Tag: In Progress

January 21, 2025

Ghoghanj Nor Nork – 2025-2026 Funding

Ghoghanj Nor Nork - 2025-2026 Funding

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 2025

End Date

August 2026

Ghoghanj Nor Nork – 2025-2026 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 2025-2026.

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 2025-2026 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.

Updates: Images & Information

July 1, 2025

Med-Aid Armenia 2025 visited the Ghoghanj Children's Center to administer medical check-ups.

By Narine

January 8, 2025

Mobile Dental Clinic 2024/2025

Read Updates

Description

The Armenian Dental Society of California has partnered with The Paros Foundation in order to help revive its mobile dental clinic and help bring dental care for poverty stricken communities in Armenia. Dental hygiene is commonly overlooked in many of these communities due to several reasons. Dental supplies and dental care are either very hard to find or too expensive for residents in these villages to afford.

To date, the Mobile Dental Clinic has served over 100,000 patients. Drs. Gary Kevorkian and Jack Bayramyan have taken the lead to help secure funding for the clinic. Sponsorship of this project will help raise the funds needed to keep the mobile clinic in operation. The clinic has two dentists, a nurse, a driver on staff who travel along with the mobile clinic and provide dental care for village residents. Dentists from the US have the opportunity to join the two local dentists on a volunteer basis. $3,000 will help keep the mobile clinic working for one month. Dental care provided by the mobile clinic will include basic child oral care and education, cleanings, fillings and other basic care.

Region

Throughout Armenia

City / Village

Throughout Armenia

Start Date

January 2024

End Date

December 2025

$25,495 of $72,000 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

Credit Card Info

This is a secure SSL encrypted payment.

Card Number *

CVC *

Cardholder Name *

Expiration *

Donation Total: $100 One Time

Gallery Images

Mobile Clinic Dental Staff.

Children also receive new dental hygiene products during their visit.

The Need

Dental supplies and dental clinics are very hard to find or too expensive for residents living in Armenia’s remote and/or poverty stricken villages. This can cause a lifetime of dental problems and oral disease. 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 of remote and poverty stricken villages will be visited by the mobile dental clinic and receive basic dental care. In addition, two dentists from Armenia will be hired to work alongside volunteer dentists from the United States.

Long Term Impact

Residents of remote and poverty stricken villages 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 Narine

November 27, 2024

Vardenis Adult Recreation Center

Description

The town of Vardenis is located in the Gegharkunik Region of Armenia, in the valley of the Masrik River, near the southeastern shores of Lake Sevan. The town is home to about 12,600 residents.

The Vardenis municipality has provided a space in the village of Meds Masrik to launch an elderly activity center with the partnership of a local charitable organization that is prepared to run the day to day operations at the center. The local NGO is called, Association of Healthcare and Assistance to Older People. Elderly refugees from Artsakh have also settled into this community and will greatly benefit from this center.

We hope to raise the funds necessary to renovate this center which will be housed in two adjacent buildings to both provide elderly refuges and other elderly villagers a place to gather, have a hot meal and engage in meaningful interactions. The budget for the launch of this important project is $69,000..

Region

Gegharkunik

City / Village

Vardenis

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Vardenis Adult Recreation Center

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

Gallery Images

The building that will be renovated to house the Vardenis Adult Recreation Center

41c27a19-5240-4e6f-84e1-a74504247fe3 (1)

A villager works to cover his damaged roof in Aygepar before the rains. Photo credit: Hetq

The Need

The elderly are often are lonely and lack meaningful interaction. The town of Vardenis is in need of a please where they can gather and have meaningful interactions.

Short Term Impact

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

Long Term Impact

In the long term, elderly residents from Vardenis and surrounding villages, including Meds Masrik and Geghamasar will be able to attend the recreation center, gather together to socialize, and have a hot meal together. The center will help to improve their physical and mental well-being for many 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 the Vardenis Adult Recreation Center can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.

By Narine

November 4, 2024

Nourishing Armenia!

Read Updates

Description

Nourishing Armenia is a multi-phase project dedicated to building sustainable greenhouses, chicken coops, and multipurpose spaces for implementing nutrition education programs. This program aims to combat pediatric malnutrition, provide vital nutrition education to children, and foster community connections among elders displaced during the Artsakh war. With the generous support of donors like you, we aim to create a lasting impact on the health and well-being of children and families in Armenia.

