SOAR’s Annual Online Auction Starting at 10:00am EST TODAY!!

Click here to participate in SOAR’s Annual Online Auction from December 4th-14th.

Unstable Conditions in Artsakh

As conditions in Artsakh remain unstable, SOAR remains committed to assisting the two Armenian orphanages in Stepanagert and Kashatagh.



If you would like to earmark a donation to the Artsakh orphanages
 
CLICK HERE

And Choose Artsakh Orphanages from the drop down menu.

Nappies For Nork!

Last year, through the great generosity of many donors, we raised $12,000 for SOAR to purchase diapers for Nork orphanage in Yerevan.

For eleven months, thousands of diapers were delivered to the children living there, but the funds will run out after the final delivery this month.

Therefore, please join us in Nappies For Nork 2016, a collaboration of SOAR, Hopscotch Adoptions, and adoptive mom Viviane Martini whose son lived at Nork from early 2009 until summer 2011.

Please send your tax-deductible donation by check to:

Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief
ATTN: George S. Yacoubian, Jr.
150 N. Radnor Chester Rd.
Suite F-200
Radnor, PA 19087
USA

Or via Paypal on the SOAR website: http://soar-us.org/donate.html#donation.

Please earmark your donation for the 2016 Nappies for Nork diaper fund.

Read the whole story and get information on the raffle here!

New Armenian Language Program - Classes Forming Now!

Armenian Language Program

During the past decade, hundreds of children have been adopted from Armenia, some of which to non-Armenian parents and many who do not live in close proximity to an Armenian school or an Armenian Church.  Given the importance of the Armenian language to these children's ethnic identity, SOAR's Armenian Language Program (ALP) was developed to provide elementary and intermediate Armenian instruction to children adopted from Armenia who are now living in the Diaspora. 

The Program offers live, virtual instruction, in both Eastern and Western Armenian, to anyone in the global community interested in gaining an appreciation for the Armenian language. The ALP is overseen by SOAR-Yerevan, with proceeds benefiting SOAR's Orphan Transitional Program.

Please go to the Armenian Language Program to enroll.  

Classes forming now!

SOCIETY FOR ORPHANED ARMENIAN RELIEF (SOAR)
1060 First Avenue, Suite 400, King of Prussia, PA 19406
Office: 610.213.3452   Fax: 610.229.5168 

Email: gyacoubian@soar-us.org   Web: www.soar-us.org

Nappies Collection a Huge Success!

SOCIETY FOR ORPHANED ARMENIAN RELIEF (SOAR)
1060 First Avenue, Suite 400, King of Prussia, PA 19406
Office: 610.213.3452   Fax: 610.229.5168 
Email: gyacoubian@soar-us.org   Web: www.soar-us.org

Nappies Collection a Resounding Success!

The Nappies for Nork fundraiser, organized and coordinated by Viviane Martini, was a giant success.  In just two weeks, $11,000 was raised to provide diapers for the children at Nork Orphanage.  From giving three dollars to keep a child dry for a single day to four figure donations, so many opened their hearts to make a difference, one clean bottom at a time.

To everyone who contributed (whether cash toward diapers or items for the raffle) and who spread the word, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  When Viviane sat at her desk three weeks ago looking for a way to help, she hoped to raise $1,000.  Now, around 38,000 diapers will be available for these precious children. 

What do 38,000 diapers look like?  Well, a folded Pampers is about 1/2 inch thick, so 38,000 of them stack to approximately 1,500 feet, which is how far you'd walk to get from Yerevan's Cascade Complex to the Opera House.

Details and pictures of the diaper delivery we will available beginning early May.  Given the level of generosity, the diaper distribution will be expanded to Mari Izmirlyan Orphanage.  Viviane's son Rex was adopted from Nork, but some of the children who lived at Nork with Rex have since moved to Mari Izmirlyan, so her love stretches to this orphanage.  Mari Izmirlyan serves many children with medical and developmental special needs, some of whom continue to require diapers well past their sixth birthdays.

