The Karagheusian Center Breaks Ground for New Headquarters in Armenia
Yerevan, Armenia –July 3, 2024 – A festive celebration and groundbreaking ceremony for the new Karagheusian Center (Howard Karagheusian Medical Benevolent Public Organization, HKMBPO, Armenia) took place in Yerevan, Armenia on June 3, 2024, in the presence of the top leadership of the country, the Center’s countrywide staff, and the principal donor, the Karagheusian Foundation (the Howard Karagheusian Commemorative Corporations, the HKCC, NY).
Also in attendance were past and present partners, design and construction teams, beneficiaries, and their families. Throughout the day, those in attendance were emotionally moved to see the beginning of a collective dream come true‑‑a new headquarters that promises to uplift communities and empower future generations.
The groundbreaking event, held at the construction site, marks a new chapter in the mission of the organization. The envisioned state-of-the-art multi-disciplinary health facility will better deliver on its promise to improve the health and well being of needy children, with the highest standards of care.
According to Irina Lazarian, Karagheusian Foundation NY Managing Director for a decade, the dedicated staff had long advocated for a more efficient work environment that would meet increased demand and ensure that beneficiaries have easy access to pediatric eye care, and dental care, social service program that includes speech therapy, psychological counseling, and special education focused on developmental and emotional challenges. In addition, the new center will enhance humanitarian aid to children and their families in times of crisis.
“Buildings do not save lives. People do,” Lazarian emphasized. “The Karagheusian Foundation was and will always be with the people, for the people. Our children and their families need us now, and they need us here.”
Dr. Alisa Badalyan, the Executive Director of Karagheusian Center, echoed this sentiment in her opening remarks. “Our organization has come a long way. From the very first day of its establishment, it has taken care of needy and underprivileged children.”
She also went on to share plans and initiatives that will come to fruition in two years, when the new facility opens its doors for the beneficiaries.
“I can already see in my mind what projects we will implement here,” Dr. Badalyan explained. “What a wonderful atmosphere it will be and the children’s eyes will shine and they will smile. After all, this is done for them, the Armenian children.”
The new headquarters builds on a long legacy of transformative health care and social services projects, such as the Leilavan housing complex in Lebanon, established in 1972. This new Center in Yerevan symbolizes the continuity of the founding family’s mission in time.
“For 100 years, we have endured valleys of death, suffering, deprivation, pilgrimage, and pain, but we always held onto hope, kindness, and support,” remarked Serop Ohanian, Executive Director of the Karagheusian Association for Children Welfare in Lebanon. “Today, more than ever, it is our duty to remain faithful to the mission of our founders, to strengthen ourselves with faith, and to be filled with hope because the sun of justice will shine sooner or later,” he stated.
The recent success of the upgraded and enhanced facility in Gyumri, Armenia, made an excellent case for the Board of the Karagheusian Foundation in New York to decide unanimously to move forward with the new headquarters in Yerevan back on January 24, 2020.
“It was the recognition of need and the vision of the Karagheusian Foundation’s leadership, the determination of its management, and the courage and expertise of numerous professionals that made this dream a reality,” Lazarian noted. “With that in mind and on behalf of the HKCC Board of Directors, I express deep appreciation to all those who made it happen.”
The event concluded with a special performance by a youth folk trio of Vahe Aghumyan, Narek Petrosyan and Hayk Avetisyan.
About Howard Karagheusian Medical Benevolent Public Organization: Established in 1992 with the generous support of the Karagheusian Foundation (New York, NY, USA), the Howard Karagheusian Medical Benevolent Public Organization (HKMBPO) provides crucial medical and social assistance to children aged 0 to 14 through its strategically located centers in Yerevan, Gyumri, Vanadzor, and Goris.
