Kharpert Home for Special Children Excursion 3

Description

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

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

For each donation of $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.

https://youtu.be/PHV2EpQRb40

Region

Yerevan

City / Village

Nor Kharpert

Start Date

July 2012

End Date

July 2012

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

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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July 4, 2012

Paros staff and volunteers spent an exciting day at the Yerevan Zoo with 20 children from the Kharpert Home for Special Children.

Purchase a Home 6 – Mkrtchyan 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 expenses. Agreements will be signed passing ownership of the apartment to the chosen family, with the stipulation that until their youngest child reaches 18 years of age, the family cannot sell, rent or move. 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

September 2016

End Date

December 2016

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

A family will be identified and an appropriate apartment will be purchased for them as soon as possible. The make shift housing unit which they currently occupy will be destroyed.

Long Term Impact

The city of Gyumri will recover parcels of land currently occupied by these make-shift housing units. In addition, the family’s mental state will improve as a direct result their new and normal home.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors will be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project and on The Paros Foundation website.
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November 9, 2016

Today the Mkrtchyan family was informed that we are in the process of purchasing them an apartment!

 December 19, 2016

The Mkrtchyan family are officially homeowners and were moved today into their new apartment!

 December 25, 2016

Shirak Center NGO work crew began tearing down the Mkrtchyan family’s old domik today. Wood from the demolition will be given to other families in need.

50,000 Feet in Need of Shoes

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Description

Share-a-pair, a project to get shoes to Armenia’s disadvantaged children needs your help!

Share-a-pair was launched in Los Angeles by sisters, Kristen and Bridget Abajian. Soon thereafter Sophia Dilsizian joined in by leading the efforts in California’s South Bay community. Additional chapters were quickly launched in Chattanooga, TN and Detroit, MI. A modest goal of raising enough funds to purchase, ship and distribute 1,000 pairs of shoes to Armenia’s needy children was quickly realized in 2011. Having contacted a major U.S. based shoe manufacturer, Share-a-pair successfully secured and distributed 25,000 pairs of new shoes to more 100 villages and 13 cities in Armenia in 2012 and now wants to expand this important effort to 50,000 children.

Thanks to the generous support of a major shoe manufacturer in the United States, 50,000 shoes have been secured and are on their way to Armenia valued at more than $250,000. Donations are welcomed in any amount and will be used to help underwrite the costs associated with distributing shoes to Armenia’s most isolated villages and regions. Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions and be sure to visit us on facebook. Thank you!

Region

All

City / Village

All

Start Date

2013

End Date

2014

Gallery Images

Example of the horrible conditions of shoes children have in some of Armenia’s impoverished areas.












Kristen Abajian, Sofia Dilsizian & Bridget Abajian founded Share-A-Pair in December of 2010 in order to help bring new shoes to children in need throughout Armenia.

The Need

Armenia is a developing country that is struggling economically. Life in Armenia’s isolated regional communities is very difficult given the lack of economic opportunities. Families in need find it extremely difficult to provide their children with basic necessities such as shoes for school and warm winter shoes.

Short Term Impact

Share-a-pair will positively impact 50,000 children by providing them with a new pair of shoes. Local economies will receive a boost through the funds that will be spent locally on transportation rental, hotels, etc.

Long Term Impact

Regular distribution to children in Armenia’s remote villages will send an important psychological message to the villagers that people do care about them and are working to try and improve their immediate situation for a brighter tomorrow

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to share-a-pair will be recognized on their webpage and in appropriate printed materials, and your name 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 a shoe distribution location site when you are in Armenia.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnTpa73bzvkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZ8RXKQrenIhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JieolsfOFOU&t=1s
March 29, 2013

50,000 pairs of new TOMs Shoes have arrived at the custom’s house in Armenia. Our staff is working on clearing them and getting them into our warehouse!

 April 16, 2013

To help raise awareness of the plight of children without shoes or with improper shoes, the staff of the US Embassy participated along with Paros Foundation staff in the TOMs “one day without shoes” campaign.

  May 25, 2013

Distributions have begun for all the children in Artsakh thanks to our partnership with Focus on Children Now who is spearheading Artsakh distributions.

 June 25, 2013

SERVICE Armenia volunteers arrived and have begun our massive distribution effort throughout communities in Armenia.

 July 20, 2013

US Embassy’s Helping Hands group joins SERVICE Armenia for shoe distributions in several schools in the Armavir Region. See video below!