Again, thank you to everyone who was inspired by Viviane to help in this special endeavor.  Your generosity and support exceeded our wildest dreams!

Raffle to Benefit Armenian Orphans

We are raffling off four great items on November 14 to help raise money to benefit Armenian Orphans, they are:

• A 30” Bronze Necklace & Engraved and Bronze Beaded Pendant Designed by Stephen Dweck. A $395 value donated by Simon Jewelers in High Point, NC
• A $100 Gift Certificate from HYE Embroidery in High Point, NC. Donated by Rouben and Berjouhi Keshguerian
• A $50 Gift Card for East Coast Wings on Tate Street in Greensboro, NC. Donated by Rouben and Berjouhi Keshguerian
• A Bottle of Georgian Wine donated by Robin and James Sizemore

1 ticket for $10, 4 tickets for $20, or 10 tickets for $50

Click here to buy tickets.

Raffle tickets can also be purchased in person at the SOAR Wine Tasting on Friday 11/14

Be sure to designate the donation to SOAR Raffle

Cutoff to purchase tickets is 5pm EST on 11/14/14

ALL PROCEEDS GO DIRECTLY TO SOAR TO BENEFIT ARMENIAN ORPHANS

Download PDF for more information.

Goodyear Family & SOAR Make Dreams Come True!

Thank you to the Goodyear family and SOAR for making dreams come true! The Goodyear family recently returned from visiting their child and saw the need first hand for mobility and took on the personal project to see the children have access to these amazing chairs. SOAR stepped in and will be shipping them in July at no charge - via UAF! We TRULY have the best families and the best kids ever! Thank you!!!!!

Wanted: A Family Of My Own

SOAR and Adoptive Families Provide Therapy Equipment for Armenian Orphan

Considering the millions of orphans around the world, it is impossible to expect that one individual or even one organization could touch them all. However, there are many opportunities every day for people and groups to impact the life of just one child in need.

When adoptive mother Viviane Martini learned of a preschooler with mobility issues in an Armenian orphanage, she jumped into action. She knew that the little boy was receiving physical therapy and had been telling his caregivers that he was determined to learn to walk, despite his limited control over his head, neck, arms, legs and torso. Martini started searching for equipment that could help stabilize his core, so the child could focus his energies on building muscle and skills in his arms, legs and neck. She came across the Theratogs PTA systems and contacted the manufacturer for advice. A few emails later, Martini knew which product would work best for the little boy. She was prepared to fundraise the several hundred dollars in cost, but in stepped SOAR Chairman George Yacoubian. Without hesitation, Yacoubian offered to have SOAR pay for the stabilizing garments. A fellow adoptive family soon on their way to bring home their daughter from Yerevan volunteered to carry the items to Armenia. Martini purchased a few fine motor toys to go along with the Theratogs equipment and this week all were delivered to the young child who was not only excited, but also thankful for the gifts.

In the months to come, the little boy and his therapists can use the donated items to work on improving his gross and fine motor skills. And maybe just maybe while they do so, they will know that half a world away, there are people who care deeply about making a difference, even if only for one child at a time.

***

Many children like this little one are waiting for a family, just like yours to open their hearts and home to him. If you are interested in adopting visit our waiting child page, or contact us via email waitingchild@hopscotchadoptions.org

Music to Madness - the Story of Komitas" to Benefit SOAR

"Music to Madness - the Story of Komitas" to Benefit SOAR

A new film, "Music to Madness - the Story of Komitas," about the life of Komitas, the famous Armenian priest and musical composer who was an orphan and who suffered tragically during the Armenian Genocide, is nearing completion.  To complete the film, a fundraising campaign has just launched on Indiegogo.  Details about "Music to Madness - the Story of Komitas," including a trailer and Reward Perks for financial contributions, are provided on Indiegogo. 

ALL net revenues from the sale and distribution of the film will go to SOAR. 

