Mobile Dental Clinic for Vayots Dzor Region

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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.

$30,000 is needed to retrofit the bus with two dental chairs and the proper equipment.  The monthly operating budget for the mobile clinic once it has been put into operation is $3,000 per month.

Region

Vayots Dzor

City / Village

Yeghegnadzor and surrounding villages

Start Date

June 2019

End Date

December 2021

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.
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October 28, 2019

In advance of the official launch of the Mobile Clinic for Vayots Dzor, our team of Dentists and staff spent the day equipping the clinic and preparing it for the big day!

 November 1, 2019

A big celebration was held to mark the official launch of the Mobile Clinic for the Vayots Dzor Region.

 April 1, 2020

Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the Mobile Clinic is currently not operating. As soon as it is safe to resume operation, our staff will, once again, tackle their important mission.

February 17, 2021

After a being temporarily shut down due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the mobile clinic has resumed dental services in the Vayots Dzor region.

Orphaned Children’s Day Excursion 17

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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 2018

End Date

July 2018

Gallery Images

Excursion started with an educational visit to the Sardarabad Monument.



Ready for some fun at the Ashtarak Gorge recreational center.



SERVICE Armenia 2018 participants spending quality time with their new friends from the Ghoghanj Children’s Center.



The children & our participants playing games and enjoying their afternoon.



The remnants of a mortar from the bombing along the border. Photo credit: Hetq

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. [vp_give_donor_wall
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Our 2018 SERVICE Armenia participants spent a terrific day with 70 at-risk children from the Ghoghanj Children’s Center. The day started out with a tour of the Sardarabad Monument, followed by several hours of fun at the Ashtarak Gorge recreational area playing games and having lunch.

Purchase a Home 9 – Karapetyan 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 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.

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

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

March 2018

End Date

May 2018

Gallery Images

Gegham Minasyan, Paros Foundation Project Manager, discusses our purchase a home project with the Karapetyan family.



Conditions within the Karapetyan family’s domik.



The Karapetyan’s bathroom.

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 website.

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February 5, 2018

Paros Foundation staff working with our friends at the Shirak Center visited potential families who could become beneficiaries of this project. We selected the Karapetyan family with their three children. Now the search for their new apartment begins!

May 10, 2018

The Karapetyan family was moved into their new apartment today! Congratulations to them for their new start!

 

Med-Aid ARMENIA 2018/2019

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Description

Health care for residents living in Armenia’s remote and/or poverty stricken areas is very hard to find and difficult to afford. Residents in these communities have a high rate of health issues that could otherwise be prevented or cured if they had access to simple medical care. In order to help remedy this unfortunate situation, The Paros Foundation has launched Med-Aid ARMENIA.

Sponsorship of this project will help raise the necessary funds needed to obtain basic medical equipment, supplies and medicine. In-kind donations of any of these items are also welcomed. Furthermore, we specifically need physicians, nurses, pharmacists and more to help our volunteers conduct physical exams and provide basic medical care.

Region

Throughout Armenia

City / Village

Throughout Armenia

Start Date

January 2018

End Date

December 2019

The Need

Health care for residents living in Armenia’s remote and/or poverty stricken areas is very hard to find and almost impossible to afford. This can cause a lifetime of medical issues, which can be otherwise prevented. Residents living in these areas are in need of basic medical aid in order to prevent serious health issues in the future.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, equipment and medical supplies will be provided to clinics in impoverished areas to be used for patient care.

Long Term Impact

Residents of remote and poverty stricken villages will have a decreased occurrence of health issues in the future. As this program expands, repeat visits will create more access to health care and in turn increase the overall health and well being of this population.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the Med-Aid ARMENIA 2018/2019 will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website and in all appropriate press related to this important project.
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Groceries for Gyumri 2018

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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 last summer 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 has decided to return to Armenia this summer on the SERVICE Armenia 2018 trip and spearhead his own project to provide similar packets to more families in desperate need.

Dustin is leading the effort to raise enough funds to help 75 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 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 2018

End Date

July 2018

Gallery Images

A family living in a domik preparing a modest meal for their family.

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, 75 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.
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Video Update

June 4, 2018

The goal has been met ! Funding to help 75 families has been raised through Dustin’s hard work & efforts and our generous supporters. In the spirit of helping more families, we have all decided to increase the budget and aim to help a total of 100 families this summer !

 June 28, 2018

With the funding goal met, Dustin and his SERVICE Armenia 2018 peers began the process of purchasing and assembling 100 food packs.

 July 2, 2018

SERVICE Armenia 2018 and Paros staff spent the day in Gyumri along with the Shirak Center NGO distributing the food packs to families in need. Day one was very successful! The group will continue their hard work tomorrow as well.

•  

Purchase a Home 8 – A. Sargsyan 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 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.

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

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

March 2018

End Date

May 2018

Gallery Images

A home damaged by shelling in Aygepar. Photo credit: Hetq



The interior of a home in Aygepar hit by a mortar. Photo credit: Civilnet

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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Orphaned Children’s Day Excursion 16

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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.

