DISTRIBUTIONS 2025

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS

On International Volunteer Day, a special meeting was held at the SOLENA Center, bringing together representatives from the KASA Swiss Humanitarian Foundation and Birthright Armenia Foundation. Both foundations have extensive experience in organizing volunteering programs at local and international levels. The meeting provided an excellent opportunity for participants, including SOAR volunteers, to connect, share experiences and discuss personal approaches to volunteering activities.
The meeting offered a platform to explore potential cooperation, exchange best practices and identify ways to strengthen partnerships in the field of volunteer programs and initiatives.
SOAR volunteers participated in the discussions, demonstrating a culture of selfless, unpaid work and individual responsibility and inspiring others with their dedication and commitment.
To highlight the impact of volunteerism, inspiring videos from SOAR German Chapter – Ruzanna, SOAR Philippines Chapter – Catherine were presented, showcasing individual stories and the willingness of volunteers to share their time and skills with those in need.
During the meeting, participants shared insights on organizing volunteering initiatives both within Armenia and internationally and explored opportunities for developing joint projects.
SOAR expresses its sincere gratitude to all participants/ volunteers for their ongoing support and for the invaluable contributions they make to strengthen and enrich the community.

NOVEMBER

At the initiative of SOAR-Armenia Charitable Foundation, a meeting was organized to present a new educational package developed in line with modern teaching approaches. The package aims to support the comprehensive development of knowledge, skills and values among elementary and middle school students.

The author of this educational package is Arusyak Grigoryan, an experienced educator and participant of the program “Bridging Generations: Preserving Cultural Heritage and Strengthening Resilience.”

The purpose of the meeting was

to introduce the educational package “A Golden Grain of Kind Words” («Բարի խոսքի ոսկե հատիկ») which was created to promote the preservation of intangible cultural heritage and strengthen intergenerational connections. During the event, the structure of the package, its application possibilities and the innovative methods that can be effectively integrated into the learning process were presented.

Arusyak introduced the package in an interactive format, engaging participants in the analysis of Armenian sayings and traditional blessings.

The meeting was attended by school principals and teachers from Gyumri and nearby villages.

One of SOAR’s core missions is to preserve and promote Armenian folk and cultural heritage and to support those who are committed to presenting it in innovative ways.

Such community events are held in the frame of SOLENA Center programs and aimed to be organized twice a month.

SOAR supports students across Armenia in accessing quality education and building a strong foundation for their future success. This year, in honor of International Students’ Day, we brought together all the students supported by the Foundation to celebrate their achievements, share their dreams and express gratitude to those who make their educational journeys possible.

The gathering took place at Yerevan State University, where many of the students met each other for the very first time. The day was filled with joyful moments: photo sessions, video shoots, conversations with staff and volunteers, and the warm spirit of connection.

During the dinner that followed, students had the opportunity to get to know one another better, form new friendships and feel the power of community. Each student received a symbolic pin, “Goals with SOAR!”, reminding of our shared responsibility and commitment to shaping the future citizens of Armenia.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all benefactors who supported this event and continue to seek opportunities to fund scholarships for students in need.

Your generosity lights the path to their brighter future.

We would like to celebrate International Students’ Day on annual basis to highlight the number of students we support as well as to shape SOAR students’ community.

SOAR continues to give monthly diaper assistance to the 36 participants at the Center and to the local elderly.

Thanksgiving celebration at Our Lady of Armenia Center!

Astghik Mkhitaryan and Zhenia Muradyan, both graduates of the SOAR Transitional Center, Gyumri, were married this November!

SOAR purchased gifts to celebrate their marriages and hope for bright futures!

New shoes for 30 children from families in very poor socio-economic conditions from Orran, funded by the New Jersey Juniors Art Night fundraiser!

OCTOBER

With the support of SOAR, several charitable projects have been implemented at the Gyumri “Children’s Home” SNCO under the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of Armenia, creating a more comfortable, warm, and caring environment for the children.

✅ “Our Home”(“Mer Toon”) Project Funded by SOAR’s Brussels and Glendale/La Canada Chapters, as well as the Harold and Josephine Gulamerian Armenian Orphans Fund. Through this project, an entirely new room was built from the ground up, and the bathroom, playroom, bedroom, and kitchen were completely renovated.

✅ Construction of the Pool Corridor Implemented with the financial support of SOAR’s New Jersey and Detroit Chapters, together with the Harold and Josephine Gulamerian Armenian Orphans Fund.

