GLENDALE—The Armenian Relief Society of Western USA will hold a walkathon on the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of the ARS Social Services Division.
The walkathon will take place on Saturday, June 1. Registration will begin 7 a.m. at Fremont Park, located at 600 Hahn Ave. in Glendale, California. The walkathon (3.1 miles) will begin at 8 a.m. and end at the ARS Regional Headquarters. Fee for adults is $75 and $25 for children 10 and under. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For additional information, contact the ARS Regional Headquarters at (818) 500-1343 or send an email.
“It is with great enthusiasm that we look forward to this event, aimed at drawing the participation of our community whom we are committed to serving. As ARS Social Services enters its 40th year of service, we bring along a renewed determination to improve and better the lives and circumstances of those we serve, meet their ever-changing needs, address barriers, and help them attain self-sufficiency,” states Talar Aintablian, Director of Operations.
Since 1979, ARS Social Services, a division of the Armenian Relief Society of Western USA, Inc., has committed itself to offering comprehensive social services to individuals and families most in need in our local communities. The Division is a reputable and established provider of social services through grant-funded programs with now four decades of operation. ARS Social Services began its operations as a result of a large influx of immigrants and refugees to Southern California with demonstrated social, employment, acculturation, and human services’ needs. Since that time, ARS Social Services has developed into a highly respected and trusted organization throughout Los Angeles County.
Currently, ARS Social Services provides services with a 13 member staff working under different grant programs at service centers in Glendale, Hollywood, Studio City, and Pasadena. The mission of ARS Social Services is to work toward improving the standard of living of individuals and families most in need and to help meet societal needs. The target population served is an underserved population of low-income individuals and families, including but not limited to refugees/asylees, immigrants, senior citizens, and disabled adults, with language barriers. The needs of this economically disadvantaged population are met through comprehensive social services aimed at advancing their general welfare.
Services currently provided by ARS Social Services include case management; employment referrals, placement and job searches, resume preparation and building interview skills; telecommunications and utility assistance; English as a Second Language/Life Skills classes for senior citizens; immigration services (citizenship application and preparation assistance, including workshops); senior services; translations/interpretations; completion of forms for transportation, housing, disability, public assistance, etc.; assistance with transportation, including distribution of bus tokens; electric vehicles awareness and education program; information and referrals to counseling and other vital community resources; outreach and advocacy; distribution of emergency food and clothing, and more.
On an annual basis, ARS Social Services serves clients through its core services and programs, which are funded by county and city-level grants, as well as local foundations.
Details of general social services follow:
Employment Services – The goal for all individuals involved in employment services is economic self-sufficiency. ARS Social Services remains committed to its clients as they transition from unemployment to entry-level positions and/or career opportunities. Employment strategies are tailored to meet the specific goals and needs of each client and include job readiness workshops, job referrals, placement, access to in-house job boards, job fairs, assistance with preparing resumes and building interview skills, conducting job searches, and completing online and paper employment applications.
English as a Second Language/Life Skills Classes – Senior citizens receive English as a Second Language/Life Skills Classes and safety net services that develop their English language proficiency skills, as well as their familiarity with basic safety and health practices, traffic/pedestrian safety, medication safety, etc. ESL curriculum includes English conversational skills, working with English literacy and activity workbooks, learning reading comprehension, grammar, and writing. Classes are held twice per week for two hours a session per level.
Senior Services – ARS Social Services works with senior citizens to maintain an independent living situation, to help meet their daily living needs, assessing the need for In-Home Supportive Services and finding care providers, referring to Adult Day Health Care centers and nutrition programs, health/safety promotion, and more. Based on areas of need, ARS Social Services works with clients to develop a self-sufficiency service plan that outlines barriers to independent living, acculturation, and outlines steps to address barriers.
Immigration – ARS Social Services offers assistance to clients in completing applications for green cards, including renewals, U.S. passports, work permits, and also provides citizenship/naturalization classes for older adult refugees twice per week.
Telecommunications and Utility Assistance – Through its participation in the TEAM (Telecommunications Education and Assistance in Multiple Languages) and CHANGES (Community Help and Awareness of Natural Gas and Electricity) Programs, ARS Social Services provides outreach, consumer education, needs education, and complaint resolution to non- and limited-English speaking consumers, who are experiencing problems with their telephone and/or utility bills.
Refugee Employment and Acculturation Services – ARS Social Services has been offering much-needed services to refugee populations for decades. ARS Social Services assists refugees in achieving economic self-sufficiency as quickly as possible after their arrival in the United States by attaining and maintaining employment. ARS Social Services understands the unique needs of the refugee population and provides services in a linguistically and culturally competent manner.
Completion of Forms – ARS Social Services assists clients in completing various forms for transportation assistance, housing, medical enrollment, public assistance and general welfare.
Information and Referrals – As part of its comprehensive case management system, ARS Social Services is committed to connecting its clients with the most appropriate services available to meet their specific needs. ARS Social Services provides clients assistance with contacting other community agencies (i.e. Neighborhood Legal Services, Family Legal Aid, YWCA, Ascencia) and ensuring they are served adequately.
Office locations include:
Main Office: 517 W. Glenoaks Blvd., Glendale, CA 91202 – (818) 241-7533
Site Office: 1205 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90029 – (323) 669-0471
Site Office: 11719 Moorpark St., Studio City, CA 91604 – (818) 487-3985
Site Office: 2242 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107 – (626) 797-6187