Watch Video

Region

Yerevan

City / Village

Yerevan

Start Date

July 2018

End Date

July 2018

Gallery Images

Our SERVICE Armenia 2018 participants with their new friend from the Yerevan Children’s Home.



Enjoying the water rides at the Children’s Railway & Playground in Yerevan.



Excited and ready for bumper cars!



All smiles after a fun afternoon!

The Need

Armenia’s orphanages generally are able to provide for their children’s basic care, but limited funding does not allow these children to visit museums, historical sites and popular cultural events. Allowing a child a few hours of recreation and/or entertainment as a regular child greatly enhances his/her outlook on life and reduces the emotional complexes of being an orphan.

Short Term Impact

The short-term impact of this project will be the immediate employment of a bus driver, money being spent in Armenia’s local economy and most important the education and social benefits for 20 orphan children.

Long Term Impact

This project has considerable long-term emotion, education and psychological benefits for the children, as they will be able to participate in activities that are above and beyond basic existence in an orphanage.

Sponsors Benefits

Your support of this project will be recognized at the relevent 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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July 6, 2018

Participants and volunteers of the SERVICE Armenia 2018 group accompanied children from the Yerevan Children’s Home during a fun afternoon excursion at the Children’s Railway & Playground in Yerevan.

 

Kharpert Home for Special Children Excursion 15

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Description

The Kharpert Home for Special Children is an orphanage located in the village of Nor Kharpert, and serves 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 them with both valuable community experience and needed recreation. Children with disabilities in Armenia are generally kept sheltered from society. These children do not attend school, but rather attend classes at the orphanage. It is important for both these children and society for these children to experience community life.

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

Watch Video

Region

Gegharkunik

City / Village

Sevan

Start Date

August 2020

End Date

August 2020

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 them regular visits and participate in various social and cultural activities. A child with a disability has very few opportunities to visit the city and experience life outside of the grounds of the Kharpert orphanage.

Short Term Impact

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

Long Term Impact

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

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to the Kharpert Home for Special Children will be recognized at the Center and your name listed as a sponsor on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation stands ready to help you arrange a visit to the Kharpert Home for Special Children when you are in Armenia.
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August 3, 2020

17 children, adults and staff from the Kharpert Home for Special Children went on a weeklong excursion/camping trip at Lake Sevan.

 August 10, 2020

Thanks to generous contributions and a successful camping trip, the Kharpert Home was able to take a second trip with a different group of 17 residents to Lake Sevan.

Orphaned Children’s Day Excursion 15

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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.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHEeDWLtaW0

Region

Lori

City / Village

Vanadzor

Start Date

July 2018

End Date

July 2018

Gallery Images

Enjoying an afternoon at the Yerevan Zoo.



SERVICE Armenia 2018 participants and Vanadzor Orphanage children enjoyed meeting one another.



Both groups enjoyed interacting with one another.



Vanadzor Orphanage children enjoying their day in Yerevan.



Children from the Vanadzor Orphanage enjoyed a traditional Armenian barbecue as part of their excursion.

The Need

Armenia’s orphanages generally are able to provide for their children’s basic care, but limited funding does not allow these children to visit museums, historical sites and popular cultural events. Allowing a child a few hours of recreation and/or entertainment as a regular child greatly enhances his/her outlook on life and reduces the emotional complexes of being an orphan.

Short Term Impact

The short-term impact of this project will be the immediate employment of a bus driver, money being spent in Armenia’s local economy and most important the education and social benefits for 20 orphan children.

Long Term Impact

This project has considerable long-term emotion, education and psychological benefits for the children, as they will be able to participate in activities that are above and beyond basic existence in an orphanage.

Sponsors Benefits

Your support of this project will be recognized at the relevent 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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July 23, 2018

30 Children and staff from the Vanadzor Orphanage spent an afternoon with the SERVICE Armenia 2018 group on an excursion to the Yerevan Zoo. They continued their fun day picnicking at the Ashtarak Gorge recreation area.

Orphaned Children’s Day Excursion 12

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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 2017

End Date

July 2017

Gallery Images

Children from Ghoghanj prepared an informative presentation about the Saghmosavank Monastery.



The children from Ghoghanj and the SERVICE Armenia 2017 play a nice game of volleyball together.



Making new friends and having fun.



The Ghoghanj and Paros groups played, relaxed and shared a meal with one another.



Enjoying the day with new friends and some lunch.



Great day out!

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 education and social benefits for the children.

Long Term Impact

This project has considerable long-term emotion, education and psychological benefits for the children, as they will be able to participate in activities that are above and beyond basic existence in an orphanage.

Sponsors Benefits

Your support of this project will be recognized at the relevant orphanage, your name listed as a sponsor on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation stands ready to help you arrange a visit to the care facility when you are in Armenia.
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July 3, 2017

Today our 2017 SERVICE Armenia participants and volunteers organized a terrific day with 60 at-risk children from the Ghoghanj Children’s Center. We went to a relaxation and play area in the Ashtarak Gorge after visiting the Saghmosavank Monastary.