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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: In Progress

Destroy This Domik 2

Destroy This Domik 2

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 3,500 dilapidated domiks are still scattered throughout Gyumri, about 1,000 of which are vacant. Many families who received homes through government aid did not demolish their old domiks.

Through our Purchase a Home project we have been working hard to find families new homes and demolish their old domiks in order to free Gyumri from these unsafe, unsanitary and depressing reminders of their difficult history. Recently, we have also teamed up with one of our partner organizations from Armenia, Shirak Centre NGO, to find sponsorship for this new and equally important project. Through this project we will work with Shirak Centre NGO to locate and identify the vacant domiks in Gyumri, purchase the domiks from their owners, demolish them and distribute the remaining scraps of wood to other families in need who are still living in domiks and condemned buildings. All remaining materials will be sold for scrap and those funds will be applied towards removing yet another domik. $1,000 is needed in order to complete this process per domik.

Our goal is to take as many domiks off of the market as possible. Demolishing these domiks has several benefits including raising the communities morale, returning land to its former use and providing firewood for fuel to impoverished families. Furthermore, this project has a significant environmental benefits; by using the scraps of wood from the domiks, less and less trees from nearby forests will need to be cut in order to serve this vital need.

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

One month from start date
Destroy This Domik 2

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

The Need
Currently, about a 1,000 dilapidated and vacant domiks are still scattered throughout Gyumri. Now that they are vacant they need to be removed from the market in order to prevent other impoverished families form moving into these unsafe and unsanitary dwellings. Additionally, Gyumri’s public space has been cluttered with these unpleasant domiks. Removing them will help restore public space and help bring the city back to its former glory.
Short Term Impact
In the short term vacant domiks will immediately be identified, purchased from their owners, and demolished. Scraps of wood will be distributed to other families in need who are still living in domiks and condemned buildings. All remaining materials will be sold for scrap and those funds will be applied towards removing yet another domik. Additionally, jobs will be created for about 10-15 locals in order to help with the process and demolition of these domiks.
Long Term Impact
In the long term, fewer trees will be cut for firewood, public space will be cleared and returned to its previous use and the communities overall morale will improve.
Sponsors Benefits
Sponsors will be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project and on The Paros Foundation website.
Anonymous User
MV

Ms. Gale Valentini

Palos Verdes Estates, CA
December 30, 2023

Support The Shirak Center Ngo

Support the Shirak Center NGO

Description

The Shirak Center NGO, established in 2006, has been an instrumental organization aimed at helping Gyumri and its residents. Chairman, Vahan Tumasyan, and his staff have worked tirelessly for years fighting for the rights of impoverished residents, helping bring humanitarian aid and supplies to their families and helping shed light on their devastating living conditions. Furthermore, the Shirak Center NGO aims at bridging differences between local authorities and communities in Gyumri through coalition building and conflict resolution, and promotes homeless advocacy, and economic and social rights and civil liberties.

The Shirak Center NGO is also an important partner of The Paros Foundation and together we have successfully implemented several projects in Gyumri’s impoverished neighborhoods including the distribution of winter boots and coats for children, firewood for fuel to keep families warm and give them the ability to cook in the winter, identified and moved families out of domiks into homes and worked with children from these neighborhoods.

The Shirak Center NGO hopes to continue this good work and is in need of additional funding. Sponsorship of this project will provide the funds needed to allow Shirak Center NGO to continue to distribute firewood for fuel for heating and cooking. Gyumri’s harsh winters and extreme poverty has led to families burning trash to keep warm and cook food for their families. Shirak Center NGO will also use the funds in order to locate and identify the vacant domiks in Gyumri, purchase the domiks from their owners, demolish them and distribute the remaining scraps of wood to other families in need who are still living in domiks and condemned buildings. Demolishing these domiks has several benefits including raising the communities morale, returning land to its former use and providing firewood for fuel to impoverished families. Finally, some of the funds will also be used to promote the work the organizations does through marketing, social media and communications and administration costs.

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

2015

End Date

2020
Support The Shirak Center Ngo

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

The Need

The Shirak Center NGO and the aid they provide impoverished families in Gyumri has become a vital part of these family’s future well-being and success. They are in need of funding in order to continue their important work

Short Term Impact

In the short term, the Shirak Center NGO will be able to immediately continue their programs and distribute firewood to domik families, tear down abandoned domiks and distribute the firewood for heat to families, market their organization and cover some administration costs

Long Term Impact

In the long term, the advocacy work led by the Shirak Center, combined with the humanitarian aid they provide Gyumri’s impoverished families will help these families come out of their devastating conditions gradually and steer them towards a positive future.

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsors will be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project and on The Paros Foundation and Shirak Center NGO websites and social media outlets.

