GLENDALE–Ark Family Services–Inc. celebrated the grand opening of its new center in Glendale on Tuesday–December 7–providing an opportunity for members of the community to gain a better understanding of the services and educational programs it provides. Among those in attendance were representatives of the City of Glendale Youth and Family Services Programs and from the office of Assembly member Dario Frommer–as well as organization supporter Hrach Khudatyan–MD and his medical staff.
"We’re happy to have a new home," said founder and Executive Director Dr. Edward Kudaverdian. "We at Ark have a profound respect for people and life itself. We are dedicated to empowering people in generating unlimited possibilities and making a difference. Our work provides limitless opportunities for growth and development for individuals–relationships–families–communities–businesses–institutions–and society as a whole," he explained.
The private–non-profit counseling and educational organization has been serving the multi-cultural needs of the residents of Glendale and its surrounding communities for the past five years. Ark Family Services offers counseling services in English–Armenian–and Farsi–and plans to offer them in Spanish and Tagalog in the near future.
Services include counseling and therapy for individuals–couples–families–and children. Workshops and group and individual sessions address a myriad of topics–including single and two parent family issues–domestic violence–anger management–marital and partner conflict–parent-child conflict–coping with family dysfunction–cultural and social isolation–identity confusion–and depression.
Clinical Director Astik Kudaverdian–MA explained–" As an agency dedicated to aiding all who seek assistance and direction–Ark’s fees are calculated on a sliding scale–based on monthly income and household size. This ensures that virtually all who cross Ark’s threshold receive the support they need." Further–to better serve the diverse population of Glendale–Ark continually develops and implemen’s new programs to offer culturally competent care.
"This grand opening celebration allowed us the opportunity to let the community know that we are here to serve them at whatever level their counseling and/or life-skills training needs may be," commented Melina Sardar–MA Educational Director at Ark Family Services–Inc.
Ark also offers educational programs and seminars in self-fulfillment and awareness. Its prime educational program is the "Curriculum for Awakening "(CFA)–which is designed to train people to generate groundbreaking thinking. The CFA Seminar teaches and trains practical tools of how to create and maintain a balanced lifestyle–how to reach true potential–excel on the job and in school–and develop healthy relationships. The CFA programs are offered to all segmen’s of the community–youth and adolescents ages 14-18 and adults over 18 with diverse backgrounds and professions. Ms. Sardar concluded–"Among the many programs and services we also offer leadership and self expression training–volunteering/assisting programs which include life skills coaching and mentoring."
Ark offers free introductory seminars every Monday at 7:30 p.m. For further information call (818) 662-7045. Ark Family Services–Inc. is located at 541 W. Colorado Street Suite 302 in Glendale.