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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

Project Tag: Completed

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Packs on Backs Armenia: Debi Arach 2018

Packs on Backs Armenia: Debi Arach 2018

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Description

The Heros Humanitarian Foundation (HHF), a Los Angeles based non-profit organization, supports children in need and their educational advancement. The organization was founded in 2008 by six Armenian Americans with the belief that no child should be deprived of the essential necessities needed for their education regardless of their socioeconomic status. Their mission is to provide backpacks and school supplies to children living in poverty and from low socioeconomic households around the world. Through their Packs on Backs initiative, HHF hopes to motivate children, help them stay and excel in school, and have successful futures.

The Heros Humanitarian Foundation has partnered with The Paros Foundation to bring their Packs on Backs initiative to Armenia. After the successful distribution of 380 backpacks and school supplies to children in Gyumri and Vanadzor in the summer of 2015, and 225 backpacks to the children at the Kharpert Children’s Home in the summer of 2016, we have decided to continue to work together and impact more children in Armenia.

Our next distribution will be for the kids attending the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri. Socially vulnerable children attend the center after their school and receive both humanitarian and educational support through a holistic approach. The Paros Foundation established the Debi Arach Children’s Center on April 15, 2015 and has since provided children each week the necessary academic, psychological, social and humanitarian support they need to succeed. Gyumri’s devastating history has left more than 100,000 residents homeless, and plagued with unemployment and rampant poverty. These families often struggle to provide their children with life’s basic necessities; therefore making backpacks and school supplies a distant priority. Children at the center were recipients of backpacks and school supplies during our first distribution in 2015. This distribution will meet the ongoing needs of both current and new children. Our goal is to provide 185 backpacks and school supplies for the children attending the center. A donation of $30 will help obtain a backpack filled with supplies for one child. School supplies will be grade appropriate and include a combination of pencils, pens, pencil cases, notebooks, folders, erasers, sharpeners, glue, scissors, rulers, highlighters, and crayons. In-kind donations of the items listed are also welcomed.

Region

Shirak Շիրակ

City / Village

Gyumri Գյումրի

Start Date

June 2018

End Date

July 2018

Gallery Images


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Children will receive backpacks filled with several needed school supplies.

The Need

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

Short Term Impact

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

Long Term Impact

In the long term, 185 children from Gyumri’s poverty stricken communities will be given the opportunity to excel in their studies and further their educational careers. In additions, children will be motivated to attend school more regularly, and have increased self-esteem.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the Packs on Backs Armenia: Debi Arach project will be recognized on The Heros Humanitarian Foundation 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.
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Updates: Images & Information

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Packs on Backs Armenia: Debi Arach 2019

Packs on Backs Armenia: Debi Arach 2019

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Description

The Heros Humanitarian Foundation (HHF), a Los Angeles based non-profit organization, supports children in need and their educational advancement. The organization was founded in 2008 by six Armenian Americans with the belief that no child should be deprived of the essential necessities needed for their education regardless of their socioeconomic status. Their mission is to provide backpacks and school supplies to children living in poverty and from low socioeconomic households around the world. Through their Packs on Backs initiative, HHF hopes to motivate children, help them stay and excel in school, and have successful futures.

The Heros Humanitarian Foundation has partnered with The Paros Foundation to bring their Packs on Backs initiative to Armenia. After the successful distribution of 380 backpacks and school supplies to children in Gyumri and Vanadzor in the summer of 2015, and 225 backpacks to the children at the Kharpert Children’s Home in the summer of 2016, we have decided to continue to work together and impact more children in Armenia.

Our next distribution will be for the kids attending the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri. Socially vulnerable children attend the center after their school and receive both humanitarian and educational support through a holistic approach. The Paros Foundation established the Debi Arach Children’s Center on April 15, 2015 and has since provided children each week the necessary academic, psychological, social and humanitarian support they need to succeed. Gyumri’s devastating history has left more than 100,000 residents homeless, and plagued with unemployment and rampant poverty. These families often struggle to provide their children with life’s basic necessities; therefore making backpacks and school supplies a distant priority. Children at the center were recipients of backpacks and school supplies during our first distribution in 2015. This distribution will meet the ongoing needs of both current and new children. Our goal is to provide 185 backpacks and school supplies for the children attending the center. A donation of $30 will help obtain a backpack filled with supplies for one child. School supplies will be grade appropriate and include a combination of pencils, pens, pencil cases, notebooks, folders, erasers, sharpeners, glue, scissors, rulers, highlighters, and crayons. In-kind donations of the items listed are also welcomed.

