GLENDALE—The Armenian Relief Society of Western USA Regional Executive hosted a fundraiser for its Hollywood Social Services office – a long-standing, free community resource – so that it can continue to provide services at no charge to the community at large.
In attendance were key elected officials, including Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Krekorian (2nd district). They both spoke in support of the ARS Hollywood Social Services office.
“This is an agency that even before it became popular to do so was focusing on the people most in need, the most vulnerable people” noted Krekorian. “I just can’t thank all of you enough in the successes that you had in changing lives, in saving lives.”
Schiff noted the importance of the ARS’ Hollywood chapter (founded in 1918): “There aren’t other organizations that could step into that void with the cultural knowledge, language ability, and that have the capacity, the history and capability that this chapter does.”
The reception was emceed by attorney Lara Yeretsian and Prelate Arch. Moushegh Mardirossian’s blessings and best wishes were relayed by Archpriest Vicken Vassilian. Also in attendance were ARS Central Executive Board chairperson Vicky Marashlian and member Annie Kechichian, ARS Regional Executive chairperson Lena Bozoyan, Glendale City Clerk Ardashes Kasakhian, ARF Central Committee representative Dr. Vicken Yacoubian, and ANCA-Western Region Chairperson Nora Hovsepian, as well as Los Angeles Neighborhood Councilmembers Carmen Libaridian, Christina Khanjian and Tereza Yerimyan.
It is imperative to keep the ARS Hollywood office in operation, as it provides social services to a heavily under-served population. The Hollywood office has been providing social services to this community since 1979, particularly helping newcomers integrate into society and helping low-income families and the elderly resolve cultural issues.
The Armenian Relief Society of Western USA, established in 1984 and with regional headquarters in Glendale, CA, has 27 chapters and more than 1,200 members in five 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.
