Pari Louys With Paros

There are many ways to give back, and do so in a way that not only benefits the nonprofit you are supporting but your own financial journey as well. On this episode, Certified Financial Planner, Eric Nikssarian, discusses how charitable giving really works and how you can apply it to your giving strategies. 

Being motivated to give back is one thing, but motivating others to join is a tall task that requires lots of determination. Our guest today was so moved by the students and community she encountered, she took it upon herself to rally her own community to help fund the majority of a gymnasium that would create opportunity, joy, and connection for years to come. What began as a personal spark quickly became a collective effort rooted in generosity and purpose. Her story is a powerful reminder of how one person’s initiative can create lasting impact.   Learn more here: https://parosfoundation.org/donations/sjshhatfwiozdaxh-3-2-10-3/

Over 35 years ago, the Gyumri earthquake left the second largest city in Armenia in shambles. Now three decades later the remnants of this disaster still remain, both visually throughout the city, and in the cruel cycle of poverty that has resulted. Through housing initiatives to permanently reduce domik, or container living, afterschool programs that provide enrichment for the future generation, and vocational training that gives people the opportunity to provide, strides are being made to not only move forward, but to thrive forward.  Learn more about the Paros Housing, After School, and Vocational Center and get involved here: https://parosfoundation.org/donations/paros-center/

Across Armenia today, thousands of older adults, many of them refugees from Artsakh, are facing the most challenging chapter of their lives. Uprooted from their homes, separated from familiar communities, and navigating the realities of aging under extraordinary stress, they are carrying both personal loss and the collective trauma of displacement. Yet within this struggle lies a powerful story of resilience, dignity, and the urgent need for compassionate support.   Learn more about this population and the efforts being taken to help in any way possible in our interview with Paros Executive Director, Peter Abajian. 

Next on our mini series, “What Have You Done”, we speak with Nick Cabraloff, one of the founders of Yeraz Blend, a new social group that is becoming a bridge: linking young Armenians to one another, to their heritage, and to opportunities for creating meaningful change.    Join the next Yeraz event benefitting The Paros Foundation on November 6th in LA. Get your tickets here: https://parosfoundation.org/events/yeraz-blend/ Yeraz Blend Instagram

For the next episode in our mini-series, What Have You Done? We are interviewing Gail Chelebian, Superintendent of St. James Armenian Church Sunday School in Los Angeles, about what she has done to keep that bridge of faith and culture alive in her Armenian diaspora community. 

Giving back to the Armenia and Armenian organizations is something diaspora Armenians feel very connected to. From volunteering at your local church, donating to Armenia, visiting the country and giving back, and everything in between, getting involved as Armenians keeps the fabric of our culture thriving. Throughout 2025 we are asking our community, what have they done lately to get involved. Our hope is that these interviews show you that every little bit matters, and hopefully inspires you to also get involved.   To kick off this mini-series we are talking to Paros donor and friend, John Mangasarian, who is a dedicated member of his Armenian community here in the United States as well as in Armenia. Learn more about how he gets involved in this episode. 

Promoting teamwork, building confidence, and developing valuable life skills are just a few of the benefits of organized sports. With a lack of resources, however, these benefits may not be reaching the many children throughout Armenia. That is why Hoops For Hayastan has set out to combine their passion for basketball and their love for their country to bring the tangible aspects of sports and its many benefits to Hayastan.   Learn more: https://www.hoops4hayastan.org/ Follow: https://www.instagram.com/hoops4hayastan/ Donate to Shgharshik Gym: https://parosfoundation.org/donations/sjshhatfwiozdaxh-3-2-10-3/  

Healthy nutritional habits are important and learning these habits from a young age can greatly improve one’s overall well-being. In Armenia, especially in the villages, these healthy habits may not be established resulting in poor health later on in life. Through education and guidance, people will better understand their choices, and that is the goal of Stephanie Sudjian, a nutritionist who is setting out to nourish Armenia.   https://www.fphwellness.com/

They say 60 is the new 50 and our guest today is the perfect example that age is just a number!  To celebrate Paros Executive Director, Peter Abajian's milestone birthday, we are raising $50,000 to go towards Debi Arach Children’s Center Operating Budget!    Learn more and donate here: https://parosfoundation.org/donations/50k-for-60-years/

It’s a rare occurrence to look at your clothing label and read “Made In Armenia”. Our guest Ashod Spendjian, and his family, with deep roots in the apparel industry, have set out to change this. With an untapped potential, Armenia is poised to deliver high-quality apparel that could be in your cart the next time you go shopping. Listen as Ashod explains this goal and how they are setting out to achieve it.    Learn more about Lorens NYC here: https://www.lorensnyc.com/

Armenia’s border villages serve as a buffer between the country and most of the time it’s not-so-friendly neighbors. Life can be particularly difficult in this region, but with a vibrant border, Armenia is much stronger. That is why Jean-Marie Atamian and his family have set out to improve the prosperity on the border.    Learn more about the Atamian Family's most recent impact and some of the previous work they have done in the Tavush region: https://parosfoundation.org/two-new-families-move-into-new-homes-in-nerkin-karmir-aghbyur/   https://parosfoundation.org/investing-in-education-on-the-border/   https://parosfoundation.org/donations/sjshhatfwiozdaxh-3-2-6-2-2/   https://parosfoundation.org/6140-2/      

Since 2002, Unison NGO has been dedicated to creating a more equitable world for people with disabilities and special needs in Armenia. Through their advocacy, specialized programs, and support, they have fostered a community that continues to make a positive impact for all. Special guest Armen Alaverdyan, Executive Director of Unison, shares about their important impact over the last 20+ years.    Learn more: https://www.unison.am/ Listen to the Paros Chamber Choir: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5xN3iKIwizI3bOQ3UjPOKg      

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