GLENDALE—Networking is defined by the cultivation of productive relationships. This was the goal at the joining together of two community service powerhouses – the Homenetmen Glendale “Ararat” Chapter and the Glendale Adventist Medical Center – that took place on Wednesday, July 10. The collaboration of the two organizations brought together over 100 key community leaders, members, activists, professionals, organizations, media partners and supporters on Wednesday evening for the Homenetmen Glendale “Ararat” Chapter’s “Partners In Health” Networking Reception, which was hosted by the Glendale Adventist Medical Center at their new West Tower Lobby.
In attendance were members of the Homenetmen Western Regional Board; members of the Glendale “Ararat” Chapter‘s Board of Directors and division leaders; Glendale Adventist Medical Center leadership; former State Assemblyman Anthony Portantino; Glendale City Council member Laura Friedman and city officials; Glendale Unified School District Board members; Superintendent/President of Glendale College, Dr. David Viar; representatives of Woodbury University; representatives of sister organizations; major media partners; editor of Asbarez Daily Newspaper, Ara Khachatourian, and President/CEO of ARTN/Shant Television, Robert Oglakhchyan; representatives of the ANCA Western Region; and local business and community leaders.
The program began with wonderful welcoming remarks by Ramella Markarian, Physician & Business Development Director at Glendale Adventist Medical Center, followed by Kevin Roberts, President and CEO of the Glendale Adventist Medical Center, and then by Sevada Hemelians of the Homenetmen Glendale Ararat Chapter Resource Development team. Following the short program, the organizers received a Certificate of Appreciation by Senior Field Representative Baydsar Thomasian, representing California State Assemblyman Kevin de León.
Sevada Hemelians of the Homenetmen Glendale Ararat Chapter Resource Development team addressed the audience by saying, “Whenever you see a successful partnership, it mean someone once made a courageous decision.”
“So what makes a successful partnership?” he added. “Mirror your partner’s dreams; the relationship will grow.”
“We’re here today to announce a partnership between two organizations, Glendale Adventist and Homenetmen Glendale “Ararat” Chapter, that share a common vision, have deep community roots, civic minded and active members, but more importantly, believe in serving the community at large by providing services and resources that help make a difference for families,” Hemelians said.
Homenetmen is a 95 year-old global organization with over 100 chapters worldwide. Homenetmen, affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America, has chapters throughout the United States. The Glendale “Ararat” chapter membership base along with its alumni is over 15,000 strong and growing and is the largest chapter within Homenetmen’s global network. Known for its deep roots and enormous community support, Homenetmen is the organization of choice when it comes to family oriented activities. Through its athletic, scouting, educational, cultural, youth, family, and wellness programs, Homenetmen serves the entire community.
Two of the organization’s very popular programs are the Optimal Heath Wellness Center and the “D League” Development League program. Both programs are community based. O.H. Wellness is a well-rounded program that offers fitness classes for all ages 8 to 80, as well as nutrition, healthy living, disease prevention, and mental wellness education.
The “D League” Development League Community Basketball program serves thousands of kids between the ages of 4 and 14 annually. Attracting lots of families on a weekly basis to Homenetmen’s Glendale-based campuses, this program involves parents and children as well as other family members. Homenetmen’s Scouts and athletes of yesterday are the coaches and business and civic leaders of today and tomorrow.
“We are excited to have you all at this event and we look forward to building more partnerships with organizations and businesses and the community looking to better itself through members and activists like you. Our message is simple. We invite you to learn about our organization and its rich history and support our commitment to forging a brighter and healthier community for our children and families. The Glendale Adventist / Homenetmen Glendale Ararat ‘Partners in Health’ is a community program and community is what were all about,” said Sevada Hemelians in his concluding remarks.
Ano Mansourian, of the Homenetmen Glendale “Ararat” Chapter ‘s Board of Directors, addressed the audience, saying, “It is such a great opportunity for everyone to attend such a wonderful and unique event which highlights our appreciation for the continued support of Glendale Adventist hospital.”
The “Ararat” Chapter Board’s Co-Vice Chairwoman Roubina Manouchehrian said, “We look forward to a long and lasting and fruitful and beneficial partnership with the hospital in the years to come.”
Kevin Roberts, President and CEO of the Glendale Adventist Medical Center said “Our hospital deeply values and appreciates its long and meaningful relationship with the Homenetmen Glendale ‘Ararat’ Chapter and commends the immense efforts it undertakes every day in serving our community’s youth and families.”
He added that the Glendale Adventist Medical Center “looks forward to building on the already long and fruitful partnership we enjoy with our friends at Homenetmen ‘Ararat.’”
Alina Der Sarkissian, Marketing & Communications Manager at Glendale Adventist Medical Center, commented by saying she looks forward to working with Ararat and the “Partners in Health” program.
There were many factors motivating the leadership of the Homenetmen Glendale “Ararat” Chapter to reach out to the hospital’s administrators to organize this event, but chief among them was Homenetmen’s sincere desire to recognize the long-standing support that Glendale Adventist has offered them over the years and for the genuinely wonderful services that they provide to the community.
The shared interests between the hospital and “Ararat,” which is to ensure that Glendale becomes a better and healthier place to live and work, made the collaboration between the two a natural fit. The event drew many key hospital administrators and staff, along with several prominent Armenian physicians who serve there at the hospital. There were several Homenetmen Glendale ‘Ararat’ Chapter Board Members, who in their own right, work tirelessly to make successful the various programs and endeavors of the Chapter.
Evidenced by the smiles on the faces of those who attended this Networking Reception, it was clear that all who came had a wonderful time and left truly pleased to have had the opportunity to attend the event. The reception presented a unique opportunity for those who were familiar with one another to catch up and for those who were not acquainted to meet and forge new relationships.