Anonymous User
CI

Cultural Society of Armenians from Istanbul

Southfield, MI April 26, 2022
Anonymous User
MS

Ms. Tatevik Sekhposyan

TX, United States February 8, 2021
Anonymous User
MS

Ms. Sairy Stepanian

Glendale, CA December 25, 2020
Anonymous User
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WinesofArmenia.com

Van Nuys, CA December 15, 2020
Anonymous User
MY

Mr. Haig Youredjian

Glendale, CA
In Honor Of Jack Youredjian's Birthday September 15, 2020
Anonymous User
MY

Ms. Arda Youredjian

Toluca Lake, CA
In Honor Of Jack Youredjian's Birthday September 15, 2020
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Updates: Images & Information

April 15, 2015

The Shirak Center launched a campaign to rid Gyumri of vacant domiks. Their first goal is to clear all domiks from a public park, with the pledge that the municipality will restore the park for Gyumri's residence.

April 29, 2015

 

The purchase of a table saw helps the Shirak Center much more easily prepare firewood for distribution to poor families living in domiks.

 
February 3, 2016

Funding supported a portion of construction on the Shirak Center buildings vocational training center.

 
February 16, 2020

Through support from this project the Shirak Center has been distributing bags of firewood to families in need for several years in order to burn to stay warm and cook.

June 7, 2020

Due to the current Covid-19 situation, the Shirak Center continues to provide families living temporary housing shelters and "domiks" with hygienic supplies and food packets.

Prkutyun Dental Clinic

Apelian Clinic at Prkutyun Center

Description

The Apelian Dental Clinic at the Prkutyun Disabled Children & Young People Center NGO has been providing free dental services to disabled children and impoverished families living in the Shengavit community of Yerevan. The clinic was established in 2005, by the generous efforts of Dr. George Apelian, a former member of Armenian Dentists’ Association of California. Since its establishment, the clinic has rendered dental services to more than 12,000 patients, including children and adults.

Dr. Apelian, who continues to direct the clinic’s functions, hopes to expand the reach of the clinic and its services to nearby communities. Residents living in Armenia’s poor communities commonly overlook dental care and hygiene due to high costs. The Apelian Dental Clinic is in need of additional funding in order to be able to serve more families who are unable to afford dental care and help them prevent a lifetime of serious dental problems in the future. Sponsorship of this project will help raise $17,000 annually in order to help keep the clinic fully operational so that they can continue to provide dental care free of charge. Dr. Apelian has continued his generous pledge to match any funds raised.

Watch Video

Region

Yerevan

City / Village

Yerevan

Start Date

January 2016

End Date

December 2022
Prkutyun Dental Clinic
$91,938 of $100,000 raised
$
Personal Info

Dedicate this Donation

Honoree Details

Donation Total: $100 One Time

The Need

The Apelian Dental Clinic is in need of additional funding in order to be able to continue its great work and expand its reach to provide more disabled children and families free dental care for the impoverished communities of Yerevan.

Short Term Impact
In the short term, the Apelian Dental Clinic will keep its doors open, pay its employees wages and obtain more dental equipment and supplies needed. In addition, the clinic will welcome patients from other impoverished communities from Yerevan and provide them dental care free of charge.
Long Term Impact
The additional funding will allow the clinic to remain open for four years during which time it will serve more patients and help more individuals prevent serious dental problems in the future with no financial burden.
Sponsors Benefits
Your donation to sponsor the Apelian Dental Clinic will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website, the Prkutyun Disabled Children and Young People Center NGO website and in all appropriate press related to this important project. In addition, a sponsor plaque will be placed in the clinic. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to the Apelian Dental Clinic when you are in Armenia.
Anonymous User
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Dr. George Apelian

Agoura Hills, CA November 24, 2023
Anonymous User
MA

Mr. Albert Avedissian

Porter Ranch, CA
October 22, 2023
Anonymous User
MS

Mr. & Mrs. Garen & Zarouhi Saghoudjian

Woodland Hills, CA
For The Birthday Of George Apelian August 15, 2023
Anonymous User
DA

Dr. George Apelian

Agoura Hills, CA June 20, 2023
Anonymous User
DA

Dr. George Apelian

Agoura Hills, CA February 5, 2023
Anonymous User
DM

Dr. & Mrs. Haig & Hilda Manjikian

Pasadena, CA January 31, 2023
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Updates: Images & Information

October 15, 2015

The dental clinic celebrated its 10th anniversary of working to help their patients at the Prkutyun center.

 
October 17, 2018

Anna Hakobyan, wife of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, visited the clinic to become acquainted with its work and witness its services.

 
March 2, 2020

The George Apelian Dental Clinic at the Prkutyun Center is temporarily closed due to Covid-19 following the order of the Prime Minister until further notice.