Medical Center in Yervandashat

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Description

The village of Yervandashat is situated on the border with Turkey and overlooks the junction of the Arax and Akhurian Rivers. This village was one of the ancient capitals of greater Armenia in its prime. In its current state, this isolated village severely lacks resources. The Yervandashat Medical Clinic, which also provides services to two other border villages, is in poor condition and in need of new equipment and repairs, which will be completed in two phases. Phase one will include new windows and doors, repair of a water seepage problem, and upgraded medical equipment in order to serve the medical and healthcare needs of the residents. The clinic needs an Ophthalmoscope, a Glucose Meter with strips and lancets, thermometer and a computer. Phase two will include repairs to the interior walls and ceilings, including paint. Phase two will be completed once it is certain that the water seepage problem has been repaired and the structure given time to dry out. The Mayor of Yervandashat is committed to bringing water to the clinic.

 

Region

Armavir

City / Village

Armavir

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Six months from start date

Gallery Images

Renovations will include repairs to the interior walls and ceilings, including paint.



Repairs are needed in order to properly serve the medical and healthcare needs of residents.



Several areas of the Yervandashat Medical Clinic are in poor condition.

The Need

Armenia’s rural regions are in need of proper medical facilities in order to meet the community’s basic health care requirements, including vaccinations for children. Capital repairs and some medical equipment are fundamental in order to allow this center to operate and serve its own residents and residents of nearby villages and communities.

Short Term Impact

In the short-term the Yervandashat Medical Center will obtain an Ophthalmoscope, a Glucose Meter with strips and lancets, new windows and doors, followed by minor renovations done to the building. The renovations and equipment will immediately better facilitate the health needs of the residents. Materials will be purchased locally whenever possible, thus providing a boost to the local economy. Two to three local workers will be hired during the renovation process thus providing these residents short-term employment.

Long Term Impact

The long-term impacts include improved morale and well-being of community members, a consistent source of reliable health care services, and, ultimately, improved community health.

Sponsors Benefits

All donors will be recognized on a plaque inside the medical center, on all relevant press related to this important project and your name listed as a sponsor on the Paros Foundation website. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to the Yervandashat Medical Clinic for sponsors visiting Armenia.
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November 18, 2015

Renovations are completed at the Medical Center in the village of Yervandashat!

Purchase a Home 2 – Pogosyan 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 have 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 expenses. Agreements will be signed passing ownership of the apartment to the chosen family, with the stipulation that until their youngest child reaches 18 years of age, the family cannot sell, rent or move. 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.

The Pogosyan family was living in a domik in Gyumri.  A few days before Christmas 2012, their domik caught fire and completely burnt.  What few family possessions they owned were lost.  The Pogosyan family and their six children were given temporary shelter in a relative’s domik.

Watch Video

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

September, 2013

End Date

December, 2013

Gallery Images

The Poghosyan family before receiving their new home.



Three of the Poghosyan children while the family was staying at a relatives domik after theirs burned to the ground.



The Poghosyan Family after receiving their new home.



The Poghosyans – Christmas 2014



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

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

A family will be identified and an appropriate apartment will be purchased for them as soon as possible. The make shift housing unit which they currently occupy will be destroyed.

Long Term Impact

The city of Gyumri will recover parcels of land currently occupied by these make-shift housing units. In addition, the family’s mental state will improve as a direct result their new and normal home.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors will be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project and on The Paros Foundation website.
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Kharpert Home for Special Children Excursion 10

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Description

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

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

For each donation of $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.

Region

Yerevan

City / Village

Nor Kharpert

Start Date

June 27, 2016

End Date

June 27, 2016

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 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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June 27, 2016

SERVICE Armenia 2016 participants along with Paros staff, accompanied 20 kids from the Kharpert Home for Special Children to a fun day at Victory Park.

Kharpert Home for Special Children Excursion 8

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Description

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

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

For each donation of $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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHV2EpQRb40

Region

Yerevan

City / Village

Nor Kharpert

Start Date

2015

End Date

2015

Gallery Images

Pilgrimage to Armenia 2015 participants and children from the Kharpert Home enjoying the carousel together.



All smiles!



Making new friends.



Having snacks after a nice day of fun and games.



Children from the Kharpert home love our volunteers!

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 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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April 28, 2015

Children from the Kharpert Home for Special Children were taken to an excursion at Victory Park. Participants of the Pilgrimage to Armenia 2015 group spend the day riding rides, enjoying refreshments with the children and helped implement this important project.

Adopt A School Restroom – Hatsik 1

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Description

Representatives of The Paros Foundation have visited more than 100 schools throughout Armenia. While some schools have either been renovated thanks to the Armenian government or as a result of the generosity of international donors, many remain in deplorable conditions and have little hope of being renovated in the near future. These conditions affect both the ability for students to learn, as well as the health of students and teachers.

