THE HAROLD AND JOSEPHINE GULAMERIAN TRANSITIONAL CENTER FOR YOUNG MEN - YEREVAN
The Harold and Josephine Gulamerian Transitional Center for Young Men is a residential setting for older teenage boys who have outgrown the traditional orphanage but who are not yet ready for independent living. Our residents attend college; are enriched by our academic programs; appreciate volunteerism; learn essential life skills, including home and money management; build self-nurturance and self-confidence; and prepare themselves for emotional, fiscal, and professional independence.
Meet Our Young Men
UPDATES
2026
OUR FIRST TRANSITIONAL CENTER FOR YOUNG MEN GRADUATE!
Dear SOAR Foundation Family and Esteemed Sponsors,
My name is Edmon Harutyun Karapetyan, and I am honored to be one of the hundreds of young people whose lives have been profoundly transformed through the unwavering support of the SOAR Foundation.
I earned my law degree from the Russian-Armenian University while also pursuing studies at the Vazgen Sargsyan Military Academy. Looking back, I can confidently say that the Foundation entered my life at a time when I needed its support the most.
Like many students who relocate from Armenia’s regions to Yerevan to pursue higher education, I faced significant challenges adjusting to a new city and building an independent life. During this critical period, I was given the opportunity to live at SOAR’s Boys Transitional Center in Yerevan for two years. There, I found much more than a place to live—I found a home, lifelong friendships, and a community that believed in my potential.
The Foundation provided me with opportunities that enabled me to devote myself fully to my education and pursue my goals with confidence. Equally important, it instilled in me values that have shaped the person I am today. Through SOAR, I came to understand the extraordinary power of compassion, generosity, and selfless service. Witnessing the smiles of countless children whose lives have been enriched by the Foundation taught me that true happiness often comes from the simplest of things: knowing that there are people who genuinely care, who are willing to extend a helping hand, and who celebrate your achievements as if they were their own.
SOAR also introduced me to an extraordinary network of individuals from diverse backgrounds, each bringing unique perspectives, experiences, and aspirations. Together, we exchanged ideas, learned from one another, celebrated successes, and found strength in sharing life’s challenges. These relationships have broadened my outlook and enriched my journey in ways I will always cherish.
Above all, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to participate in SOAR’s social and community initiatives. Serving others, even through the smallest acts of kindness, has taught me to appreciate the opportunities I have been given and to recognize the responsibility we all share in building a more compassionate society. Every act of service has strengthened my belief that meaningful change begins with individuals who are willing to care for one another.
The SOAR Foundation’s mission extends far beyond providing educational and financial assistance. It empowers young people with knowledge, experience, confidence, and enduring values, enabling us to become responsible professionals, compassionate citizens, and future leaders. The Foundation is not only shaping our individual futures—it is helping build a stronger future for our communities and for generations to come.
To everyone who has contributed to this mission—our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and the dedicated SOAR team—please accept my deepest gratitude. Your generosity has changed my life, and the lives of so many others, in ways that words alone cannot fully express.
With sincere appreciation,
Edmon Harutyun Karapetyan
Proud Lifetime Member of the SOAR Family
2025
October
SOAR London Chapter President, Vatche Cherchian, visited the Transitional Center for Young Men in Yerevan. Residents from the Transitional Center for Young Women in Yerevan joined them for the visit. Vatche said their hospitality was amazing and it was so interesting to hear how they are developing so well and are on the path to successful futures in their education and careers.
Artur Aleksanyan Artur continues his studies at Yerevan State University, International Relations Department, Political Science.
Hayk Gasparyan continues his studies at Slavonic University, Faculty of Tourism.
Edmon Karapetyan continues his studies at Faculty of Law at Slavic University.
Vaghik Bayburyan continues his studies at the Department of Caucasian Studies of the Faculty of History of Yerevan State University.
2024
A Thanksgiving celebration for residents of all three Transitional Centers was held at the Transitional Center for Young Men. The residents received their certificates for their first aid classes, celebrated the birthday of Liana Serobyan for the Gyumri TC, and had a Thanksgiving meal and prayer.
First Aid classes for SOAR Staff and residents of the SOAR Transitional Centers held at the SOAR Transitional Center, Gyumri.
Artur Aleksanyan will participate in the SMM Architecture: From Tools to Strategy course at the Business Development Group Educational Center. He will be learning their approach to media management and social media strategies.
Six chairs for the living room, living room furniture, and a sofa were purchased for the Center.
The SOAR staff organized an event to take beneficiaries from both centers in Yerevan to a café and present them with books in honor of March 8th.
Valentine’s Day Celebration for the residents of the SOAR Transitional Centers in Yerevan
New leather sofa for the living room.
2023
New furnishings!
The residents of the Transitional Center for Young Women, Yerevan, worked together to clean the Center for Young Men. They were taken out for lunch as a thank you for all their hard work!