Region

Shirak Շիրակ

City / Village

Gyumri Գյումրի

Start Date

February 2019

End Date

July 2019

Gallery Images


DSC01053
Children will receive backpacks filled with several needed school supplies.

The Need

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

Short Term Impact

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

Long Term Impact

In the long term, 185 children from Gyumri’s poverty stricken communities will be given the opportunity to excel in their studies and further their educational careers. In additions, children will be motivated to attend school more regularly, and have increased self-esteem.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the Packs on Backs Armenia: Debi Arach project will be recognized on The Heros Humanitarian Foundation 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.
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Updates: Images & Information

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June 26, 2019

SERVICE Armenia 2019 participants spent a work day putting together 185 backpacks and school supplies and preparing them for distribution. The school supplies were purchased in Armenia with the help of Paros staff.

 June 28, 2019

The backpack and school supply distribution was held at the Debi Arach Children’s Center today with the help of SERVICE Armenia 2019 participants, Med-Aid ARMENIA 2019 participants, Paros staff and volunteers. Children attending the center received new backpacks and school supplies.

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Purchase a Home 20 – Sahakyan Family

Purchase a Home 20 – Sahakyan Family

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Description

Following the 1988 Spitak Earthquake, tens of 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, or in condemned buildings. An entire generation of children has grown up in deplorable conditions, often times with no running water and little or no heat. The Armenian government has provided most of the families that lost their homes in the Earthquake with new housing units.

As people moved out of those makeshift housing units, others moved in. The 2,500 or so families that remain are Gyumri’s desolate families, who are not in line to receive a government provided apartment. Many of these families are comprised of single mothers, multiple children and/or the disabled.

This project will identify suitable needy families who can be moved into a new apartment and can demonstrate that they can afford their monthly utilities, etc. This is a sustainable model in that families that have been moved into permanent housing in the past have had a high degree of success maintaining their families and their new homes.

The Sahakyan family lives in an isolated domik located about 12 feet from the railroad tracks.  Karen, his wife Anna and their two daughters have lived in this domik their entire married lives. Anna does not let her girls play outside for fear that they will get too close to the railroad tracks and get hit by a passing train.  Karen works at the Gyumri Central Market to support his family.

Once the move is complete, the make shift housing unit will be destroyed to prevent its future occupancy.

Region

Shirak Շիրակ

City / Village

Gyumri Գյումրի

Start Date

May 2019

End Date

July 2019

Gallery Images


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The Sahakyan Family standing in front of their domik, which will be destroyed when they receive their new home.


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Karen possesses home improvement skills and has done what he can to improve conditions inside of their domik.


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Anna and her two children dream of sleeping through the night without the sound of a train waking them.

The Need

2,500 families live in the city of Gyumri in temporary, make shift housing. These units are neither safe nor sanitary. These families and their children need a normal apartment in which to live.

Short Term Impact

Immediately a family will be identified and an appropriate apartment purchased for them. The make shift housing unit which they currently occupy will be destroyed.

Long Term Impact

In addition to this family and their improved mental state changing through the fact that they will be living in a normal housing situation, the city of Gyumri itself will improve with the removal of these make shift housing units.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors will be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project and on The Paros Foundation website.
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Updates: Images & Information

August 27, 2019
August 27, 2019

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September 18, 2019
September 18, 2019

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Video Update


May 30, 2020

The Paros team along with our friend and partner, Vahan Tumasyan from the Shirak Center NGO visited the Sahakyan Family to share great news about them being chosen to receive a new home!

 August 27, 2019

The Sahakyan Family was at the notary office today to sign their apartment’s purchase contract! They are now officially homeowners!

 September 11, 2019

Karen Sahakyan worked alongside our team to find a new home. The home is in need of some renovations, and since Karen has done construction work in the past, he has agreed to help remodel the house. Renovation work has begun.

 September 18, 2019

The Sahakyan Family moved into their new apartment today. We are so happy for their new beginning. With the help of the Shirak Center NGO crew, their old”domik” will be destroyed.

