The Diocese
Posted: 11/21/2018
In celebration of the annual visit in early November 2019 to Armenia by Mer Hooys President Judge Adrienne Krikorian, the Mer Hooys staff and children prepared a 45-minute presentation on the topic of “giving thanks.” They presented the program on Saturday November 3, to Mer Hooys program graduates, visiting guests, and staff. The children narrated in English a PowerPoint presentation explaining the many aspects of giving thanks, telling visitors why they were thankful, and asking thpreir guests to share their reasons for being thankful. They also presented traditional dances and songs. A bountiful supper followed the presentation, consisting of traditional dishes prepared by all of the staff, including a turkey and roasted pumpkin in celebration of American Thanksgiving. Dancing, games, and fellowship followed the delicious meal.
The current residents range in age from 10 to 15 years old; many are sisters. The oldest girl, one of four sisters at the center, recently completed a course in hairdressing and will soon begin using her skills at the Center, and eventually to earn some spending money while completing her secondary education and diploma. All of the girls are studying English and are able to read and write at various degrees of fluency. Judge Krikorian visited one of their weekly class sessions. “From youngest to oldest, the girls eagerly read aloud during their lessons, participated in board work, and recited English phrases in response to questions from their teacher” reported Judge Krikorian. “Many were confident enough to practice their English skills by communicating with me in English.”
The majority of children, while thriving at the Center, come from seriously distressed backgrounds. Several are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, defiance disorder, and lack of self-worth. Professional staff address these emotional issues in multiple ways. Several of the girls take music lessons, in piano, kanon, drums, and voice, giving them the opportunity to express themselves productively. While visiting the Center, Judge Krikorian played piano duets with one of the girls and participated in musical programs with the others. The girls loved to perform whenever the opportunity presented itself, along with playing games with their visitors.
During her visit, Judge Krikorian, who was accompanied by volunteer assistant treasurer Alice Kalustian and her daughter Natalie, met with staff to discuss program operations and to review the program financial records with the staff accountant. Judge Krikorian was pleased to confirm that all of the financial records are accurately maintained, and all funds sent by the Board based on the annual budget are appropriately accounted for and reported.
“I was very impressed with the professionalism, discipline, and love that our staff demonstrates in every aspect of their work with and for these girls” reported Judge Krikorian. “The girls trust the staff and open up about some very difficult subjects. I saw how this program is making a significant difference in the future of these girls – despite their difficult past lives, they understand and realize that it is now safe for them to be hopeful for a better future for themselves. They have created a bond with each other that is like no other.” The Board thanked the staff for their dedication and selfless hard work by hosting a dinner for them at a local Georgian restaurant.
In addition to her daily visits to the Center, Judge Krikorian also met with the Deputy Minister of Social Affairs and some of his staff to explain the program and its objectives. The Deputy Minister was so impressed with the program that he broached the subject of possible collaboration and consultation by Mer Hooys staff and board members for future government-supported similar programs for children in need. Judge Krikorian also visited the University of Architecture and Engineering, where she was the guest of the rector and assistant rector of foreign exchange students. While at the University, she visited classes, met with students, and observed the highly skilled talents of the students. One of Mer Hooys’ program graduates attends the University, studying graphic design and architecture. Her tuition is generously funded by the University.
The mission of the Mer Hooys program is to support girls from depressed family backgrounds by providing a healthy family environment, multi-faceted education, psychological and social counseling, and family reunification counseling where possible. By doing so, these girls receive a foundation that will help support a future free from human trafficking and domestic violence. The children Mer Hooys serves would otherwise have no hope for a decent future – in many cases their mothers are not capable of providing support for their children. In its seventh year, the program has been highly successful, as demonstrated by the members of the first graduate class of girls, who often visit the Center and help out with the younger girls.
The Western Diocese strongly supports Mer Hooys as a viable and necessary program to help the children of our motherland. Sponsorship opportunities are available; the Board invites donors to sponsor a girl for a donation of $500 a year, which will help cover her unique costs, including extracurricular lessons and individual tutoring, medical expenses, and special needs.
Donations to Mer Hooys will assure that the Board can continue to help the children of Armenia to succeed and hopefully become the future leaders of Armenia. Make donations payable to House of Hope – Mer Hooys, Inc. and mail to P.O. Box 8507, Calabasas, CA 91372-8507. All donations will be recognized by the Board – those donors of $150 or more will also receive a gift of 18 notecards depicting the artwork of Mer Hooys graduate Armine Arshakyan-Vardanyan. More information, including a catalogue of available artwork by Ms. Arshakyan Vardanyan and her husband Suren, is available at www.mer-hooys.org and on Facebook.