Please consider helping with the fundraising campaign, not only through a financial contribution, but also by spreading the word (email, phone, social networking) about the film.  This is your opportunity to help tell the world about Komitas and the Armenian Genocide and to help Armenian orphaned children throughout the world.

Thank you in advance for your support!

The Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief (SOAR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing humanitarian relief to orphaned Armenian children and adults. Working with a loyal donor base and a trusted network of partners, SOAR distributes clothing, educational supplies, medicine, and other essential resources to orphaned Armenians throughout the world.

SOCIETY FOR ORPHANED ARMENIAN RELIEF (SOAR)
1060 First Avenue, Suite 400, King of Prussia, PA 19406
Office: 610.213.3452   Fax: 610.229.5168 
Email: gyacoubian@soar-us.org   Web: www.soar-us.org

Hopscotch Adoptions' Armenian Children's Reunion 2013

On Saturday, August 3, 2013, a reunion was held in Lancaster County (PA) for families who had adopted children from Armenia through Hopscotch Adoptions.  As the Executive Board President of the Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief (SOAR), a non-profit organization that provides humanitarian relief to orphaned Armenian children throughout the world, and the father of a child adopted from Armenia, I was invited to attend.  

On Saturday, SOAR participated in the festivities by creating Armenian name tags for the attendees, providing Armenian coloring books donated by the Armenian Sisters Academy, and teaching the children several Armenian songs and dances.  I was able to answer questions about SOAR and, most humbly, was able to meet many SOAR supporters in person for the first time.

The reunion was a wonderful opportunity to interact with other parents of adopted Armenian children and to share a multitude of experiences. What bonds us all is the country itself that provided us a special part of our family and the desire to perpetuate the Armenian culture through food, literature, language, and the arts.  My girls had a wonderful time, and my middle daughter, Sophie, took with her Armenian currency to give to a new friend.  Josie D. was the lucky lady.  The perfect example of how in any environment Armenian children can bond and become friends.

George S. Yacoubian, Jr.,
SOAR Executive Board President

Summer Camp Program Underway!

This summer, SOAR will be assisting THREE distinct summer camps: the Holy Cross Armenian Church of Javakh (Georgia); the Our Lady of Armenia (OLA) Center Summer Day Camp (Tsaghgadzor, Armenia); and The Voice of the Armenian Church (VOTAC) Orphan Summer Camp (Tsaghgadzor, Armenia).

The Javakh Camp serves approximately 250 social orphans living at or below poverty level in the nearby villages. The Camp was created to get these children off the streets during the summer and into a safe, clean, fun, and spiritual environment.

The OLA Camp strengthens the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of approximately 850 very disadvantaged boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 15. The Camp draws from orphanages across Armenia and provides a wide range of athletic, cultural, spiritual, and social activities.

The VOTAC Camp is held every July for eight days, hosting approximately 50 orphaned boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 16.  The overarching goal of the Camp is to "create" a big family where the children will experience comfort, love, and compassion while instilling in them the history of the Armenian Church.

We are offering the following five sponsorship levels with the goal of providing significant financial assistance to the Camps:

Sponsorship Level

Donation

Platinum: $5,000
Gold: $2,500
Silver: $1,000
Bronze: $500
Patron: $100

All sponsors will receive acknowledgment on the SOAR web site and their names engraved on a dedication plaque at each Camp. As you consider a donation amount, please remember that the Camps help develop positive social skills and attitudes, such as responsibility, honesty, self-reliance, and self-confidence. Many participants return to their regular lives enriched spiritually, intellectually, and physically and ready to share their new attitudes with family and friends.

Donations can be made by check (mailed to the above address) or via PayPal (designate National) at www.soar-us.org. If you have any questions, please contact George S. Yacoubian, Jr., at gyacoubian@soar-us.org or 610.213.3452.

SOAR and the Orphaned Armenian Summer Camps thank you for your generosity!

