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Armenian Relief Society
Providence “ANI” Chapter
History
The ARS was
founded in 1910 in New York and is an independent, non-sectarian
organization serving the social, medical and educational needs of Armenian
communities in America, Armenia and throughout the Diaspora, and dedicated
to the preservation of the Armenian cultural heritage. The ARS is also a
Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) on the Roster in Consultative Status
with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Representatives
of the ARS meet regularly with other NGO members at the UN Headquarters in
New York to discuss issues of concern in the world community of nations.
Mission
The mission of
the ARS is carried out through the Central Executive Board elected at its
International Triennial Conventions, and its Regional entities and their ARS
Chapters worldwide, by providing immediate aid in response to emergency
situations and through their long term on-going projects and programs. The
International Headquarters are located in Watertown , MA. The ARS has
responded to many a crisis since 1910 starting with the victims of the 1915
Genocide. They acted quickly to the devastating Earthquake of 1988 and to
the loss of life related to the liberation of Nogorno Karabakh (Artsakh) by
providing aid vital to the survivors.
Following are
some of the programs with which the ARS is involved to help Armenians here
and in Armenia :
·
The Mother and Child Clinic in Akhurian, Armenia and the new birthing wing
which has delivered nearly 1,000 babies since 2005. The cost is $300 for
each birth. If you would like to sponsor a birth, it is $150.
·
In Artsakh, the ARS is underwriting the salaries of the teaching staff,
maintenance and school supplies to 13 schools. There is no charge for the
students.
·
In 1992, the ARS started the SPONSOR –A-CHILD program. The cost is $130 a
year. Over 7000 children have had sponsors. There are still about 300
children in need of help. They are looking for sponsors for those who have
turned 18 and do not have jobs. The cost is also $130.
·
Through our ARS of Eastern USA, Inc. and the Board of Directors, the
Providence “Ani” Chapter works and tries to fund the various programs that
they sponsor:
-
By underwriting the cost providing
daily meals to 150 children at an orphanage in Armenia through the ARS,
Inc’s “Every Day Meal Program”.
-
Armenian National Educational Committee
(ANEC) working with the Eastern Prelacy to provide help and guidance for the
Saturday and everyday Armenian schools.
-
By awarding scholarships to
undergraduate and graduate students, as well as financial
assistance to Camp Haiastan. The recipients of these awards are Providence
community members.
- ARS
Summer Studies program at UCONN, offering students a
three-credit Armenian History course.
·
The ARS Social Services Program includes monthly bus trips, visitation to
nursing homes, help when needed, and sponsoring our annual Seniors Christmas
Party.
Last year the ARS
“Ani”chapter donated money to the Mourad Armenian School, AYF, Homenetmen,
and Hurricane Katrina fund for the St. Garabed Armenian Church; sponsored a
child; and sponsored two new births at Akhurian Clinic in Armenia. The
chapter annually sponsors a food drive at Christmas for the RI Community
Food Bank. The “Ani” and “Arax” Chapters co-sponsor their annual blood
drive in April in memory of the martyrs of the Armenian Genocide of 1915.
We also “Walk Armenia ” in the spring with the funds raised distributed to
the Mourad Armenian School, Camp Haiastan and the ARS Eastern Regional
Board.
Who May
Join?
The ARS is always
ready to help those in need. We urge professional young men and women to
join this wonderful organization, which has helped Armenians around the
world for the past 96 years.
When does
the organization meet?
The ARS “Ani”
Chapter meets the second Tuesday of every month.
Who May I
Contact In Order To Join?
Please contact
Joyce Yeremian - email at
joycey41@cox.net
for more information.
or visit the ARS International
Headquarters website at
www.ARS1910.org.
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