SOAR - New Hampshire Chapter
New Hampshire joined the SOAR family in February 2021. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, several Armenian families – refugees fleeing the Ottoman Empire – began to settle in Salem, New Hampshire. Frustrated with the distance of the existing Armenian church in Lawrence, MA, the Armenian population of Salem established a building committee for the creation of a new Armenian congregation in late 1912. The church was built on land provided by the Northeastern Street Railway Company, and construction was completed within a year. The church was dedicated on November 12, 1913.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Patil Roupelian
President
Patil was born in Lebanon in Bourj-Hammoud that is a largely Armenian populated area but raised in Greece. She attended Armenian elementary school and attended an Armenian girls scout group to remain connected with her Armenian heritage. She graduated in 2019 with a Bachelors in Fashion Merchandising and Management. After graduation, she launched her own clothing company where she actively works to expand the brand. After a trip to Armenia in 2018, where was given the opportunity to volunteer at a summer camp that helped unprivileged and orphaned children, she returned inspired to help her community as much as possible and dedicate her time to the Armenian people.