Armenia faces significant challenges, particularly in areas affected by conflict and economic hardship. Many children suffer from malnutrition, a dire consequence of limited access to nutritious food, knowledge deficits in food safety practices, and a lack of education on how to sustainably utilize the land. At the same time, many of the elders in these communities have been left to experience isolation and disconnection after losing their loved ones and homes during the war. Nourishing Armenia addresses these critical issues by promoting sustainable farming practices through greenhouse projects, ensuring that children have access to fresh produce and nutrition education. All food produced will be provided to the community for its use free of charge.

The project will serve not only to nourish children but also to empower them through educational programs that teach essential skills related to nutrition and health. By bringing together the younger and older generations, we aim to build a strong, supportive community that fosters resilience and hope for the future.

Some of the nutrition education initiatives will include:

Sustainability classes
- Growing crops in a greenhouse
- Harvesting produce
- Collecting chicken eggs
- Growing crops inside the home
Cooking classes
- Making yogurt & cheese
- Drying fruit
- Pickling vegetables
- Dehydrating meats for jerky
- Juicing & smoothie making
- Sourdough bread making
Food safety classes
- Personal hygiene when food handling
- Safe storage of food
- FIFO techniques
- Safe cooking temperatures
- Food labeling (expiration dates, etc)
Classroom education
- Nutrient needs by age
- How to create a balanced plate
- Portion sizes
- Seasonal eating
- Recipe development
- Benefits of macronutrients and micronutrients
- Recognition of “everyday foods” versus “sometimes foods”
- Future career path training

Our goal is to raise $200,000 to construct and operate the greenhouses, run the hen coops, implement other sustainability practices (drying fruit, herbs, etc), and provide nutrition education ensuring that children receive the nourishment they need to thrive.

Region

Shirak, Syunik

City / Village

Gyumri, Verishen

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

One Year From Start

$31,307 of $200,000 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

Credit Card Info

This is a secure SSL encrypted payment.

Card Number *

CVC *

Cardholder Name *

Expiration *

Donation Total: $100 One Time

Gallery Images

Students at the school in Nerkin Karmiraghbyur at lunch.

Students enjoying their lunch at the school in Nerkin Karmiraghbyur.

800 fruit trees were planted four years ago at the school in Nerkin Karmiraghbyur and are now bearing fruit.

As part of the school's curriculum, students work in the orchard to learn modern methods of orchard cultivation.

Students working in the ponics greenhouse as part of their school's curriculum to learn about modern farming methods including vertical farming and ponics systems.

The Debi Arach Children's Center provides daily well-balanced meals for the 180 children that attend the center.

The Need

Thousands of children in Armenia face the harsh reality of malnutrition, which affects their growth, development, future health outcomes and overall quality of life. With 34% of the population living in poverty, this is an area of immense need. Many families struggle to provide basic non-perishable food staples due to economic, housing, and health-related constraints. By establishing greenhouses, we will provide a sustainable source of produce, ensuring children receive the essential nutrients they need and education on how to continue these sustainable practices long term.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, we expect to directly benefit more than 300 children through access to fresh produce and nutrition education while simultaneously providing hands-on experience in the areas of cooking, teaching, agriculture, and homesteading. These experiences are designed to expose children to different opportunities for career paths in the future. The initiative will also create local job opportunities for community members to teach homesteading practices like drying fruit and pickling vegetables and farming practices like harvesting crops and tending to chicken coops through engaging activities with the children.

Long Term Impact

In the long run, we anticipate taking the first steps toward a reduction in pediatric malnutrition rates in these regions. By equipping children with the knowledge and resources they need, we aim to break the cycle of poverty and malnutrition. As the community comes together around these greenhouses, we hope to foster lasting relationships and improve the overall well-being of children through nutrition, education, career support, and sustainability practices. Over time our hope is to begin implementing nutrition education in schools, hospitals and to the general public through these model programs.

Sponsors Benefits

Your generous contribution to the Nourishing Armenia project will be recognized in various ways:

Your name will be displayed on a plaque at the greenhouse site.
Recognition on our website and in printed materials related to the project.
Regular updates on the project’s progress and impact.

Visits to these communities can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.

View More Sponsors

Updates: Images & Information

March 10, 2025

Construction on the Nourishing Armenia Gyumri Greenhouse has begun.