SOCIETY FOR ORPHANED ARMENIAN RELIEF (SOAR)

1060 First Avenue, Suite 400, King of Prussia, PA 19406
Office: 610.213.3452   Fax: 610.229.5168 
Email: gyacoubian@soar-us.org   Web: www.soar-us.org

Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief (SOAR)

SOAR Online Auction Opens in 7 Days!!!

In 7 days, SOAR will be hosting an online auction to raise funds for the orphaned Armenian children in Armenia, Artsakh, Javakh, and Lebanon.  We have more than 500 items available, all of which will make excellent gifts as the holidays approach! 

We will feature art, books, clothing, hand-crafts by the orphaned children in Armenia, jewelry, sports memorabilia, and vacation packages.  We will also offer many items for sale, including the funding of capital projects, sponsorships, and the hosting of Christmas parties for the 25 orphanages we support.  Unlike those for bid, the full amount of these "straight sales" will be used exclusively and completely for that specific item.

The auction opens on November 20, 2012, and will continue through December 5, 2012.  Please check out the SOAR Auction to peruse the wonderful items we have available.

Thank you in advance for your support of our orphaned Armenian children!

The Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief (SOAR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing humanitarian relief to orphaned Armenian children.  Working with a loyal donor base and a trusted network of partners, SOAR distributes clothing, educational supplies, medicine, and other essential resources to orphaned Armenian children throughout the world.


1060 First Avenue, Suite 400
King of Prussia, PA 19406 USA
Phone: 610.213.3452   Fax: 610.229.5168

Email: gyacoubian@soar-us.org   Web: www.soar-us.org 

Emergency Request from Sisters of Charity (SOC)-Bethlehem

Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief (SOAR) 1060 First Avenue, Suite 400, King of Prussia, PA 19406 USA  Phone: 610.213.3452   Fax: 610.229.5168 Email: gyacoubian@soar-us.org   Web: www.soar-us.org Emergency Request from Sisters of Charity (SOC)-Bethlehem The Sisters of Charity (SOC) is a Catholic religious order established by Mother Teresa to tend to "the poorest of the poor." SOC-Bethlehem is a private orphanage in Yerevan that houses approximately 15 children with severe physical and mental disabilities. Late last week, SOAR received an emergency request from SOC-Bethlehem for medical equipment. Until now, SOAR has never received an unsolicited request from SOC. Specifically, SOC has requested two (2) Rover Strollers and three (3) Floor Sitters. The Strollers are built for both indoor and outdoor transport, while the Floor Sitters keep the children in upright positions for floor activities. The total cost, including shipping to Yerevan, is $6,500.00. If you would like to contribute to our collection for Sisters of Charity, please call 610.213.3452. SOC-Bethlehem and SOAR thank you in advance for your generosity! The Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief (SOAR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing humanitarian relief to orphaned Armenian children.  Working with a loyal donor base and a trusted network of partners, SOAR distributes clothing, educational supplies, medicine, and other essential resources to orphaned Armenian children throughout the world.

SOAR Launches Chapter in Javakh, Georgia!!!

Our 22nd Chapter, in Javakh, joins the SOAR family in April 2012 and represents our first Chapter in the former Soviet Republic of Georgia.

Javakh, an Armenian enclave, is the most underdeveloped and impoverished region of Georgia. It has the highest rate of unemployment and the lowest rate of state investment in the country. There is no industry, and agriculture is primitive. The roads and infrastructure in the region are non-existent, and it is easier to reach Armenia (to the South) than Tbilisi, Georgia's capital. Javakh is a geographic, economic and political island, almost cut off from the rest of the world.

The Javakh Chapter will serve as a liaison to the local population SOAR supports. The Javakh Summer Day Camp is directed by Very Rev. Fr. Babken Salibyan of Holy Cross Armenian Church and is located in the Diocese Center of the Holy Cross Armenian Church in Akhakalak, Georgia. The camp serves approximately 250 healthy Armenian children, who are mostly social orphans, living at or below poverty level in the nearby villages.

Please visit http://soar-us.org/javakh/ to become familiar with their local Board of Directors.

Welcome Javakh!