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NKA School Remodel – Phase 4

NKA School Remodel-Phase 4

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Description

Jean-Marie & Lori Atamian recently announced their sixth major gift of $100,000 to The Paros Foundation’s Prosperity on the Border Initiative. This contribution will be used to rebuild a large two-story school building in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur (population 1,380) (“NKA”). NKA was the most heavily shelled village on the Tavush border during the war for the liberation of Artsakh.

This investment is the latest infrastructure project underwritten by the Atamians in NKA. Specifically, since 2013, the Atamians have financed the reconstruction of the village’s medical center, kindergarten, secondary school (3 large two-story buildings), emergency services building and water pipeline. The Atamians have also awarded over 20 individual family agricultural and home renovation grants to improve the standard of living of numerous households. The impressive economic progress of NKA has prompted the Atamians to make additional long-term commitments to ensure the village’s continued growth and prosperity for future generations.

Watch Video

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Start Date

June 2019

End Date

May 2020

Gallery Images


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Jean-Marie Atamian flanked by his family at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the first and second buildings on the school campus that were renovated in the fall of 2017


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The current workshop at the school in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur has no heat, poor lighting and needs a cosmetic renovation.


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Because the school at Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur has no existing laboratories, old equipment is simply stored and not utilized.


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The hallway leading to the existing library is in terrible condition. The
complete renovation of this space will create an inviting and exciting environment for children to learn.

The Need

The final phase of the school’s rebuilding has begun and will include the school’s science classrooms and laboratory, home economics classroom, wood and metal shop, exercise and dance studio and other classrooms. The bathrooms in this building are also in need of being renovated.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, all classrooms, laboratories and bathrooms will be rebuilt including new flooring, windows, electrical fixtures and painting, new furniture and equipment as necessary and new plumbing for the bathroom. Supplies will be purchased locally and local labor will be used whenever possible.

Long Term Impact

For years to come, children in this village will be able to attend school in a safe and warm environment. With a fully rebuilt school, families in the village will be less likely to relocate to a different area. In fact, the implementation of the various projects in this village has been accompanied by a significant increase in the birth rate.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor this project will be recognized with a plaque at the school and in their printed materials. Sponsors will also be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project and on the Paros Foundation website. Visits to the school can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.
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Updates: Images & Information

June 11, 2019
June 11, 2019

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June 11, 2019

Demolition work begins today on the two-story third building at the school. Once this wing is completed, the entire school will be renovated.

September 2, 2019

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur school renovations are complete! Project Sponsors, The Atamian Family, visited the school today for opening day.

May 4, 2020

Work is completed on the septic system for the final phase of the renovation at the school.

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Orphaned Children’s Day Excursion 18

Orphaned Children’s Day Excursion 18

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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 $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

Yerevan

City / Village

Yerevan

Start Date

July 2019

End Date

July 2019

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.

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Updates: Images & Information

July 3, 2019
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July 3, 2019

Participants and volunteers of the SERVICE Armenia 2019 group accompanied children from the Yerevan Children’s Home during a fun afternoon excursion at the Children’s Railway & Playground in Yerevan.

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Groceries for Gyumri 2019

Groceries for Gyumri 2019

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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 two 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, Dustin decided to return to Armenia the following year on the SERVICE Armenia 2018 trip and spearhead his own project providing similar packets of necessities to 100 families in desperate need. Dustin helped raise the funds needed and with his  SERVICE Armenia 2018 peers spent several days purchasing, assembling and distributing the packets of food to family in Gyumri.

Dustin has decided to take on this effort again this year. His goal is to raise enough funds to help 50 families this summer. Each packet will cost $30 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. Once in Armenia, Dustin will again lead the group throughout the implementations of the project starting with shopping for the items, assembling the packets and distributing the packets themselves to families in need. Donations in any amount will help this important cause.

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

June 2019

End Date

July 2019

The Need

In the short term, 50 families will receive packets filled with basic staples including personal hygiene products, non-perishable food items and fresh food items.

Short Term Impact

As funding becomes available, homes with the greatest need for repairs will be addressed in a priority manner. Reconstruction materials will be purchased locally and the work will be completed with local labor crews.

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.

