Opened in December 2024, SOAR’s SOLENA Center (Gyumri, Armenia) is a non-residential center that provides services to families with special needs children: employment/professional, substance abuse counseling, and job training for parents/caregivers and academic tutoring, nutritious meals, and psychological counseling for the children. SOLENA offers a continuum of care and integration within the community to empower families and avert institutionalization.
UPDATES
December 5, 2025
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 2025
Every year, SOAR celebrates Thanksgiving as a special tradition: a moment of family reunion, gratitude and togetherness shared with the people we work with and care for every day. This year, the celebration took place at the Gyumri Transitional Center and SOLENA Center, where the atmosphere was filled with warmth, joy and a strong sense of community.
The event featured one of Armenia’s most beloved traditional dishes, Ghapama, served alongside wine,
symbolizing abundance and cultural heritage. The girls from the Center, together with the staff, created a beautiful outdoor photo zone decorated with pumpkins and Thanksgiving-themed ornaments, adding a festive and creative touch to the day.
Throughout the celebration, Armenian dance and songs filled the space, bringing everyone together in a lively and heartfelt way. The event not only honored the spirit of Thanksgiving but also strengthened bonds, encouraged gratitude and highlighted the importance of unity within the SOAR family.
Thanksgiving became tradition for SOAR Armenia shared by our chairman George Yacoubian and this special celebration gives us opportunity to be thankful for every benefactor who contributed to wellbeing of our beneficiaries and SOAR staff members.
November 2025
Sunday Bible studies are held at the SOLENA Day Care Center for the children of displaced Artsakh families. November was a Thanksgiving class!
July 2025
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.
December 2024
Grand opening of the SOAR SOLENA Day Center and 5th Anniversary of the SOAR Transitional Center, Gyumri