Children’s Day Excursion 28

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.

By Narine

December 28, 2023

Orphaned Children’s Day Excursion 27

Orphaned Children Day Excursion 27

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Description

Region

Throughout Armenia

City / Village

Throughout Armenia

Start Date

Immediately

Orphaned Children’s Day Excursion 27

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

The Need

Short Term Impact

Long Term Impact

Sponsors Benefits

By Narine

December 7, 2023

Orphaned Children’s Day Excursion 26

Orphaned Children Day Excursion 26

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Description

Region

Throughout Armenia

City / Village

Throughout Armenia

Start Date

Immediately

Orphaned Children’s Day Excursion 26

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

The Need

Short Term Impact

Long Term Impact

Sponsors Benefits

By Narine

September 30, 2023

Berd Medical Center

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Description

The consolidated communities of Berd in Armenia’s Northeastern border with Azerbaijan is comprised of 17 towns and villages. Almost 25,000 people call these communities home including 5,000 seniors and people with disabilities. For these border communities, access to regular and quality healthcare is difficult and can be costly.

To help provide better medical service for its residents on a regular basis, the community of Berd has secured via a grant a considerable amount of lab equipment and a portable x-ray machine. In addition, they have allocated funding to outfit a large van with this equipment to serve as a mobile medical clinic. This clinic will travel throughout these 17 communities on a regular schedule to provide on the spot x-rays, ultrasounds and lab work as needed as part of their exams.

To secure the licensing for this effort, the clinic in Berd needs to have a dedicated space built to the proper standards for the x-ray machine. The existing clinic does not have a current x-ray room, but does have the space to easily build one. Our construction team will work with the Ministry of Health to build the x-ray room to proper specifications and help the clinic secure its license to fully operate this equipment and launch its mobile services.

The community of Berd has already agreed to fund the driver position and expenses related to operating the mobile clinic and vehicle maintenance.

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Consolidated Communities of Berd

Start Date

January 2024

End Date

March 2024

Berd Medical Center

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

Gallery Images

Space at the existing Berd Medical Center that will be rebuilt to house the clinic's X-ray Department.

The Need

The border community of Berd is home to 25,000 people and 5,000 elderly and people with disabilities. For them, travel to the local Medical Center in Berd for lab work or an x-ray can be a difficult and costly venture. This project will create a mobile medical clinic that will travel to each of the 17 villages and towns in the community and provide on the spot services for all residents.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, a local construction team and local materials will construct the room to house the Berd Medical Center’s new X-Ray Department. This will both create local employment and provide a small boost to the communities economy.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, more than 5,000 elderly, children and people with disabilities will benefit from the mobile medical center’s services. In addition, one full time job will be created.

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 Berd can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.

Updates: Images & Information

January 8, 2024

Construction on the Berd Medical Center has started and we are excited to provide a space for the locals to receive the medical attention that they need.

By Peter Abajian

September 24, 2023

Artsakh Refugee Support Fund

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Description

Armenians living in Artsakh last week woke up to the Azeris again attacking their ancestral homeland. This time their goal was the complete surrender and ethnic cleansing of the entirety of Artsakh.

The mass exodus from Artsakh has begun, and while the fate of our brothers and sisters there remains uncertain, one thing for sure is that thousands of refugees are arriving in Armenia in need of food, shelter and basic necessities. This humanitarian crisis has begun.

To assist, and based on our experience from the refugee crisis during and after the 2020 War, The Paros Foundation is launching the Artsakh Refugee Support Fund to assist refugees coming to Armenia with basic humanitarian needs including food, medicine, clothing, and shelter.

Our main goal is to begin assessing housing needs and re-home refugees into permanent homes as quickly as possible and as funding provides. Our team will work closely with our contacts throughout the country to help find communities and homes available as well as provide immediate humanitarian support for refugees.

Region

All

City / Village

All

Start Date

September, 2023

End Date

One Year From Start

Artsakh Refugee Support Fund

$761,734 of $850,000 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

Donation Total: $100 One Time

Gallery Images

The Need

Armenian refugees driven from their homes in Artsakh have already begun arriving into Armenia in the thousands. This people will need food, shelter, clothing, medicine and other immediate humanitarian support. The Armenian government is not able to immediately help these people, nor are there any international organizations prepared and willing to support this effort.

Short Term Impact

As refugee families begin arriving in Armenia, we will help provide as many as possible with short term humanitarian support. All forms of support provided will benefit the local Armenian economy.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, The Paros Foundation will again support these families re-homing needs as we did following the 2020 war. Homes in communities outside of Yerevan will be purchased and renovated and given to refugee families. This work will be done with local materials and labor and thus have a significant impact on the local economy.

Sponsors Benefits

View More Sponsors

Updates: Images & Information

October 26, 2023

The Paros team has distributed firewood to now 20 families from Artsakh who have taken refuge. It will be used for both heating and cooking.

October 31, 2023

Paros Staff and JOURNEY Through Armenia Participants all gather together to distribute shoes to women who are refugees from the Artsakh in preparation for the cold winter months lying ahead. The shoes are donated from the company Zadur Shoes. They gave a grand total of 500 pairs of winter boots.

November 5, 2023

After much consideration, we will be focusing on providing permanent housing for displaced Artsakh families. We will be resettling families in the Vardenis, Berd, and Kapan areas.

December 1, 2023

Thanks to the generosity of our donors we have raised enough funds to purchase 26 homes for displaced families. Our team is actively engaged in this process -- more updates coming soon!

By Peter Abajian

Contacts

Tag: In Progress

Family Relocation to Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Description

Region

City / Village

Start Date

End Date

Gallery Images

The Need

Short Term Impact

Long Term Impact

Sponsors Benefits

Ms. Nariné Atamian

Mr. & Dr. Jean-Marie & Lori Atamian

Ms. Nariné Atamian

Mr. & Dr. Jean-Marie & Lori Atamian

Updates: Images & Information

Kharpert Home for Special Children Excursion 24

Description

Region

City / Village

Start Date

End Date

The Need

Short Term Impact

Long Term Impact

Sponsors Benefits

Anonymous

Anonymous

Mobile Dental Clinic for Vayots Dzor 2

Description

Region

City / Village

Start Date

End Date

Honoree Details

Gallery Images

The Need

Short Term Impact

Long Term Impact

Sponsors Benefits

Ms. Sandra Riley

Anonymous

Anonymous

Ms. Sandra Riley

Anonymous

Anonymous

Ghoghanj Nor Nork - 2024-2025 Funding​

Description

Region

City / Village

Start Date

End Date

The Need

Short Term Impact

Long Term Impact

Sponsors Benefits

Dadourian Foundation

Dadourian Foundation

Debi Arach Children's Center 2024 Operating Budget

Description

Region

City / Village

Start Date

End Date

Honoree Details

The Need

Short Term Impact

Long Term Impact

Sponsors Benefits

Ms. Monica Markarian

Anonymous

Dadourian Foundation

Ms. Monica Markarian

Anonymous

Dadourian Foundation

Orphaned Children Day Excursion 28

Description

Region

Ghoghanj Nor Nork - 2024-2025 Funding