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June 26, 2019
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June 26, 2019

SERVICE Armenia 2019, joined by Dustin Hochmuth, volunteers and guests, began the process of assembling 50 food packs.

June 28, 2019

SERVICE Armenia 2019, Dustin Hochmuth, Paros staff and a few volunteers and guests arrived in Gyumri to complete assembling the food packs. Tomorrow, they will be joined by Med-Aid ARMENIA 2019 participants and will spend the day in Gyumri along with the Shirak Center NGO distributing the food packs to families in need.

 June 29, 2019

SERVICE Armenia 2019, Dustin Hochmuth, Med-Aid ARMENIA 2019 participants, Paros staff and Shirak Center NGO staff spent the day visiting families living in “domiks” to distribute food packets. They got the chance to meet and get to know some of the families. Another successful distribution!

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Orphaned Children’s Day Excursion 19

Orphaned Children’s Day Excursion 19

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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, 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

Yerevan

City / Village

Yerevan

Start Date

July 2019

End Date

July 2019

Gallery Images


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SERVICE Armenia and Ghoghanj kids discovering the Zvartnots Cathedral.


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Making friends and enjoying the afternoon learning about one of Armenia’s historical landmarks.


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All smiles !


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Having lunch & dessert at the Ashtarak Gorge.


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SERVICE Armenia 2019 participants and the kids from the Ghoghanj Children’s Center play a friendly game of soccer.


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New friends forever!


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Tuckered out at the end of a fun day.

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 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 on the Ghoghanj Children’s Center’s website, 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 center when you are in Armenia.
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Updates: Images & Information

July 15, 2019

Our 2019 SERVICE Armenia participants spent a terrific day with 85 at-risk children from the Ghoghanj Children’s Center. The day started out with a tour of the Zvartnots Cathedral, followed by several hours of fun at the Ashtarak Gorge recreational area playing games and having lunch.

  

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Food, Hygiene & Medical Support for Warm Hearth

Food, Hygiene & Medical Support for Warm Hearth

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Description

Warm Hearth Foundation (Jermik Ankyun) provides long-term community-based and holistic care in a small group home setting to adults with severe mental disabilities or illnesses who have graduated from special state institutions. At Warm Hearth residents have access to food, medicine, basic necessities, holistic care that they deserve, rehabilitation opportunities, love, support and safety. The hope is that they will be able to re-enter mainstream community life slowly but surely. In the course of its activities, Warm Hearth provides psycho-medical assistance to its residents, which requires daily intake of medication and psychological therapies. This support is deemed medically necessary to sustain mental and emotional stability and the physical well-being of their residents. Warm Hearth spends almost 10% of its annual operating budget on helping its residents with medical care and therapy.

Sponsorship of this project will help Warm Hearth with expenses related to food and hygiene and to help their residents receive the required psychological and medical interventions that are crucial to ensure their well-being. Due to various mental, physical and developmental disorders the residents receive psycho medical assistance to prevent further deterioration of heath related conditions. This proposed project includes the following items:

• First aid medicine
• Individually prescribed medication based on the needs of each resident
• Psychotropic medication based on a doctor’s prescription
• Individual psychological therapy with a specialized psychiatrist

Furthermore, including caregiver’s time spent in the kitchen, Warm Hearth spends $36,000/year for 30 residents (between three locations) on food and hygiene. That is about $1200/year per resident, $100/month per resident, or $25/week.

Region

Yerevan

City / Village

Third Village

Start Date

January 2021

End Date

Gallery Images


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The backyard of the Warm Hearth home in Yerevan’s Third Village.


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Nutritious meals are a part of the holistic approach taken at Warm Hearth.


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Working together to prepare dinner at Warm Hearth.


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Working together and helping each other with daily tasks.

The Need

Given the residents’ permanent disability status, they receive the majority of their medical care from the government. However, the Armenian government only provides specific medications that they have on hand (they do not provide money to purchase necessary medications). The medications that they have on hand are not always therapeutic for the residents. If a resident needs a medication or procedure outside the provisions of the Armenian government, Warm Hearth is responsible for that payment. Furthermore, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs will no longer support Warm Hearth financially for food & hygiene expenses, as a majority of their funds will be used for refugee support and post-war costs.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, residents will regularly be able to receive the medical support they need, food and hygienic supplies. Warm Hearth will better be able to meet the needs of all of its program areas through this important financial support.