The Paros Foundation will directly oversee the renovation of the school bathroom including addressing such elements as windows, doors, flooring, lighting, paint, sinks, faucet and toilet. Whenever possible, the school staff, students and their parents will be incorporated into the classroom remodel project to help build a sense of community and personal investment.

Region

Armavir

City / Village

Hatsik

Start Date

May 2013

End Date

July 2013

Gallery Images

Condition of the Hatsik Village School restrooms before renovation.



New toilets will be installed.



One of the restrooms at the Hatsik Village School after renovations.

The Need

Students need a dignified and clean restroom to use while attending school. Currently, many students have no option other than to use unsanitary restroom facilities, or, even worse, avoid using the restroom at all until they reach a more appropriate venue, which can lead to health issues in later life.

Short Term Impact

The reconstruction of a new bathroom will employ at least one craftsman and support the local economy through the purchase of necessary building materials and fixtures.

Long Term Impact

Hundreds of children will benefit from a modern, dignified bathroom to use while attending school.

Sponsors Benefits

Donors will be recognized with a plaque installed at the school and on The Paros Foundation Website

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May 9, 2013

This restroom will be renovated along with several classrooms at the Hatsik Village School. Initial renovation work has began at the school.

 June 22, 2013

Work in the restrooms is progressing at the Hatsik Village School. Wall tiles are being installed as well as work on the pipes.

  June 27, 2013

Work on the Hatsik Village School restrooms are almost complete. Doors and tiles have been installed.

Adopt A School Restroom – Hatsik 2

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Description

Representatives of The Paros Foundation have visited more than 100 schools throughout Armenia. While some schools have either been renovated thanks to the Armenian government or as a result of the generosity of international donors, many remain in deplorable conditions and have little hope of being renovated in the near future. These conditions affect both the ability for students to learn, as well as the health of students and teachers.

The Paros Foundation will directly oversee the renovation of the school bathroom including addressing such elements as windows, doors, flooring, lighting, paint, sinks, faucet and toilet. Whenever possible, the school staff, students and their parents will be incorporated into the classroom remodel project to help build a sense of community and personal investment.

Region

Armavir

City / Village

Hatsik

Start Date

May 2013

End Date

July 2013

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 interior of a home hit by sniper fire in Aygepar. Photo credit: Hetq

The Need

Students need a dignified and clean restroom to use while attending school. Currently, many students have no option other than to use unsanitary restroom facilities, or, even worse, avoid using the restroom at all until they reach a more appropriate venue, which can lead to health issues in later life.

Short Term Impact

The reconstruction of a new bathroom will employ a contractor and support the local economy through the purchase of necessary building materials and fixtures

Long Term Impact

Hundreds of children will benefit from a modern, dignified bathroom to use while attending school.

Sponsors Benefits

Donors will be recognized with a plaque installed at the school and on The Paros Foundation Website.

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May 9, 2013

This restroom will be renovated along with several classrooms at the Hatsik Village School. Initial renovation work has began at the school.

June 22, 2013

Work in the restrooms is progressing at the Hatsik Village School. Wall tiles are being installed as well as work on the pipes.

  June 27, 2013

Work on the Hatsik Village School restrooms are almost complete. Doors and tiles have been installed.

Adopt A School Restroom

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Description

Representatives of The Paros Foundation have visited more than 100 schools throughout Armenia. While some schools have either been renovated thanks to the Armenian government or as a result of the generosity of international donors, many remain in deplorable conditions and have little hope of being renovated in the near future. These conditions affect both the ability for students to learn, as well as the health of students and teachers.

The Paros Foundation will directly oversee the renovation of the school bathroom including addressing such elements as windows, doors, flooring, lighting, paint, sinks, faucet and toilet. Whenever possible, the school staff, students and their parents will be incorporated into the classroom remodel project to help build a sense of community and personal investment.

Region

Throughout Armenia

City / Village

Throughout Armenia

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

One month after start date

Gallery Images

Many village schools are in horrible condition and need a complete remodel.



Condition of many village school restrooms.



Many restrooms do not even have Western style toilets.

The Need

Students need a dignified and clean restroom to use while attending school. Currently, many students have no option other than to use unsanitary restroom facilities, or, even worse, avoid using the restroom at all until they reach a more appropriate venue, which can lead to health issues in later life.

Short Term Impact

The reconstruction of a bathroom will employ a at least one craftsman and support the local economy through the purchase of necessary building materials and fixtures.

Long Term Impact

Hundreds of children will benefit from a modern, dignified bathroom to use while attending school.

Sponsors Benefits

Donors will be recognized with a plaque installed at the school and on The Paros Foundation Website.
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