March 25, 2025

Nutritionist, Stephanie Sudjian, who is spearheaded the Nourishing Armenia! project spent the day at Debi Arach teaching the children how to make nutritious smoothies. She was also able to check in on the progress of the Nourishing Armenia Gyumri Greenhouse. The greenhouse will serve as a sustainable food option to promote healthy eating, which aims to create a lasting impact on the health & well-being of children and families in Armenia.

By Peter Abajian

July 8, 2024

Kharpert Home for Special Children Excursion 25

Read Updates

Description

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

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

This August, the kids from he Kharpert Home have a special trip planned. They will be giving a concert, during which they will be singing and dancing in Goshavank. Although they are very excited for this special opportunity they are in need of funding to make this trip possible. They will need $1,000 to cover the costs of hotel rooms and transport to and from Goshavank. Please consider supporting this important project for the Kharpert Home.

Region

Ararat

City / Village

Nor Kharpert

Start Date

August 31, 2024

End Date

August 31, 2024

Kharpert Home for Special Children Excursion 25

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 Goshavank 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

March 14, 2024

Groceries for Gyumri 2024 – 2025

Groceries for Gyumri 2024 - 2025

Read Updates

Description

Following the 1988 Spitak Earthquake, thousands of people were left homeless in the city of Gyumri. Many of these families took refuge in the overseas shipping containers (domiks) that were shipped into Armenia loaded with humanitarian relief supplies. Although more than a quarter century has passed since the earthquake, this depressive reality still remains. Currently, more than 1,800 families still live in domiks scattered throughout Gyumri in extreme poverty. Many of them are unable to provide for their familys’ needs including warm clothes, nutritious food, heat and electricity for their homes and other basic necessities.

During his visit to Armenia several summers ago Dustin Hochmuth, one of the SERVICE Armenia 2017 participants, and several of his peers, witnessed these horrible conditions and decided to assemble packets for 10 families in dire need of everyday necessities and non-perishable food items. This effort was led by one of the SERVICE Armenia 2017 coordinators, Stephanie Nersesyan. Following the success of that effort, Paros has continued implementing this project on a regular basis.

Our goal is to help 100 families in need over summer 2024. Each packet will cost $50 and will include basic staples including personal hygiene products, non-perishable food items such as rice, flour, sugar, salt, oil, and pasta. The packets will also include fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products and canned meats. Donations in any amount will help this important cause

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

July 2024

End Date

Groceries for Gyumri 2024 – 2025

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

Gallery Images

The Groceries for Gyumri bags ready to be delivered.

Volunteers delivering the grocery bags.

The Need

Currently, more than 1,800 families still live in domiks scattered throughout Gyumri in extreme poverty. Many of them are unable to provide for their familys’ needs including warm clothes, nutritious food, heat and electricity for their homes and other basic necessities.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, 100 families will receive packets filled with basic staples including personal hygiene products, non-perishable food items and fresh food items.

Long Term Impact

In long term, the Armenian diaspora will be exposed to the harsh living conditions in Gyumri through this important project.

Sponsors Benefits

All project sponsors will be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project and on The Paros Foundation’s website. The Paros Foundation can arrange a visit to Gyumri when you are in Armenia.

View More Sponsors

Updates: Images & Information

June 26, 2024

SERVICE Armenia 2024 assembled 50 food packs, and distributed 26 packs in person. The remaining packs will be delivered by Vahan and his crew (from the Shirak Center NGO, a Paros partner organization) today bringing the total to 50. Additionally, four more packs were distributed by Paros donors including the Berejikian (California) and O'Neil families (Maryland).

By Annie Dilsizian

February 15, 2024

Kharpert Home for Special Children Excursion 24

Read Updates

Description

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

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

Sponsors Benefits

By Narine

January 12, 2024

Mobile Dental Clinic Vayots Dzor 2

Mobile Dental Clinic for Vayots Dzor 2

Read Updates

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

$100 of $35,000 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

Credit Card Info

This is a secure SSL encrypted payment.

Card Number *

CVC *

Cardholder Name *

Expiration *

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

353646930_643049437864795_4063418387871248037_n

January 3, 2024

Ghoghanj Nor Nork – 2024-2025 Funding

Ghoghanj Nor Nork - 2024-2025 Funding

Read Updates

Description

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

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

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

293625689_1968771126667077_782513439731523034_n-1440×959

January 2, 2024

Orphaned Children’s Day Excursion 28

Orphaned Children Day Excursion 28

Read Updates

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

Contacts

Tag: In Progress