MISSION HILLS, Calif.—Each June, the Armenian Relief Society of Western USA (ARS) Regional Executive and 26 chapters sponsor the monthly luncheon at Ararat Home’s George Deukmejian grand ballroom. The local chapter members attend the luncheon and visit the residents, including those who served the ARS. As a coordinated effort, members from the ARS Sophia Chapter and ARS Mayr Chapter of Fresno visited the California Armenian Home in Fresno on the same day, June 3.
Dianne Ohanesian, Chairperson of the Ladies Auxiliary, and Joseph Kanimian, Esq., Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Ararat Home of Los Angeles, welcomed everyone. Kanimian thanked all the sponsors of the luncheon, especially the ARS, for their unwavering support and for all they do for the community.
Rev. Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian, who was representing Arch. Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy, blessed the tables and conveyed His Eminence’s blessings and prayers.
ARS Regional Executive vice chairperson Carmen Libaridian delivered the board’s message expressing gratitude towards the ARS members, who are now residents of Ararat Home. She credited them for building a successful foundation of the ARS in the region, and recounting that the public high school graduates’ award night had taken place the night before. Libaridian noted that the ARS serves the full spectrum of the community.
Entertainment was provided by tenor Raffi Kerbabian. Following the luncheon, attendees took the opportunity to visit those residents who were unable to attend the luncheon.
Members from the ARS Sophia Chapter and ARS Mayr Chapter of Fresno along with ARS Regional Executive member Adrine Postoyan of the ARS Mayr-Fresno Chapter visited the California Armenian Home during the residents’ afternoon snack time. The ARS members introduced their chapter, provided traditional pastries and entertained the residents with songs and dancing.
The annual visit is popular because it is such a rewarding experience for visitors and residents alike. It not only brings out the best in people, but also their genuine smiles towards each other.
The Armenian Relief Society of Western USA, established in 1984 and with regional headquarters in Glendale, Calif., has 26 chapters and more than 1,200 members in four western states. The ARS-WUSA operates a Social Services Division and Child, Youth, and Family Guidance Center, and funds numerous youth programs, scholarships, and relief efforts. For further information, please visit www.arswestusa.org or call (818) 500-1343.
Sadly, the Fresno California Armenian home has only 15% of the residence that are Armenian, the staff only has about 2 out of 100.
What does that tell you?