✅ Two cozy outdoor pavilions were also built in the yard with the support of SOAR Dallas and Portland Chapters and the Gulamerian Fund, providing a pleasant space where children can spend their free time playing and socializing. The opening ceremony of the renovated areas was also attended by Fr. Asadur Minasian, one of our distinguished Executive Board members from the United States, and his wife, Arpy.

We are confident that these initiatives will make the children’s daily lives safer, brighter, and filled with love.

SEPTEMBER

SOAR continues to give monthly diaper assistance to all 36 beneficiaries of the Ada Keshishyants Social Rehabilitation Center for Children with Developmental Disabilities, including local elderly.

A new sofa for the Fallen Soldier Center and the new SOAR logo was added to the Wall of Fame and outside the Center.

A former beneficiary of the Boys’ Center, Arsen Sukiasyan, was released from the army for a few hours of leave. Together with the boys of the Center, we hosted him at the Transitional Center for Young Men in Yerevan. The boys had warmly prepared various dishes and pastries.

Essential items and sweets for Arsen were purchased for Arsen as a gift.

Arsen mentioned that he may sign a contract and continue serving in the army for another five years as a contract soldier.

The beneficiaries of Prkutyun spent seven days at the Our Lady of Armenia summer camp, funded by the Harold and Josephine Gulamerian Armenian Orphan Fund.

1. They visited the Kecharis Monastery Complex and the Holy Resurrection Church in Tsaghkadzor, with the aim to familiarize them with the history of Christianity and the Armenian Churches.

The participants performed a candlelight vigil, reciting the Lord’s Prayer, after which they walked around Tsaghkadzor, enjoying ice cream.

2. The SOAR’s Mobile Eye Care Clinic visited the camp, where beneficiaries and parents underwent eye examinations and received consultations‍.

3. Entertainment games, sports games, singing and dancing classes were organized, as well as performances presented by the participants.

4. They had a campfire night, which is a symbol of saying goodbye to the camp, but with the hope of meeting again.

5. They returned from the camp with gifts.

New asphalt paving for the front of the SOAR Transitional Center, Gyumri funded by the Harold and Josephine Gulamerian Armenian Orphan Fund!

More than 100 children displaced from Artsakh, together with their parents from Gyumri, Yerevan, and Etchmiadzin, visited the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin with the support of SOAR.

The pilgrimage to Etchmiadzin, under the motto “Patriotism begins with the knowledge of the homeland”, included visits to:

⛪️ Saint Hripsime Church

⛪️ Saint Shoghakat Church

⛪️ Saint Gayane Church

⛪️ Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

Alex and Marie Manoogian Treasury House

Ruben Sevak Museum

The SOAR always stands by the people of Artsakh and, through its programs, contributes both to addressing their social needs and to their integration.

Before

Physiotherapy pool connection project at Children’s Home of Gyumri, funded by SOAR Detroit and SOAR New Jersey.

School supplies for Our lady of Armenia Center children

School supplies for all 29 children at Our Lady of Armenia Center, funded by SOAR Dallas!

At the start of the school year 56 children from 23 families’ (AFIF/FFSRF/SCOH program) were provided with school supplies.

Each package included:

1) A4 Folder 3 pcs

2) Pencils 2 pcs

3) Pens 7 pcs

4) Folder with clips 1 pcs

5) Notebook 48 sheets 8 pcs

6) Notebook 96 sheets 8 pcs

7) Notebook 24 sheets 8 pcs

8) Notebook 12 sheets 12 pcs.

Our volunteers also helped us in implementing this support.

AUGUST

Renovations of the downstairs bathroom at Our Lady of Armenia Center, funded by SOAR New York and the Harold and Josephine Gulamerian Armenian Orphan Fund.

14 children from Children’s Home of Gyumri were able to go on a retreat from July 29 to August 2 at an Armenian camp in Sevan. The camp is fully equipped to accommodate children with special needs, allowing them to feel comfortable, enjoy water therapy and boating on Sevan and return with wonderful emotions and a sense of comfort.

New washing machines for Our Lady of Armenia Annie Bezikian Center, Kanaker.

Ahead of September 1st (the first day of school), SOAR, staying true to its mission, provided school supply packages to the school-aged children of its beneficiary families.

Our volunteers also took an active part in this initiative with their dedicated support.

We are deeply grateful to all our supporters who helped make this program a reality—bringing smiles, inspiration, and a successful start to the new academic year for the children.

Together, we change lives.