Long Term Impact

The proposed project will support the health, nutrition and well being of the Warm Hearth residents so that they are capable of living a full, meaningful and pain-free life as much as possible. All the aforementioned medications and psychological therapies improve the quality life of residents and treat their respective diagnoses. The proposed project has a holistic and complex approach through providing the required main components of health care at Warm Hearth. As a result of the complex approach the health conditions and wellbeing of the residents will become manageable and improved.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors of this project will be listed on The Paros Foundation and the Warm Hearth websites, on the Warm Heath Facebook on a quarterly basis and in the quarterly newsletter to the international donor base, and in any press related to this important project. Visits to the home can be arranged for sponsors and their families during visits to Armenia.

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Noyemberyan Kindergarten Expansion

Noyemberyan Kindergarten Expansion

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Description

Noyemberyan is a city located two kilometers west of the Armenia/Azeri border and nine kilometers south of the Armenia/Georgian border. 5,000 people call Noyemberyan their home. The city has two kindergartens and a growing number of children. Kindergarten #2 is currently overcrowded and has a waiting list of new children to attend. One building on the campus is not used and needs a complete renovation. To completely rebuild this building, more than $45,000 is needed. The Paros Foundation, along with the City of Noyemberyan has entered into an agreement with World Vision to see to the needs of this kindergarten. World Vision will provide all of the necessary building materials (about $28,000) and The Paros team will provide the oversight and labor to complete the complete reconstruction of the third kindergarten building (about $17,500.) The city of Noyemberyan is committed to funding the salaries and additional expenses of operating the expanded kindergarten.

Region

Tavush Տավուշ

City / Village

Noyemberyan Նոյեմբերյան

Start Date

March 2019

End Date

March 2020

Gallery Images


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The reconstruction of the third building at the Noyemberyan kindergarten #2 will start with the replacement of the roof over the hallway and building.


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The inside of the third building at the Noyemberyan kindergarten #2 needs to be completed reconstruction.


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The exterior of the third building at the Noyemberyan kindergarten #2 shows signs of water damage.


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A future class/play room at the Noyemberyan kindergarten #2.


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The current conditions in the bathroom at the Noyemberyan kindergarten #2.


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The roof will be changed at the Noyemberyan kindergarten #2.


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The interior of the third building at Noyemberyan Kindergarten #2.


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Bathroom at the Noyemberyan Kindergarten #2.


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The connecting hallway and additional entrance to the third building at the Noyemberyan Kindergarten #2.


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Exterior view of the third building at the Noyemberyan Kindergarten #2.


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The connecting hallway will also be reconstructed.


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Another interior room at the kindergarten #2 in Noyemberyan.

The Need

It is a proven fact that children greatly benefit from early education. The renovation of the third building at the Noyemberyan Kindergarten #2 will provide for the expansion of two additional groups of 25 new children.

Short Term Impact

The renovation of the third building at the kindergarten will enable 25 additional children to receive early education. The estimated 20 local workers will receive fair wages during the construction period. Additional staff will be employed at the kindergarten once the new groups begin.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, the renovation of the third building of the kindergarten will serve an expanded number of children. An estimated 500 children will benefit over the useful life of this building. Both children, their families and staff will benefit from the expanded kindergarten operation.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors will be listed on The Paros Foundation website, on a plaque at the Noyemberyan Kindergarten #2 and in all press related to this important project. Visits to Noyemberyan will be arranged for sponsors wishing to visit their project.
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Updates: Images & Information

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February 13, 2019

Today we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with World Vision and the Noyemberyan Municipality. We will be leading the construction on this important project, and World Vision will be supplying the materials per our agreement. All of the World Vision material purchases will be done through issuing requests for material purchases and we expect this process to be transparent, but slow.

 March 22, 2019

Our crew today completed the entire roofing process consisting of a new wooden structure and new metal roofing over the expanded kindergarten building.

 April 6, 2019

New windows were delivered and installed today.

 May 11, 2019

Work on the interior subflooring and walls is progressing well.

 September 11, 2019

Much of the interior work is complete.

 January 6, 2020

While the expanded kindergarten space is complete (except for heating), today we did an official ribbon cutting ceremony with all of our project partners including World Vision, FOCN and the Municipality.

