Visiting Armenia can be a life-changing experience, and for many, it kickstarts a passion to get involved and to make a difference. This was the experience of our guest, Wendy O’Neil, who jumped with both feet in at the chance to make a difference in the lives of many. Here is her story.    Learn more and donate to Debi Arach: https://parosfoundation.org/donations/daopbud2024/

As the diaspora figured out how to mobilize help, one Armenian parish in Greater Boston got to work. Rallying support, collecting items, and personally distributing to over 1,000 refugees in Armenia is no small feat. Here is the first-hand recount from Der Vasken and Yeretzgin Arpi Kouzouian who helped lead the charge and personally deliver these items throughout Armenia.

In 1993, a group of passionate Armenians knew they could make a positive difference by bringing together their resources and love for Armenia. That is how Developmental Services for Armenia came to be. Our guest, Raffi Bilemjian, walks us through how the foresight of a few passionate individuals has created lasting positive changes for Armenia for over 30 years.    Get in touch:  info@developmentalservicesarmenia.org   Follow on Instagram @DSAorganization

The mass exodus from Artsakh has begun, and while the fate of our brothers and sisters there remains uncertain, one thing for sure is that thousands of refugees are arriving in Armenia in need of food, shelter and basic necessities.  This humanitarian crisis has begun.     Learn more and contribute to the Artsakh Refugee Support Fund here: https://parosfoundation.org/donations/artsakh-refugee-support-fund/

For 272 days the Azerbaijan Government has illegally blockaded 120,000 men, women and children who call Artsakh their home. This illegal action has led to widespread malnutrition, economic disaster, and even most recently death. Join us as we discuss what is happening and how it is impacting the people of Artsakh.

Farming is such an essential part of life in rural Armenia. But how sustainable is this type of growing? Remote villages with a lack of access to resources like water or the correct landscape may have difficulty producing crops. That is where systems like ponics come in. They provide a more efficient way to farm, with often a higher yield in a smaller growing area. Join us as we discover the magic of this growing system that has proven effective in Armenia with MAquaponics co-founder, Kirk Wallace.

As Armenians the legacy we leave for future Armenians is incredibly important to us. An exemplary couple who established this deep-rooted legacy is Hraiar and Anna Hovnanian, who established the Hovanian Family Foundation. Since its inception in 1986, the foundation has given over 97 million dollars and created a ripple effect of positivity with programs like Birthright Armenia, various scholarships, and projects throughout Armenia. Join us as we learn about the impact this incredible organization has made with Executive Director Korioun Khatchadourian.    Learn more and get involved here: https://www.hovnanianfoundation.org/en

The social enterprise model of giving has been applied to many areas throughout Armenia and is quickly becoming a popular way of making a difference. Join us as we learn more about this compelling giving model and the impact it’s making throughout the country with Dr. Gary Assarian, who has led the charge in Gyumri.

As Armenians, we each have a birthright to visit our homeland. This idea became a reality in 2003 when Edele Hovnanian started the Birthright Armenia program, which brings together Armenians from all over the world to experience their ancestral homeland, give back, and ultimately fulfill their birthright. Join us as we interview country director, Sevan Kabakian, about this incredible organization.    Learn more: https://www.birthrightarmenia.org/en

Adopting a village in Armenia has become an increasingly popular philanthropic model. By rallying efforts around one village, donors are able to make a big difference for people of one community in a meaningful way. Join us as guest Stepan Piligian shares his experience leading the charge on adopting a village in Armenia.

Those working in the tourism industry are responsible for a large part of our experience when visiting Armenia, join us as we hear firsthand what life is like for a tour guide in Armenia with Marine Khatchatryan, a freelance tour guide working with SIMA Tours and also a member of the Paros Team.

It is widely understood that donating to a non-profit can provide an opportunity to make an impact while also creating a tax benefit for the donor. As a non-profit organization, we work with many donors each year that strategize and implement the smartest ways of giving towards causes and projects they believe in. Join us as we take a closer look at charitable giving with CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional, Eric Nikssarian.

In 2014, GOALS (Girls of Armenia Leadership Soccer) was formed to instill confidence and build future well-rounded leaders. Join us as we interview Teny Avakian, CEO of GOALS, to learn more about life for girls in villages throughout Armenia and how sports is now an integral part of instilling a strong female future for Armenia.    Get involved here: https://www.goalsarmenia.org/ Follow GOALS here: https://www.instagram.com/goalsarmenia/

For Armenians throughout Armenia, the medical system is either not readily available or attainable when there is a medical need. Beyond access, knowledge of healthcare-related habits is scarce. Through groups like Med-Aid Armenia and the important work of people like our Guest Dr. Koko Deramerian, the hope is to understand the medical needs of the people of Armenia and move them forward. Join us as we take a deep dive into Armenia’s medical landscape.

For Armenians throughout Armenia, the medical system is either not readily available or attainable when there is a medical need. Beyond access, knowledge of healthcare-related habits is scarce. Through groups like Med-Aid Armenia and the important work of people like our Guest Dr. Krikor Deramerian, the hope is to understand the medical needs of the people of Armenia and move them forward. Join us as we take a deep dive into Armenia’s medical landscape.

As an Armenian growing up in The United States, we are surrounded by organizations and groups doing good in Armenia. And every so often you will see the younger generation get involved and do incredible things to give back as well. Where does that passion and inspiration come from, and what kind of impact could we make if we cultivated more of that involvement? Join us as we take a dive into diasporan youth involvement in Armenia.

Armenians have a deep and rich history that dates back thousands of years. Throughout this rich history, Armenians have been persecuted but stood strong against all odds. That tenacity has been put to the test many times including in the 90’s, in 2016, 2020, and most recently this past September when neighboring Azerbaijan started bombing within Armenia proper. With this resilience, comes a change in Armenia and it’s people. Join us as we dive into what is happening to Armenia and how its people are being affected.

As Armenians living in the diaspora, we experience an innate fire within us to go to Armenia. Some have visited with their school growing up, some have visited with family, others find their way back through trips like birthright. However, you choose to visit Armenia, once you are there you experience an unexplainable magic that leaves everyone who visits this beautiful country wanting to come back year after year. There is no wonder why Armenia continues to make international lists as a must-visit destination. Join us as we discuss the evolving tourism in Armenia with SIMA Tours owner Shake Derderian!    Contact SIMA Tours for all of your Armenia travel needs!  Shake Derderian - simatours@gmail.com 610-359-7521

In the last episode of Pari Louys with Paros we talked about the process of doing nonprofit work in Armenia. There are many different moving parts to completing a project, and sometimes one of those is partnering with the government both on the local and national level. Today’s episode takes us all over the country as we talk about our experience working with the Armenian government to accomplish our nonprofit work.

Ever wonder the logistics of how projects get done in Armenia? Listen to our latest episode of Pari Louys With Paros where Executive Director, Peter Abajian, shares with us his process of successfully completing a project and what he’s learned over 15 years doing nonprofit work in Armenia.