JULY

Continued monthly assistance with diapers for all the beneficiaries of the Ada Keshishyants Social Rehabilitation Center for Children with Developmental Disabilities

From July 15–19, an Eco Camp was organized at the SOLENA Day Care Center with participants from displaced Artsakh families. The age group was 9–14 years old.

The children at OLA Summer Camp received a special treat of ice cream and biscuits thanks to the SOAR Philadelphia Juniors!

An excursion to Ostrich Park for the residents of Dzorak Care Center, funded by the Harold and Josephine Gulamerian Armenian Orphan Fund.

The young ladies of Nakashian Children’s Support Center (Mer Hooys) were able to take a summer retreat at Aghveran Park Resort Hotel, funded by the Harold and Josephine Gulamerian Armenian Orphan Fund.

Below is the translation of the gratitude letter:

“During this trip, the children enjoyed the fresh mountain air of Aghveran, had the opportunity to admire the beautiful nature and visited the historical and ancient church of the village of Bjni. Your support continues to bring hope and joy to our children. Two days filled with joy, laughter, and warm memories for our girls in Aghveran Park Resort hotel. Heartfelt thanks to our long-time supporter SOAR for making this unforgettable experience possible. These were truly special days that will stay with us for a long time…A video capturing the highlights of these magical moments”

Thank you!

An excursion to Ostrich Park for the children of Children’s Home of Gyumri, funded by the Harold and Josephine Gulamerian Armenian Orphan Fund.

Javakh Summer Camp, funded by the Harold and Josephine Gulamerian Armenian Orphan Fund.

Summer retreat for the children at Mari Izmirlyan Orphanage, funded by the Harold and Josephine Gulamerian Armenian Orphan Fund.

JUNE

Continued diaper assistance was given to all 36 beneficiaries of the Ada Center, including local elderly.

A new refrigerator and food stipend for Warm Hearth funded by SOAR New York.

SOAR paid the rehabilitation for Mariam Yeranosyan at ArtMed Rehabilitation Center. Mariam had suffered a severe stroke and has two young children.

June 1st celebration at Ostrich Park for the residents of Sisters of Charity, Spitak, funded by the Harold and Josephine Gulamerian Armenian Orphan Fund.

Graduation celebration and gifts for Anahit Sargsyan and Karine Antanosyan of Our Lady of Armenia Annie Bezikian Center, Kanaker.

June 1st celebration at Ostrich Park for the residents of Nakashian Children’s Support Center, funded by the Harold and Josephine Gulamerian Armenian Orphan Fund.

Furnishings for the new SOLENA Center.

MAY

June 1st celebration at Ostrich Park for the children of Sisters of Charity, Bethlehem, funded by the Harold and Josephine Gulamerian Armenian Orphan Fund.

June 1st celebration at Ostrich Park for the children of Yerevan Special School #11 (Nubarashen), funded by the Harold and Josephine Gulamerian Armenian Orphan Fund.

Hygiene supplies for the residents of Our Lady of Armenia Annie Bezikian Center, funded by the SOAR New York City Chapter.

A new computer for Javakh Education and Cultural Youth Center

Javakh Education and Cultural Youth Center Computer

APRIL

With responsibility toward the past, with hope toward the future.

For its 20th anniversary, the Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief (SOAR) has launched a symbolic initiative.

On April 24, Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, SOAR, and its partner organizations in Armenia and in Diaspora planted 20 trees in memory of the 1.5 million innocent victims of Genocide and as a symbol of life and resilience.

New gas stove with its ventilation system, a sewing machine, and an electric oven for OLA Kanaker

A new gas stove with its ventilation system, a sewing machine, and an electric oven for Our Lady of Armenia Annie Bezikian Center, Kanaker, funded by the SOAR New York City Chapter.

EASTER CELEBRATIONS

Birds' Nest Orphanage Easter celebration

New flooring for the SOAR Transitional Center, Gyumri

Monthly Bread Stipend for Prkutyun

Healing Harbor Project – Armenian Evangelical Boarding School (AEBS)

Healing Harbor is a vital mental health center dedicated to supporting the well-being of children and adolescents.

Born from a pilot phase with students of the Armenian Evangelical Boarding School and a thorough needs assessment, the center aims to provide comprehensive care through a team of specialists, including psychologists, a psychomotor therapist, a speech therapist, and a special educator. By addressing psychological, cognitive, and developmental challenges, Healing Harbor will create a nurturing environment where students receive the tailored support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

To make this vision a reality, financial support is essential to initiate the center, ensure its sustainability, expand its services, and reach more students in need.

The project construction will begin in April 2025.