 May 15, 2020

With the balance of the fund’s raised thanks to the Cultural Society of Armenians from Istanbul in Detroit, the heating system was purchased and installed at the kindergarten. The expense for this building’s heating was split with the Noyemberyan Municipality.

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Varagavan Kindergarten and Multipurpose Room Renovation

Varagavan Kindergarten and Multipurpose Room Renovation

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Description

Inadequate infrastructure left over from Soviet times has created unbearable conditions for families to live, learn and work in many villages throughout Armenia. Many of the husbands and fathers in these communities, especially in the Tavush Region, are heroes–serving as contract soldiers protecting our borders in their villages– while others work as seasonal migrant workers in Russia. Prosperity and our Nation’s security go hand in hand.

As part of the Paros Foundation’s Prosperity on the Border initiative, The Foundation has identified the kindergarten in the village of Varagavan as a needed infrastructure improvement project. Varagavan Village has 223 households with a population total of 713 people, 39 of which are children of school age and 67 children of pre-school age. Varagavan has a kindergarten comprised of 19 children and employs four adults. Other organizations implemented partial renovations to the kindergarten in 2004, mainly to the section they currently use, but the majority of the building including roof repairs remains unmet.

The kindergarten currently serves 19 children, and will have 29 in September. Once renovated the municipality is ready to fund the attendance of an additional 20 students. Sponsorship of this project will help renovate the kindergarten building and create a multipurpose room suitable for the use by the entire village. Repairs need to be made to the roof, floor, kitchen and bathroom. In addition, an outdoor playground will be installed for the childrens’ use.

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Varagavan

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Four Months from Start Date

Gallery Images


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The kindergarten in Varagavan needs a complete renovation.


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The kitchen in the kindergarten in Varagavan provides daily meals for the children despite its limitations.


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The kindergarten in Varagavan is currently heated with wood, which is both
dangerous and insufficient.


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Most of the kindergarten building in Varagavan needs a complete renovation.


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The renovation of additional classrooms and a multipurpose room will facilitate the inclusion of additional children into the programs.


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As part of the renovation, all doors and windows will be changed at the kindergarten in the village of Varagavan.

The Need

The kindergarten and multipurpose room in the village of Varagavan needs renovation. Specifically the kitchen, bathroom, playroom and roof and flooring throughout most of the building must be addressed. Once completed, children will be able to take full advantage of early education in a safe, clean and comfortable environment. Furthermore, families in the village are in need of a space to gather for community and cultural events.

Short Term Impact

Village kindergarten-aged children will benefit from the advantages of early education in a clean, safe and comfortable environment. Residents will be able to hold concerts, gatherings and community events in a new and functional multipurpose room. The local economy will benefit from the purchase of local materials and labor for the construction.

Long Term Impact

Improving the infrastructure in Varagavan is important. With a modern kindergarten, hundreds of children will benefit through their attendance for many years to come. Families in the village will take pride in their kindergarten and this may assist with population growth in the village.

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsors of the renovation at the Varagavan Kindergarten and Multipurpose Room will be recognized on a plaque installed at the kindergarten, on The Paros Foundation website and in all related press to this important project. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to the Varagavan Village Kindergarten when you are in Armenia.
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Updates: Images & Information

June 6, 2019
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June 6, 2019

Join us in supporting this project tonight at the beautiful home of Kelley & Greg Badishkanian in New York! All proceeds will benefit this important kindergarten and multipurpose room renovation in the village of Varagavan.

June 14, 2019

Demolition began today a week after the funds were secured at the Badishkanian fundraiser!

July 24, 2019

Work is continuing at the Varagavan Kindergarten. The windows were delivered and installed today and the roof has been completely replaced!

August 15, 2019

Project Sponsors, The Badishkanian Family, visited the kindergarten today to see how the work is progressing.

March 16, 2020

Work on the interior of the kindergarten is complete. Work will begin outside on the grounds as soon as the weather permits.

September 10, 2022

Renovations on the outside of the grounds have started by clearing away space for a playground. 

September 11, 2020

A new playground has been added to the school grounds that the children will be able to play on for years.

September 15, 2020

Today, a grand opening was held celebrating the end of renovations. The children were excited to see their new classrooms and receive toys from our team.